Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) Tourist Guide


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DESTINATION:
Chae Son National Park

Text : Terry
Images: SP

Cool fall

Sometimes spelled Jae Sawn, this is one of the most interesting national parks in the North of Thailand. Its 592 square kilometer area that lies between 300-2,000 metres above sea level in three mountainous districts of Lampang province contribute to a mix of landscapes that appeal to nature lovers, and lush forest that has been well-conserved.

Hot Spring

Thanks to the geographical situation of Pee Pan Nam western mountain range, which runs on a north-south axis, Chae Son consists of a variety of forest types including hill evergreen forest, moist evergreen forest, pine forest, dipterocarp forest, and mixed deciduous forest. These combine to form an important source of water for the Wang River, one of the five major tributaries of the Chao Phraya which serves the people in the central region of Thailand. Again, the myriad elevated and plateau landscapes are homes to a wide range of animal species. The Department of National Park website boasts that one may anticipate seeing barking deer, mouse deer, wild pig, the Asian golden cat, rabbit, serow, flying lemur, monkey, skunk, bear and squirrels, plus a great number of bird species. (However, they may roam in less treaded areas of the park, while few of them are seen in the more tourist-friendly sites.) Cicadas are particularly high in numbers during April every year. Locals believe that they congregate to drink from the hot springs.

Different options for visitor's accommodation are available at the national park office site. In fact, this park is one of the best you can find in Thailand in terms of tidiness and beauty. The headquarter area is laid-out beautifully in a resort-like manner rather than as many other national parks in this region, and has won a Thai tourism award for its exceptional tidiness. The homey bungalows are often bigger than what those traveling alone or in pairs need, but then more than a hundred tents can be rented at the park's office. Those who want to bath in mineral water can enjoy their private bath facility as well as a public pool. This headquarter/accommodation area is central to many of the attractions in the park, including the year-round Chaesorn waterfalls, educational and well-signed nature trails, several caves, and the Langga Luang mountain, which is the third highest mountain in Thailand. There are a few other first class private accommodations in the area that you can google for.

The tourist center is officially open daily from 8.30 a.m., to 4.30 p.m., but there are always officials on duty even later in the day. Nevertheless, reservations are recommended. For this, you can go on-line at www.dnp.go.th, which is functional most of the time. To be sure, you can opt to reserve the more traditional way by phoning the office at 054-380000 or 089-851 3355.

Getting There? A trip to the Park is possible either by car or train. To get there by car, drive along Lampang-Hangchat Rd. Turn right at Nam Tong T-junction into Lampang-Huay Bang-Muang Bahn Rd. After 55 km driving, turn right onto Muang Bahn-Jae Home Rd. Keep driving for 2 km and turn left to Kuang Kom-Pang Farng. The total distance is 65 km. Or get a train or bus from Chiang Mai to Lampang. Check www.railway.co.th and www.transport.co.th for the daily time-table.