National Parks Doi Inthanon National Park This is the highest peak in Thailand with an altitude of altitude of 2,565 meters.   Located 60 kms from Chiang Mai city, the magnificent Doi Inthanon Park is one of Thailand's most famous national parks which extends for more than 1,005 square kilometers.   Many Thais aspire to stand at the peak of Doi Inthanon, Thailand 's highest mountain, just once in their lifetime. Although much of the park is mountainous and rugged, it has also been somewhat tamed. A road, passable by car, goes to the peak where the Royal Thai Air force has a radar station.   While the road does allow easy access, it also caused many protests form conservationists, who claimed it would irrevocably change the character of the mountain. Sadly, this claim has been proved correct to some degree.   The summit, however, does offer an excellent view, especially during November and December, before the dry season haze has become well established.   There are also two impressive Chedi (pagoda) which were erected in honour of Their Majesties The King and Queen. Doi Inthanon Park is made up of evergreen forest, with many ancient species not found anywhere else in Thailand.   The cold climate of the mountain supports a diversity of plants and animals, although few large animals now remain.   Above 1,800 meters, the forest is covered with lichens and beautiful wild orchids. The park also has a variety of caves and walks.   In addition, you can visit the villages of the Hong and Karen hill tribes and there are currently over 4,000 hill tribe families living within the park boundaries.   Doi Inthanon is also one of Thailand best bird watching locations. It is possible to visit the park throughout the year.   However, for viewing waterfalls, the best is May to November, the best period for viewing wild flowers is December to February and the best period for bird watchers is November to March.   Th admission fee is Baht 200 per person and the park is open from 8 am - 5 pm Suthep - Pui National Park The park has a wealth of wild life and a variety of trees, ferns, orchids and birds that give proof to its biological diversity. Y  ou could take the local the bus (Song Teaw) near the front gate of the Chiang Mai University or Chiang Mai Zoo Haui Nam Dang National Park This park commands a breathtaking view of seas of mist and tribal villages.   About 60 kms along the Mae Malai-Pai Highway turn right and the park is about another 6 kms.   On the same route is Haui Nam Roo (Sam Muen), offering several tourist attractions such as Lisu villages, a huge opium field, coffee farm and a fruit cultivation.