Chiang mai: During the New Year long weekend, tourists flocked to northern Thailand to enjoy the cool weather. Doi Pha Hom Pok campsites were packed, while Doi Inthanon was extremely lively, causing traffic congestion. Meanwhile, Phu Kradueng remained a popular destination, with people waiting to count down and witness the first sunrise of 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park in Fang District, Chiang Mai Province, is a popular destination for tourists who want to camp and enjoy the sea of mist and the cherry blossoms (or Thai sakura). The park can accommodate approximately 400 visitors per day and a maximum of 150 tents. All tents are fully booked for tonight, December 31st.
Visitors wishing to stay overnight in the national park can pitch tents at the Kiu Lom campsite for a fee of only 30 baht per person per night. Staff are available 24 hours a day to provide assistance.
Tourists continue to flock to Doi Inthanon to experience the cold weather, causing traffic congestion and filling parking lots. Officials are directing vehicles to move slowly. This morning, the temperature at grass level dropped to -1.5 degrees Celsius, resulting in frost covering the mountaintop.
Especially at the Kew Mae Pan viewpoint, many tourists gathered to watch the sunset. It is estimated that more than 10,000 tourists visited the area. Officials requested cooperation in maintaining cleanliness and asked that all containers used for food and other items be taken back down to the bottom.
Loei province is experiencing extremely cold weather, with minimum temperatures of 8-12 degrees Celsius at mountain peaks, causing over 1,000 tourists to flock to celebrate the New Year on top of Phu Kradueng mountain.
Mr. Phuwanai Mulwaeng, head of Phu Kradueng National Park, revealed that the temperature this morning was 9 degrees Celsius. The mountaintop remains cool throughout the day and features grasslands, pine forests, wildflowers, waterfalls, and various viewpoints along the cliffs where sea of fog often forms. The beauty of the maple trees, locally known as “Kuaem Daeng,” as they change color and begin to fall to the ground is also a highlight. The park welcomes tourists who will be participating in the New Year’s Eve countdown and requests their cooperation in maintaining cleanliness and protecting the environment.