About Mae Wang National Park
Mae Wang National Park is a protected forest area in Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand, about 30 km southwest of Chiang Mai city. Established in 2009, it covers approximately 119 square kilometres of mixed deciduous and dry dipterocarp forest along the Mae Wang River. The park is known for Pha Chor canyon, waterfalls such as Mae Wang and Mae Sapok, hiking trails, and Karen villages, offering nature-based recreation and scenic landscapes.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a forested mountain landscape with the Mae Wang River, waterfalls, and the Pha Chor earth pillars and canyon. The park has marked nature trails, viewpoints, camping grounds and a visitor centre. Activities centre on hiking, nature walks, birdwatching, photography and seasonal bamboo rafting on the Mae Wang River. Facilities are basic and trails are natural and uneven, surrounded by mixed deciduous forest and small Karen communities within the park boundary.
Key highlights
- 01
Pha Chor Canyon - 30-metre high earth pillars and cliff formations
- 02
Mae Wang Waterfall and Mae Sapok Waterfall within forested valleys
- 03
Mixed deciduous and dry dipterocarp forest along the Mae Wang River
- 04
Hiking and nature trails with viewpoints over the Mae Wang basin
- 05
Camping and bungalow accommodation near park headquarters
- 06
Birdwatching and wildlife observation in protected forest habitat
History of Mae Wang National Park
Designated as Thailand's 110th national park in 2009, covering former forest reserves in Mae Wang and Doi Lo districts to protect watershed forest of the Mae Wang River and its distinctive geological formations including Pha Chor.
Culture & Context
The park area includes traditional Karen (Pakakayor) communities whose villages and agricultural practices are part of the cultural landscape, and the Mae Wang River which is locally significant for agriculture and traditional river use.
Route
| By air |
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