Wiang Kosai National Park Established in 1981, the first national park of Phrae features rugged mountains and lush forest in Long and Wang Chin of Phrae and Thoen, Sop Prap and Mae Tha of Lampang. Among its 409.785 square kilometres, you can enjoy many beautiful natural attractions including Mae Koeng Luang and Mae Koeng Noi, Mae Chok Hot Spring. It is the countryûs 35th national park. Climate Summer is from March to May with April being the hottest month reaching a maximum temperature at 39 degree Celsius. June to October is the rainy season and winter is from November to February. December is the coldest month, temperatures may drop to 13 degree Celsius. Flora and Fauna The northern part of the park is covered by dry evergreen forest, while its southern part is dominated by mixed deciduous forest. Its major plants include Afzelia xylocarpa, Dipterocarpus alatus, Diospyros Geography pubicalyx, Lagerstroemia calyculata, Pterocarpus The park features steep valleys and a rugged macrocarpus and Xylia xylocarpa species. mountain range with average inclines of up to 80 The park once was habitat for Tiger and Asian degrees. Situated at an elevation of 800 metres above Elephant, both now extinct after heavy hunting. Today, mean sea level, the park's highest peak measures only small animals remain such as Northern Red 1,267 metres. Its rugged mountain range is blanketed Muntjac. Different bird species such as Sooty-headed by dry evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest Bulbul, Coppersmith Barbet, Common Tailorbird, Common which are origin to many rivers, namely Mae Koeng, Kingfisher and Oriental Magpie-robin occupy the Mae Chok, Mae Sin and Mae Pak. valleys and water sources. 111Northern 57-12-106_052-112 Eng New19-05_Y-Coated.indd 111 5/19/15 8:17 PM to Lampang Mae Tha to Lampang to Long Mae Ip Mae Rang Huai-o Pang Pa Kluai Attractions ◆ Mae Koeng Luang to Den Mae Koeng Chai Mae Koeng Luang and Mae Koeng Noi Noi Waterfalls. These beautiful falls cascade through 7 Mae Sin Mae Khaem levels from the mountain Doi Mae Koeng, which in Pan Chen Samai the local dialect translates to “The Stair Mountain.” Headquarters The waterfalls are tributaries of Mae Yom River. Sop Prap ◆ Mae Chok Hot Spring. The 80 degree Celsious Wang Chin hot spring is situated adjacent to Ban Mae Chok Khun Huai School in Mae Pak sub-district, Wang Chin district of Sop Prap to Sukhothai Phrae province. ◆ Pan Chen Waterfall. A small waterfall situated Pang Ngun 7 kilometres from the park headquarters. ◆ Dong Takhian. The dense forest of Iron Wood Thoen trees (Hopea odorata) surprises you by their gigantic size. These towering trees are more than a hundred to Li to Tak years old. This impressive forest is 15 kilometres away from the national park office and is accessible by trekking only. Getting There ◆ Mae Sin Waterfall. The small waterfall is situated 4 kilometres from the park headquarters ❚ From Bangkok, take the Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, to Den Chai district of Phrae route, by trekking. The park is home to many beautiful continuing onto Phrae-Lampang Road. Travel to waterfalls including Mae Chok, Mae Pak, Mae Rang Wang Chin district for another 13 kilometres and and Khun Huai. turn to the park entrance, 1.3 kilometres from the main road. Total distance is 594 kilometres from Bangkok. 112 National Parks in Thailand 57-12-106_052-112 Eng New19-05_Y-Coated.indd 112 5/19/15 8:17 PM.