Huai Nam Dang National Park is a great place to witness a sea of mist during the cool season, when the views at dawn are simply breath-taking. There are also waterfalls, hot springs and log-cabin style accommodation if you’d like to stay overnight.
The park covers a mountainous area of 1247 square kilometers, and is situated in the west of Chiang Mai Province, occupying the area roughly between Chiang Dao and Pai. The main entrance to the park is on Highway 1095, about 110 kilometers from Chiang Mai on the way to Pai.
The park is well-known among Thais who flock here between November and February to watch the sun rise from a viewpoint near the entrance to the park. The view looks across the Mae Taeng Valley to the jagged peaks of Chiang Dao mountain, creating an impressive sight when the valley is filled with mist.
Tha Pai Hot Springs are visited frequently, as they are easily accessible from the town of Pai, but the best hot springs in the park are at Pong Duat, where you can choose to soak in pools of varying temperatures on a hillside. Pong Duat Hot Springs are signposted off Highway 1095 to the east of the park entrance, and from there it’s a roller-coaster ride for 10km to reach the springs.
There are also a couple of nature trails beginning at the viewpoint, and several hilltribe villages are scattered through the park.
Getting There
By public transport, hop on a bus to Pai from Chiang Mai and ask the driver to drop you off at the park entrance. By rented vehicle, drive north from Chiang Mai on Highway 107, then turn left (west) on Highway 1095 just south of Mae Malai. The park entrance is between the 65km and 66km marker on the right.
Need to Know
- What is it? A mountainous national park offering splendid views of a sea of mist.
- Opening hours: 06:00-18:00
- Entrance fee: Adults 200B, children 100B
- Website: web3.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=150&lg=2
- What to do: Photograph a sea of mist, soak in hot springs, walk nature trails.
- Best time to go: November-February to see the sea of mist at dawn.
- How long? A day or two is enough for this national park.