Phu Chi Fa Forest Park
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park
4.6
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.6
306 reviews
Excellent
202
Very good
92
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
1
KelvinPg
George Town, Malaysia106 contributions
Feb 2025 • Friends
The night before our hike to summit of Phu Chi Fa ,it was windy. The momentum carried on until the morning of our hike. We were told chances of seeing sea of clouds were less on windy morning. We began our hike at 615am. When we reached the summit, there was no sea of clouds but to our surprise the panoramic view was stunning. We thought it was better that way. We saw villages , farms and rivers from the summit. The sunrise was spectacular and worth the hike. Strawberries sold by local farmers were sweet and cheap. 180 baht for a box of big strawberries. Many accomodation sites available and various types too. We stayed one nite at the tent type with unattached bathroom. It is called Chill Chill Camp. For those planning to stay overnite, do go for other options like chalet with a few bedrooms and attached bathroom. It got really cold when the sun sets. Not many activities in this forest. There are tribal communities and many types of vegetables and fruits are grown. We saw lots of already harvested corn fields. If you ask me would I go back to Phu Chi Fa and my answer is YES for relaxation. We had dinner at a nearbt restaurant and food was quite food and reasonably priced.
Written February 14, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William mukaramov
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia95 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Worth a trip. It’s breathtaking . Im lucky enough to see the sunrise on early January .you’ll see the sea of fogs, some Hmong kids dancing en route when we climb up the peak, everything is epic. It’s windy and cool up there. I offer some tips for people who’re staying in Chiang rai and don’t mind to spend a lil and wanting an easy trip (save time )to phu chi fa, you can actually get some agency along the city in Chiang rai offering a trip from your hotel to the hiking point, around 3000 baht ,then you’ll just take a 20-30 minutes hike up to phu chi fa.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akino Yim
Bangkok, Thailand64 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
This place is stunning!
We stayed close to Doi Pha Tang and we drove ( a car we rented from the city) about 20-30 mins to reach PhuChiFa. We took a truck to go up there (30-50THB/person) and walked more about 10 mins to reach the top. After all, we manage to find a nice spot for a sunrise and we were lucky to see sunrise above the cloud. It was very cold, windy but sooooo beautiful. Better to prepare a good camera because we didn’t have good enough to capture the dark light but you can witness through your eyes.
The only thing I don’t like is, there were a lot of people. But I’m also one of those who wants to see beautiful nature so I shouldn’t complain.
We stayed close to Doi Pha Tang and we drove ( a car we rented from the city) about 20-30 mins to reach PhuChiFa. We took a truck to go up there (30-50THB/person) and walked more about 10 mins to reach the top. After all, we manage to find a nice spot for a sunrise and we were lucky to see sunrise above the cloud. It was very cold, windy but sooooo beautiful. Better to prepare a good camera because we didn’t have good enough to capture the dark light but you can witness through your eyes.
The only thing I don’t like is, there were a lot of people. But I’m also one of those who wants to see beautiful nature so I shouldn’t complain.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
omega123
Singapore, Singapore7,878 contributions
Nov 2022
The sunset and sunrise is beautiful, however the path is too polished and beaten that can be a hazard after a rainfall.
Temperature did not drop too much, hoovering around 20 Deg-C.
There will be Hmong kids along the way dancing or singing seeking for a tip. If you are kind enough to part THB 20/pax, do so otherwise just ignore them
Temperature did not drop too much, hoovering around 20 Deg-C.
There will be Hmong kids along the way dancing or singing seeking for a tip. If you are kind enough to part THB 20/pax, do so otherwise just ignore them
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Indranu H
Bangkok, Thailand590 contributions
Oct 2020
we reached at 5,30am. Being a public holiday there were many visitors. The hike is a moderate one as its a steep climb and the path is not even. For photography the lower base is better. The sea of mist is unique with the peaks jutting out. The sunrise is stunning.
