This national park was formerly know as an area of Doi Sam Muen highland development project which was initited by His Majesty the King to solve the problem of forest encroachment and poaching, as well as to enhance the lives of the local hilltribe people. As this area is filled with attractive natural condition and virginal forests provided vital watersheds, Huai Nam Dang was declared the 81st national park of Thailand by the Royal Forest Department on 14 August 1995.
The Huai Nam Dang National Park covers four districts : Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, and Wiang Haeng in Chiang Mai province including Pai district in Mae Hong Son province, covering an area of approximately 1,247 square kilometres. Later on it was designated as the National Park for commemorating 100th year establishment of the Royal Forest Department and also for the celebration of His Majesty the King\’s 50th year on the throne.
The Huai Nam Dang National Park is situated on top of the ridge of hills and the same range as Chiang Dao mountain range. The highest peak-Doi Chang peak (at 1,962 metres above sea level) is the vital source of important streams which flow into the Pai river, Ping river, and Taeng river.
Doi Gew Lom Viewpoint
Doi Gew Lom Viewpoint this viewpoint is well-know among Thai and foreign visitors who come here to see a spectacular sea of mist collects in the valley as well as various types of colourful flowers. Beside, this place situates Silver Orchids Palace, the palace of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. Moreover, there are two nature trails: Ueang Ngoen Nature Trail and Chom Doi Nature Trail. Each trail covers a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometers.
Doi Chang Viewpoint
Doi Chang Viewpoint this highest viewpoint offers delightful view of orchid hanging from trees branch or trees top. This place deserves to be a source for nature study. It is in the north of Doi Gew Lom Viewpoint.
Huai Nam Dang Waterfall
Huai Nam Dang Waterfall has 4 levels, surrounded by moisten plants of evergreen forest and marvelous rocks. This spectacular waterfall is located in the area of Huai Nam Dang village, Amphur Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai province.
Mae Yen Waterfall
Mae Yen Waterfall this large and lovely waterfall is about 30-40 meters high and has 2 levels. It locates in Tambol Mae Hee, Amphur Pai, Chiang Mai province.
Lam Nam Mae Taeng
Lam Nam Mae Taeng The bank of Mae Taeng river are surrounded by evergreen forest with plenty of plants birds. White-water rafting along this current can be an enriching and exciting experience not easily forgotten. The trip start from Pong Duead Hot Spring through the short route of trekking tour to Ban Pang Pa Kha (7 km.) or Ban Pa Khao Lam (9 km.). The rafting take about 3-4 hours and ends at Ban Sop Kai.
Tha Pai Hot Well
Tha Pai Hot Well the boiling water bubbles from the well. Its heat is about 80 degrees Celsius. This boiling water gathers and becoming a vast hot current with clouds of stream all over the area. The Pai Hot Well located about 30 kilometers from the park Headquarters. It is in Tambol Mae Hee, Amphur Pai Mae Hong Son province.
Pong Duead Hot Spring
Pong Duead Hot Spring there are 3-4 big hot spring and some small and scattering all over the area. Here water erupts from geysers in a small stream, creating clouds of stream in the woodland. Sometimes, the hot water erupts as high as 2 meters. The temperature of water is about 90-99 degrees Celsius. There is a nature trail, Pong Duead Nature Trail, which covers a distance of 1,550 meters. (call 0 5322 9636 for more detail)
Mae Lad and Had Waterfalls
They are beautiful waterfalls with about 40-50 meters height, located in Tambon Muang Hang, Muang Hang District, Chiang Mai Province.