Sunday 21 September 2008

Salween National Park

Salween National Park Covering a forested area of 721 square kilometers, the Salawin National Park is on the bank of the Salween or Salawin River on the Thai-Myanma border, about 164 kilometres south of Mae Hong Son. The Salawin River originates from Tibet before winding through China, Thailand and Myanmar for a total distance of more than 3,000 kilometres. The river is regarded as the borderline between Myanmar and Thailand for a distance of 120 kilometres.

Salween National ParkVisitors wishing to take a boat along the river have tocontact the park headquarters for their safety during the journey. The headquaters also provide accommodation and other facilities. To get to the headquarters, one can take Route 1194 from Mae Sariang district for about 4 kilometres, then turn right and continue along a dirt road for 4 kilometres. The best time for boat trip is from March to April when the water level is low and sandy beaches appear. Sceneries along the riverbanks are captivating with forest and mountains and dotted with small hamlets.

For more information, contact Salawin National Park: P.O. Box 8, Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son 58110 or www.dnp.go.th

Tags : Thailand National Park , Thailand Travel, Nature Travel , Thailand Picture, National Park Camping

Friday 5 September 2008

Mae Hong Son National Park : Namtok Mae Surin National Park

Namtok Mae Surin National Park General Information

Located east of the provincial capital of Mae Hong Son this National Park occupies 397.00 square kilometers of rugged terrain. In a step to preserve representative natural features of this mountainous province, the park was established in 1981 as the 37th National Park of Thailand.

Geography

The park contains some of the more dominant peaks of the Thanon Tongchai mountain range with elevations varying between 300m. and 1700m. above sea level. These highlands give birth to numerous streams and small rivers which are important tributaries of the Pai river, the main river of this region.

Namtok Mae Surin National Park Climate

The three distinct seasons of Northern Thailand offer varied conditions within Nam Tok Mae Surin National Park throughout the year. With the river valleys often wreathed in mist in the cool early mornings.
Cold Season, The Cold season (October-February) affords beautiful scenery, lush vegetation, and comfortable temperatures for hiking and camping. This season is the favorite among tourists.
Hot Season, The temperatures during the hot season (March-May) can be somewhat oppressive in the lowlands of Mae Hong Son. Exploring the highlands or relaxing on the banks of the Pai River are a great way to beat the heat.
Rainy Season, With the majority of the 1,230 mm of annual rain falling during the months of June through September, the rainy season brings the forest into vibrant life and fills the rivers and their waterfalls to full capacity. While nature is at this time in its grandest state, hiking and travel are at most times trouble some at best. Careful planning should be made prior to visitation during this time of year to ensure safety.

Namtok Mae Surin National Park Flora and Fauna

Within the borders of the park is a matrix of highly diverse habitat types ranging from the sparsely vegetated dry dypterocarp forest to lush and dense evergreen forest. Flora of interest are the famed Teak tree, stands of upland pine, and many species of orchid and wildflower, including an indigenous and rare Lady Slipper Orchid. Recent reported.
Sightings of animals of interest include: Malayan sun bear, serow, golden cat, common muntjac, gibbon, wild boar, python and cobra. The preliminary survey of species presence is currently under way, so little is known of the birdlife of the park. A computer generated list of possible species present identifies 386 species possible, and early results of the survey suggest highly diverse and abundant birdlife. Contact the headquarters for an updated bird list and information on good birding sites.

Namtok Mae Surin National Park
P.O.Box 16, Pangmoo Sub-district, Amphur Muang Mae Hong Son Thailand 58000
Tel. 0 5306 1073 (VoIP) Fax 0 5306 1073 (VoIP) E-mail reserve@dnp.go.th

Article Source : www.dnp.co.th

Namtok Mae Surin National Park

Mae Hong Son National Park : Namtok Mae Surin National Park

Namtok Mae Surin National Park

Tags : Thailand National Park , Thailand Travel, Nature Travel , Thailand Picture, National Park Camping