Nanthaburi National Park

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Nanthaburi National Park in Nan Province is a quiet and nature-rich national park ideal for travelers who enjoy forests, mountain viewpoints, birdwatching, trekking, waterfalls, and misty highland scenery. The park covers areas of Mueang Nan District, Ban Luang District, and nearby forest reserves, including Nam Yao–Nam Suak Forest Reserve and Tham Phu Toei Forest Reserve. Its landscape consists of mixed deciduous forest, dry evergreen forest, and hill evergreen forest, with important tree species such as teak, pradu, tabaek, and many native mountain plants.

 

The park is particularly attractive for travelers looking for a deeper nature experience beyond easy roadside viewpoints. Its mountain ranges, headwater forests, streams, waterfalls, and highland trails create a diverse ecological landscape. Because the area varies in elevation, visitors can find different forest types within the same protected area, from open deciduous forests to cool, moist hill evergreen forest.

 

One of the most important destinations within the park is Doi Pha Chi, a mountain area known for its beautiful scenery and well-preserved natural environment. To reach Doi Pha Chi, travelers can drive from Nan along Highway 1091 for about 40 kilometers to Ban Luang District, then continue on Route 1172 toward Ban Phi Nuea before reaching the trekking access area. The final section requires walking from the park area near the Nan–Phayao provincial boundary.

 

Doi Pha Chi is significant not only for nature but also for history. In the past, the mountain was used as a base area by communist insurgent forces. Some old equipment, such as generators and water pipes, remains in the area, making Doi Pha Chi a place where natural scenery and historical memory exist together.

 

The natural environment around Doi Pha Chi includes waterfalls, forests, and many kinds of mountain plants. Travelers planning to visit this area should be physically prepared and should contact park officers before trekking, as some sections require local knowledge and proper guidance.

 

Another highlight is Doi Wao, managed by the Nam Khang Watershed Management Unit. Doi Wao is known for misty views and beautiful sunsets. The area was once heavily degraded, but watershed officers restored the forest by planting native and suitable mountain species such as wild apple, maple, and three-needle pine. Today, it is an excellent example of forest recovery and watershed conservation.

 

Before reaching Doi Wao, visitors pass Hmong villages such as Ban Doi Tio and Ban Sop Khun. This makes the route both a nature journey and a cultural route through highland communities. Doi Wao is around 4 kilometers from the national park office. Visitors can drive to the watershed unit and then continue on foot to the summit.

 

The trail to Doi Wao passes through fertile hill evergreen forest and is especially interesting for birdwatchers. Highland birds found in the area include red-faced liocichla, long-tailed sibia, yellow-cheeked tit, red-winged shrike-babbler, and long-billed wren-babbler. During winter, migratory birds also move into the area, making it a rewarding destination for birding.

 

In addition to Doi Pha Chi and Doi Wao, Nanthaburi National Park features several waterfalls and natural attractions, including Santisuk Waterfall, Song Khwae Waterfall, Huai Phrik Waterfall, Tat Fa Rong Waterfall, Doi Mok Waterfall, and a hot spring. These attractions allow visitors to enjoy different types of nature experiences, from forest walking and waterfall visits to camping and highland viewpoints.

 

The park is also culturally important because it is associated with the Mlabri ethnic group, historically known by outsiders as Phi Tong Lueang. The Mlabri people traditionally lived in close relationship with forests, moving according to food sources and relying on forest knowledge. Their presence adds cultural depth to the park and reminds visitors that protected forests are connected not only to wildlife and plants but also to human history and ethnic diversity.

 

For educational travel, Nanthaburi National Park is suitable for learning about watershed forests, forest restoration, highland birds, ethnic communities, and the relationship between forests and local livelihoods. The park demonstrates that conservation is not only about protecting trees and wildlife, but also about understanding how people and natural resources have interacted over time.

 

The best time to visit is from November to February, when temperatures are cooler, mist is common, and the trails are suitable for trekking and birdwatching. During the rainy season, forests become greener and waterfalls carry more water, but some trails may become slippery and access may require extra caution.

 

The park provides camping areas and accommodation for visitors who want to stay overnight. Nights in the park are quiet and cool, making it suitable for camping, stargazing, and slow nature travel. Travelers planning to stay overnight should contact the park in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.

 

Getting There from Tha Wang Pha District, take Highway 1082 on the Tha Wang Pha–Sop Khun route for about 27 kilometers, then turn right and continue for approximately 500 meters to the national park office. Another route from Nan town follows Highway 1080 to Tha Wang Pha, then Highway 1148 toward Song Khwae for about 1.5 kilometers before turning onto the Yai Nun–Sop Khun road and continuing to kilometer marker 27.

 

 

A: The park is located in Nan Province, with the park office in Tha Wang Pha District.

 

A: The main highlights are Doi Pha Chi, Doi Wao, misty viewpoints, waterfalls, hill evergreen forest, and birdwatching trails.

 

A: Doi Wao is known for misty views, sunset scenery, forest restoration, and highland birdwatching.

 

A: Yes. The park provides accommodation and camping areas, and visitors should contact the park in advance.

 

A: No entrance fee is currently charged.

 

A: November to February is the best period for cool weather, misty views, trekking, and birdwatching.