About Pang Ung
Pang Ung is a freshwater reservoir surrounded by pine forest in Mok Cham Pae, in Mueang Mae Hong Son district. It stays cool all year, which earned it the nickname the Switzerland of Thailand. It began as a project of King Bhumibol, restoring forest around the reservoirs after years of clearing. The official name is Pang Tong Royal Project Development II, so don't confuse it with the Pang Ung project in Chiang Mai province.
Things to do at Pang Ung
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Photo: Platoos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Catch the morning mist
Nature
Mist usually sits on the reservoir from about 6 to 9 in the morning. Get up early and watch the sun come through the pines.
Good to know: It's a royal project reservoir, and the pine forest around it is why Thais call it the Switzerland of Thailand.
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Ride a bamboo raft
Water
Locals pole you slowly across the still water. It's the classic Pang Ung photo.
Good to know: Pang means a lumberjacks' camp, and ung is northern Thai for a waterlogged hollow, which sums up the place.
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Camp by the water
Adventure
You can rent camping gear on site. From December to January nights can drop to around 5°C, so bring warm layers.
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Drink tea at Ban Rak Thai
Food
This nearby village grows its own tea on the hillsides. Stop for a fresh cup.
Boat trips and park access change with the season and weather, so confirm locally before you go.
When to go
Best months for The North: Nov to Jan. Month-by-month guide
- Jan Best
- Feb Good
- Mar Avoid
- Apr Avoid
- May Mixed
- Jun Mixed
- Jul Mixed
- Aug Mixed
- Sep Mixed
- Oct Good
- Nov Best
- Dec Best
Regional weather guide, not specific to Pang Ung. Tap a month for details.
