Phu Soi Dao National Park — Attraction in Uttaradit Province

Phu Soi Dao is the 4th highest mountain in Thailand that you can visit. Topped by Doi Chiang Dao, Doi Pha Hom Pok, and Doi Inthanon. With the elevation of 2,120 meters or 6,955 feet, it is going to be a challenging climb for those who want to experience the mountain. It is located in Uttaradit province on the border between Thailand and Laos. Hence, you can cross into the Laos side at the marker but you cannot go too far beyond the marker.

How to get there? Well, it's going to be a journey if you don't drive since it is impossible to go there by public transportation.

Option 1: Train Train from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong station) to Phitsanulok about 6-7 hrs ride. Then bus from Phitsanulok to Chat Trakan District. That's another 2 hours. This is the last spot you can get your supply before ascending to the mountain. From Chat Trakan you have to hire private transportation (Tuk Tuk, truck, van) to Phu Soi Dao National Park. The price varies but should be around 1,200 THB range (+/- 20%).

Option 2: Bus You can take a bus from Mor Chit station in Bangkok to Phitsanulok. Then get private transportation from the bus station to Phu Soi Dao National Park. I have no idea about the price from here.

Option 3: Fly There are flights from Don Muang Airport to Phitsanulok almost hourly. Then hire private transportation to the park.

Option 3: Driver Just follow Google Maps.

After you arrived then what? Entrance fee is 200 THB for foreigners. It's possible to rent a lot of the necessities tenting gear from the park. It can get pricey as well. Beware since these rental gears can be in poor condition. Consider you're warned. The fee for hiring the porter to carry your stuff is 35 THB per Kg.

Package includes tent, sleeping bag, pillow, sleeping pad Package 1 person 1 night = 945 THB Package 2 person 1 night = 1,185 THB Package 3 person 1 night = 1,425 THB Package 1 person 2 night = 1,230 THB Package 2 person 2 night = 1,530 THB Package 3 person 2 night = 1,830 THB

When to visit? The park is open seasonally from 1 July until mid-January of every year. If you want to see the field of blooming Murdannia then visit during the rainy season (July - October). The climb will be more adventurous too since you might get the chance to hike against the rain which turns the mountain into one giant waterfall. If you plan to take some awesome image of the Milkyway the visit after the rain ends. Usually, would be mid-October onwards. Then the fog usually opens up the clear sky for you. The hike can be from 4-7 hrs to the campsite (1,633 m / 5,357 ft elevation) depends on your fitness level and weather condition. If you want to climb the real summit (2,120m elevation), it is open October and an additional 500 THB per person to climb the summit. The rangers will provide you with safety gear and lead the group to the summit. It takes about 7hrs round trip starting from the campsite.

PS. There is barely any phone signal at the campsite. There are a few spots where you can get faint signal. I recommend AIS for your best chance to get a signal. If you're on DTAC, you're kinda screwed.

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1 star because of the discrimination and racism with prices when buying tickets. If you want to avoid the ticket checkpoint there is a dirt road all the way up to the pine fields that starts at coordinates 17.7077187,100.9473979. There is a parking area there to park a car or bike as well. You could probably even drive to the top in a 4x4 or dirt bike. There is no staff presence at either end of this road, but presumably they use it occasionally so there would be a risk to meet them on the way. I guess this road is supposed to be off limits to tourists, and you might be turned around, but there is no barrier or sign prohibiting access. When you reach the top of the road there is a hut and a trail leading into the forest. Walk the trail about 500-1000m and you will arrive at the pine fields and main campsite is just a little further from there.

You can access the normal trail up to the peak until January 15th, after that they close it, possibly because of forest fires? And then reopen in rainy season, I think May or June sometime.

The views from the pine field/camping area are great. If you want to go from the pine field to the peak I read you have to pay extra and wear a hard hat.

Garbage at the summit is terrible, it's everywhere just thrown on the ground. Some half-burnt.

It's 7km from waterfall to campsite up the normal route. With a small backpack it took me 1 hour 45 minutes. They don't let you ascend after 13.00 as slow walkers might not make it up before dark. It's cold up there in winter so if you're camping take warm clothes.

At the headquarters area 2km from the waterfall there's another campsite where you can camp if you arrived after 13.00. This will be charged 20 baht for bike, a bit more for car, 30 baht per person for camping with own tent, and 40 baht per adult entry fee (not 200). But if hiking to the peak next day I think they will charge you the usual 200, not 40. There is a short nature trail at the HQ, up past the restaurant and bins. It's an out and back trail - should be 1km each way, 2km total.

Restaurant at the HQ is open 8am to late afternoon (about 16.00-17.00). There's a restaurant at the peak as well but I read this only sells rice and fried eggs. And there's another restaurant at the waterfall, I think same opening times as the HQ one.

By the way when you register to walk up at the HQ you have to also pay a 200 baht waste fee. This is a deposit, don't forget to get it back when you come down, show your trash. The place to get it back is next to the restaurant (different place to where you pay it initially).

Next stop check out phu suan sai hiking trail (easier hike, nice campsite, not sure if you are supposed to have a guide). Or phu miang (harder hike, need to arrange in advance and have a guide, can't just turn up and walk). Both these are about 50km drive from phu soi dao in...

Absolutely stunning and worth the hike! If you love mountain trekking and wildflowers, this place is magical. The trail to the summit is quite challenging (about 6 km uphill), but the view and the peaceful pine forest at the top are so rewarding. I went during the rainy season and got to see the beautiful Murdannia giganteum flowers blooming all over the meadow – so dreamy!

Camping on the plateau is a unique experience – cool weather, morning mist, and starry skies at night. Facilities are basic, and you’ll need to bring your own food and tent, but that’s part of the adventure. Make sure to book in advance and go with proper gear.

Highly recommend for nature lovers and hikers looking for a real...