Sainumphung Orchid and Butterfly Farm(H107 & R1096)
(Half to one day. Go along H107 as far as Mae Rim. Turn west off H107at KM. 17 onto R1095. Round trip to Mae Sa 66 km; to Samoeng via Mae Sa & Hang Dong 103 km. Yellow minibuses to Samoeng via Mae Sa wait near the Bangkok Bank on Chang Phuak Road.)
Road 1096 to Samoeng passes through the narrow valley of the Mae Sa. The river tumbles down numerous cascades which are best seen at the Mae Sa Falls. The natural beauty of the area and closeness to the city has attracted orchid farms, elephant camps and resorts with lovely gardens.
The greatest attraction, however, is the new Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden.
In the higher part of the valley, flowers are grown for the city market, and the Hmong cultivate the hills all around for vegetables.
The journey may be made into a full day-trip through pleasant upland scenery by visiting the small, undeveloped market town of Samoeng and returning via Hang Dong on R1296.
(KM.9 west turn - 4 km.)
Just after the Viang Ping Home for Babies a small lane west leads to a canal.
Go north, cross the first bridge and follow the unsealed road west to a popular week-end recreation spot by a small reservoir on army land.
Places to relax with sticky rice, grilled meats and fish are numerous. Wind-surfing is possible (first right after left turn at T junction on approach road - 100 Baht an hour).
Go clockwise as far as possible to reach the Pluen Prai Restaurant. There you can have a fine catfish baked in silver foil - pla chon phao.
Most travel agencies have tours that visit the numerous attractions. The listing is from east to west on R1096.
The orchid farms have large collections of orchids, as well as sections where butterflies may be seen pupating. All farms have restaurants and shops selling orchid jewelry. Along with other attractions, the orchid farms are found in the lower part of the valley.
KM. 1 south turn - 400 m. 320/1 Moo 1, Rim Tai, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180. Hours: 08:00 -17:00. (Adults 10 Baht.) Tel: 297343, 299853
Sainumphung Orchid and Butterfly FarmKM. 1 south turn - 400 m. 60 - 61 Moo 6, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180. Hours: 07:00 - 17:00. (Adults 10 Baht.) Also has Siamese cats. Tel: 297892, 297152
KM.3 60 - 61 Moo 6, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180. 30 minute "snake shows" are at 11:30, 14:15 and 15:30. Adults 100 Baht. Tel: 860719
Kum Une Art MuseumKM.4 259 Moo 1, Mae Ram, Chiang Mai 50180. Hours: 09:00 - 17:00 closed Tues. Adults 100 Baht, Children 30 Baht. Small curio and antique museum that has been at this location for many years. Tel: 298068
KM. 4 331 Moo 1, Mae Ram, Chiang Mai 50180. Hours: 08:00 - 17:00. Adults 10 Baht, Tel: 298564
KM.5 3/1 Moo 1, Mae Ram, Chiang Mai 50180. Hours: 07:00 - 16:00. Adults 10 Baht. Good butterfly section. Tel: 298801
See also: [Wat Phra Non Rocket Festival] [Orchids] [Mae Thorani]