Doi Phu Nang National Park at a Glance
Exploring Doi Phu Nang National Park
Doi Phu Nang National Park lies to the east of Phayao town and covers an area of just over 500 square kilometres. It is a mountainous region cloaked in dense forest and threaded with several waterfalls, including Napang Waterfall and Thansawan Waterfall. The latter is not especially high, but in the rainy season it spreads to more than 100 metres wide and makes an impressive sight.
The highest peak in the park is Doi Phu Nang itself, at 1,202 metres, and several hiking trails lead through the forest. With luck you may spot wildlife such as Asiatic black bears, civets and squirrels. There are no bungalows for overnight stays, but tents are available for hire if you would like to spend a few days here.
Best Time to Visit Doi Phu Nang National Park
Best to visit in the cool, dry months (Nov-Feb) for hiking and views; rainy season brings lush forest but slippery trails.
Weather & Climate near Doi Phu Nang National Park
Doi Phu Nang 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 12°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1100 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 12° - 28° | 20° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 0.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| February | Ideal | 14° - 30° | 22° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 59% | 1.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Ideal | 17° - 33° | 25° | 29 mm | mostly sunny | 54% | 1.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 21° - 34° | 28° | 82 mm | some cloud | 58% | 1.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Good | 22° - 31° | 27° | 170 mm | overcast | 74% | 1.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 112 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.4 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.1h |
| July | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 168 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.0h |
| August | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 217 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.6h |
| September | Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 183 mm | overcast | 85% | 0.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 20° - 29° | 24° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 0.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Ideal | 16° - 27° | 22° | 28 mm | some cloud | 79% | 0.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Ideal | 13° - 26° | 19° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 75% | 0.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.9h |
How to Get to Doi Phu Nang National Park
The park is reached by road from Phayao town (roughly 40-60 km depending on the access point). Private car or hired driver is the most practical option; local minibuses serve nearby district towns but rarely enter deep park roads. Expect narrow, sometimes potholed mountain roads for the last stretch.
Tips for Visiting Doi Phu Nang National Park
- Arrive before dawn to watch mist roll down the valleys - the lower light reveals orchids and the occasional hornbill.
- Hire a local guide from Phayao town to reach lesser-known trails and waterfalls; park signage is minimal in places.
- Bring a warm layer for early mornings; temperatures on the summit can be several degrees cooler than the valley.
