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Chiang Mai National Parks

Chiang Mai is surrounded by some of northern Thailand’s most impressive national parks, with high mountains, cloud forest, waterfalls, caves, reservoirs and scenic walking trails all within reach of the city. The wider Chiang Mai Travel Hub inventory includes major protected areas such as Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park and Sri Lanna National Park, alongside other mountain and forest destinations across northern Thailand.

These parks offer very different experiences. Doi Inthanon is centred on Thailand’s highest mountain and cool highland scenery, Doi Suthep-Pui gives easy access to forest and viewpoints close to Chiang Mai, while Sri Lanna is known for its extensive mountain landscape, waterfalls and Mae Ngat reservoir area.

Explore Chiang Mai National Parks

  • Doi Inthanon National Park – Visit Thailand’s highest mountain for cool temperatures, cloud forest, waterfalls, viewpoints and high-altitude walking trails.
  • Doi Suthep-Pui National Park – Explore mountain forest, waterfalls and viewpoints close to Chiang Mai, with Wat Phra That Doi Suthep located within the park.
  • Sri Lanna National Park – Discover a large protected mountain area spanning parts of Prao, Chiang Dao and Mae Taeng, with waterfalls, forest and reservoir scenery.
  • Waterfalls and nature trails – Many parks combine scenic drives with short walks, longer hikes and access to some of northern Thailand’s best-known waterfalls.
  • Mountain and wildlife experiences – Cooler elevations, forest habitats and remote scenery make the parks strong options for birdwatching, photography and nature-focused day trips.

Browse the listings below to discover Chiang Mai national parks, mountain scenery, waterfalls and protected natural attractions across northern Thailand.

Colorful pagodas and lush green hills at Doi Inthanon National Park in Thailand.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Ban Luang, Chom Thong

Doi Inthanon National Park protects Thailand’s highest mountain, rising 2,565 metres above sea level southwest of Chiang Mai. A visit combines cool high-elevation forest, waterfalls, nature trails, royal pagodas...

Lush green hillside with houses and colourful gardens in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park rises west of Chiang Mai, bringing forest temples, waterfalls and cooler mountain country within reach of the city. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is its best-known landmark, but the park also...

Terraced tea plantations on a hillside in Doi Ang Khang, northern Thailand.

Doi Ang Khang

Mae Ngon, Fang

Doi Ang Khang is a highland area in northern Chiang Mai province where cool-weather gardens, agricultural research and mountain viewpoints form the main visitor experience. The Angkhang Royal Agricultural Station...

Aerial view of Doi Mae Salong village surrounded by lush green hills and terraced fields.

Doi Mae Salong

Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang

Doi Mae Salong is a mountain attraction in Chiang Rai Province, known for tea-covered hills and the village of Santikhiri. A visit brings together ridge views, tea tasting and a strong Yunnanese Chinese cultural...

Waterfall flowing over rocks in a natural setting at Chae Son National Park.

Chae Son National Park

Chae Son, Mueang Pan

Chae Son National Park combines forest walks and waterfalls with one of northern Thailand’s best-known hot-spring areas. Steam rises among rocks at the main visitor hub, while nearby bathing facilities let...

Entrance to Op Luang National Park with trail signs and forest surroundings.

Op Luang National Park

Hang Dong, Hot

Op Luang National Park, also spelt Ob Luang, protects a rugged landscape south-west of Chiang Mai where the Mae Chaem River squeezes through a narrow rocky gorge. The main visitor area offers a close encounter with that...

Boats docked at a lakeside with lush green mountains in the background.

Sri Lanna National Park

Ban Pao, Mae Taeng

Sri Lanna National Park protects a broad mountain and forest landscape north of Chiang Mai. For many visitors, its most accessible introduction is Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Reservoir, where boat trips lead to floating raft...

Scenic view of terraced fields and trees at Huai Nam Dang National Park.

Huai Nam Dang National Park

Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng

Huai Nam Dang National Park spans a mountain and forest landscape between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. Its best-known visitor experience is the early-morning view from Doi Kiu Lom, where ridges rise above cloud-filled...

Cherry blossom trees and traditional wooden buildings in a garden setting.

Khun Chang Khian

Don Kaeo, Mae Rim

Khun Chang Khian is a mountain visitor area above Chiang Mai, best known for the pink Himalayan cherry blossom around Chiang Mai University’s highland agricultural research station. Coffee-growing slopes and the...

Sunset over mountain range at Phu Chi Fa Forest Park in northern Thailand.

Phu Chi Fa Forest Park

Tap Tao, Thoeng

Phu Chi Fa is a mountain viewpoint in Chiang Rai Province, known for a pointed cliff and sunrise views across the border towards Laos. When conditions suit, mist fills the valleys beneath the ridgeline; on clearer...

Lush forest with a small waterfall in Doi Luang National Park, Chiang Mai.

Doi Luang National Park

Mae Yen, Phan

Doi Luang National Park protects a large mountain and forest landscape spanning Chiang Rai, Phayao and Lampang. Waterfall walks are its most accessible visitor experiences, while the Doi Luang-Doi Nok mountain route...

Three people watching sunrise above a sea of clouds in Khun Chae National Park.

Khun Chae National Park

Mae Chedi Mai, Wiang Pa Pao

Khun Chae National Park protects forested mountains, streams and waterfalls in Wiang Pa Pao, Chiang Rai Province, northeast of Chiang Mai. The landscape rises from wooded valleys to high ridges, making the park a choice...

Signage at Doi Khun Tan National Park with Thai and English text and lush greenery.

Doi Khun Tan National Park

Tha Pla Duk, Mae Tha

Doi Khun Tan National Park occupies forested mountains between Lamphun and Lampang, southeast of Chiang Mai. Its defining outing combines the Northern Line railway at Khun Tan with an uphill walk into the park and a...

Lush green rice fields with mountains in the background at sunset in Chiang Dao National Park.

Pha Daeng National Park

Mueang Na, Chiang Dao

Pha Daeng National Park, formerly called Chiang Dao National Park, protects a large mountain and forest area in northern Chiang Mai Province. For a manageable first visit, Sri Sangwan Waterfall and Pong Ang Hot Spring...

What are the best national parks near Chiang Mai?
Doi Inthanon National Park and Doi Suthep-Pui National Park are two of the best-known choices, while Sri Lanna National Park offers a larger and quieter mountain landscape north of the city.
Which Chiang Mai national park has Thailand's highest mountain?
Doi Inthanon National Park is home to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain, and is known for its cool climate, waterfalls, viewpoints and cloud-forest environments.
Which national park is closest to Chiang Mai city?
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is the easiest major national park to reach from central Chiang Mai, with forest, waterfalls, viewpoints and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep located close to the city.
Can you visit Chiang Mai national parks on a day trip?
Yes. Doi Suthep-Pui and Doi Inthanon are both commonly visited as day trips from Chiang Mai, while larger or more distant parks may suit a longer itinerary if you want more time for hiking and nature experiences.Discover Chiang Mai national parks including Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep-Pui and Sri Lanna, with mountains, waterfalls, forest walks and scenic day trips.

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