Op Khan National Park

The Park boasts a variety of nationally important plants and wild animals, and its tranquility provides an ideal escape to enjoy untouched wilderness and natural beauty. It covers the areas of Samoeng, Hang Dong, Mae Wang, and San Pha Tong, with an approximate area of 484 km2 (302,500 rai). The geographical features of the park consist of high igneous and limestone mountains. Yod Khun Thian is the highest peak, rising to an altitude of 1,550 m. In the area, there are virgin arid, evergreen pine, and mixed forests. Op Khan is the source of many rivers and gullies flowing into the Mae Wang, Win and Khan Rivers.

In addition, the pretty and fragant orchid 'Ward Dendrobium' (Dendrobium wardianum Warner) is found only in this area of Thailand. This beautiful orchid blooms in January each year. Its Thai name 'Ueang Manee Tri Rong' means 'three-coloured jewel'. Its cute little petals are mostly white, with purples edging at their tips. The middles are yellow with brown at the center, giving it a unique and beautiful look.

The Park offers many attractions, including rivers, waterfalls, and hillside plains with traditional villages. Wild animals found in the National Park include gorals, Muliacus Muntjak, bears, fishing cats, mouse deer, masked palm civets, wild rabbits, wild boars, monkeys, slow loris, mongooses, porcupines, squirrels, tree shrews, rats, etc.

Op Khan Gorge
Op Khan Gorge is a strange and beautiful natural sightseeeing spot, which is just 450 m from park headquarters, accessible by foot. It originated from the erosion of cliffs on both sides of Mae Khan River. The River flows though 30 metre-high cliffs facing each other.

Activities: camping, hiking nature trails, cave / geological touring.

Huai Ya Si
Huai Ya Si is about 1 km from headquarters. It is a curved section of the Mae Khan River, where the river changes direction. The curve is almost 90 degrees, hence it slows down the river's flow considerably. Both banks of the gully are covered with Ya Si (Leersia hexandra SW), a lush green plant with beautiful blossoms. Huai Ya Sai is a small shallow gully suitable for swimming.

The sightseeing spot, built by the Park, provides breathtaking scenery, a tranquil atmosphere and the soothing sound of the winding Mae Khan River flowing past its rocky banks.

Pha Tub
Pha Toob, a small cliff standing beside a hill, is about 500 metres away from Huay Ya Si. From the base of Pha Toob, there is smooth detritus extending to the Mae Khan River. The everflowing current shapes the cliffs into interesting forms.

Huai Pong
Huai Pong stream is about 2 km from the headquarters, and is suitable for swimming. Visitors can also enjoy wild flowers along the trails.

Mae Tian Waterfall
Mae Tian Waterfall is a single-level waterfall, originating from Mae Tian River. This waterfall is tapped for electricity by a power plant.

Tham Takkatan (Grasshopper Cave)
This large cave of 7,000 m in length contains stalactites, stalagmites. There are also ancient sculpted pictures adorn the cave walls.

Besides these attractions, Op Khan National Park contains Tham Doi Ton, Mae To Hot Springs, as well as other waterfalls for visitors to explore, such as Khun Puai Waterfall, Morakot Waterfall, Mae Mud Waterfall, Khun Win Waterfall, and Mae Wang Waterfall. In addition, the park also provides nature trails for hiking and leisurely walks.

Getting There:
From Chiang Mai, drive along Highway No.121 to Hang Dong for about 15 km, a scenic route hugging an irrigation canal. Then turn right on the Namprae - Op Khan Ro Pho Cho Road for about 10 km. Note that the road is steep and curvy! Visitors will arrive at park headquarters.

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Pha Daeng National Park

Previously, the park was named Chiang Dao National Park. Located in the north of Thailand, near Chiang Mai Town, it covers the area of Amphoe Chiang Dao, Amphoe Wiang Haeng and Amphoe Chai Prakan. The park’s 1,155 square kilometres encompasses high mountains and deep valleys of verdant forest. It is the limestone mountains in this area that feed the sparkling streams which eventually give rise to the mighty Mae Ping River.

The park’s highest peak is Doi Puk Phak Ka, which soars 1,794 metres above sea level and offers awesome panoramic views of the area, weather permitting, of course, as well as a cool year-round climate. Even in foggy times, however, the view can be quite striking.

Attractions in the park include:

Si Sangwan Waterfall – This captivating limestone cascade is just 150 m away from the park office. The waterfall is about 20 metres high. Set amidst lush green forest, the relaxing surrounding area provides idyllic beauty.

Huai Hok Waterfall – Perfect for adventurer-lovers, an 8-hour trek from the park office is required to reach this gem set amidst deep forest. It is accessible only on foot. The single-level waterfall is about 20 metres high and splashes down spectacularly into a large basin of crystal-clear water surrounded by lush greenery.

The Origin of the Ping River – The Mae Ping is one of the four major rivers of Northern Thailand. It originates from a small spring flowing endlessly from the mountain rocks, which is accessible only by foot, and the trek takes about 2 hours from the park office. Local villagers revere this gully as a sacred place. Therefore, each year at the beginning of the rice harvest, local villagers hold special rites here to pay homage to the spirit of the river, thanking her for her benevolence and life-giving beauty, and also apologizing for any possible insults. The rites are believed to usher in an auspicious harvest season. The villagers are kind and wholeheartedly respectful towards Mother Nature, and feel a great gratitude towards Nature in all her manifestations. These annual rites act to purify the people, and to ensure a warm, serene and respectful mindset in the participants themselves.

