Thailand

With its lakes, dizzying heights, and blooming cherry trees, the protected area of Salawin, near Mae Sariang in Mae Hong Son province, is a prime destination for ecotourism.

Tourism in Northern Thailand is linked to the attractiveness of the natural environment. Whether it's for a weekend getaway or a honeymoon trip, make a stop at Salawin National Park, a place teeming with wildlife and crossed by a long river with tranquil waters that gives it its name. Because it is home to the country's second-tallest teak tree, because rare bird and butterfly species flutter among the foliage, and because cruising on the Mae Nam Salawin offers a glimpse into traditional rural life, the expedition is truly worth it. Offering hiking, bird watching, boat tours, and cultural experiences, Salawin Park is a prime destination for unforgettable wilderness vacations in Northern Thailand. A must-visit during a stay in Mae Sariang!

Introduction to Salawin National Park

The site was declared a national park in 1994. It takes its name from the Salawin River, which borders it, a natural boundary between Siam and Myanmar. Cruising leisurely on the river is the main reason for visiting Salawin Park. And for good reason, the famous waterway originates on the Tibetan Plateau, passing through Myanmar, China, and Siam over a length of 3,000 km. The portion of the river belonging to the Thai area spans 120 km.

Geographically, Salawin Park is a forest covering 722 km2, nestled in the Dawna mountain range, amidst cliffs, deep ravines, and tropical jungle. The protected status hasn't prevented farming villages from establishing near the river. The dilemma between subsistence needs and environmental protection is not always easy to resolve. However, while the exploitation by locals can be justified by food sovereignty, the abuse by forestry authorities and the military was an unspeakable scandal. These corrupt officials illegally felled 33% of the park's trees between 1996 and 1998. The rise of ecotourism is eagerly awaited to restore the forest and improve the income of local populations.

Where is the park headquarters located?

Tourists will find the park 6 kilometers on the outskirts of Mae Sariang. Located in Mae Hong Son province, it straddles the territories of Mae Sariang and Sop Moei, just a stone's throw from Burma.

Extremely rich fauna and flora

Salawin National Park is known for harboring Thailand's second-tallest teak tree by length. The mountain slopes are dominated by species of deciduous dipterocarps, alternating with evergreen forest species. The cherry trees are hard to miss, with their pink inflorescences blooming in spring.

The animal kingdom is not devoid of curiosities. Large mammals are not plentiful, except for bears. One can console themselves by photographing ruminants from the Malay Peninsula, such as the Sumatran serow, the sambar deer, or the muntjac, which roam freely in the thickets. Other common species include civets, squirrels, Burmese hares, and treeshrews. However, the most beautiful encounters are to be found elsewhere, among birds and butterflies.

Progressing through dense deciduous vegetation, bird enthusiasts can spot the grey wagtail, which competes in plumage with the golden-fronted bulbul, the oriental roller, the black-headed tailorbird, and the brown shrike. It is not uncommon to observe a colony of kingfishers on the banks. The dance of butterflies is an attraction in itself, as they flutter with a rustle of multicolored wings. Mention should be made of the common Mormon, a dark-colored butterfly with scalloped edges and a wingspan of 7 to 10 cm; the red helen with a black body spotted with golden yellow; the Troides helena, or the Kalima inachus, a master of camouflage that manages to mimic the appearance of an orange oak leaf when it closes its wings.

Ecotourism in Salawin National Park

The park's visitor center is located 6 kilometers from Mae Sariang. The expedition promises moments rich in adventure:

Boat excursion

Cruising on one of the longest rivers on the planet will not disappoint you. Set out early in the morning, when the river is shrouded in a layer of gray mist, giving it romantic tones. At dusk, the panorama will equally take your breath away as the fires of the setting sun dance on the waves.

Hiking in the wilderness

You have the choice between an easy hike to the village of Baan Maesamlab or a challenging trek to the heights. Canyoning, paragliding, and kayaking are all disciplines to experience. The highest peak in the park rises to 1,030 meters above sea level.

Bird watching

Accompanied by an experienced guide, explore the winged creatures that have taken refuge in this park, both migratory and resident, arboreal and aquatic.

Cultural experience with the Karen tribe of Ta Tar Fan

If a peaceful stroll suits your taste more, head to the village of Ta Tar Fan, where the Karen people have made their home for over a century. Bamboo dwellings shaped like beehives characterize the village. The Karens engage in subsistence rice farming, worship animist forces, adhere to shamanic rites, and spend their leisure time chewing betel.

Practical information

Opening hours and entrance fees

The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is charged: adults must pay an entrance fee of 100 baht (€2.8), half price for children.

When to visit the park?

The protected area of Salawin is subject to a tropical highland climate. To enjoy favorable weather, it is best to plan your ecotourism trip to Salawin Park between the last two months and the first two months of the year, the intermediate period between the monsoon season and the hot season. Consider bringing a hat and a bottle of mineral water to stay properly hydrated.

How to get there?

To cover the 200 kilometers of road separating Chiang Mai from the village of Mae Sariang, tourists have the option of public buses or songthaews (minivans acting as shared taxis).

Taking the bus will cost you 100 or 120 baht (around €3), but patience is required as the driver will not depart until there are vacant seats. The journey takes 5 hours.

Songthaew departures are more frequent, but the fare is higher: around 200 baht or €5.6. Note that Mae Sariang has an airstrip, but it is reserved for jets and private planes, so forget about traveling by air. Once you arrive in Mae Sariang, simply rent a motorcycle or scooter to reach Salawin National Park. It is located 6 kilometers west of the town.