Phu Sang National Park (Warm Waterfall & Big-headed Turtle Sanctuary)

History & Significance

Phu Sang National Park covers an area of approximately 284.88 square kilometers across Phu Sang and Chiang Kham districts of Phayao Province, and Thoeng District of Chiang Rai Province. Officially established as a national park on November 2, 2000, it forms part of the Doi Pha Mon mountain range with its highest peak reaching 1,548 meters above sea level. The park protects critical watershed forests for several rivers including the Nam Lao, Nam Ngao, Nam Pueai, Nam Bong, and Nam Yuan.

Highlights & What to See

• Phu Sang Waterfall: Located 300 meters from the park headquarters, this 25-meter-high single-tier limestone waterfall features natural warm water at 33-35°C year-round. The water is clear without sulfur odor, feeding a pool below ideal for bathing and soaking.
• Phu Sang Warm Pond: Situated above the waterfall, this natural seepage spring is the origin of Phu Sang Waterfall with a constant temperature of 35°C, surrounded by dense evergreen and peat swamp forests.
• Big-headed Turtle Learning Center (Ban Huak): Dedicated to the endangered Big-headed turtle (Tao Pu Lu), a Class 1 protected species in Thailand. Known for its distinct long segmented tail, dark green-black shell, and inability to retract its head or legs, this nocturnal creature is also the official symbol of Phu Sang National Park and Thai forest fire prevention.

Visitor Information

The park is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Facilities include park bungalows, camping sites, a welfare shop, rest areas near the waterfall, and parking spaces.

• Vehicle Fees: Motorcycles: 20 THB; 4-wheel vehicles: 30 THB; 6-wheel vehicles and above: 200 THB.
• Contact: 0 5440 1099, 0 5407 0205, or 09 3293 5099.

How to Get There

From Phayao city (approx. 96 km), take Highway 1021 via Dok Khamtai, Jun, and Chiang Kham. About 20 km from Chiang Kham, turn right onto Highway 1093 before Phu Sang Wittayakom School to reach the park headquarters. Alternatively, from Chiang Rai (approx. 100 km), follow Highway 1021 through Thoeng to Chiang Kham, or take a local bus on the Chiang Kham - Ban Huak route which stops at the park entrance.