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Evaluation and Geopark Perspective of the Geoheritage Resources in Chiang Mai Area, Northern Thailand

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Abstract

Chiang Mai is located in the northern part of Thailand and is known as the most famous Thai Lanna cultural area. Based on its inventory, characterization, classification, and assessment, Chiang Mai has many outstanding landforms such as mountains, gorges, and waterfalls, as well as cliffs, river, and hot springs. There is also an old quarry, which could be suitably developed to geosites as well as geopark. This area can be divided into seven main geosites based on their location, identity, rock type, morphology, and geologic phenomena, including Doi Suthep Mountain, Ob Khan Gorge, Muang On Cave, San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, Mae Kampong Waterfall, Grand Canyon Chiang Mai, and Mae Ping River. There is significant geodiversity in the region, which has evolved since the Pre-Cambrian (> 550 million years ago) to Quaternary (recent) periods. The national park always protects and preserves the biodiversity in the area, which includes many species of both flora and fauna, especially in the Mae Sa-Kog Ma Huai Khok Ma Biosphere Reserve. Prepared by scientists as well as the local guides, there are many basic geology and botany training courses for both students and general people. Furthermore, Thai Lanna and the hill tribe people in Chiang Mai have a culture and historical identity that is exhibited by temples and archaeological sites such as Doi Suthep Temple, Wiang Kum Kam Historic Site, and the Great Wall of Chiang Mai. The main goal of geotourism research is to evaluate the potential of geotourism and georesources in the context of geopark establishment. Understanding by the local people concerning the value and origin of their geologic monuments as well as the geopark concept is also significant. In addition, there are local as well as national advantages, especially for sustainable development.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thanks the authorities of the National Park and local people in Chiang Mai Province for their obligingness. Thanks to Ms. Pimpawee Sittipan, Ms. Ratchadakorn Chumkhiao, and Mr. Jakratorn Kaewpradit for their help in field observation. The UNESCO/POLAND Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme in Engineering cycle 2018A supported the fund for research practicing in the Department of General Geology and Geotourism at Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environment Protection, AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland. Furthermore, thanks to the Department of Geological Sciences, Chiang Mai University, for supporting experiences and data in geo-education of the first and third authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Phahon Yothin Rd., Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand

    Vimoltip Singtuen & Krit Won-In

  2. Department of General Geology and Geotourism, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland

    Vimoltip Singtuen & Elżbieta Gałka

  3. Department of Geological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huay Kaew Rd, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand

    Burapha Phajuy

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  1. Vimoltip Singtuen
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  2. Elżbieta Gałka
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  3. Burapha Phajuy
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  4. Krit Won-In
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Correspondence to Vimoltip Singtuen.

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Vimoltip Singtuen is a Fellow of the UNESCO/POLAND Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme in Engineering cycle 2018A. Project 35: Geotourism, geology ID 2018A 35AGH PL.

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Singtuen, V., Gałka, E., Phajuy, B. et al. Evaluation and Geopark Perspective of the Geoheritage Resources in Chiang Mai Area, Northern Thailand. Geoheritage 11, 1955–1972 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-019-00410-0

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