Chiang Mai National Parks

Chiang Mai is surrounded by some of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks, offering visitors the chance to experience waterfalls, mountain scenery, hiking trails and rich wildlife habitats. Northern Thailand’s cooler climate and forest-covered mountains make the region especially popular for outdoor adventures and nature-based tourism.

Many of the national parks near Chiang Mai are easy day trips from the city, while others are ideal for overnight stays and scenic road trips through the mountains.

Chiang Mai National Parks, Doi Inthanon, Tour, Day Trips, Entry Fees

The most famous national park in the region is Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest mountain. Located around two hours south-west of Chiang Mai, the park is known for its cool temperatures, misty mountain scenery and impressive waterfalls. Popular attractions inside the park include the twin royal pagodas, Wachirathan Waterfall and the Ang Ka Nature Trail. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching, hiking and panoramic mountain views, particularly during the cooler months between November and February.

Another popular destination is Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, located directly west of Chiang Mai city. This national park is home to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, one of the region’s most visited attractions. Beyond the temple, the park features forest trails, waterfalls, hill tribe villages and scenic mountain roads. Visitors often come here to hike, cycle, and enjoy cooler temperatures above the city.

North of Chiang Mai lies Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, a mountainous park near the Thai-Myanmar border. The park contains Thailand’s second-highest peak and is famous for its hot springs, sea-of-mist viewpoints and camping areas. Nature lovers visit for trekking opportunities, birdlife, and the peaceful mountain scenery, which differs from the busier tourist areas closer to Chiang Mai city.

Ob Luang National Park is another interesting natural attraction south of Chiang Mai. The park is best known for its dramatic canyon, where the Mae Chaem River cuts through steep rocky cliffs. Visitors can cross suspension bridges over the gorge and explore short hiking trails surrounded by forest landscapes. Archaeological discoveries in the park also highlight evidence of prehistoric human settlement in the area.

Travellers heading towards Pai often stop at Huai Nam Dang National Park, which spans parts of Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces. The park is famous for its spectacular sunrise viewpoints, rolling mountain landscapes and cool weather. During the colder months, visitors gather early in the morning to witness the sea of mist drifting across the valleys below.

The national parks around Chiang Mai offer something for every type of traveller, from scenic drives and waterfall walks to multi-day hikes and camping adventures.

With their combination of mountain scenery, forests, wildlife and cultural attractions, these parks are among the highlights of Northern Thailand and provide an unforgettable escape into nature.