Pha Daeng National Park

Pha Daeng National Park is a protected area in northern Thailand that conserves forested hills and valley landscapes. The park is part of the mountainous zone near Thailand’s border with Myanmar and is managed for conservation and recreation.

Trails, lookout points and seasonal waterfalls are the main on-site attractions for visitors interested in hiking, birdwatching and landscape views. Vegetation includes mixed deciduous and evergreen forest typical of northern Thai highlands.

The park was designated to protect local forest and watershed values and to provide regulated visitor access; management focuses on conservation and low-impact recreation. Facilities are those typical of Thai national parks such as marked trails and basic visitor information.

Pha Daeng National Park lies in northern Thailand close to the border with Myanmar and forms part of the region’s upland forested terrain.

• Terrain and activities: Located in northern Thailand near the international border, the park includes forested hills, waterfalls and viewpoints suited to day hikes.

Formerly known as Chiang Dao National Park, Pha Daeng spans over 1,100 square kilometres and is renowned for its striking limestone peaks, lush forests, diverse wildlife and rich cultural heritage. It is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks that pass through dense forest, past waterfalls and up limestone cliffs. Popular routes include the walk to the Chiang Dao Cave and the ascent of Doi Chiang Dao, the third-highest peak in Thailand, which rewards clear days with panoramic views of the jagged Chiang Dao skyline.

Climbing Doi Chiang Dao is not to be undertaken casually. Fitness: the trail is steep and takes a full day to reach the summit, with another day needed to descend. Provisions: you must carry food and camping equipment, which can be arranged through guesthouses at the foot of the mountain. Timing: the cool season is really the only comfortable window, as haze obscures the views in the hot season and the steep slopes turn treacherous in the rains; the earlier in the cool season the better, ideally November. A fine reward awaits at the end: several hot springs around the base of the mountain in which to soak weary limbs.

Access is usually by road from the nearest provincial towns. Private transport or local minibuses are the common ways to reach trailheads; check with regional tourism offices for the best routes and any seasonal road issues.

• Travel with a local guide if hiking: trails can be poorly marked and local wildlife (including wild cattle or boar in some areas) makes familiar route knowledge helpful.
• Dawn and dusk are best for wildlife viewing - bring binoculars and a headlamp if planning early starts.
• Check for park notices: seasonal trail closures are common after heavy rains.