Chiang Mai

Explore the Samoeng District

This is a scenic drive and activities filled valley. I have posted up bits and pieces from this trip. Just for record, what makes this Route so interesting? Route 1096 to Samoeng passes through the narrow valley of the Mae Sa. The river tumbles down numerous cascades which are best seen at the Mae Sa Falls. The natural beauty of the area and closeness to the city has attracted orchid farms, elephant camps and resorts with lovely gardens. The greatest attraction, however, is the new Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden.

In the higher part of the valley, flowers are grown for the city market, and the Hmong cultivate the hills all around for vegetables. The journey may be made into a full day-trip through pleasant upland scenery by visiting the small, undeveloped market town of Samoeng and returning via Hang Dong on Route1296.

Most travel companies have tours that visit the numerous attractions. The listing of sight seeing spots is from east to west orientation on Route 1096.

The orchid farms have large collections of orchids, as well as sections where butterflies may be seen pupating. All farms have restaurants and shops selling orchid jewelleries Along with other attractions, the orchid farms are found in the lower part of the valley

This is also the vicinity of the strange Rocket Festivals Of course our visit was too early for that event and we did not see it. However, a small write out for my record, but not included on this page.

Thais are very proud of their Waterfalls and some of the more notable ones are:-

That Mok Falls  [4th km north turn at the 9th km sign]
The sealed side road just before the gas station leads to a charming less visited waterfall. Past the falls the road is unsealed (4WD) and leads to Hmong villages.
Mae Sa Falls [6th km S 400m of track]

The famous Mae Sa Waterfalls A turn off from the Main Road and well marked Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park. [30 Baht. for Vehicles, 10 Bt. adults)  Asphalt paths follow the stepped cascades that extend for almost two kilometres. Quiet, shady spots away from other people are easy to find during the week. Food stalls and a small visitor centre are located by the car park. The tumbling river may also be seen at other places higher up the valley.
Mae Sa Elephant Training Camps

#1 Picture Samoeng- Mae Sa Loop highlights  #

I already have a page on this topic, pictures appearing here are to bring more colours t this tour of the So-called Samoeng Loop.

#2 Picture Samoeng- Mae Sa Loop highlights  #

The Mae Sa Waterfalls

#3 Picture The Mae Sa Waterfalls Hunt  #

Entrance into the Doi Suthep- Doi Pui National Park

#4 Picture  The Mae Sa Waterfalls Hunt    #

This is te Park HQ

#5  The Mae Sa Waterfalls Hunt    #

Reached the Waterfall area at last

#6  Picture  The Mae Sa Waterfalls Hunt    #

The Main Waterfall

#7 Picture  The Mae Sa Waterfalls Hunt    #

 The Cascades found further upstream

#8 Picture  The Mae Sa Waterfalls Hunt    #  

   More Waterfalls

The Four Seasons Resort

#9 Picture Four Season Resorts  #

 A chance for us to experience how was it like to stay inside this world renounced Hotel chain 

#10 Picture Four Season Resorts  #

The entrance

#11 Picture Four Season Resorts  #

By the roadside

#12 Picture Four Season Resorts  #

Access road going into Resort

#13 Picture Four Season Resorts  #

The Thai's ways to supply power

#14 Picture Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden  #

Obviously, the Resort ground was quite widespread

#15 Picture Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden  #

We picked the chalets having a view of rice planting

#16 Picture Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden  #

From the chalet, a need to descend into a valley below where rice are being planted

#17 Picture Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden  #

The "Rice fields" and other chalet at lower level.

#18 Picture Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden  #

Whole concept of the Resort - not only just providing a view but an opportunity to work on the field as well.

#19 Picture Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden  #

A walk around the compound

 Resorts

#20 Picture Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden  #

At the Patio - the view of the surrounding hills

#21 Picture Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden  #

Got my Sunbird having a meal at the Red Ginger

The Farm with Wild Orchid

#22 Picture Orchid Shop Stop Over  #

#23 Picture Picture Orchid Shop Stop Over  #

#24 Picture Picture Orchid Shop Stop Over   #

#25 Picture Picture Orchid Shop Stop Over   #

Almost impossible to delete this item from the itinery , this visit was all about shopping. Thailand is well known for hybrids plants in many area. but this trip. Nothing exceptional! In fact les than what we expected

#26 Picture Picture Orchid Shop Stop Over   #

Got one Flycatcher in an Orchid farm!

#27 Picture Picture Orchid Shop Stop Over   #

#28 Picture Picture Orchid Shop Stop Over   #

#29  Picture Picture Orchid Shop Stop Over   #

 Liked the Red Torch more than Orchid

#30 Picture Picture Orchid Shop Stop Over   #

Another bloom - looks like I had more interest in ginger than Orchid

#31 Picture Picture Orchid Shop Stop Over   #

The real purpose of the stop over in the Orchid farm are these Orchid sculptured brooches

The Samoeng Loop. It depended so much on the individual's interest. It is about travelling driving through jungle and stopping also for trees and scenery. With some walking in the wilderness. So, it would be alright if the interest is on Nature and Outdoor. For the urban folks, looking for food and shops, something not so palatable

Yes interesting and productive tour for me seeing s much of outdoor Chiang Mai. In most of my trips Thailand was sparsely populated with rural areas parched and bit brownish. Here quite a refreshing change, mostly green