Salween National Park National Park
Protected area along the Salween River with forests
Salween National Park follows the Salween River valley in western Thailand, with forested hills and a broad river corridor; visitors come for river views, long treks and riverside communities.
Salween National Park at a Glance#
About Salween National Park#
The Salween (sometimes spelled Salawin) National Park is a pretty, forested park with its headquarters just 8km west of Mae Sariang. Established in 1994, it covers around 720 square kilometres of forest and undulating terrain between the town and the Burma border. The lazy Salween River is the main attraction, and you can take a longtail boat tour along it or swim off Hat Thaen Kaew beach.
The park is best visited after the wet season, sometime after November, when the weather is pleasantly cool, the river runs clear and morning fog descends on the water. A surprising covering of vegetation includes masses of teak trees, and the wildlife ranges from deer, antelope, bears and gibbons to many species of colourful birds and the occasional tiger.
You can rent basic bungalows near the headquarters, where there are also restrooms, with further bungalows at Ranger Station 4; during the winter dry season you can pitch a tent as well. The visitor centre is open daily.
Best Time to Visit Salween National Park#
Plan trips in the cool, dry season (November-February) for the most reliable access and clearer conditions.
Weather & Climate near Salween National Park#
Salween National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 37°C. Abundant rainfall (1471 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 33°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 29°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (197 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (245 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (269 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (295 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (209 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.