Salawin National Park: Sustainable River Adventures & Forest Retreat
Make your journey meaningful — visit Salawin National Park and experience nature the way it was meant to be: wild, respectful, and real.
💚 Explore Salawin National Park: Thailand’s Untouched Wilderness
If you’re searching for a travel experience that gives back to the planet and supports local culture, Salawin National Park in Mae Hong Son Thailand is a destination that deserves your attention. Nestled along the Salawin River near the Myanmar border, this protected area remains largely undisturbed by commercial tourism — a rare gem in today’s world.
🌿 A Landscape of Balance
Within its sprawling mountains and river valleys, Salawin protects vital ecosystems from teak forest to dry dipterocarp woodlands. These habitats support a wealth of biodiversity, including hornbills, gibbons, rare butterflies, and endangered flora. The Salawin River flows as it has for centuries — wild and free — offering clean water, fertile banks, and cultural lifelines to Karen communities along its edge.
As a visitor, you can engage respectfully by staying on marked trails, limiting waste, and observing wildlife without interference. Salawin forest park is an ideal location for eco-conscious travelers who want to reduce their footprint while deepening their connection with nature.
🚤 Green Travel Highlights
- River Cruise from Ban Mae Sam Leap: Take a low-impact long-tail boat trip along the Salawin River to appreciate its remote beauty and meet Karen villagers who live sustainably off the land.
- Hike to Budercha Viewpoint: Enjoy panoramic views without the crowd. Early mornings offer cool air and the sound of birds waking the forest.
- Forest Walks: Trails lead through towering teak trees, shaded bamboo groves, and wildflower meadows. Avoid loud noise and stay on paths.
- Support Conservation: Entry fees and lodge stays help fund park protection and community-based tourism.
🏨 Eco-Friendly Stay Options
The park offers minimal-impact lodging such as the “Salawin 101” lodge and camping grounds near the HQ. There are no restaurants or convenience stores, so travelers should plan carefully and bring reusable containers, biodegradable toiletries, and zero-waste supplies. Visiting nearby Attractions in Mae Sariang before entering the park can help you stock up responsibly.
💼 Travel Essentials & Entry Fees
- Entry: Thai adults 20 THB | Thai children 10 THB | Foreign adults 100 THB | Foreign children 50 THB
- Vehicle Fees: Cars 30 THB | Motorcycles 20 THB
- Route: From Mae Sariang, drive Route 1194 and continue via dirt road. Boats from Ban Mae Sam Leap connect deeper into the park.
- Recommended For: Eco-travelers, cultural explorers, nature photographers, and those on a Package Tour to Mae Hong Son
🙏 Respect the Local Way of Life
Salawin isn’t just forest. It’s home. Karen communities have lived here for generations, maintaining traditional knowledge and deep respect for nature. Interact with humility, ask before taking photos, and support their handmade crafts when available.
Nearby Attractions
A cave of shimmering crystals and rare calcite formations, Tham Kaeo Komon is a unique example of natural geological preservation.
This serene hilltop temple offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection with expansive views over Mae Sariang’s valley.