Chae Son National ParkChae Son National Park at a Glance
About Chae Son National Park
Chae Son National Park is a protected area in northern Thailand known for its thermal springs, waterfalls and forested hills. The park contains developed hot-spring pools close to the main trailheads and a network of short trails through evergreen and mixed forest.
The principal visitor features are bathing areas at the hot springs, a scenic waterfall, and walking trails that pass through upland forest and pine stands. Facilities are modest and the park is commonly visited on day trips from nearby towns.
The park sits in the montane landscape of northern Thailand within the provincial area around Lampang and adjacent districts; it is set among forested hills rather than on a single high peak.
- Main attractions: Thermal springs and forested waterfalls are the park’s primary attractions, making it a regional destination for bathing and short nature walks.
What to See#
- Chae Son hot springs: A developed hot-spring area within the park where visitors can bathe; pools and basic facilities are provided near the main park entrance.
Exploring Chae Son National Park
Declared in July 1988, Chae Son National Park covers just under 600 sq km and is best known for its namesake, Namtok Chae Son. This waterfall has six tiers, each with a pool suitable for swimming, and the park is also renowned for its hot springs, which are perfect for soothing aches after a trek.
The park rises to altitudes of over 2,000 m and is threaded with walking trails. Wildlife is seldom seen, but the birdlife is plentiful. Camping is permitted, and food is available at weekends. The park office provides camping grounds and bungalows for those who wish to stay overnight, and camping equipment can be hired on site.
Best Time to Visit Chae Son National Park
Best in the cool-dry season (November-February) for comfortable hiking and clearer trails; avoid heavy rain months for safer conditions.
Weather & Climate near Chae Son National Park
Chae Son National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and mild winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 13°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1133 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 13° - 27° | 20° | 4 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 0.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| February | Ideal | 14° - 31° | 22° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 58% | 0.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Ideal | 18° - 34° | 26° | 28 mm | mostly sunny | 53% | 1.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 21° - 35° | 29° | 62 mm | some cloud | 56% | 1.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 22° - 32° | 30° | 176 mm | overcast | 75% | 1.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 130 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.1h |
| July | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 166 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.0h |
| August | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 213 mm | overcast | 88% | 0.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.6h |
| September | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 194 mm | overcast | 88% | 0.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 106 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 0.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 17° - 28° | 22° | 37 mm | some cloud | 81% | 0.7 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Ideal | 13° - 26° | 20° | 9 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 0.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.9h |
How to Get to Chae Son National Park
Chae Son National Park is in Lampang province. From Lampang city center, drive north on Route 11 and then local roads toward Ban Pong and Mae Tha; the park is approximately 90-120 minutes by car depending on route and traffic.
Public buses reach nearby towns; from there, local taxis or songthaews can take visitors to the park entrance.
Tips for Visiting Chae Son National Park
- Arrive early to visit the park's hot springs before other visitors; the water temperature and rustic pools make for a memorable soak.
- Combine a hike to the park's waterfalls with a visit to the small, on-site museum to learn about local geology and flora.
- Road conditions can be rough; a sturdy car is helpful for the last stretches from Lampang or nearby towns.