Written October 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chiangraibobby
Chiang Rai, Thailand178 contributions
Dec 2019
Enjoyed our visit to this mountain marvel. Worth the trek up the mountain. Requires climbing up base camp location to viewing area. Felt like I was on top of the World. Started journey before sunrise, had good hiking shoes, a must for the trail up mountain. Bring a flashlight, you can also buy flashlights at base of climb.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ultravan Services
Singapore12 contributions
Jan 2020
Jan 2020, we survey around Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai & Mae Salong.
Always wanted to visit Phu Chi Fa many years back and we finally made it.
Stunning view...……….
I'll be back again with new groups.
Always wanted to visit Phu Chi Fa many years back and we finally made it.
Stunning view...……….
I'll be back again with new groups.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle C
3 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
@khillery how did you get there? is the public bus running from Chiang rai? we have been told it is not but previous posts from other travellers suggest it might
Written July 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan O
Penang Island, Malaysia166 contributions
Dec 2015 • Solo
Here are the tips on going to this heaven from Chiang Rai and stay there for less than 1000baht.
Go to Terminal 1 Bus Station Chiang Rai, which is within the town. Ask around for Phu Chi Fa. You will be shown to a counter, where a hand-written signboard is hung above a desk. Tell the lady who sits behind the desk that you want to go to Phu Chi Fa. The return tickets is 300 baht (at this time of writing). The van will come to pick you up at 1pm. The journey takes more than 3 hours. The same van will pick you up the next morning at 9am, at the same spot of the van station at Phu Chi Fa.
I reached the Phu Chi Fa station around 4.15pm. Without any reservation of a accommodation, I was confident (blindly) somehow that I could find a place to rest. At the van station, there was a lady who held out a cardboard, written in English telling me she had a place for 500 baht only. So, I took it. The chalet came with free wifi and hot shower. It was just alright.
Some travelers opted for a tent. This costs 300 baht.
After checking in, I took a quick walk up the steep tar road to view sunset at the top of Phu Chi Fa. The road stretched a long 2.5km and it was really difficult for me, who was walking faster than my normal pace, as I was trying to reach before the sun set. That 2.5km distance brought me to the car park near the view point. There was another 760 meter to continue on. However, these 760 meter was not so taxing as the earlier 2,5km.
The reward was worth it. There were less than 20 tourists at the top, leaving the view point almost empty for quiet time, and appreciation of the wonderful sights of the mountains and surroundings, of Thailand and Laos.
I came back to learn that there were pick up trucks to bring anyone up (or down) for a fee of 30 baht each way. My guest house arranged one to pick me up at 5am. That would give me an additional hour to sleep in, as I was planning to get up at 4am to walk up.
Do bring torchlight. At the top, there were 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 view point but to the left. A few steps further, I was able to avoid the crowd and enjoy wider landscape view.
Another good place to take 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.
Internet articles will tell you that the place is really cold and one can suffer hypothermia. Not true. You should have your jacket with you but the temperature is not that bad. The guesthouse thick blanket is already good enough to provide warm sleep.
The articles will tell you that there are hardly any eateries there. Time has changed. There are several places you can enjoy your dinner and breakfast the next morning. However, I brought some snacks up to the cliff, since that I knew I would be spending hours there. I was hungry. Thankfully I had something to keep the hunger away.
There are the tribal kids, all dressed up, singing for any amount of money donation. Support them, if you want to. They do look adorable.
Be prepared to have a sleepless night. During the peak season (Nov to Jan), many locals would head there. They must have been really excited to see one another that they would stay up all night, just to chat and laugh. In a high volume. My German friends told me they suffered in their thin tent. As for me, in the chalet, I could hear my neighbours talking into the late morning but it was not that loud to disturb my sleep.
I am planning to go back there again. And this time, maybe I will stay for two nights. The life there seems so easy and relax, some thing that this aching old body of backpacker would wish to enjoy longer, just to get away from the crazy city life.
