Pha Daeng National Park begins about 20 kilometres north of Chiang Dao and extends into the mountains toward the Myanmar border. The park covers dense mixed forest, limestone karst, and river valleys. The main attractions are the Pha Daeng waterfall (best in the wet season, June to October), hot spring pools accessible by foot trail, and the old Yunnanese ex-KMT villages that have been here since the 1950s.
Most people rent a motorbike or hire a songthaew for the day. The road north passes through the Pha Daeng entrance and continues to Arunothai village, making for an excellent half-day or full-day circuit. The park charges a small entry fee for foreigners. If you want to spend the night, there is basic accommodation near the hot springs.