Phu Soi Dao National Park
Three-needle pine field · Hong Nak flower meadows · Mist along the border
One of the dream summits of Thai trekkers — a vast three-needle pine field stretching to the horizon, dressed with meadows of purple Hong Nak flowers in the rainy season, earned through a steep climb of about 6.5 kilometres that's worth every step.
About Phu Soi Dao National Park
Phu Soi Dao National Park spans the boundary between Nam Pat district in Uttaradit and Chat Trakan district in Phitsanulok, right along the Thai–Lao border. Its highest peak rises about 2,102 metres above sea level, making it one of the tallest mountains in the country. Its highlight is the "three-needle pine field" — a vast plateau along the ridge covered in natural pine forest.
What makes people across the country dream of it are the wildflower meadows on the pine field — especially the purple "Hong Nak" flowers that bloom across the whole field in the rainy season, around August to September, mixed with wildflowers of many colours. There's also the beautiful Phu Soi Dao Waterfall near the trailhead, and the chance to catch a morning sea of mist from the campground.
Reaching the pine field is no easy stroll — you must hike about 6.5 kilometres uphill, taking around 4–6 hours, over slopes that grow ever steeper: Noen Song Yat, Noen Prap Sian, Noen Pa Ko, Noen Suea Khrong, and finally "Noen Marana" (Death Hill), the steepest final stretch of about 1.4 kilometres. It suits well-prepared hikers who plan to camp overnight on the mountain — not a one-day morning-to-evening trip.
From Uttaradit city
About 130 km (mountain road)
Located in
Nam Pat district, Uttaradit
Hong Nak bloom
Aug–Sep (rainy season)
Difficulty
Hard · 6.5 km hike, overnight
Highlights of Phu Soi Dao
The three-needle pine field
A broad plateau along the ridge cloaked in natural three-needle pine forest — the legendary campground and viewpoint for trekkers, with a cool, refreshing atmosphere worlds apart from the lowlands.
Hong Nak flower meadows
The highlight people travel from across the country to see: purple Hong Nak flowers blooming across the pine field around August to September. Check the bloom status with the park before you go, as the timing varies a little each year.
Phu Soi Dao Waterfall
A beautiful multi-tiered waterfall near the trailhead, perfect for a rest and photos before or after conquering the pine field. It's fullest and most beautiful in the rainy season.
Conquer Death Hill
The 6.5 km ascent climbs past Noen Song Yat and Noen Prap Sian to finish at Noen Marana, the steepest final stretch. You must register with the park within the set hours — prepare your body and your gear before setting out.
Rest at Hua Dum Resort Before and After Phu Soi Dao
Phu Soi Dao lies deep in Nam Pat district, a fair distance from Uttaradit city and best suited to a multi-day trip. Hua Dum Resort in Laplae makes a great place to rest before you set out for the mountain, or to wash off the fatigue after coming down. Clean rooms at 450–600 baht — easy booking via LINE or call 099-5029339.