Pha Chu or Pha Choet Chu
(ผาชู้ (ผาเชิดชู) น่าน)
Nan
The foothill of Pha Chu is the location of Si Nan National Park’s office. Here in winter, the view of the sea of fog could be seen from the cliff top, while the snaking Nan River can also be seen down below at the rim of the forest when the fog lifts. Those who want to admire these picturesque scenes are suggested to start hiking in the early morning. The trail is about two kilometres to the top, taking approximately one hour. It is recommended to use proper fitting shoes due to spiky rocks near the summit. Nevertheless, guidance is necessary for the hiking. Please submit the reservation to Letter Box 14, Amphoe Na Noi, Nan province, 55150.
Pha Chu is also associated with one local folklore which tells a story of a love triangle. Chao Ueang Pheung had to get married with Chao Chuang, although she already gave her heart to Chao Chan Pha. Unbearable to the grief of not being with the one she loved, Chao Ueang Pheung jumped off the cliff to kill herself. Chao Chan, her lover, saw the incident and decided to sacrifice his life for his love jumping following her down the cliff. Chao Chuang who also happened to see the one he loved died felt guilty and committed suicide at the same place, but falling to the spot a little far away from the first two. With the power of true love Chao Ueang Pheung and Chao Chan Pha had for each other, Chao Ueang Pheung was later born as an orchid under a Chan Pha tree (Dracaena Loureiri) while Chao Chuang was born as a pine tree at the spot where he fell onto. (Ueang Pheung means “orchid” and Chuang means “pine tree” in Northern Thai). The cliff was named Pha Chu (Thai for “lover”) from then on. ‘Pha Choet Chu’ is the official name given to the place by Sucharit Nanthamontri, the Nan governor. The national flag was installed at the top of the cliff with the flagpole rope hanging down reaching the base of the cliff, making it the flag with the longest rope in the world.
Pha Chu or Pha Choet Chu is 16 kilometres from Amphoe Na Noi in the route Na Noi - Pang Hai, National Highway No. 1083.