Go to Terminal 1 Bus Station Chiang Rai, which is within the town. Ask around for Phu Chi Fa. You will be shown to a counter, where a hand-written signboard is hung above a desk. Tell the lady who sits behind the desk that you want to go to Phu Chi Fa. The return tickets is 300 baht (at this time of writing). The van will come to pick you up at 1pm. The journey takes more than 3 hours. The same van will pick you up the next morning at 9am, at the same spot of the van station at Phu Chi Fa.
I reached the Phu Chi Fa station around 4.15pm. Without any reservation of a accommodation, I was confident (blindly) somehow that I could find a place to rest. At the van station, there was a lady who held out a cardboard, written in English telling me she had a place for 500 baht only. So, I took it. The chalet came with free wifi and hot shower. It was just alright.
Some travelers opted for a tent. This costs 300 baht.
After checking in, I took a quick walk up the steep tar road to view sunset at the top of Phu Chi Fa. The road stretched a long 2.5km and it was really difficult for me, who was walking faster than my normal pace, as I was trying to reach before the sun set. That 2.5km distance brought me to the car park near the view point. There was another 760 meter to continue on. However, these 760 meter was not so taxing as the earlier 2,5km.
The reward was worth it. There were less than 20 tourists at the top, leaving the view point almost empty for quiet time, and appreciation of the wonderful sights of the mountains and surroundings, of Thailand and Laos.
I came back to learn that there were pick up trucks to bring anyone up (or down) for a fee of 30 baht each way. My guest house arranged one to pick me up at 5am. That would give me an additional hour to sleep in, as I was planning to get up at 4am to walk up.
Do bring torchlight. At the top, there were 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 view point but to the left. A few steps further, I was able to avoid the crowd and enjoy wider landscape view.
Another good place to take 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.
Internet articles will tell you that the place is really cold and one can suffer hypothermia. Not true. You should have your jacket with you but the temperature is not that bad. The guesthouse thick blanket is already good enough to provide warm sleep.
The articles will tell you that there are hardly any eateries there. Time has changed. There are several places you can enjoy your dinner and breakfast the next morning. However, I brought some snacks up to the cliff, since that I knew I would be spending hours there. I was hungry. Thankfully I had something to keep the hunger away.
There are the tribal kids, all dressed up, singing for any amount of money donation. Support them, if you want to. They do look adorable.
Be prepared to have a sleepless night. During the peak season (Nov to Jan), many locals would head there. They must have been really excited to see one another that they would stay up all night, just to chat and laugh. In a high volume. My German friends told me they suffered in their thin tent. As for me, in the chalet, I could hear my neighbours talking into the late morning but it was not that loud to disturb my sleep.
I am planning to go back there again. And this time, maybe I will stay for two nights. The life there seems so easy and relax, some thing that this aching old body of backpacker would wish to enjoy longer, just to get away from the crazy city life.
Written January 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michal K
Brno, Jihomoravsky Kraj, Czech Republic7 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
Since I did not find any 100% sure information about how to get to Phu Chi Fa, I might as well create it myself, maybe someone finds it usefull.
-any tour operator could take you for a sunrise for around 2000THB, nothing for me though
-its possible to get there on a bike from Chiang Rai, but the last part to the top is a little bit difficult for a non skilled driver
-yes, there is a daily bus, or rather a mini van (13seater) going everyday at 1pm and coming back next day at 9am.
We chose the last option and I think we chose well. The return bus ticket is for 300thb and you cannot miss it in Chiang Rai old bus terminal 1 (the big main one). There two old grumpy men selling the tickets and they have also sign in English. Try to buy the ticket in advance and I mean day before even if the meaner old grumpy guy is telling you that you cant buy it day before. We were told the same thing, so we decided that we come back first thing in the morning and buy it, of course it was already sold out.
