Thailand

Nestled in the Phi Pan Nam mountain range bordering Laos, Phu Sang National Park is renowned for its caves, rivers, and numerous hot springs, making it a popular hiking destination in northern Thailand.

Abundant in national parks, the Thai city of Chiang Rai stands out in the natural tourism market. During your next trip to Thailand in this northern region of the country, consider stopping by Phu Sang Forest Park.

You'll experience absolute tranquility as soon as you enter the park. Scenic landscapes of rice fields, lakes, waterfalls, grassy cliffs, and high-perched temples unfold before you, revealing the mysterious and legendary universe of the Golden Triangle. You can camp in the wilderness, explore Phu Sang Waterfall, and hike along ridge trails bordered by rock outcrops and deep ravines.

Lesser-known and less frequented than the nearby Phu Chia Fa Park, Phu Sang National Park remains a charming place to relax, unwind, or enjoy a family outing during a brief stay in Chiang Rai.

Park overview

Established in 2000, the park features rolling, mountainous terrain surrounded by high basalt cliffs in Phi Pan Nam. The site's hydrological potential likely influenced the government's decision to designate it as a protected area. Preserving waterfalls is crucial for irrigating rice fields and maintaining food security for local populations. Geographically, the park marks the natural border between Thailand and Laos.

Park headquarters location

Phu Sang National Park spans an area of 738 square kilometers across Thoeng, Chiang Kham, and Phu Sang districts, straddling Phayao and Chiang Rai. If you seek a wild paradise in Thailand's Far North, visiting the park is a fantastic idea. It's a 2-hour drive from Chiang Rai and 1.5 hours from Phayao.

Park fauna and flora

The animal kingdom is dominated by hoofed herbivores such as barking deer, sambar deer, and Java mouse deer. Wild boars and Burmese hares roam freely through the clearings. However, larger mammals are rare and quite challenging to spot.

The plant kingdom offers more intriguing discoveries. During your hike, you'll encounter common trees from the Malay Peninsula belonging to the dipterocarp family, conifers, and evergreen trees. The park is particularly rich in bamboo species.

Activities selection

Spanning a mountainous terrain ranging from 440 to 1,584 meters above sea level, Phu Sang Park offers a succession of remarkable landscapes. Apart from hiking, other recreational activities include:

Visit a charming hot spring waterfall

Phu Sang Waterfall, also known as Namtok Wang Kaew, is the park's top attraction. Its roadside location makes it an essential stop, and its major advantage is that it is fed by a hot spring source.

Enjoy a climbing session

Feeling up for climbing? Scale Doi Pha Dam, which rises to 1,584 meters above sea level. The views of cliffs and lush rice fields are truly breathtaking! You can drive up to the summit via Route 1093, passing through the humble village of Ban Huak.

Explore natural caves

Three caves are worth visiting and exploring in the park: Tham Pha Dan, Tham Nam Lot, and Tham Nam Daeng. Hikers will be captivated by giant stalactites and stalagmites.

Pay homage at Wat Prathat Khun Bong Sanctuary

This Buddhist sanctuary is wonderfully secluded on a grassy hill. The peaceful and isolated atmosphere invites meditation.

Practical information

The best time to visit

The park is warm throughout the year. It's best to plan your visit during the cool season, from November to January. Temperatures are more pleasant during this period (between 13°C and 29°C). By mid-March, the heat can become quite oppressive.

Opening hours and admission fees

The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are varying admission fees based on age and nationality. Thai citizens enter for free. Foreign visitors pay an entrance fee of 100 Baht, with a half-price for children.

How to get there

There are no direct buses to Phu Sang National Park from Chiang Rai province. To travel by public transport, head to Chiang Rai's bus station and take a bus to Chiang Kham. Then, catch the next songthaew to Ban Huak and ask to be dropped off at the park's official headquarters. Similarly, travelers from Phayao should head to Chiang Kham and change vehicles to reach the park, a 20-kilometer journey.

Nearby attractions

If this ecotourism circuit leaves you wanting more, continue your adventure by heading to Phu Chia Fa National Park, located 42 kilometers north of Phu Sang.