Chaeson NatioTHAILANDnal Park

One of the most beautiful National Parks I have visited in Northern Thailand is but a couple of hours from Chiangmai. Chae Son (pronounced "Jae Zorn") National Park is a rich mountainous forest located in the Northeast of Lampang province comprising the Pee Paan Naam western mountain range. This range forms the border between the provinces of Lampang and Chiangmai and contains Doi Langka, at 2031 meters above sea level, the third highest mountain in Thailand. It is situated in the districts of Muang Paan and Chae Hom (pronounced "Jae Hom") and covers an area of about 768 square kilometers. The park has won awards from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and is exceptionally clean. An added bonus for us Farang is the availability of literature and guides in English language at the visitor center. I found the staff there extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Overview of Chae Son National Park

Chae Son National Park has many beautiful and interesting attractions including, waterfalls, nature trails, caves and its famous hot springs and spa along with plenty of flora and fauna such as pine trees, orchids, wild boar, barking deer, flying squirrel and chipmunks. Every April, the hot spring area at dusk goes mental with the crescendo of 1000's of Cicadas. As with most of Thailand's National Parks, accommodation is available to suit most tastes and there is a selection of local eateries and a shop for supplies. If you are planning to stay overnight in the area, you have a couple of options to either stay at the park itself or stay at one of several lodges and resorts in the vicinity. This author stayed at the Fai Kaam Resort, about one kilometer before the park entrance and would highly recommend it.