This national park was designated in 1978 and covers just over 100 square kilometers of fertile landscapes at high elevation. It’s best known for the Lan Sang Waterfall and a diverse variety of wildlife, as well as majestic pine forests.
Visitors can join wildlife-viewing tours to catch sight of rare species like barking deer, flying lizards, wild cats and boar. The most cherished animal at Lan Sang is the elusive serow, a rare mountain goat that only the luckiest visitors will glimpse. Birdwatchers have plenty to enjoy as well.
Pha Lad is an enormous slab of rock that lies on the bed of Lang Sang creek. The rock is massive and creates an interesting sight when viewed through the clear water. Lan Lieng Ma Waterfall is a short walk from Pha Lad rock.
Several other waterfalls are in the park, the largest of which is Lan Sang Falls. This is the major attraction in the park, dropping 40 meters over three levels. Other waterfalls include Pha Te and Pha Phung. All of these are best viewed between July and November when it rains regularly.
Getting There
Highway 12 (marked as H105 on some maps) accesses the park, which is about 15km west of Tak. The road connects Tak with Mae Sot, with a turnoff at the 12km marker. From here, continue another three kilometers to the park entrance.
Without a rented vehicle, take a songthaew in Tak bound for Mae Sot, and ask the driver to let you off at the turn-off for the park, and walk the last few kilometers. The nearest airport, coming from Bangkok, is at Sukhothai, but flights are infrequent and bus connections with Tak are sporadic.
Need to Know
- What is it? A scenic national park with trails and waterfalls.
- When to go? At the end of the rainy season (October to November), when the waterfalls are strong.
- Nearest town: Tak is about 15km to the east.
- Don’t miss: Lan Sang Waterfall, the park’s most popular attraction.
- Opening hours: 06:00-18:00
- Entrance fee: Adults 200B, children 100B