About Pha Daeng National Park
Pha Daeng National Park is a large protected area in Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Established on 2 November 2000 as Thailand's 71st national park, it covers about 1,155 sq km across Chiang Dao, Wiang Haeng and Chai Prakan districts. It is notable for the limestone massif of Doi Luang Chiang Dao (2,175 m), extensive forests, caves, hot springs and diverse wildlife.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a mountainous forested landscape dominated by the Doi Luang Chiang Dao limestone peak, with viewpoints, forest trails, caves and hot springs. Areas accessible to visitors include the park headquarters and visitor centre, Chiang Dao Cave, Pong Arng Hot Spring, Si Sangwan Waterfall, camping grounds and designated trekking routes. The environment is natural and relatively undeveloped, with opportunities for nature study, photography and camping.
Key highlights
- 01
Doi Luang Chiang Dao limestone mountain (2,175 m), Thailand's third highest peak
- 02
Chiang Dao Cave system with stalactites, stalagmites and Buddhist shrine
- 03
Pong Arng Hot Spring and natural mineral pools
- 04
Si Sangwan Waterfall and forest streams
- 05
Diverse flora and fauna including rare birds and limestone forest ecosystems
- 06
Designated trekking and camping areas with mountain viewpoints
History of Pha Daeng National Park
Established on 2 November 2000 as Thailand's 71st national park, originally named Chiang Dao National Park and later renamed Pha Daeng National Park. The park protects the Doi Chiang Dao limestone massif and surrounding forests that have long been important for watershed conservation in northern Thailand.
Culture & Context
The area around Doi Luang Chiang Dao is regarded as a sacred mountain in local tradition and is home to diverse ethnic communities including Lahu, Lisu, Karen and other hill tribes. Chiang Dao Cave contains Buddhist images and has been a place of pilgrimage and local worship.
Route
| By air |
|---|