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Mae Ping National Park

Park

Mae Ping National Park in northern Thailand protects forested hills and river valleys along the Ping. Hikers and rafting groups come for waterfalls, trails and chances to spot seasonal wildlife.

Mae Ping National Park Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsLamphunWat Chama TheviWat Phra Phuttabhat Tak PhaChama Thevi MonumentWat Jong Sung and Wat Si BoonruangMae Ping National Park

Mae Ping National Park essentials

Address: Mae Ping National Park, near Mae Taeng and Samoeng, northern Thailand (Chiang Mai/ Tak region boundaries)
Website: dnp.go.th
Hours: Daily, park office hours typically 8:30am-4:30pm (confirm with park office)
Admission: National park fees apply locally; typical Thai national park fee: 200-400 THB for foreign adults (varying by park management).
Neighbourhoods

Exploring Mae Ping National Park#

Around 150 km south of Chiang Mai, Mae Ping National Park covers some 1,000 sq km and straddles the borders of the Lamphun, Chiang Mai and Tak provinces. It is rarely visited because of its remote location, but is a great place to spend a few days surrounded by nature, far from the crowds.

The park takes in a large section of the Kaeng Ko reservoir created by Bhumibol Dam, and accommodation is on rafts floating near the banks. Few places in Thailand are as restful, with only birdsong and the occasional jumping fish to break the silence.

There are also several waterfalls, the most impressive being Ko Luang, about a 20-minute drive from park headquarters, where limestone deposits have built up to create a beautiful flow into an inviting pool. To explore further, arrange a boat trip around the reservoir through park headquarters, which can also take in a temple on its banks.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Mae Ping National Park#

October-February is ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing; rainy season shows the park at its greenest but affects trail conditions.

Cool/dry season
November-February · 15-25°C
Most comfortable for trekking and waterfalls often have steady flow.
Hot season
March-May · 25-35°C
Vegetation is dry; higher chance of haze; water levels lower.
Rainy season
June-October · 22-30°C
Lush jungle and dramatic waterfalls but trails can be muddy and some areas closed.

Weather & Climate near Mae Ping National Park#

Climate

Mae Ping National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 14°C to 36°C. Moderate rainfall (946 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 77 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 14° - 29° 21° 2 mm mostly sunny 67% 0.7 m/s 1.5 high 11.1h
February Ideal 16° - 33° 24° 10 mm mostly sunny 58% 0.8 m/s 1.7 very high 11.5h
March Excellent 19° - 36° 28° 17 mm mostly sunny 55% 1.1 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
April Very Good 22° - 36° 31° 65 mm some cloud 59% 1.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
May Acceptable 23° - 33° 31° 153 mm overcast 77% 1.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.8h
June Very Good 23° - 31° 27° 98 mm overcast 83% 1.2 m/s 1.8 very high 13.0h
July Very Good 22° - 30° 26° 88 mm overcast 84% 1.2 m/s 1.8 very high 12.9h
August Good 22° - 30° 26° 129 mm overcast 86% 0.9 m/s 1.7 very high 12.6h
September Good 22° - 30° 26° 186 mm overcast 88% 0.7 m/s 1.8 very high 12.1h
October Good 21° - 30° 25° 149 mm overcast 86% 0.7 m/s 1.7 very high 11.6h
November Excellent 18° - 28° 23° 41 mm some cloud 81% 0.7 m/s 1.6 very high 11.2h
December Ideal 14° - 27° 21° 8 mm mostly sunny 74% 0.7 m/s 1.4 high 11.0h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Mae Ping National Park#

Mae Ping National Park lies northwest of Chiang Mai and southeast of Tak province. From Chiang Mai, drive or join an organized tour toward Mae Taeng or Samoeng; the park entrances are accessed by local roads from these towns (roughly 1-2 hours drive depending on the entrance). Public buses go partway; hiring a car or local transport is recommended for flexibility.

Tips for Visiting Mae Ping National Park#

  • Hire a guide for jungle trails - local guides know the best birding spots and waterfall access points.
  • Start hikes early (before 9:00am) to avoid mid-day heat and to catch wildlife activity.
  • Bring waterproof boots in the rainy season - trails become slippery and some crossings are only passable with local guidance.