The Phu Chi Fah Forest Park trail is a breathtaking destination in Chiang Rai, offering panoramic views of the sunrise as it transforms the sky from dark blue to a mesmerizing array of pinks and oranges. The summit of this trail is the perfect spot to experience the magic of dawn and watch the sun rise above the horizon. If you’re planning a trip to Phu Chi Fah, this article will guide you on everything you need to know to catch the sunrise at its best, from the best time to visit to what to pack and more. So get ready to experience one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world, and don’t forget your camera!
Sunrise Schedule for Phu Chi Fah, Chiang Rai
Sunrise time may vary depending on the time of year you visit, so it’s recommended to use a sunrise schedule site for planning. To get a sense of the sunrise time, refer to the following table:
| Month | Nautical Twilight | Civil Twilight | Sunrise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1 | 5:57am – 6:22am | 6:22am – 6:45am | 6:45am |
| June 1 | 4:58am – 5:26am | 5:26am – 5:49am | 5:49am |
| Oct 1 | 5:21am – 5:46am | 5:46am – 6:07am | 6:07am |
Technical terms:
- Nautical Twilight: The sky is dark blue, with the first purples and pinks shining through. The sun is between 12 and 6 degrees below the horizon.
- Civil Twilight: The sky features streaks of orange, lavender, and hot pinks. The sun is between 6 and 0 degrees below the horizon.
- Sunrise: The sun is above the horizon and the day has officially begun.
A Typical Schedule for the Sunrise Trek
A typical schedule for visiting Phu Chi Fah in mid-December is as follows:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:00am | Wake up |
| 5:30am | Take a songthaew to the base of the summit (30 THB, 5 min) |
| 5:35am | Start the 760-meter hike up the trail (20 min) |
| 5:55am | Arrive at the summit at nautical dawn and take photos |
| 6:05am | Climb to the top and take photos of the sunrise |
| 6:55am | Sunrise complete |
| 7:00am | Stay and watch the mist clear around the mountain tops |
| 8:00am | Start walking down the summit (20 min) |
| 8:20am | Take a songthaew back to town (30 THB, 5 min) |
Tips for Visiting Phu Chi Fah at Sunrise:
- There is quite a hike to reach the sunrise point so this activity is not suitable for young children or people with limited mobility.
- Bring a flashlight for the dirt path up the mountain. Phone flashlights can be used. You can buy one at the base of the trek from the local market stalls that are there.
- Dress warmly for the cold temperatures. Wear a long-sleeve shirt, pants, jacket, gloves, scarf, and hat during the Cool Season (Nov-Feb).
- Wear shoes and socks, not flip flops, as the walk up is rocky and dirty.
- Snacks and coffee available at the bottom of the summit along with warm clothes if you need them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, catching the sunrise at Phu Chi Fah Forest Park trail is a must-do experience for those visiting Chiang Rai. The transformation of the sky from dark blue to pink-orange is truly breathtaking and worth waking up early for. It’s important to plan ahead and use the sunrise schedules to determine the best time to visit, as well as bring proper clothing and footwear for the chilly temperatures. Whether you’re an avid photographer or just looking for a unique way to start your day, the Phu Chi Fah sunrise will not disappoint.
1 comment
Berterl
Oh dude if you need gloves and a hat for phu chi fa, dont’ ever go to switzerland any other time than july-august…
You’d be frozen even before you touch the ground…