PHU CHI FA FOREST PARK

Phu Chi Fa is located in Chiang Rai province on the border with Lao and can be reached driving north from Chiang Kham taking a couple of hours, or east from Chiang Rai taking about 3 hours. The road from the base of the mountain is good, but steep and winding. The journey should only be attempted in a vehicle with a high capacity motor. You will not make it up the mountain in a small city car. From the bottom of the mountain you drive up the steep winding road to reach Pu Chi Fa village or one of the nearby resorts. Start your journey early in the morning and prepare to stay at least the first half day and a night, view the dawn from Phu Chi Fa mountaintop, then return that day allowing at least 3 hours return drive before darkness. Staying a few days is recommended to see everything and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, valleys, forests, and peaceful countryside.

At Pu Chi Fa village from the main road starting at 5am, passenger vehicles with bench seats in the back take you to the top of the mountain up a very steep road to the base carpark.

You can then reach the mountain top by trekking up the steep path where several viewing spots overlook Laos. The early morning sunrise displays a magnificent sea of fog below. It is very cold and can be windy, so bring warm clothes and a jacket and a beany to keep your head and ears warm. Bring a torch for the trek up to the top or you can purchase a small cheap torch from vendors on the way up.

The best time to visit is from October to February. Peak period is mid December to mid January when all the mostly Thai tourists visit. Do not go during Thai public holidays as all the accommodation will be booked out and it will also be very crowded. Search Wikipedia for "Public holidays in Thailand". Booking accommodation directly can be difficult because English or other languages are not spoken unless you are lucky. Prices can be exorbitant if not pre-booked, but you can usually find a room or bungalow within the village or out along the main highway. There are also camping facilities along the main highway and one that is located on the way to the mountaintop.

See below for map showing the Phu Chi Fa village and directions.

If you drive, depart Chiang Rai City heading south on Phaholyothin Road which then crosses over highway 1 and continue on highway 1020. Drive to Thoeng on highway 1020 and continue on driving straight (do not turn left into 1020 at Thoeng). You will be on highway 1021 after passing Thoeng. Drive for 6 kilometers until you reach highway 1155 and turn left into highway 1155. Drive on highway 1155 for about 25 kilometers and then veer right into highway 1093 watching out for signs for Pu Chi Fa. The total distance from Chiang Rai to Phu Chi Fa is 122 kilometers. Purchase a map before departing Chiang Rai and you should have a GPS SatNav (optional hire when renting a car).

You can also take a bus from Chiang Rai bus station on Prasapsook Road. It usually departs at 7am and also one at 1pm. But you should check the day before. Ask at the ticket counter "prung-ni pai poo-see-far krap" - tomorrow go to Phu Chi Fa (male speaker)