Doi Phu Kha National Park

Doi Phu Kha National Park is a protected area in northern Thailand that conserves montane forest and mountainous landscapes around the Doi Phu Kha massif. The park is noted for its upland forest types and seasonal wildflowers.

Hiking trails and viewpoints within the park provide access to ridge scenery and natural habitats rather than developed tourist facilities; wildlife viewing and botanical interest are principal draws. Roads into the park can be steep and less accessible in the rainy season.

The park was designated to protect the forested highlands and watersheds of the area and has been managed as a national park to conserve those ecosystems. Management also supports limited visitor infrastructure for trekking and nature observation.

Doi Phu Kha National Park lies in northern Thailand in a mountainous area of Nan province and adjacent districts, forming part of the upland chain near the Laos border.

• Visiting note: best visited in the cool, dry season when mountain roads and trails are most accessible

What to See#

• Core area: the park protects montane forest, ridgelines and a range of habitats for highland flora and fauna

Thanks to its lack of visitors, this mountainous park in an underexplored corner of eastern Nan Province, on the border with Laos, remains home to an excellent range of wildlife, including elephants, deer, bears, gibbons and countless birds. It is known for scenic viewpoints, especially atop Doi Phu Kha itself and the cliffs of Phalan Hin and Na Pha.

Waterfalls and caves. Numerous waterfalls, among them Phu Fa, Sila Phet, Mae Charim and Tat Luang, are worth the effort; some are reached easily by car, others by a healthy hike. The park is also riddled with large limestone caves, the most beautiful being Tham Pha Kong. Another remarkable feature is Tran Nam Rod, where an underground river surges up through a cave with a dramatic effect akin to an upside-down waterfall.

Off the beaten track. Visitors should also seek out the Primitive Palm Forest near Doi Phu Wae, one of the only original palm forests in Thailand. Very few people make it this far, which is precisely what makes it such a wonderful place to unwind.

Doi Phu Kha is reached from Nan province by road; local roads lead to park entrances near villages such as Pua. The park is several hours by car from Nan town - a vehicle or arrangement with a tour operator is the most practical option.

• If visiting the park for high-elevation viewpoints, check in at the park office for weather and trail conditions.
• Visit local hill-tribe markets near park entrances to purchase locally-made handicrafts and support community projects.
• Be careful at streams and forested trails during wet months; the ground can be slippery.