District profile
About Phu Sang
Phu Sang sits at the far north-east of Phayao Province and is one of only two districts in the province bordering the Lao PDR, facing Sainyabuli Province.
The area carries deep history: the Yonok Chronicle mentions “Mueang Chiang Raeng” as a town at least 900 years old, once part of the Phu Kam Yao kingdom. The name Chiang Raeng survives today as one of the district’s five sub-districts.
In modern administrative terms, Phu Sang separated from Chiang Kham as a minor district on 26 June 1996 and was raised to a full district on 24 August 2007.
Life here rests on three things: the rice fields in the valley, the park forest that supplies both water and wild food, and the border crossing that keeps goods moving between the two sides every day.
Boundaries
Ringed by mountains, forest and a border line
- North
- Thoeng District, Chiang Rai
- East
- Sainyabuli Province, Laos
- South
- Chiang Kham District
- West
- Chiang Kham and Thoeng districts
Getting to Phu Sang
Route and timing
Driving yourself
From Phayao town take the Phayao–Chun–Chiang Kham–Phu Sang road, about 100 km and roughly an hour and a half. It is paved the whole way.
Coming by bus
Take the Chiang Rai–Chiang Kham or Phayao–Chiang Kham bus and get off at Chiang Kham, then a songthaew or hired car another 17 km into Phu Sang.
Best season
November–February: cool air, clear skies, the loveliest steam at the waterfall, and a good chance of a sea of mist on the stargazing ridge.
Rainy season (Jun–Sep)
The forest is deep green and the waterfall runs strong, but the ridge road is slippery and caves may be closed. Check with the park office before you set out.
What to bring
A towel and non-slip shoes for the warm waterfall, a warm layer in the cool season, a torch if you are going into a cave, and small notes for the border market.
What to eat
Seasonal wild produce at Ban Huak market, local northern dishes, and souvenirs from community enterprises at the information centre
3D map
Phu Sang district by sub-district
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Sub-district boundaries from the Royal Thai Survey Department, published by OCHA/HDX (CC BY 3.0 IGO), 2022 edition