Fang
Get in
To the northeast, Thaton is about 40 minutes from Fang by songthaew, with Chiang Rai another 3 hours away.
Get around
See
Huai Luk Royal ProjectThe project provides farmland to Hmong, Karen and lowland farmers. It promotes, researches, and plants flowers, fruits, and vegetables for farmers. Produce ranges from vegetables and flowers such as cantaloupes, chrysanthemums, and peacock flowers, to fruits like guava and pomegranate. The best time to visit is from Nov-Mar as produce is plentiful then.
Wat Tham Tap TaoThe peaceful temple compound comprises a mid-pond scripture hall and Tap Tao cave, which is a highlight. The cave is somewhat smaller than Chiang Dao cave, but it offers the unique charm of Buddha images inside.
Do
Fang Hot SpringsThe 50 hot springs originate from simmering granite with temperatures from 90 to 100°C. The largest spring spews out consistent steam with a strong scent of sulphur. On the premises are a massage shop (Thai massage, 100 baht for 1 hr), beauty salon, coffee shop, restaurant. You can rent a private mineral bath cabin for 50 baht/person for 30 min (quite sufficient) or bathe in the outdoor public bath (no time limit) for 20 baht. Sauna adjacent (30 baht). The park contains everything needed for an extended stay.
- There does not seem to be any public transport to the springs, and local drivers take advantage of this.
- A moto-taxi might cost you 250-300 baht one way; considerably more if you want them to wait.
Buy
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Wilbert Muller-Jabusch
phone: +66 53 451871, +66 81 7642330A guide with a lot of experience who has lived in Fang for 25 years. He was a guide all over Thailand, but now is only doing the very northern part of the country. He speaks fluent English, Dutch, German, and Thai and can also speak with the hill tribes. His knowledge of the area is broad and diverse. - Local markets. One springs up periodically across from the bus station selling fresh produce, clothing, household goods. There is another selling mainly clothes which seems always open on the west side of the main road in the center of town.
- Supermarket. On Thesaban soi 8.
Eat
Drink
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Cha Arnon Coffee
address: Fang Hot Springs, 30 steps behind visitor centreFriendly place for great coffee in the park. Noon, the proprietor, is convivial and engaging and speaks English. Also serves Thai food, beer, and has a small shop adjacent where you can stock up on essentials. -
Ninecool Coffee
phone: +66 53 452836Serve very nice coffees (hot & iced) made from beans grown in the hills around Fang. Free Wi-Fi.
Sleep
Fang Hot Springs (Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park)The hot springs doubles as the park HQ. Accommodations range from camping (rental tents from 30-600 baht (1-8 persons). Also rent out sleeping bags (30 baht), pads (20 baht), etc. The park also has 11 bungalows for hire, from 600-2,000 baht per night (accommodating from 4-10 persons). Beautiful, park setting, quiet and rustic.
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Mon Muang Ngam Resort
phone: +66 89 4294469address: Bpong Nam RohnHave 6 bungalows ranging in size from small, for a couple, to large, for up to 10 persons. Very good restaurant, bar, and shop on-site. On the bank of a river, expansive grounds. Free Wi-Fi. -
phone: +66 53 452875-6address: 122/1 Moo 4Free Wi-Fi, hot showers, a tribal museum and a restaurant which serves excellent local organic coffee. Can organise Hill tribe eco-tours, homestays and other activities.
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phone: +66 8 8294 6919address: 326 Moo 11, Fang, Chiang Mai, 50110Beautiful lakeside resort, an oasis of calm 5 minutes by car from the centre of town. Coffee shop onsite and lakeside restaurants, picnic area. Rooms are as well furnished as any top quality hotel in Bangkok and at a fraction of the price to stay, and very clean. Free WiFi. Hot shower with good water pressure. They also offer tours visiting major attractions throughout the area. Rates for a cabin with living room, bedroom and bathroom start from 600 baht.
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phone: +66 954535293address: 111 Moo 6, FangYou can see a Fang district from here. Nomhoo (natural fountain) are 3 km away, about 15 minutes by car from the downtown. Here you can cook or have shabu hot pot. The house is lovely and situated in a quiet village, fresh air and very clean. No WiFi and TV. The house and furniture are teak wood.
- At the turn in Chotana Rd where the bridge if you go the other way north down the small road. then take a right there is a clean but dilapipdated guesthouse, 200-, 250- and 300-baht rooms.
Go next
- Chiang Dao - hilltribes, hiking and Thailand's third-highest peak
- Doi Ang Khang - mountain resort
- Thaton