Thailand holidaymakers ‘should head to the mountains’

Those looking for cheap holidays to Thailand could travel into the mountains of the Doi Inthanon National Park, it has been suggested.

Those looking for cheap holidays to Thailand could travel into the mountains of the Doi Inthanon National Park, it has been suggested.

An article for Canwest News Service suggested that the version of the country found in the highlands to the west of Chiang Mai “bears little resemblance to the tropical postcard paradise” usually associated with the country.

However, eco treks in the northern mountains, bordered by Laos and Myanmar, offer visitors an alternative to cities such as Bangkok and beach resorts and the chance to engage with ethnic minority hill tribes.

The news source claimed that a trek into the highlands could be “challenging” but “rewarding”, with “spectacular views” of the landscape in 480 sq km Doi Inthanon park and the opportunity to ride elephants, trek in the jungle and take a trip on a bamboo raft down the Mae Cheam river.

The cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand are served by regular internal flights and provide a base from which to explore the mountains, historic sites, temples, local tribes and countryside.