Rating: 3.3/5 (12 votes)

Open Days: Generally open daily

Opening Hours: Recommended 08:00 – 17:00 (best to visit during daylight hours and return before dark)

 

Wang Pla Ban Tha Thum – Yang Phra That is an eco-tourism spot along the Kuang River, located in the border area between Ban Tha Thum (Village No. 7, San Phra Net Subdistrict, San Sai District) and Ban Yang Phra That (Village No. 11, San Pu Loei Subdistrict, Doi Saket District), Chiang Mai. The charm here isn’t something staged or built for show. It’s nature that still “does its job” — a community-protected zone focused on fish conservation and the river’s biodiversity, cared for collectively by people living along this stretch of the Kuang River.

 

As a travel stop, this is the kind of place that suits slow walking by the water, standing quietly to observe fish in deeper pools or calmer-flowing sections, and letting the atmosphere do more of the talking than rushing to collect photos from every angle. Ecologically, a “wang pla” (fish pool) often forms where the riverbed creates deeper pockets or current patterns that support fish gathering and shelter, which is why visitors can sometimes see river life up close without needing any demanding activities.

 

Another layer that gives the place real meaning is its role as a community-led conservation area. Protecting fish and keeping the river healthy isn’t only about warning signs — it’s often sustained by shared local agreements, such as helping watch over the area, keeping the riverbank clean, and gently guiding visitors to experience the site without disturbing nature. If you want to be the kind of visitor this place deserves, the basics matter most: don’t litter, don’t enter risky spots, don’t chase or catch fish, and avoid feeding fish in a random or careless way.

 

The most comfortable times to visit are usually morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the temperature is easier. During the rainy season, the scenery can be especially lush and beautiful, but the risks increase as well: slippery ground, unstable riverbanks, and occasional flash-flow conditions. If there is heavy rain or local warnings, it’s better to keep the visit short, stay only in safer areas, and head back before it gets dark.

 

Getting There From the Chiang Mai–Chiang Rai road, turn right at the Mae Kuang junction. Then turn right again at the Tha Rua junction and continue for about 1.5 km, then turn right into Ban Tha Thum. Once you’re within the community zone, it’s recommended to watch for local signs/landmarks and ask residents for the most accurate access to the fish-pool area, since this is a community eco-tourism site and the finer details of entry routes can shift depending on seasonal conditions and local management.

 

 

A: It is along the Kuang River in the border area between Ban Tha Thum (Village No. 7, San Phra Net, San Sai) and Ban Yang Phra That (Village No. 11, San Pu Loei, Doi Saket), Chiang Mai.

 

A: It is a conservation-focused eco-tourism site. It’s best for gentle riverside walks, observing fish and nature, and learning about community-led efforts to protect Kuang River biodiversity.

 

A: Morning or late afternoon is usually the most comfortable, with softer light. In the rainy season the scenery is greener and more dramatic, but it’s safer to avoid days with heavy rain due to slippery ground and potential fast-flow conditions.

 

A: It is accessible by regular vehicles. Use the Chiang Mai–Chiang Rai road, turn right at Mae Kuang junction, turn right at Tha Rua junction and continue about 1.5 km, then turn right into Ban Tha Thum. After that, follow local signs and ask residents for the most accurate access point.

 

A: Don’t litter, avoid stepping into risky riverbank spots, don’t chase or catch fish, and avoid feeding fish casually. A quiet, respectful visit helps keep the area healthy for the long term.