Mae Takhrai National Park
Situated about an hour's drive from central Chiang Mai in the hills of Doi Saket district, Mae Takhrai National Park spans dense, hilly rainforest and offers visitors a genuine escape into nature. The park is home to hot springs, walking trails, and a diversity of wildlife including rare birds and butterflies, making it a rewarding destination for nature lovers and those seeking a quieter alternative to the region's busier attractions.
Visitors can expect a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere with the sound of flowing rivers, shaded picnic spots, and dedicated camping areas for those who want to stay overnight. A refreshment booth on site sells drinks at reasonable prices, and the park is well-connected enough that mobile phone signal remains strong throughout. While some trails are not officially maintained, park staff generally permit walking on them, and at least one route offers notable viewpoints worth the effort.
Book tours & tickets in Chiang Mai
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Mae Takhrai National Park — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Mae Takhrai National Park, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
A great place by the side of the highway with beautiful view and nice and comfy places to chill out and enjoy. There is a booth selling drinks with the reasonable prices. There is also camping site around which I didn’t visit.
Another good place to take a break if you love nature. I had a good time enjoying the quite atmosphere and sounds of water flowing in the river ...
About a one hour drive from central Chiang Mai. National park with many walking paths. We encountered some Thai people fishing in one of the rivers.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 275 reviews on Google.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
Tha Phae Gate
Free, open all hours, and best after dark when the brick gate is lit and the square fills up.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Get there around 7pm, before the crowds land, and browse the whole stretch before you buy anything.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Free hilltop temple where the crowd is mostly Thai worshippers, and the giant white-and-gold Buddha is visible for miles.
Mae Takhrai National Park: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mae Takhrai National Park worth visiting?
Mae Takhrai National Park holds a 4.5★ rating from 275 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Mae Takhrai National Park?
Mae Takhrai National Park is typically open 08:30-16:30 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Mae Takhrai National Park?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Mae Takhrai National Park located?
Mae Takhrai National Park is at 118, Tambon Pa Miang, Amphoe Doi Saket, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50220, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
118, Tambon Pa Miang, Amphoe Doi Saket, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50220, Thailand+66 52 000 832www.facebook.com/%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%AB%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%89-mae-takhrai-national-park-thailand-102134125355000Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Mae Takhrai National Park
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.
Safari World
A full day out east of the city, and the shows are what people remember most.
Nongnooch Pattaya Garden
Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Mae Takhrai National Park
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)