Si Lanna National Park

Si Lanna National Park is a protected area in northern Thailand defined by wooded mountains, valleys and freshwater streams. The park covers a sizable area of upland forest and is valued for hiking, waterfalls and natural scenery.

Trails, waterfalls and forested viewpoints are among the park’s main attractions for day visitors and overnight trekkers. Birdwatching and short hikes to scenic viewpoints and streamside pools are common activities.

The area was set aside under Thailand’s system of national parks to conserve forested highlands and watershed areas. Over time management has focused on balancing visitor access with habitat protection.

The park sits in northern Thailand within the highland zone north of Thailand’s central plains, accessible from the nearest regional city. The landscape is mountainous with mixed evergreen and deciduous forest.

• When to go: Best visited in the cool, dry season (roughly November to February) when trails and viewpoints are most comfortable and visibility is highest.

Little more than an hour from Chiang Mai, Si Lanna is barely known to foreign visitors but is something of a secret getaway for the city’s expats, a perfect place to relax, above all by spending the night on a floating raft on the Mae Ngad Reservoir. The park covers around 1,400 square kilometres, of which the reservoir makes up about 20, and was established in 1989 as the country’s 60th national park. Located north of Chiang Mai, it takes in most of the land east of Chiang Dao and around Phrao.

Landscape and wildlife. Several hill-tribe villages lie within the boundaries, representing the Lisu, Lahu, Akha and Karen peoples, and the highest peaks reach around 1,700 metres. Deer, gibbons and wild pigs are present, though you’re more likely to spot squirrels or pangolins.

Activities. Tour companies arrange trips into the park: some go hunting for giant snakehead, jungle perch and Indian carp; others run horseback treks, cycling or kayaking. If you simply want to kick back, the national park runs a couple of well-equipped floating houses, and several private rafts are moored in quiet corners at the reservoir’s edge.

From Chiang Mai, drive north on Route 107 toward Mae Taeng, then take local roads toward Si Lanna; the park entrance lies roughly a 1-1.5 hour drive (about 60-80 km) depending on traffic. Local minibuses and private drivers can be arranged from Chiang Mai city; the nearest major transit hub is Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2.

• Arrive early morning to hike the Mae Ngao or Doi Pui Ngam trails before the heat and crowds.
• Bring insect repellent in the rainy season; leech socks may be useful on damp trails.
• Check with local park headquarters in Chiang Mai for permit requirements and updated trail conditions.