🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Phrae is a second-tier town that a lot of people just drive through on the way to Nan, missing all the good nature in the process. In reality, one province packs in both earth sculptures shaped by nature itself and the province's first national park, with a big waterfall you can swim in. This plan keeps day one easy — exploring around town and Phae Muang Phi without rushing — then saves the longer drive out to Wang Chin for the waterfalls on day two, so you're not making a long round trip in a single day.
Read this before you set off
This route works best if you drive yourself or rent a car, because Phae Muang Phi is on the edge of town while Wiang Kosai National Park is out in Wang Chin district, around 80–90 km from the town center — almost 2 hours of driving. There's no public transport that goes right to the park entrance, so if you're not driving yourself you'll need to charter a car plus driver from town.
Overview: 2 days, 1 night
- Day 1 — explore around town in the morning, then drive out to Phae Muang Phi in the afternoon once the heat eases, walk the earth pillars in the late-day light, and head back to sleep in Phrae town.
- Day 2 — set off early toward Wang Chin district, enter Wiang Kosai National Park, swim at Mae Koeng Waterfall, stop by the mineral spring, then drive back in the afternoon.
Book the activities in your Phrae trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 1 — Phrae town, then Phae Muang Phi
Phae Muang Phi is in Nam Cham subdistrict, around 18 km from the center of Phrae — about 20–25 minutes to drive yourself. It's a forest park where soil and rock have been eroded by wind and rain into oddly shaped pillars and cliff faces. Entry is 20 THB for adults, 10 THB for children, and free for visitors aged 60 and over. It opens roughly 08:00–17:00. Midday sun is harsh and hot here since it's all open ground, so we'd suggest coming in the late afternoon or early evening — the walk is more comfortable and the light is much nicer.
Phrae town–Phae Muang Phi
Tips for the Phae Muang Phi day
The ground is sandy soil with not much shade, so bring drinking water, a hat and sunscreen with you. In the rainy season the paths can get slippery and some sections close for safety, so check the forest park's page again before you go.
Day 2 — Wang Chin, Wiang Kosai National Park, Mae Koeng Waterfall
Wiang Kosai is the first national park in Phrae province, covering high mountain country along the Phrae–Lampang border. Its headquarters sit in Wang Chin district, around 13 km from the district town along Highway 1023, and roughly 80–90 km from the center of Phrae — about an hour and a half to nearly 2 hours' drive. The highlight is Mae Koeng Luang Waterfall, a big waterfall that tumbles down in tiers, plus Mae Koeng Noi Waterfall, which is a roughly 2 km walk from the headquarters. The park opens around 08:00–16:30.
Phrae town–Wiang Kosai
Straight talk about the waterfall
Mae Koeng Luang Waterfall closes from 1 July to 31 October every year because it's the rainy season, the water runs high and it gets dangerous. If you're coming to swim, avoid this window. The waterfall is at its best with the most water from late rainy season into early winter (November–January), while in the dry season the flow drops off.
Want to sleep in the forest? Camping at Wiang Kosai
If you have more than 2 days and want to spend a night up in the mountains, Wiang Kosai has campsites and park bungalows you can book. Staying overnight means waking up to cool air and thin mist drifting through the valley — something you just don't see on a day trip out and back.
Campsites
There are several campsites within the park. You can rent a tent and bedding at the headquarters, or pitch your own. Best on a late-rainy-season or early-winter night.
Park bungalows
The park has bungalows such as the Mae Chok and Mae Koeng Noi houses. Book ahead through the national park reservation system (nps.dnp.go.th), especially over long weekends.
Mineral spring
The park has a natural mineral spring you can soak in to ease tired muscles — perfect after a full day of hiking or swimming at the waterfall.
Pack what you need
Phone signal is patchy in spots inside the park and shops are scarce, so bring cash, a flashlight, mosquito repellent and a warm layer for the night.
Entry fees for the key stops (updated 2026)
- Phae Muang Phi forest park — adults 20 THB · children 10 THB · visitors aged 60+ free · open roughly 08:00–17:00
- Wiang Kosai National Park — there's a park entry fee at the standard national park rates · open roughly 08:00–16:30
- Mae Koeng Luang Waterfall — included in the park entry fee · closed 1 Jul–31 Oct every year
- Campsites / bungalows — charged separately; book and ask at nps.dnp.go.th or call 081-030-8663
Treat these figures as estimates
Park fees and accommodation rates can change with national park policy and the season. The numbers above are based on the latest information, so it's worth calling the park to double-check before you travel — especially if you're staying overnight on a long weekend.
Getting ready — what to pack
A car that's ready
The road into Wang Chin and the final stretch into the park is a winding mountain road. Check your brakes and tires beforehand, drive slowly, and use a low gear on the descents.
Swim gear
Mae Koeng has pools you can wade into on some tiers, so pack a change of clothes, non-slip shoes and a waterproof pouch for your phone.
Sun protection & water
Phae Muang Phi is open ground with harsh sun, so bring a hat, sunscreen and drinking water.
Cash
Park fees, accommodation and many shops in Wang Chin mostly take cash, and the signal is patchy in places.
Looking for a place to stay in Phrae town for this trip? See the options real reviewers rate.
See the Top 10 Phrae hotels →