Phu Chi Fa Forest Park

📍 Location of Phu Chi Fa Forest Park 🚘 Directions to Phu Chi Fa Forest Park

About Phu Chi Fa Forest Park

Phu Chi Fa is a mountain marvel that offers a stunning view of Laos and Thailand. It's a wonderful place to witness the sunrise or sunset, and for many, it's the number one destination in the Thai mountains. The journey to the top is a trek, but it's worth every step. It requires climbing from the base camp location to the viewing area, but once you reach the top, it feels like you're on top of the world. It's recommended to start the journey before sunrise and to wear good hiking shoes for the trail up the mountain. A flashlight is also a must, and if you forget to bring one, you can buy flashlights at the base of the climb.

Phu Chi Fa is located near Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Mae Salong. Many people have wanted to visit this place for years, and once they do, they can't wait to return with new groups. The view from the top is absolutely beautiful, and it's a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Getting to Phu Chi Fa can be a bit of a challenge, but it's not impossible. Some people have reported that they were able to get there by public bus from Chiang Rai, while others have said that they booked a taxi driver to start the tour at 3 am from Chiang Rai. The tour also includes a trip to Doi Pha Thang, which is 30 minutes from Phu Chi Fa.

If you're planning to visit Phu Chi Fa, you should try to avoid the weekend. The view from the top is amazing, but you need to hike around 15 to 20 minutes to the peak. If you want to photograph the cliff, you should stop at the first stop on the right.

There's also a daily bus, or rather a mini van, that goes to Phu Chi Fa every day at 1 pm and comes back the next day at 9 am. The return bus ticket is for 300 THB, and you can buy it at Chiang Rai old bus terminal 1. Try to buy the ticket in advance, even if it's the day before. The ride is 2.5 hours to a little village under the viewpoint with plenty of homestays and restaurants.

Once you reach Phu Chi Fa, you can find accommodations for less than 1000 baht. Some travelers opt for a tent, which costs 300 baht, while others choose a chalet with free wifi and a hot shower for 500 baht. After checking in, you can take a quick walk up the steep tar road to view the sunset at the top of Phu Chi Fa. The road stretches a long 2.5 km, but the reward is worth it.

At the top, there are more than 150 tourists already taking their seats on the ground, awaiting for the sunrise. However, the better spot to view the landscape is not on the peak of the viewpoint but to the left. A few steps further, you can avoid the crowd and enjoy a wider landscape view. Another good place to take a photo is to walk back down the trail, and stop at the nearby spot where the cliff can be seen. As the sun rises, but still below the height of the cliff, the view is simply breath-taking.

Despite what some internet articles may tell you, the temperature at Phu Chi Fa is not that bad. You should have your jacket with you, but the guesthouse thick blanket is already good enough to provide warm sleep. There are several places you can enjoy your dinner and breakfast the next morning. However, it's a good idea to bring some snacks up to the cliff, since you'll be spending hours there.

Phu Chi Fa is a must-visit when near Chiang Rai. It's a lot touristy, but the majority of the people are Thai or Lao. It's a place that seems so easy and relaxed, something that any traveler would wish to enjoy longer, just to get away from the crazy city life. Many people are planning to go back there again, and some even want to stay for two nights. It's truly a heaven on earth.