Rating: 4.3/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Generally 08:30 – 16:30 (Hours/conditions may change depending on official announcements and season)

 

Pha Daeng National Park (formerly known as Chiang Dao National Park) is a vast natural area in northern Chiang Mai that many travelers overlook simply because the name “Chiang Dao” feels more familiar. But if you want a trip with forest, limestone mountains, waterways, and calm scenery without fighting crowds for check-in shots, this is a genuinely good choice. The park spans Chiang Dao District, Wiang Haeng District, and Chai Prakan District, so Pha Daeng isn’t just “one spot” – it’s an entire mountain-and-headwaters landscape that connects communities across the watershed.

 

The charm of Pha Daeng lies in how “real” the nature still feels. You notice it the moment the road begins to climb toward the ridge: city noise slips out of your head and gets replaced by thinner air, thicker green, and louder natural soundtracks without you trying. The strength of a place like this is that it naturally slows you down and makes you look closer – not because there’s nothing to do, but because what’s here is the kind of beauty that rewards time.

 

From the “water” angle, Pha Daeng is often regarded as an important headwaters area of the Ping River, with many small tributaries feeding both forest ecosystems and nearby communities. That’s why low-impact travel matters here more than most people expect: tiny disturbances at the source can ripple far downstream. Walking in a place like this feels like a quiet reminder that water isn’t free, and forests don’t bounce back as fast as we like to imagine.

 

An easy highlight that works well as a first stop is Sri Sangwan Waterfall, a beautiful limestone waterfall in a shady, relaxing setting that’s not difficult to reach. The water steps down in gentle tiers, soothing to watch and perfect for a short rest. If you want a spot with a short walk but that unmistakable “I’m in the forest now” feeling, this is it. For anyone who enjoys geothermal nature, Pong Ang Hot Spring is also worth a stop – a natural hot spring that lets you feel the power of the landscape and geology in a very tangible way.

 

If you’re a serious trekking person, the park also has deeper-area attractions that demand more time and effort, including remote waterfalls and nature routes that require preparation. The key is to assess weather, timing, and fitness honestly. And if there are rules about permits or needing an authorized guide, follow them strictly. Deep forest isn’t a place for “testing your luck” – it’s a place for respecting the rules so you stay safe and the forest stays whole.

 

Another layer that makes Pha Daeng memorable is local headwaters lore. In some areas, communities believe the source waters are sacred, and certain seasons involve rituals such as headwater worship or forest ordination. It’s a powerful idea: conservation doesn’t always start with legal language – sometimes it begins with faith and relationship, the kind that makes people pause before harming the land.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, you can take Highway 107 (Chiang Mai – Fang) toward the Chiang Dao area, then turn onto Highway 1178 and continue toward Ban Na Wai before reaching the park office zone. It’s smart to allow extra time because parts of the route require careful driving – especially in the rainy season when visibility can drop. Make sure your vehicle is ready (tires, brakes, fuel, lights) so the trip feels safe and unhurried.

 

If you want a satisfying trip without exhausting yourself, plan in “packs” that match your style: relaxed travelers can do a short walk at Sri Sangwan Waterfall + a stop at Pong Ang Hot Spring + finish by sitting quietly and letting the forest sound do its thing. More adventurous travelers can add longer routes that require more preparation. Just remember: the fun of a park like this isn’t ticking every box – it’s finding what feels “right” for the time you have and the conditions on that day.

 

Finally, if you want Pha Daeng to stay beautiful and quiet for a long time, the biggest help comes from small habits: don’t litter, don’t leave designated paths, keep noise down in nature zones, and avoid disturbing headwater areas unnecessarily. It may not produce the flashiest single photo, but it keeps the place breathing – and keeps it worth returning to.

 

 

A: Generally yes, but hours/conditions may change by announcement and season, so it’s best to check before you go.

 

A: Sri Sangwan Waterfall is a great starting point because it’s not difficult to reach, and Pong Ang Hot Spring is a worthwhile stop with a very different natural vibe.

 

A: Bring good-grip shoes, drinking water, insect repellent, rain/heat layers depending on season, and plan enough time. Follow the park’s safety rules and route requirements.

 

A: Late rainy season into winter often brings pleasant air and lush scenery. During the rainy season, allow extra time and drive carefully on slippery roads.

 

A: Stay on designated paths, don’t litter, keep noise down, avoid disturbing headwater areas, and skip activities that leave a trace.