The ride is 2,5h to a little village under the viewpoint with a plenty of homestays and restaurants. We opted for a tent in a camping near the crossroad going up to viewpoint. They rent a tent with blankets for 300thb, and its a pretty sweet spot for sunset. Next morning we got up at 4am and wanted to walk to the summit but a car stopped midway and took us there. There are also lots of shuttle buses going up at 5am I think (30thb one way).
Take a light jacket for the sunrise it can get windy.
and yes a review- the experience was totally dope and awesome. Really a must when near Chiang Rai. Its a lot touristy but the majority of the people are Thai or Lao I think.
-any tour operator could take you for a sunrise for around 2000THB, nothing for me though
-its possible to get there on a bike from Chiang Rai, but the last part to the top is a little bit difficult for a non skilled driver
-yes, there is a daily bus, or rather a mini van (13seater) going everyday at 1pm and coming back next day at 9am.
We chose the last option and I think we chose well. The return bus ticket is for 300thb and you cannot miss it in Chiang Rai old bus terminal 1 (the big main one). There two old grumpy men selling the tickets and they have also sign in English. Try to buy the ticket in advance and I mean day before even if the meaner old grumpy guy is telling you that you cant buy it day before. We were told the same thing, so we decided that we come back first thing in the morning and buy it, of course it was already sold out.
The ride is 2,5h to a little village under the viewpoint with a plenty of homestays and restaurants. We opted for a tent in a camping near the crossroad going up to viewpoint. They rent a tent with blankets for 300thb, and its a pretty sweet spot for sunset. Next morning we got up at 4am and wanted to walk to the summit but a car stopped midway and took us there. There are also lots of shuttle buses going up at 5am I think (30thb one way).
Take a light jacket for the sunrise it can get windy.
and yes a review- the experience was totally dope and awesome. Really a must when near Chiang Rai. Its a lot touristy but the majority of the people are Thai or Lao I think.
Written November 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Any recommendation for a good place to stay in between Phu Chi Fa and Do Pha Tang area? Thanks.
Written October 9, 2019
Phu Chi Fa or Doi Pha Tung better for sunrise? We have only 1 night in the area therefore either one for sunset and the other for sunrise. Do advise. Thanks!
Written October 9, 2019
Dear Cindee,
I have not been to Doi Pha but the Phu Chi Fa sunrise was stunning. Actually, you can also catch the sunset on the same location. It has 360 degrees view of the entire horizon. And you can be in two countries at the same time. Left foot in Laos and Right foot in Thailand. Or vice versa. The sea of clouds in the valleys surround the entire peak makes the sunrise even better ... be there early and be prepared to stay one or two hours. To better appreciate the changing hues of the skies, clouds, shadows and the hills. Enjoy!
Written October 29, 2019
Do anyone go to Phu Chi Fa in August?
I went to Chiang Rai bus station 1, but the people said that it's low season so no one come there, if I want I have to go buy blue car 1500bth 😰 or take the bus to Thoeng, then a tuktuk or a Van to Phu Chi Fa around 800bath. It's a lot of money.
Do you know anyway or want to go there?
Written August 26, 2019
Destination415899
Portland, Oregon
Hi All,
I'm visiting Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in August, but unfortunately only have 3 nights to split between the two places. I very much want to fit Phu Chi Fa into my itinerary, but am a little reluctant because of the driving time it'll add to our short time in Northern Thailand. We're already making a round trip by land to and from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, which is 6 hours total. Going to and from Chiang Rai to Phu Chi Fa will add approximately 4 more hours of driving. Is it worth it?
(We're flying directly into CNX from abroad and can't change our flights--so flying into Chiang Rai from Bangkok is sadly not an option.)
Written June 25, 2019
It depends what you really want to do or see.
Phu Chi Fa means Hill Pointing to Sky inThai, we went to Chiangmai +Chiangrai for 10 days early this year. Just so many things to see.
