Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park ‘Seeing the sunrise and sunset on mountaintop’

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Seeing the sunrise in the morning and sunset in the evening probably be you dreams. 

It’s nice to get out and change your atmosphere sometimes, especially if you’re a hard-working person. It won’t be good to sit in front of a computer and lock yourself in a room all day. You will damage both your physical health and mental health. 

Let’s just go to Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park instead.

Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park was changed from Fha Hom Pok National Park because of the name of a high hill at Dan Lao Moutain Range. It is the second highest peak in Thailand, with about 2,285-metred height. The best part is you can go up to see the sunrise in the morning and sunset in the evening. The weather is quite cold, however. You may want to dress in thick clothes. Moreover, there is the fog all year round and the wind too.

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doi pha hom pok national park, doi pha hom pok, doi phahom pok national park, doi phahom pok

Beside of seeing the sun, you will also find many plants and small animals.

Anyway, if you’re planning to go up to the peak, you need to be in perfect condition, because the way is quite rough and all vehicles are not allowed. You need to walk on your feet only. Therefore if you have a heart disease or bone disease, you should avoid this activity or you will get worse.

To go up to the peak, you can go by yourself or hire a guide for 300 Baht from the office of the national park. Don’t forget to bring water and food with you too. Believe it, you don’t want to get too exhausted and collapse to the ground. The road is quite steep, but if you walk carefully, it will be safe.

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doi pha hom pok national park, doi pha hom pok, doi phahom pok national park, doi phahom pok

Attractions in Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park

The highlight of this area is the most beautiful sunset and sunrise views. During November – February is the ideal time for the tour.

  1. Doi Pha Hom Pok Nature Trail : The route is easy to follow even before dawn and has a good path all the way to the summit, though it is briefly dusty or slippery at times. Note that there is no water available en route and consequently you will need to bring a supply with you.
  2. Huay Born Cave : The cave has many internal features including stalagmites and stalactites and is a popular attraction. Immediately at the park office there are interpretive trails where visitors can learn about the geothermal features in the vicinity, or even cook eggs in the adjacent hot bubbling pools.
  3. Fang Hot Springs : The hot springs originate from simmering granite with temperatures from 90 to 100 degrees Celsius. Most notable is the largest spring which constantly jets out strong sulphur scented steam.
  4. Waterfalls : The park is filled with remote and scenic waterfalls and this was the highlight of my visit, it would be unfortunate to leave the area without visiting any. Look for a map or brochure in the park office and take some time to seek out these destinations. Waterfalls in the area include Pong Nam Dang, Bhoo Muan, and Tat Mok waterfalls and there are many others.
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doi pha hom pok national park, doi pha hom pok, doi phahom pok national park, doi phahom pok

There is also camping spots if you wish to spend your night at Doi Phahom Pok National Park. You can set up your tent. If you don’t have one, you can rent one from the office of the national park, along with pillow and blanket. Feel free to enjoy the sweet air! Remember that there aren’t any restaurants. Therefore you must bring some food for yourself. But there are bathrooms, don’t worry.

For further details, you may contact or doiphahompok.np@hotmail.com.

How to get there 

Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park is located in Fang County, Chiang Mai Province. 

The first way to go is to take a personal car. Just start your trip from Chiang Mai downtown. Drive along the Highway No. 107(Chiang Mai-Fang) until you reach Fang County. Then just keep following Fang-Mon Pin Road for about 3 kilometres. Then turn right to RPH4054 for another 8 kilometre. You should find Fang Hot Springs and the office of Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park from that point. 

If you choose to drive a car, it will be best to take a four-wheeled car like Fortuner, CX5, CRV, or something like that. The road is quite rough and steep. Normal car may be a little bit hard to drive. But four-wheeled cars are stronger and attaches the road better.  

The second way to go is to take an air-conditioned bus. Choose a one that travel from Bangkok to Fang or from Chiang Mai to Fang. As soon as you arrive at Fang, you can rent a vehicle to take you up to Doi Pha Hom Pok.