Chae Son National Park
Chae Son National Park
RFPF+Q36, 343, Tambon Chae Son, Amphoe Mueang Pan, Chang Wat Lampang 52240, Thaïlande
Located 75 km from Lampang, Chae Son National Park combines thermal springs at 40°C, multi-tiered waterfalls and limestone caves across 592 km².
An hour's drive northwest of Lampang, Chae Son National Park protects 592 km² of mountains, dense forests and thermal springs. Multi-tiered waterfalls, limestone caves and heated pools make it a rewarding nature stop when exploring northern Thailand.
Why Visit Chae Son National Park
Chae Son brings together three rare assets within a single protected area: a network of thermal springs reaching 70 to 80°C upstream, several tiered waterfalls accessible by trail, and a complex of limestone caves adorned with stalactites. The park remains primarily visited by Thai tourists, making it a quieter alternative to the north's better-known national parks. Protected status by the Royal Forest Department has preserved dense biodiversity, with over 140 bird species recorded.
What to See and Do at Chae Son
Thermal Springs and Bathing Pools
The springs emerge from a rocky outcrop minutes from the visitor centre. Upstream, the water is too hot for bathing; it then flows into pools maintained at around 40°C, accessible open-air or within wooden huts available for rental on-site. Local visitors cook eggs simply by placing baskets on the boiling pools—a tradition now part of the park's customs.
Waterfalls
Mae Son Waterfall: the most accessible, 1.5 km from the visitor centre. It cascades over six levels and can be explored without a guide.
Mae Mon and Mae Khun Waterfalls: more remote, roughly 5 km from the office. Trails are steep and a guide or ranger is required.
Caves and Wat Pha Ngam
Northeast of the park, several limestone caves border Wat Pha Ngam, a Buddhist temple built into a hillside. The Pha Ngam Cave is the largest: its first 400 metres are easily traversed, past stalactites and stalagmites. About 600 m from the main road, Tham Luk Cave houses fossil remains worth visiting for those interested in geology.
Wildlife and Birdlife
The Khun Tan mountain range, which encompasses the park, shelters varied fauna: Malaysian porcupines, barking deer, sambar, serow and wild boar roam the understory. Birdwatchers may encounter spotted-winged grosbeak, streak-breasted bulbul, sapphire flycatcher, Tickell's thrush-babbler, crested barbet, Himalayan rubythroat, brown-throated warbler and white-browed jay. Reptile sightings include Yunnan's water snake, green tree snakes and Asian giant turtle heads.
Practical Information
Visitor centre: open during daylight hours, typically 7 am to 6 pm.
Admission: charged (standard Thai national park rate, half-price for children), with a modest supplement for parking. Check current rates before departure.
On-site accommodation: bungalows near the entrance and camping with tents and sleeping bags provided. Shared facilities.
Equipment: swimsuit and towel for bathing, closed shoes for trails, headlamp for caves.
When to Visit
The most comfortable window spans November to February: clear skies, cool mountain temperatures, dry trails. March and April are hot and sometimes hazy from regional agricultural burning. The rainy season begins in May, making trails muddy; the park usually closes from early July through August due to the heaviest rainfall.
How to Get There
The park lies 75 km northwest of Lampang, 85 km from Chiang Mai and 180 km from Chiang Rai. By car from Lampang, take Highway 1039 west of the city, then turn right onto Highway 1157 toward Mueang Pan. After roughly fifty kilometres, follow the "Chae Son National Park" sign directing you to Highway 1252; the visitor centre is 3 km beyond the last sign. Public buses and songthaews allow partial access, but a private vehicle remains the most practical way to move between the park's points of interest.
Nearby Attractions
Chae Son integrates easily into a northern Thai itinerary. To the east, Lampang retains provincial character and remarkable Lanna temples. To the west, the Chiang Mai region opens access to several natural and cultural sites:
Mae Kham Pong Waterfall, in a mountain village renowned for ecotourism.
Bua Tong Waterfalls, whose limestone formations allow barefoot ascent.
Bo Sang, the umbrella village, for traditional crafts.
Warorot Market in Chiang Mai, for urban immersion.
Frequently asked questions
The best period spans November to February, with dry weather and cool temperatures. The park typically closes in July and August due to heavy rainfall.
Yes. The maintained pools are around 40°C, compared to 70 to 80°C upstream. Private huts are available for rent for a more intimate bathing experience.
A guide or ranger is required to reach the more remote Mae Mon and Mae Khun waterfalls. Mae Son Waterfall, thermal springs and the first caves can be visited independently.
Yes. The park offers bungalows near the entrance and camping with tents and sleeping bags provided. Facilities are shared.
The park is 85 km from Chiang Mai and 75 km from Lampang, accessible via Highways 1039, 1157 and 1252. Private vehicle or songthaew remain the most practical options.
To include Chae Son in a bespoke journey through northern Thailand, consult our Thailand travel ideas.
Photos
Interested in this visit?
We can include it in your personalised itinerary.
