Ob Luang National Park

Ob Luang National Park : Chiang Mai Attractions

Ob Luang National Park: A Spectacle of Nature and Prehistoric Wonders in Chiang Mai

Hidden in the western wilderness of Chiang Mai lies a sanctuary carved by time—where cliffs meet river, and forest meets the past. Ob Luang National Park is a breathtaking blend of raw natural beauty and ancient human history. From steep granite gorges and cascading waterfalls to thousand-year-old rock paintings, this national park is one of northern Thailand's most remarkable outdoor experiences.

🗻 Landscape: A Masterpiece Sculpted by Mountains and Rivers

Spanning over 553 sq. km, Op Luang sits across the districts of Chom Thong, Hot, and Mae Chaem in Chiang Mai. Its mountainous terrain belongs to the Thongchai Range, which extends from Doi Inthanon. Elevations range from 280 to 1,980 meters, with key peaks like Doi Pha Dam and Doi Liam.

At the heart of the park flows the Mae Chaem River, slicing through solid granite to form the famous Op Luang Gorge—a narrow chasm only 2 meters wide at some points and flanked by cliffs over 32 meters high. The natural bridge and viewpoint above offer an iconic panorama.

☁️ Climate: Shifting Moods of the Jungle

Op Luang features a tropical monsoon climate with three main seasons:

Rainy (May–Oct): Lush foliage, heavy waterfalls
Cool (Nov–Jan): Crisp air, temperatures as low as 6°C—ideal for hiking
Hot (Feb–Apr): Dry with highs up to 38°C

Best time to visit: November to February, when the weather is dry, cool, and perfect for exploring.

🌳 Flora & Fauna: A Jungle That Breathes Life

The park is a mosaic of ecosystems—deciduous, mixed dipterocarp, evergreen, and pine forests—home to:

Dominant trees: Teak, redwood, ironwood, pine, dipterocarp
Understory: Bamboo, palms, ancient ferns, wild orchids

Wildlife is abundant:

Mammals: Tigers, serows, Asiatic black bears, barking deer, gibbons, wild boars
Birds: Over 200 species including hornbills, junglefowl, great mynas
Reptiles & insects: A haven for herpetologists and butterfly lovers

🧭 Attractions: Where Adventure Meets Ancient Echoes

Op Luang Gorge ("Kissing Cliffs") – Narrow canyon and sky bridge over roaring rapids
Pha Chang Rock Shelter – Site of prehistoric 28,000-year-old rock art and ancient burial sites
Waterfalls – Mae Tia, Mae Chon, Mae Bua Kham: 50–80 meters high and flowing year-round
Thep Thanom Hot Springs – Soothing natural mineral baths
Caves – Tham Tu Pu and Tham Tong with mesmerizing stalactites

🚶‍♂️ Activities

Nature trails: A 2.3-km prehistoric trail through forests, caves, and river gorges
Whitewater rafting/kayaking: During rainy season
Camping under the stars: Forest campsites near streams
Birdwatching & photography: Especially at Pha Chang viewpoint during golden hours

🛎️ Facilities

Visitor center with helpful staff
Restaurant & coffee stand
Guesthouses: ฿1,800 per night for 6-person house
Camping zone: ฿50 per person (tent rental) or ฿30 if bringing your own
Toilets, power outlets, parking, and warm showers available

💸 Estimated Costs (Simplified)

🎟️ Thai visitors: Adult ฿20 / Child ฿10
🌍 Foreign visitors: Adult ฿200 / Child ฿100
🚗 Car fee: ฿30
🏕️ Camping: ฿30–50 per person
🏡 Guesthouse: From ฿1,800/night (for 6)

🚗 Getting There

By car: From Chiang Mai, take Highway 108 to Hot District (~105 km), then continue 17 km to the park entrance
By public bus: Buses from Chiang Mai to Hot, then local songthaew to the park
By long-distance bus: Routes from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son pass near the park