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National parks in the North
Huay Nam Dang National Park
It is formerly known as an area of Doi Sam Muen highland development project which was initiated by His Majesty the King to solve the problem of forest encroachment and poaching, as well as to enhance the lives of the local hill tribe people.
As this area is filled with attractive natural features and forests providing vital watershed, Huay Nam Dang was declared the 81st national park of Thailand on 14th August 1995, with an area of 1252 square kilometers.
The park is ruggedly mountainous from north to south. These mountains include the ranges linking Chiang Dao mountain. The highest peak, Doi Chang at 1,962 meters above sea level, is the vital source of important streams, which flow into the Pai river, Ping river and Taeng river. The climate is comfortably pleasant all year.
The healthy natural condition of Huay Nam Dang national park is a matrix of highly diverse habitat types. Main plants found in this park are Malabar ironwood, Dipterocarpus Tubinatus, teak, Crudia chrysantha, Red cedar, Pinus kesiya Royle and orchids.
Tourist attractions
- Doi Gew Lom viewpoint: This viewpoint is well-known among Thai and foreign visitors who come here to see a spectacular sea of mist collecting in the valley as well as various types of colourful flowers. Silver Orchids palace, the palace of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana is also in this place. Moreover, there are two nature trails: Ueang Ngoen nature trail and Chom Doi nature trail. Each trail covers a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometers.
- Doi Chang viewpoint: This highest viewpoint offers delightful view of orchid hanging from trees. This place deserves to be a source for nature study. It is in the north of Doi Gew Lom viewpoint.
- Pong Deau hot spring: There are 3 to 4 big hot springs and some small ones scattering all over the area. Water erupts from geysers in a small stream, creating clouds of stream in the woodland. Sometimes, the hot water erupts as high as 2 meters. The temperature of water is about 90 to 99ºC. There is a nature trail, Pong Duead Nature Trail, which covers a distance of 1,550 meters.
- Lam Nam Mae Taen: The bank of Mae Taeng river are surrounded by evergreen forest with plenty of plants. White-water rafting along this current can be an very exciting experience. Normally the trip start with a trek from Pong Duead hot spring along a short route to Ban Pang Pa Kha (7 km) or Ban Pa Khao Lam (9 km). Then the 3 to 4 hours rafting takes you to Ban Sop Kai.
- Tha Pai hot well: The boiling water bubbles from the well. Its heat is about 80ºC. This hot water create hot current with clouds of stream all over the area. Tha Pai hot well is located about 30 km from the park headquarters. It is in Mae Hee village of Pai district in Mae Hong Son province.
- Huay Nam Dang waterfall: This 4 level waterfall is surrounded by plants of evergreen forest and marvelous rocks. This spectacular waterfall is located in the area of Huay Nam Dang village, Mae Taeng district of Chiang Mai province.
Facilities
Bungalow style guesthouses are available in headquarters area (Doi Gew Lom view point), and in the ranger station 1, Pong Deau hot spring.
In both of these locations, camp ground, rest rooms and food shops are available.
How to get there
Entrance to Huay Nam Dang national park is between the km markers 65 and 66 on the highway no. 1095 (Chiang Mai - Pai - Mae Hong Son route). It is about 109 km north-west of Chiang Mai. Several buses leave Chiang Mai's buse stations each day and cover the journey in about 3 hours. For private cars from Chiang Mai, take road no. 107 to the north about 37 km to Mae Malai market, from where turn left into road no. 1095 and head for the hills for about 65 km. Then the right turn between km marks 65 and 66 will take you to the park check point.
Contact address
Huay NamDang National Park
Mu 5, Kit Chang Sub-district, Amphur Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50150
Phone: 053-248 491, 084-908 1531
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