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Doi Luang National Park

Doi Luang National Park

Doi Luang national park covers an area of 3 provinces; namely, Phayao, Chiang Rai, and Lampang, or a total area of 731,250 rai. It was acclaimed a National Park on 16 April, 1990. Geographically, it is a high undulating mountain range and a forest where the original source of the rivers to Kwan Phayao, the Wang River, and the Lao River is located. Generally, the forests in the national park are mixed deciduous forest, moist evergreen forest and deciduous dipterocarp forest. It is a habitat of various kinds of animals such as serows, deer, barking deer, wild boars, monkeys, langurs, gibbons, mouse deer, Asiatic wild dogs, red junglefowls, pheasants, and more than 150 species of birds. The Office of the National Park is located in Amphoe Phan, in Chiang Rai. This park comprises many waterfalls such as Namtok Pu Kaeng in Amphoe Phan,Chiang Rai, Namtok Wang Kaeo in Amphoe Wang Nuea, Lampang, and Namtok Champa Thong in Amphoe Mueang, Phayao. Interesting attractions are as follows: Namtok Champa Thong is located in Amphoe Mueang Phayao. It is a very steep waterfall flowing down into tiers similar to an elephant’s ivory, or head. The water is crystal clear and suitable for swimming. There are large and shady trees around the area of the waterfall, as well as, a large terrace for sitting and relaxation. The nature study route is 2,200 metres. Tourists can take this route by themselves because directional signs are standing along the way. The total walking trip takes around 2 hours. For those who would like to stay overnight, there is a camping area provided, but they have to bring their own tent. To get there: Namtok Champa Thong is 23 kilometres from Phayao Province along the Highway 1, Phayao-Chiang Rai Route. At Km. 7, turn left along Highway 1127 and go further for 16 kilometres. Doi Nok is the summit of Doi Luang where a 360? panorama can be seen, especially Kwan Phayao and Amphoe Mueang Phayao. Visitors have to stay overnight to get to Doi Nok. Camping can be done onthe mountain. The National Park provides accommodation, a camping area and a welfare shop for tourists. For further information, please contact the Phayao Tourism and Sports Centre, Tel: 0 5343 1830 or Tel: 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th To get there: Take Phahon Yothin Road, routing Phayao-Chiang Rai, which is 39 kilometres from Amphoe Mueang Phayao. At Km. 773, there is an intersection at Ban Pu Kaeng, turn left and enter for 9 kilometres or take a public bus, routing Chiang Rai-Phayao to Pu Kaeng Village and continue with the motorcycle service to the Office of the National Park.