Mae Charim National Park

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Approximately 08:00 – 16:30

 

Mae Charim National Park in Nan Province is one of the best destinations in northern Thailand for travelers who enjoy nature, river adventures, trekking, cycling, bamboo rafting, and whitewater rafting. Covering approximately 270,000 rai or 432 square kilometers, the park is made up of complex mountain ranges, headwater forests, and streams that eventually flow into the Nan River in Wiang Sa District. Its forest types include hill evergreen forest, dry dipterocarp forest, and mixed deciduous forest, providing habitats for various wildlife species.

 

The park is best known for whitewater rafting on the Wa River, one of Nan Province’s most popular adventure activities. The Wa River flows through forested valleys, rocky rapids, local villages, and quiet mountain scenery. This makes Mae Charim National Park suitable for both adventurous travelers and visitors who want to experience the natural landscape of Nan from the water.

 

The main rubber-boat rafting route starts from Ban Nam Pu in Nam Pang Subdistrict, Mae Charim District, and ends at Ban Hat Rai in San Na Nong Subdistrict, Wiang Sa District. The full route is about 19.2 kilometers and takes around 4 hours. If visitors start rafting from the national park office area, the distance is reduced to about 15 kilometers. This route offers a good balance of excitement, scenery, and manageable travel time.

 

Another option is bamboo rafting, which starts from Ban Nam Wa and ends at Ban Nam Pu. This shorter route is about 4 kilometers and takes around 4 hours. Bamboo rafting offers a slower and more traditional experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the sounds of the river, forest atmosphere, and local riverside scenery.

 

For travelers looking for a fuller adventure route, the park offers a combination of mountain biking, trekking along Lam Nam Paeng, and rafting on the Wa River. The route begins at Mae Charim National Park Ranger Unit at Ban Mai near Ban Nam Pang. Travelers cycle along Highway 1259 to Ban Rom Klao, taking about 2 hours, then walk along Lam Nam Paeng to the Wa River at Kaeng Luang for about 4 hours. From there, they raft from Kaeng Luang to Ban Hat Rai for about 15 kilometers, taking around 2 hours.

 

This route can be completed in 1 full day by physically prepared travelers, or divided into a 2-day trip with an overnight stay at Ban Rom Klao. The 2-day option allows visitors to enjoy the forest and river environment at a slower pace before rafting in the afternoon of the second day.

 

Another route combines scenic driving, trekking along Lam Nam Paeng, and rafting on the Wa River. Visitors start at the Ban Mai ranger unit near Ban Nam Pang, travel by vehicle along Highway 1259 to Ban Rom Klao for about 1 hour, then walk along Lam Nam Paeng to Kaeng Luang for about 4 hours. The rafting section from Kaeng Luang to Ban Hat Rai is about 15 kilometers and takes around 2 hours, making the total journey about 7 hours.

 

The longer trekking route from Ban Nam Pang to Ban Rom Klao, Lam Nam Paeng, and the Wa River is suitable for stronger hikers. It begins at the Ban Mai ranger unit and follows Highway 1259 toward Ban Rom Klao for about 3.8 kilometers, taking around 5 hours. Travelers then continue along Lam Nam Paeng for about 4 hours before rafting for another 2 hours to Ban Hat Rai. The total activity time is about 11 hours and is best planned as a 2-day, 1-night trip.

 

The Pha Nor climbing, rock painting, and Wa River rafting route combines nature, cultural traces, and adventure. It starts from Ban Nam Pu toward Pha Nor, then continues toward Kaeng Luang, taking about 8 hours on foot. Visitors then raft to Ban Hat Rai for about 2 hours. This route may be completed in 1 long day by well-prepared travelers, or with an overnight stay in the forest near Ban Huai Hat Khom at the foot of Pha Nor.

 

Mae Charim National Park is best suited for travelers who enjoy active outdoor experiences rather than short sightseeing stops. Visitors should prepare clothing that can get wet, secure footwear, waterproof bags, sun protection, drinking water, and follow the instructions of park officers or rafting operators. Safety is especially important when the water level is high.

 

The best time for rafting depends on water levels and weather conditions. During and after the rainy season, the river usually has stronger current and more excitement. In drier months, the water can be calmer and more suitable for scenic rafting. Visitors should contact the park or rafting operators before traveling to confirm conditions.

 

Beyond rafting, the park offers a peaceful mountain atmosphere. Travelers can relax by the river, enjoy the forest, listen to flowing water, and stay overnight in a quieter natural setting than many of Nan’s more crowded destinations.

 

Getting There from Nan town, travel along Highway 1168 and Highway 1243 toward Mae Charim District. The distance is approximately 42–60 kilometers depending on the starting point and route. Travelers can also take the Nan–Mae Charim public bus from the area near Dhevaraj Hotel in Nan town. The road passes rural and mountain areas, so careful driving is recommended.

 

 

A: Mae Charim National Park is located at Ban Huai Sai Mun, Nam Pai Subdistrict, Mae Charim District, Nan Province.

 

A: The park is famous for Wa River whitewater rafting, one of the most popular adventure activities in Nan Province.

 

A: The full rubber-boat route from Ban Nam Pu to Ban Hat Rai is about 19.2 kilometers and takes around 4 hours.

 

A: Thai adults pay 40 Baht and Thai children pay 20 Baht. Foreign adults pay 200 Baht and foreign children pay 100 Baht.

 

A: It is suitable for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, adventure, nature, and active travel experiences.

 

A: Visitors can travel from Nan town via Highway 1168 and Highway 1243 toward Mae Charim District, about 42–60 kilometers depending on the route.