Thailand

The mountain Doi Phu Kha lends its name to this wonderful national park in Nan, bordering Laos. Fresh air, majestic viewpoints, and abundant limestone caves make it a popular tourist destination in the northeast of Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles.

Doi Phu Kha: nature hiking around Pua, Nan Province

Nestled in the dense deciduous forests covering the hills of Pua and Bo Kluea, Doi Phu Kha National Park offers more of a trekking and hiking adventure than typical ecotourism. While large mammals are scarce, colorful birds enchant visitors with their songs as they traverse alpine forests and undergrowth. Recent years have seen the establishment of eateries and camping grounds, making the park more accessible to tourists. Well-marked trails wind along ridges, leading to stunning viewpoints and spectacular caves. Doi Phu Kha Park is just over twenty kilometers from downtown Pua—a peaceful haven recommended for anyone seeking to reconnect with nature for a day's excursion around Nan.

History of the protected area

The origin of the name Doi Phu Kha is well known; it derives from a tree with pink flowers, scientifically known as Bretschneidera sinensis, found in the park's hills. This tree is locally referred to as "chomphu phuka" in Thai.

Bordering Laos, Doi Phu Kha National Park lies within the montane forest ecoregion of Luang Prabang. It was established by royal decree in 1999. Illegal trafficking of forest products, combined with slash-and-burn agriculture, poses a serious threat to the park's biodiversity. King Rama IX accused senior government officials of colluding with poachers.

The rich biodiversity of the park

Doi Phu Kha Park may not be ideal for wildlife photography due to decades of deforestation causing the decline and disappearance of several species. However, a small herd of elephants is known to roam the park's extreme south. Birdlife, on the other hand, thrives with approximately 240 different species present, including some unique to the Malay Peninsula: the red-bellied nuthatch, beautiful nuthatch, yellow-browed warbler, grey-cheeked fulvetta, and various bulbuls. While large mammals are scarce, the park compensates with a rich diversity of reptiles and amphibians.

The plant kingdom harbors even more curiosities. Three plant species grow exclusively within the park in Thailand: the chomphu phuka tree, characterized by its pink inflorescences; the three-gorge maple from southeastern China; and the giant caryota palm typical of the lower Himalayan mountains.

Planning your visit to Doi Phu Kha

Access to Doi Phu Kha National Park is possible by road or air. Visitors are cautioned about monsoon rains, which can make trails muddy and slippery from May to October. For an optimal visit, it's advisable to plan trips during the first or last two months of the year. Air travel is recommended for convenience, with three daily flights taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok to Nan Airport via AirAsia. From there, reaching the park is straightforward by taxi, private car, or motorcycle. Most tourists spend a night in Pua, the region's hospitality hub, before venturing into the mountains. The visitor center is located 24 kilometers from Pua.

Things to see and do on site

Doi Phu Kha National Park offers a wide range of activities to cater to all interests:

Hiking trails

Breathtaking landscapes delight hikers along the way. Chomphu phuka trees are quite common in the hills, with their branches adorned with clusters of pink buds during the flowering season. Save your energy for the ascent of Doi Phu Kha, the park's highest peak, where views of cloud-covered summits are absolutely magical!

Panoramic viewpoints

The most popular viewpoint sits along the main road, rising over 1,700 meters above sea level. It's a favorite spot for young couples to stroll hand in hand and admire the charm of the setting sun.

Impressive waterfalls

Relaxing by the waterfalls adds a refreshing touch to your visit. From Ton Tong and Wang Pian to Phu Fah and Tad Luang, you'll be spoiled for choice. Enjoy a picnic, feel the gentle breeze, and listen to the soothing sound of water cascading over rocks. Swimming areas are available at the base of each waterfall. Ton Tong Waterfall is particularly recommended by travel guides for its three-tiered, 60-meter plunge.

Tham Pha Phueng Cave

Just off the main road, Tham Pha Phueng Cave is undoubtedly the park's most significant cave. Take a moment to admire the cliffside view before venturing into its depths.

Tham Maa Cave

A two-kilometer trail winds through columns of stalactites hanging like street lamps from the ceiling! Access to Tham Maa Cave is via a spiral staircase, leading through picturesque chambers and past a tranquil stream. Locating the cave entrance can be challenging; it's approximately 12 kilometers from the visitor center and village of Ban Nam Pua Phatthana. A guide's assistance is recommended for navigation.

Practical information

Park entrance fees

Entrance is priced at 200 baht per person ($6 USD). Children accompanied by an adult pay half the price. For vehicles, a flat fee applies regardless of the number of occupants: 30 baht ($0.90 USD) per car and 20 baht ($0.60 USD) per motorcycle.

Opening hours

The park is open all day, allowing visitors ample time to explore at their leisure.

Accommodations and dining

The park offers sufficient accommodation facilities, with room rates ranging from 300 baht to over 3,000 baht. Be cautious with budget options; mid-range accommodations provide adequate comfort, including hot water showers, refrigerators, water heaters, and private parking. Three camping zones are available onsite, one located 300 meters from the visitor center and the other two further east in the high hills.

Nearby attractions

Have you enjoyed your trip to Doi Phu Kha? Hotel or lodge staff can recommend interesting historical sites:

• Wat Rong Ngae, a small architectural gem reminiscent of ancient Thai temples;
• Wat Phra That Beng Sakat, beautifully situated on a mountainside;
• Wat Phuket, home to a seated Buddha under a grand tree with lush foliage.

Alternatively, take a bicycle ride through the terrace rice fields of Pua.