Fang

Fang is a small town 150km north of Chiang Mai, near the Myanmar border. It’s a gateway to Doi Ang Khang — one of northern Thailand’s most scenic mountain areas — and the hot springs at Fang Hot Spring National Park. The town itself is agricultural and low-key, but the surrounding mountains and hill tribe villages make it a worthwhile base for two or three days off the main tourist trail.

What to See & Do

Fang Hot Springs (Pong Nam Ron Fang) is the main draw — a geothermal area in a national park where water shoots out at 99°C. There are bathing pools, mineral baths and a geyser field. The park is well maintained and popular with Thai families on weekends.

Doi Ang Khang, 25km north, is a royal agricultural station at 1,400m elevation where the temperature drops to near-freezing in December. The terraced gardens, strawberry farms and cherry blossoms (January-February) draw Thai visitors from across the country. Hill tribe villages — Lahu, Akha, Palong — dot the surrounding ridges.

Getting There

Buses from Chiang Mai’s Arcade terminal reach Fang in 3-4 hours. A motorbike or car gives much more flexibility for reaching Doi Ang Khang and the hot springs. The road north from Chiang Mai via Chiang Dao is winding but scenic.

Insider Tip: Combine Fang with Chiang Dao — the cave temple and Doi Chiang Dao Nature Reserve are on the way and break the drive into two manageable stops.