Fang, Chiang Mai | About, Doi Ang Khang & Other Things to Do

Fang, Chiang Mai Overview

Fang is a quiet town located in northern Chiang Mai, which boasts of scenic beauty and natural sights. Doi Ang Khang, Fang Lake, Wat Tha Ton, Fang Hot Springs, Sky Walk, and Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park are among the most popular ones. Since the place doesn't see much tourist footfall, it makes for a great place to relax and unwind.

Straddled between the Thai and Myanmar borders is Fang, a vast province encompassed in forested hills and paddy field valleys in the Chiang Mai district. Since King Mengrai occupied Fang during the mid-seventh century, there remain several Shan-inspired temples and old wood shop houses. These aspects became the establishing features of the Lanna Kingdom.

Besides, Fang also houses a diverse mix of Yunnanese Muslims, Shan, ex-Kuomintang, and Northern Thai. The hills even house the Hmong, Lahu, Akha, Karen, and Palaung ethnic minorities. Due to such an eclectic mix, Fang has a beautiful blend of architecture as well.

Things to Do in Fang, Chiang Mai

Fang Hot Springs:
Located in Ban Pin, Fang Hot Springs arise from the granite with boiling temperatures of up to 90 to 100 degrees Celsius. One of the key attractions here is the stream of strong-scented sulfur spurted out from the most abundant spring.

Sky Walk:
A steep, yet long walkway, nestled near Wat Tha Thon, the Sky Walk provides visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the forests.

Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park:
Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park hosts a plethora of activities such as hiking, trekking the mountain top, hot springs and massages. Slow-cooking eggs is one of the top events here, where the eggs are cooked in the spring water. However, the activity is not recommended due to the vast amounts of sulfur in the springs that can enter the eggshell, thus affecting the egg and eventually, our digestive system. The sulphuric stench here adversely affects visitors who stand near them for long trying to cook eggs.

Wat Tha Thon:
Boasting pristine views, the Wat Tha Thon mountain-top temple offers museum-style exhibits and several dragon sculptures.

Fang Lake:
Located besides Monmai Resort, Fang Lake is a perfect place to unwind. As visitors can organize picnics or even go to a nearby restaurant with regular karaoke nights, Fang Lake is the ideal spot for a serene experience at Fang.

Pong Nam Dang:
If visitors are looking for a place to get away from all the noise, Pong Nam Dang is just the right spot. Featuring a mini-waterfall and a park, Png Nam Dang is a great picnic spot.

Fang Oil Fields:
The Fang Oil Fields is one of the oldest and still-functioning oil fields in Thailand.

Huai Luk Royal Project:
Tucked away along the Chiang Mai-Fang route, the Huai Luk Royal Project aims to promote the growth of the vegetables, flowers, and fruits. Along with offering a farming area at Karen, Hmong, and lowland areas, the project focuses on promoting, researching, and growing plant sources including peacock flowers, chrysanthemums, guava, cantaloupes, and pomegranates.

Wat Tham Tab Tao:
One of the well-known highlights of Wat Tham Tab Tao includes a Tap Tao cave and a mid-pond scripture hall. Although relatively smaller than Chiang Dao cave, the unique Buddha shrines are sure to charm every visitor.

Doi Ang Khang:
Doi Ang Khang houses most of the popular attractions in Fang. Here, visitors can either take an organized tour of the area, drink a cup of locally grown tea from the tea factory, or visit the fruit farms and beautiful gardens. At the end of the tour, visitors can head to Doi Kham Coffee that is best known for serving tasty desserts, cakes, and a great cup of Joe.