Pong Ang Hot Spring – The temperature of this natural hot spring is 70 – 80 degrees Celsius. It is located only 3 kilometres south of the park office. Pong Ang Hot Spring is a small natural hot water pool with water flowing all year round and is also a great place for bird watching. Many species of birds flock there, providing an ever-changing explosion of foliage.

Doi Pha Tang – This high rocky mountain has a gigantic round stone standing on it. It is located near km 93 on Highway 107 (Chiang Mai – Fang). From Dec – Jan, blooming Sakura flowers provide picturesque scenery. This area is home to the Chinese Haw, the Hmong and Yao minority groups. From the mountaintop, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Thai and Lao rural areas. The mountain is most popular during winter when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and a sea of mist covers the whole area.

Pang Tong Waterfall – The beautiful Pang Tong Waterfall is hidden among the lush green forest of the National Park. Originating from the Khun Mae Ngai River, the Waterfall is known for an interesting feature: the water flows through underground channels for 60 m before exiting through holes in the cliff face to become a dazzling waterfall with 3 levels and 2 sections.

Apart from its many waterfalls (nam tok) and gurgling streams, Pha Daeng National Park also offers highlights such as caves (tham) which are jeweled with exotic stalactites and stalagmites, such as Tham Pha Chan, Tham Doi Klang Mueang, and Tham Huai Cha Khan. There are also several more deliciously beautiful waterfalls, scented with the delicate aura of fine drops of mist, where visitors will enjoy scenic beauty mingled with the soothing sounds of the jungle canopy mixed with splashing water, such as Namtok Thung Kaeo and Op Ping.

The park boasts a gorgeous 2.5 kilometres nature trail that winds through a mix of deciduous forest and gently undulating slopes. The trail should take the average hiker between 2-3 hours to cover, and information is available at the Visitor’s Centre which is open daily from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. The national park is adorned with a wide variety of flora and is home to fauna of many types.

Getting there – Take highway 107 (Chiang Mai – Fang) to km 79, then turn left and drive along highway 1178 for about 24 kilometres to Ban Na Wai. Turn left and continue for another 150 metres to the office of Pha Daeng National Park.

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Doi Luang Chiang Dao

Doi Luang Chiang Dao is a limestone mountain in the Chiang Dao Wildlife Reserve area, Amphoe Chiang Dao. This cone-shaped mountain is 2,195 metres from sea level, which makes it the third highest mountain in Thailand after Doi Inthanon and Doi Pha Hom Pok. Narrow plains on top of the mountain overlook spectacular views that include a sea of fog on the Amphoe Chiang Dao side, Doi Sam Phi Nong, the Chiang Dao mountain range, and the far end of Doi Inthanon. The peak is cool and windy. It is full of rare highland flowers, birds, and butterflies. Visiting Doi Chiang Dao needs an approval letter from the Director of Wildlife Reserve Division, Royal Forest Department. Travel must be arranged at least 2 weeks in advance.

Descending the mountain is possible on the trail near Ban Tham, which is located near Chiang Dao cave. The trail is rather steep; nevertheless, it could shorten the walking distance upon descending. It is quite difficult to climb up.

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Doi Tao Lake

The lake is located approximately 133 kilometers from Chiang Mai town along the Chiang Mai-Hot-Doi Tao route. This large reservoir is actually situated above the Bhumibol Dam in Tak province. The lake offers many recreational opportunities during the rainy and cool seasons, including rafting and cruise services to Bhumibol Dam. Accommodations are also available.

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Ang Khang Royal Project

Located in the valley of Doi Ang Khang, the station is designated for conducting experiments on possible temperate plants to be grown in Thailand. The experiment is aimed at promoting the cultivation of cash crops to replace hill tribes opium plantations. Inside the station, there are beautiful landscaped flower gardens, a restaurant and plantations. Advanced contact is recommended for a group visit with lecturers available upon request. Facilities include guesthouses (inside the station), food and beverage, parking space, toilets, etc.

In addition, there are many guesthouses and a hotel located around the station. The entrance fee is 50 bahts per vehicle (including driver) and admission fee of 30 bahts per person. The morning market in front of the station, which is the hill tribes market, is stunning and charming.

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Fang Hot Springs

These hot springs are situated at Ban Pin, which is located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Fang city. The hot springs originate from simmering granite with temperatures from 90 to 100 degrees Celsius. Most notable is the largest spring which constantly jets out strong sulphur scented steam.

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San Kamphaeng

The village is located 13 kilometers the east of Chiang Mai town in a district that is famous for silk and a cotton weaving. The silk and cotton souvenirs produced in this village are high quality. Factories and souvenir shops selling woodcarving, silverware, earth ware, lacquer ware and cotton fabrics are located along the way from Chiang Mai to San Kamphaeng.

Located in San Kamphaeng is Bo Sang a village that produces handmade umbrellas. In addition to umbrellas, visitors will also be able to find various woodcarving and Thai silk products here.

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