Phu Chi Fa will consume some time because you need to get up quite early and go up the hill with flashlight before sun rises
You won’t see much on partly cloudy days. We spent one night at hotel nearby to save time
My advice would be if you are nature lovers and have not seen much of mountain tops, this may be for you, otherwise, you should spend more time for something else
3-nights to cover both tourist cities is not manageable, so, skip Phu Chi Fa
I am a Thai living in LA and I have visited these cities few times before
Ben
Written June 26, 2019
Hi.... Am planning to bring my 75 year old dad to see the sunrise. Any advise on the 20 minute hike up? He is pretty mobile but cannot handle too many steps as he has slight knee issue. Advisable to proceed? Tq in advance.”
Written May 1, 2019
There is van/truck transport till the last bit of walking trail. Uneven ground, not too steep. At comfortable pace, 20 min walk. If he is comfortable walking 2-3 km on flat surface, he should be able to manage the trail. The trail is not paved though.
Written May 1, 2019
I had eventually taken the bus from Chiang Rai to Theong, about 1 hr drive. Arriving at Theong about 1245H, the bus station was quiet. A guy in the station said there is a private bus leaving at 1315H. Met 2 other guys going the same way. The private transport was some Song Theaw taking villages around Phu Chi Fah. After negotiating, we settled for slightly less than 200Baht per pax which is relatively high compared to what others reviewed.
It was not the right season, weather was hot and dry, the peak of Phu Chi Fa was misty. No sunset, no sunrise, no sea of clouds. Though disappointed, the lesser tourist, the quietness and peacefulness, and the experience was ok.
Chalet owner arranged transport for 1200Baht per car (shared amongst 3 pax) to Chiang Rai the next morning. Paid a hefty sum than others, but guess we had not much of a choice.
Written April 23, 2018
Everyone says it is cold up there but only one person mentioned it was around 20°c. Please advise what is the coldest it can get as I am going up in late November and may even postpone to December as I plan to see tulips in one of the gardens around the same area.
Written November 16, 2017
I was there in mid October and I can tell you It wasn’t 20 degree at all. Being in T-shirt was not comfortable, just bring a sweater or light jacket and you should be good!
Written November 16, 2017
gallivantingbella
Iloilo City, Philippines
Hi guys im planning to visit phu chi fa on last week of oct is it rainy or cold season? Any suggestions on guest houses to stay that is cheaper and near the viewpoint area.thank you.
Written July 16, 2017
hi, I'm coming to CR and would love to go to PCF, just wondering the following items as I plan the routes:
1. is it possible to get to PCF from Chiang Saen? it looks closer on the map. Can I take bus from CS to Thoeng and take songthaew to PCF for example? does it take approximately an afternoon?
2. the other option I have in mind is, as I read somewhere else, to take a taxi/uber from CR to PCF from 3am. would anyone who have tried this before recommend this?
Thank you generous trip advisors!
Written June 9, 2017
Hi guys, I'm wondering how's the weather be like at Phu Chi Fa in JUNE?
I'm planning to go there on 6th of June, might afraid it is not a good season to go? Would it be raining at that time? Based on your experience, would appreciate your advice :) Thanks!
Written May 11, 2017
Hi Ivy,
Yes well its the humid hot time of year for PCF as we call it,,,However dont forget its much cooler in the mountains so a welcome change from the hot plains of Chiang Rai and the border crossings so you can look at it that way.. As for the view-yes it may or may not rain but just remember it will almost certainly be cloudy so perhaps clouds coming and going and not behaving as the sea of clouds like it does in winter between October and March. Thats all because of the higher humidity forcing the clouds higher and maintaining that way day and night. In winter night is clear with the gradual appearance of humid clouds way down below from the Mekong River creating that affect. Thats not to say you wont get any view but just be prepared in any case
PCF is a nice area in any case and the town is a pretty one and very friendly.. Enjoy it
Written May 12, 2017
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