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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 day trip combines cool montane forest, waterfalls, short 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 immediately west of Chiang Mai, covering forested mountains, waterfalls, viewpoints, temples and hiking trails within easy reach of the city. Its best-known landmark is Wat Phra That...

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

Doi Ang Khang

Mae Sun, Fang

Doi Ang Khang has earned its reputation as Thailand’s own Switzerland, a fact that can be attributed to its cool climate and scenic mountain peaks. Doi Ang Khang is located on the northern Thai/Burmese border and...

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 one of the most prominent mountains in Thailand and constitutes the extensive Daen Lao Range in the northern part of Thailand. It is located right near the Thai/Burmese border and is within close...

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 is a stunning natural attraction found east of Chiang Mai in the Mueang Pan District. The small National Park is just around 592 square kilometres large, but it is rich in beauty and majestic...

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

Op Luang National Park

Hang Dong, Hot

The Op Luang National Park is a fun, adventurous destination for outdoor lovers near Chiang Mai, located around 20 kilometres away from Hot, on Route 108. Even if you’ve never been to a rugged outdoor area before...

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

Sri Lanna National Park

Ban Pao, Mae Taeng

Sri Lanna National Park is the 8th largest national park in the country; being declared as the 60th national park in Thailand on August 1989; It covers 1,406 square kilometres of the mountainous area from Prao, Chiang...

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

Huai Nam Dang National Park

Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng

The Huai Nam Dang National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful national park that stretches from Chiang Mai up to Pai. The park is located high above the mountains; a tranquil, scenic environment set amongst rugged peaks...

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

Khun Chang Khian

Don Kaeo, Mueang Chiang Mai

Khun Chang Khian is an astonishing attraction in Chiang Mai, where you’ll find the very special cherry blossoms, also known as sakura flowers. Thailand has its version of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms, and...

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

Phu Chi Fa Forest Park

Tap Tao, Thoeng

Phu Chi Fa Forest Park is an amazing destination nestled in the jungle located some 1628 meters above sea level. This natural setting is one not to be missed as it boasts one of the best sunrises you will ever...

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

Doi Luang National Park

Mae Yen, Phan

The Doi Luang National park is one of the biggest national parks in northern Thailand; encompassing several districts that include Mae Suai, Phan, and Wiang Pa Pao in Chiang Rai, Ngao and Wang Nuea of Lampang, and...

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

Khun Chae National Park

Mae Chedi Mai, Wiang Pa Pao

The Khun Chae National Park in Chiang Rai is a breathtaking vast, forested land that is around 270 square kilometres large and has been a Thai national park since 1995. The rich, diverse eco-system here is responsible...

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

The Doi Khun Tan National Park is an amazing natural attraction in northern Thailand. Tucked right between Chiang Mai and Lampang, it’s famed not just for being one of the country’s oldest national parks...

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

Chiang Dao National Park

Mae Na, Chiang Dao

The Chiang Dao National Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary located north of Chiang Mai. The town it’s located in is known among the locals as the City of Stars. It’s home to dense rainforests, majestic...

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.