Around the city are hills and mountain ranges, including the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon. In these hills and mountains are natural attractions such as national parks, forest areas, waterfalls, and flora and fauna of various species. Higland people of many ethnic groups also live in these hills. Trekking and ecotourism began in 1976 and was promoted as part of the tourist industry (Sin Sarobon 2003).