Phae Mueang Phi Historical Site
Park with unusual mushroom-shaped rock formations
Phae Mueang Phi in northern Thailand features eroded sandstone pillars and narrow trails; day‑trippers photograph the hoodoo‑like formations and hike short viewpoints in the provincial park.
Phae Mueang Phi at a Glance#
About Phae Mueang Phi#
Phae Mueang Phi is a protected forest area in Phrae Province, northern Thailand, known for its naturally eroded earth pillars and mushroom-shaped sandstone formations.
The site features a concentration of columnar and hoodoo-like formations up to several metres high, small walking trails and viewpoints that allow close-up views of the eroded terrain.
The pillars formed over long periods by weathering and erosion of soft sedimentary layers, leaving harder caps that protect the columns beneath.
The site lies within Phrae Province in northern Thailand and is managed as a local forest park a short drive from the town of Phrae.
- Best time to visit: Best visited in dry weather when footpaths are firm and formations are clearly visible; early morning or late afternoon light improves contrast on the pillars.
- Access: Designated and managed as a forest park, with short walking trails and informal viewpoints close to the formations.
Exploring Phae Mueang Phi#
The name Phae Muang Phi means ‘ghost city’, and the area is full of strange soil towers that look like giant mushrooms, sculpted over time by soil and rain erosion.
Trails loop around a small area and there are viewing points from which to take in the towers, though you can see all there is to see in about half an hour. A car park, souvenir stalls and shops selling refreshments make for an easy stop.
How to Get to Phae Mueang Phi#
Located near Phrae province’s road network; typically reached by car or organized tours from nearby towns. Local buses may reach the nearest town, with a short taxi or tuk-tuk to the site.
Tips for Visiting Phae Mueang Phi#
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat and catch the best light on the earth pillars.
- Wear a hat - the formations offer little shade.
Best Time to Visit Phae Mueang Phi#
Morning visits in the cooler months give the best light and comfort for walking.
Weather & Climate near Phae Mueang Phi#
Phae Mueang Phi's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 14°C to 37°C. Abundant rainfall (1109 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 14° - 30° | 22° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 65% | 0.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| February | Ideal | 16° - 33° | 25° | 10 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 1.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Excellent | 20° - 36° | 28° | 26 mm | mostly sunny | 52% | 1.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 23° - 37° | 32° | 79 mm | some cloud | 56% | 1.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 24° - 35° | 33° | 180 mm | overcast | 73% | 1.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Acceptable | 24° - 33° | 33° | 127 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.1h |
| July | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 32° | 151 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.2 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.0h |
| August | Acceptable | 23° - 32° | 32° | 218 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.6h |
| September | Acceptable | 23° - 32° | 31° | 192 mm | overcast | 84% | 0.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 22° - 31° | 27° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Ideal | 18° - 30° | 24° | 23 mm | some cloud | 77% | 0.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Ideal | 15° - 29° | 22° | 7 mm | mostly sunny | 72% | 0.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.9h |
