Thailand’s Chiang Mai Province offers something different to travelers who are more familiar with bustling Bangkok and the Thai Southern Gulf party islands. The simple beauty and majesty of this province can be uncovered once you take the Mae Rim-Samoeng Tourist Route. This route will leads you to lovely natural sites which are worthy of your time and attention. The Mae Rim-Samoeng route connects the quiet little towns of Mae Rim and Samoeng by going across Highway 107. These towns are all part of the Mae Rim District, which lies in central Chiang Mai.
Your epic journey starts in Mae Rim town, which reflects the quintessential provincial Thai lifestyle. The town centre is compact and the main landmarks include a shopping arcade and a public market. It is not touristy at all but it is a great way to witness the purest form of Thai culture. Once you leave town to go through the highway, you will soon be greeted by the Mae Rim district’s charming countryside.
Along the way are gift shops, resorts, farms, and tourist attractions that will surprise and delight you. If you do not want to rent a private vehicle or a motorcycle to follow the route, you can also take the yellow minibus or regular bus that leaves from Chiang Mai’s Chang Puek Bus Station to the Mae Rim district.
The Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden is one of the main attractions along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route. This garden covers about 560 acres of mountainous terrain. Created in 1992, it was named after, and in honor of, Queen Sirikit. Visiting the garden exposes you to a great collection of both local and foreign plants. These plants are arranged according to the type of climate they adapt to and their specific species.
Some of the interesting spots to check while exploring the garden include the orchid breeding center, the Herbs Museum, the Tourism Information Center and the Research Center. You can also follow some of the popular walking trails offered within the gardens vicinity, which include the 30-60 minute Rock Garden-Thai Orchid Nursery trail, the Arboreta Trail, and the Mountain Trail.
One very captivating attraction featured on the Mae Rim-Samoeng Route is The Mae Sa Valley. This valley is a worthy stop because it is abundant with many natural attractions. Within the valley lies the beautiful Mae Sa Waterfall. This 8-tiered waterfall is nestled in a lovely tree populated area, and has become a favorite recreational venue for the visitors and locals alike. The Mae Rim-Samoeng route is also known for its orchid and butterfly farms.
Some of the more popular farms are the Mae Sa Butterfly Farm, which feature special enclosures where you can find colorful tropical butterfly species, and the Mae Rim Sai Nam Phung Farm, which is Chiang Mai’s biggest orchid farm. A stop at the Mae Sa Snake Farm, allows you to marvel at various Thai native snakes, and also watch a show, which stars these fascinating reptiles. Other notable farms include Mae Ram Orchid, Bai Orchid and Butterfly Farm and Suan Bua Mae Sa Orchid.
Aside from enjoying natural attractions, visiting the Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai village can also be rewarding cultural experience. The Hmong people are natives who have managed to retain their traditions and lifestyle despite the pressure of modernity.
The Mae Rim-Samoeng Tourist Route offers you a wonderful way to experience many wonderful villages and observe first hand the culture of this part of Thailand.
