Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park Park

Address: Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai area (northern Thailand)

Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park is a protected area in northern Thailand centred on the mountain Doi Pha Hom Pok. The park contains the peak Doi Pha Hom Pok, which rises to about 2,285 metres and is among the country’s highest summits.

Trails in the park lead toward the summit and several lower ridges, and the area includes waterfalls and hot springs that are commonly visited on day hikes. The park’s high elevation produces cooler temperatures and montane forest distinct from lowland tropical forest.

The area was set aside for protection to conserve its mountain forest and watershed; it is managed as a national park by Thailand’s protected-area authority. Local access routes serve hikers and day visitors rather than large-scale tourism infrastructure.

Geographically the park sits in northern Thailand’s highlands; the summit and parklands are reached by mountain roads and trailheads from nearby northern towns and villages.

• Summit height: The summit reaches 2,285 metres, making it one of Thailand’s highest peaks and a major highland viewpoint.
• Best time to visit: Cooler temperatures and montane forest make spring and autumn the most comfortable times for high-elevation treks.

At the park headquarters the air is rich with sulphur from the hot springs, where you can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters in both public and private areas. One geyser is timed to shoot spray high into the air every 30 minutes, making a good photo.

Near the top of the mountain, a campsite sits in a pine grove, and from here a trail climbs to the 2,285-metre summit through dense vegetation draped with epiphytes, emerging to great views over Myanmar and northern Thailand. The walk takes a few hours there and back and is best done early in the day to avoid the afternoon heat; a fine plan is to climb to the summit in the morning, then ease your aches in the hot springs in the afternoon.

The park lies in northern Thailand; reach by road from Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai with local transport or private vehicle. Park headquarters and ranger stations provide route information and advise on permits if required.

• Doi Pha Hom Pok's summit area can be cold and windy-pack warm clothing even during the Thai winter.
• The national park includes the highest point in Chiang Mai province; guide services and park rangers can advise on the best routes to the summit.
• Sunrise and sunset viewpoints are spectacular but require early starts or late returns; arrange transportation accordingly.