#doiinthanon

Perched over 2,000 meters above sea level on Doi Inthanon, the "Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail" is far more than just a popular sunrise spot. It is a vast kingdom of natural wonders, showcasing rare ecosystems within a manageable 3.2-kilometer loop.

🌿 From "Cloud Forest" to the Source of Life Your journey begins in the Upper Hill Evergreen Forest, also known as the "Cloud Forest." Here, trees are draped in lush mosses and ferns. These mosses act as "natural sponges," trapping moisture from the mist and clouds and distilling it into water droplets that feed the Mae Pan stream, ultimately sustaining the communities below.

🌺 "Phaya Dong": The Jewel of the Cliffs As you emerge from the dense forest onto the ridge, you will encounter the magnificent "Thousand-Year Rose" or "Phaya Dong" (Rhododendron). These rare plants offer a lesson in survival; their thick, leathery leaves with fuzzy undersides are evolved to reduce water loss from harsh winds and intense sunlight. They bloom brilliantly against the cold mountain air during this season.

⛰️ A Living Natural Museum Walking this trail offers a front-row seat to an "Ecotone" a transition area between two biological communities. Visitors can witness the stark contrast between the humid evergreen forest and the vast, open sub-alpine grassland. If you are lucky, you might even spot the "Goral," a rare and protected mountain goat-antelope that thrives on these steep, rugged cliffs.

If you are looking for a nature trail that offers both breathtaking beauty and profound knowledge, come and experience Kew Mae Pan for yourself.