Phu Soi Dao National Park

History & Significance

Phu Soi Dao National Park was originally surveyed as a forest park in November 1990 with an initial area of 32 square kilometers. The protected area was expanded in 1992 to 78 square kilometers, and in August 1993, it was proposed to become a national park. On May 28, 2008, it was officially declared Thailand's 109th national park, covering an area of approximately 200 to 340 square kilometers. The park is a vital watershed source for several rivers, including the Pat and Kwae Noi rivers.

Highlights & What to See

• Lan Son Phu Soi Dao (Pine Plain): A vast mountain plateau situated at an elevation of approximately 1,633 meters, covering over 1,000 rai (640 hectares). It features rolling hills of three-needle pine trees and serves as a spectacular viewpoint for sunsets.
• Flower Fields in the Pine Forest: During the rainy season (August to September), the plain is covered with a dense field of purple Crested Naga flowers (Murdannia gigantea), along with Soi Suwanna and Ya Rak Hom. In winter, visitors can see Kradum Ngoen flowers, Inthanon lady's slipper orchids, and red maple leaves.
• Phu Soi Dao Waterfall: A beautiful 5-tiered waterfall located near the park office along Highway 1268. Its tiers are named Phu Soi Dao, Sakao Duean, Muean Fan, Kannika, and Supaphorn, with water flowing year-round.
• Sai Thip Waterfall: Located on the pine plain, this humid 7-tiered waterfall features tiers ranging from 5 to 10 meters high, with rocks heavily covered in lush green moss.
• Thai-Laos Border Marker: A historic boundary marker established between Thailand and Laos after the Ban Romklao border conflict.

Visitor Information

The park is cool year-round, with an average temperature of 27°C. The pine plain (Lan Son) is open to visitors from July to January 10 each year. Admission fees are 40 THB for Thai adults (20 THB for children) and 200 THB for foreign adults (100 THB for children). There are no permanent accommodations or food stalls on the pine plain; visitors must bring their own tents and food, though campsites and rental tents are available. Parking and restaurants are located only at the base of the mountain.

How to Get There

To reach the pine plain, visitors must hike 6.5 kilometers from the Phu Soi Dao Waterfall along Highway 1268. The trek takes approximately 4 to 6 hours. Visitors must register and contact park rangers for guides, and porter services are available to carry luggage. Hiking up the mountain is permitted only between 08:00 and 14:00.