Chae Son National Park is a place full of beautiful views, hot springs, waterfalls, and other attractions. It is perfect for people who love nature and outdoor recreation. If you are planning a trip to Lampang, it is worth visiting.
Chae Son National Park – where is it and how to get there?
The park is located 75 km north of the city of Lampang and approximately 90 km east of Chiang Mai. You can get there by your own transport or by public transport – although the latter is not easy. There are no buses or trains running there. You can alternatively use vans, taxis from Chiang Mai or songthaews from Lampang – modified pickups and trucks adapted for shuttle transport.
Opening hours and entry fee
Chae Son is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission prices:
- 200 THB (adult),
- 100 THB (child),
- 40 THB (Thai adult),
- 20 THB (Thai child).
Chae Son National Park – what can you see and do there?
This place has many natural views. Due to its size (792 km²) and location, it is characterized by diversity. Another advantage is the proximity of the parking lot to the most important points.
Hot springs
They are near the parking lot and are the main attraction – that’s where you go first. The springs are located on rocky terrain, and the water temperature in them can be 70°C or more. For this reason, bathing is prohibited there, and signs warn against it.
A popular activity is putting bamboo baskets with eggs into the springs with the help of poles – eggs are brought with you or bought along the way. The water temperature is high enough to cook them in natural conditions without mechanical intervention. They taste delicious, as we had the opportunity to see for ourselves. The advantage is that you can organize a picnic, and there are many places designated for this purpose.
Bathing in warm water
Mae Mon Creek is another point on the Chae Son National Park map that is worth visiting. Hot water flowing into it makes many people willingly decide to bathe in it. In addition, there are many ponds with warm water where you can relax and soak your feet. We used this option, and the feeling is very pleasant.
In addition, there are also special huts intended for mineral baths. Water is available from springs. It is possible to rent such a hut for a relatively low fee – 50 THB per person.
Waterfalls
There are several of them, and the largest is the six-level Chae Son waterfall, 150 meters high. It is located approximately 1.5 km from the visitor center. Hiking along the trail to it does not require the presence of a guard or guide.
Other waterfalls include Mae Mon and Mae Khun. They are located approximately 5 km from the center. If you want to see them, guards must be present as a matter of security. They are only assigned on weekdays. If you want to get their help, you must first make a reservation in advance.
Caves
There is also something interesting for cavers. The most impressive cave is Pha Ngam – over 1.5 km long and 41 m deep. You can find it by heading 800 m west of the guard station. The advantage is good signage along the way. Luk Kae, Mor, and Luang are other caves worth visiting.
Viewpoint and hiking trails
If you want to take spectacular photos, it is a good idea to go to the Doi Lan viewpoint. Another advantage is that you can take photos in many corners of the park. However, for people who love walking, there are tourist trails – near and far. Some of them require the presence of a guide.
Mountains
As Chae Son National Park is located in the mountains, the view of the Khun Tan range is also stunning. The highest peaks are over 2,000 m high. The Khun Tan Range is located in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, and Lamphun.
Accommodation in Chae Son National Park
If you want to stay in Chae Son a little longer, there are two options:
Camping
Camping with toilet/bathroom facilities is available, with equipment available for rent. The current price for a tent for three people is 150 THB per night. Sleeping accessories cost THB 60 per night. There are no larger tents.
Rooms
They are located inside the visitor center. Their size varies, and the number is limited – there are 10 rooms. For example, a 3-person bedroom costs THB 2,700 per night. In turn, 2 rooms for four people cost THB 3,600 per night. To benefit from the 20% discount, you must make a reservation from Monday to Thursday.
Important information. Reservations are made within Thailand only – online in advance or on-site if rooms are available. When making online payments, you must take into account the processing time of an online transfer from a foreign account.
Other facilities in Chae Son National Park
At the beginning I mentioned the parking lot in the park. It is quite large. When we were there, we had no problem with parking.
Chae Son National Park – summary
It is definitely an interesting tourist attraction worth seeing. Especially for people who value nature and relaxation among nature. A picnic, a bath in warm spring water, walks, caves, waterfalls, and mountains – all this is tempting, and for good reason. Especially if you want to visit the northern regions of this exotic country, it is good to take this into account. The views are as unforgettable as the impressions.
The prices I mentioned earlier are valid on the day of writing this article. These may change in the future, and it is best to check them before departure.
What else to see in Lampang? Check ⇒ this section.
