Dream Destination Thailand : Ban Wat Chan Pine Forest

Dream Destination No. 2

Ban Wat Chan Pine Forest, Kanlayaniwattana District, Chiang Mai

At the coming of winter season, the pine forest of Kanlayaniwattana district in Chiang Mai, approximately 150 kilometers from the city, will start to change the shades of colors as if welcoming the winter breeze.

The natural green forests will then turn into the extravaganza colorful ensembles of gradient from yellow pine trees along with red and orange maples, the image looks like a seamless canvas brush painted with the amazing hands and creative head of the Mother Nature. As the foliage changes, each pine tree amazingly reveals different shade of colors, alluding to the beautiful winter hue. Two-leaf and three-leaf pine trees ensemble here making it Thailand’s largest natural pine forest most worth visiting especially during the winter season from December to February.

Prior to becoming a highlight Thailand Dream Destination, the local villagers around here had to live and struggle with difficulties in life. But since His Majesty the King made a royal visit here and initiated the ‘Wat Chan Royal Project’ to lift up the standard of living for the poor villagers residing here, things have vastly changed for the better.

The ‘Wat Chan Royal Project’ has not only brought about the improved wellbeing of the local villagers, it has later become a romantic tourist destination, attracting a great number of visitors and loving couples to admire the splendor of the country's largest pine forest and enjoy the natural beauty of color-changing red and orange maple leaves becoming deciduous forests during January - February each year.

Close to the pine forest sits a large water reservoir which should visit especially in the early morning when you will be the beautiful dreamy mists of winter fog floating above the surface and cover the pine tree forests to create most spectacular scenery. Visitors can also enjoy the fresh air here. There is also bike lanes, jungle trails in the pine forest or you may enjoy a leisure walk and experience the hospitality of the locals as you wish. So if you have a chance to visit Chiang Mai any time from December to February, it is a nice idea to visit this Thailand Dream Destination.

How to Get There

From Chiang Mai, heading towards Mea Rim to Highway No. 1095 which leads to Pai district. Around 13 kilometers before reaching Pai, take the left route onto the road No. 1265 and drive further about 40 kilometers. The route is fairly rugged, drive carefully.

For those who use public transport, there are local-style two-row yellow bus (Chiang Mai - Chiang Mai - Wat Chan) leaving every day from Chang Pheuk bus station. Chiangmai. Or you can choose a car from. Pai. Son should check before traveling. You can also get a local bus from Pai in Mae Hong Son province but please check the bus schedule carefully.

- Winter season during December to early February is the best time to visit Ban Wat Chan Pine Forest as it is the most colorful time of the year.
- There is a very beautiful bike lane here, highly recommended for bike riders.

For more information - http://www.fio.co.th/travel/watchan/index.htm