Salawin National Park

Salawin National Park protects around 450,950 rai (721 km²) of forest along the Salween River in Mae Sariang and Sob Moei districts, Mae Hong Son — the river itself forms part of the Thai-Myanmar border here. Entry costs 100 THB for foreign adults (50 THB for children) and 20 THB for Thai adults (10 THB for children), open daily 08:30-16:30, and it’s about an hour’s drive from Mae Sariang town along mountain roads to reach the park office.

Documented wildlife includes tigers, goral (a rare mountain-goat relative found on the park’s limestone cliffs) and Malayan tapir — genuinely rare species, though sightings of any of them are uncommon and shouldn’t be the expectation for a day visit. Watch out: some older write-ups describe wild elephants roaming the park; that claim isn’t backed by current park records, so don’t plan a trip around elephant sightings here.

Marked nature trails run through mixed deciduous and teak forest, suited to a range of fitness levels from casual walkers to more serious trekkers, and several stretches follow the riverbank with views across to the Myanmar side. Insider Tip: go with a park ranger or local guide even though one isn’t required — trails aren’t always well marked, and a guide dramatically improves your odds of spotting birdlife or larger mammals rather than just walking past them.

Cool season, November through February, brings the most comfortable temperatures and the clearest visibility for wildlife and river views; the park stays open year-round but hot-season trekking (March-May) is a harder, sweatier experience. Facilities are minimal — there’s no visitor centre with cafés or shops, so bring your own food, water and insect repellent. Camping is allowed with advance permission from park staff, useful if you want an early start on the trails or a night away from cell signal, which disappears almost entirely once you’re past Mae Sariang town.

Combine the visit with other Mae Sariang-area stops like Doi Phuiko or the Bua Tong Fields at Doi Mae Ho — none of these are quick add-ons given the mountain driving times, so plan on dedicating most of a day to whichever combination you choose.