Mae Tho National Park, National park in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Mae Tho National Park is a protected area near Chiang Mai featuring mixed deciduous forests and mountain ranges with elevations between 400 to 1,699 meters. Multiple hiking trails, waterfalls including Mae Aep and Mae Lit, and camping areas with basic facilities are distributed throughout the park.
The Royal Forest Department rehabilitated the area after local communities reclaimed it, establishing protected zones for wildlife conservation. This action transformed the region into an environmental preservation site.
Karen and Hmong people living near the park practice sustainable farming supported by the Mae Tho Royal Project. Their methods reflect a shift from older farming approaches, and visitors can see how these communities work with the land today.
Bring sturdy footwear and plenty of water when exploring the trails, as difficulty varies with the season. Ask staff at the entrance which areas are currently open and what facilities are available at different camping zones.
From the Mae Tho View Point, visitors can see rice terraces carved by hill tribes that form flowing patterns across the landscape. These hand-shaped fields demonstrate how communities have learned to work with steep mountain slopes.
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