Phu Sang

Phu Sang National Park covers about 285 km² in the Phi Pan Nam Range along the Thai-Lao border, in Phu Sang and Chiang Kham districts of Phayao Province and Thoeng District of Chiang Rai. It was established in 2000 and is best known for a warm-water waterfall^[1].

Recorded mammals include Indian muntjac, Burmese hare, Indochinese flying squirrel, black giant squirrel, Java mouse-deer and jungle cat^[1]. The park runs a learning area for the Pulu turtle, which lives in its streams^[2].

The park holds hill evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest and dry dipterocarp forest^[2]. Trees include several Dipterocarpus and Lagerstroemia species, teak and Pterocarpus macrocarpus^[1].

Limestone cliffs and caves shape the park. Tham Pha Daeng and Tham Lot contain stalactites and stalagmites, and the waterfall is fed by natural warm springs whose water stays about 33-35 °C all year^[2].

The cool season from October to February is the recommended time to visit, with morning mist over forest and streams. The rainy season brings full streams but slippery paths and quickly changing weather^[2].

The park sits on the border with Laos, and the road past it leads to the Ban Huat border checkpoint^[2].

Phu Sang was declared a national park in 2000 and is managed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation^[1].

Phu Sang Waterfall, a single-tier limestone fall fed by warm springs, is the main draw. Others are Huai Pong Pha Waterfall, the caves Tham Pha Daeng and Tham Lot, the Doi Chom Dao viewpoint, the Pulu turtle learning area and nature study trails^[2].

The park is reached by private car from Phayao city through Chiang Kham and Phu Sang districts on Route 1093. It has headquarters, bungalows, a camping ground, a welfare shop, restrooms and parking near the waterfall^[2].

The park protects an area of limestone hills and forest, and it hosts a learning area for the Pulu turtle^[2].