Phu Sang National Park
This is a park for people who'd rather walk in the trees than queue for a viewpoint. It sits in Phayao province, just over from Chiang Rai, and the appeal is straightforward: dense woodland, waterfalls, cooler highland air and trails you can take at whatever pace suits you. Casual walkers get short, shaded loops. Anyone wanting a proper trek can find that too.
Don't come expecting infrastructure. Facilities are thin on the ground, which is precisely why it stays peaceful, but it does mean bringing your own water and wearing shoes you can get wet and muddy in. Wildlife and plant life reward patience more than a fast march, so build in time to stand still. As a day trip from Phayao town or the southern side of Chiang Rai, it works either as a half day or a full one, depending on how far you push in.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Phu Sang National Park, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai
Rong Suea Ten Temple
Free to enter, electric blue from floor to ceiling, and quieter first thing in the morning.
Wat Rong Khun
All white plaster and mirror glass, dazzling in the sun, and packed with people from the moment it opens.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
A 79-metre Guan Yin you can climb inside, plus a nine-storey pagoda and hilltop views, all free to enter.
Choui Fong Tea Plantation
A working tea estate where the terraced views, the cafe and the winding road up all pull their weight.
Phu Sang National Park: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phu Sang National Park worth visiting?
Phu Sang National Park holds a 4.4★ rating from 1,939 Google reviews — a strong rating for activities & tours in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of Phu Sang National Park?
Phu Sang National Park is typically open 08:00-17:00 — 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 Phu Sang National Park?
The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Phu Sang National Park located?
Phu Sang National Park is at M97G+C9J National Highway 1093 Tambon Phu Sang, Amphoe Phu Sang, Chang Wat Phayao 56110, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city centre); Songthaews.
Location Info
M97G+C9J National Highway 1093 Tambon Phu Sang, Amphoe Phu Sang, Chang Wat Phayao 56110, Thailandwww.facebook.com/PhusangNationalParkVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
Where to stay near Phu Sang National Park
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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 Phu Sang National Park
Find hotels in Chiang Rai 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 – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)