Gad Mueang Phi

Rating: 3.4/5 (8 votes)

Open Days: Generally open daily (recommended to visit in the morning–afternoon; the area can be quite hot, and the ground may be slippery or fragile after rain)

Opening Hours: Generally 08:30 – 16:30 (for photography, early morning or late afternoon offers softer light)

 

Gad Mueang Phi is one of the important natural attractions of Chiang Mai Province, located in Ban Sai Khao, Si Dong Yen Subdistrict, Chai Prakan District, about 5 kilometers from the Chai Prakan District Office. This site is a nature-based attraction formed entirely by natural processes, not by construction or artificial design, shaped slowly over time through geological processes.

 

Gad Mueang Phi in Chai Prakan District gives visitors the feeling of walking through an open-air sculpture gallery created by nature itself. The earthen pillars and soil walls vary in height and shape; some resemble ancient city walls, while others look like scenes from an adventure film. Walking slowly allows you to clearly see the layered patterns created by long-term erosion.

 

The area is located in Ban Sai Khao, Si Dong Yen Subdistrict, and is easy to access and does not require much time to explore. It is suitable for travelers stopping along the Fang–Ang Khang route, as well as those seeking an unseen attraction close to Chai Prakan town without needing to drive up steep mountains or use special vehicles.

 

The word “Gad” in the northern Thai dialect means “market,” while “Mueang Phi” (ghost city) is a name passed down by local villagers. It reflects the mysterious atmosphere of the forest and the unusual landscape, giving rise to local folklore that has been told from generation to generation.

 

The most well-known legend tells of villagers who went into the forest to gather forest products but became lost. They eventually discovered a city filled with people and a large market. After purchasing goods and being guided out of the forest, everything they had bought turned into leaves, grass, and stones. This story gave rise to the name “Gad Mueang Phi” and remains a defining identity of the area.

 

In the past, some villagers referred to this area as “Doi Yot,” with the word “Yot” meaning subsidence or collapse. This name aligns closely with the site’s geological characteristics, as Gad Mueang Phi was formed by ground subsidence combined with erosion from water and wind over a very long period, resulting in unique earthen pillars and walls of varying shapes.

 

Geomorphology scholars consider this area an excellent example of gradual landscape transformation. It can serve as an outdoor learning site for understanding soil layers, erosion processes, and the impact of climate on the Earth’s surface.

 

The experience of walking through Gad Mueang Phi varies by time of day. In the morning, softer sunlight and shadows enhance the texture and layers of the soil formations. In the afternoon, stronger light creates high contrast, appealing to those who enjoy bold visuals, though visitors should prepare hats, drinking water, and proper footwear with good grip.

 

Gad Mueang Phi is a fragile natural area. Some earthen pillars and edges may collapse easily, especially after rainfall. Visitors are advised to follow designated paths, avoid climbing, and refrain from touching or scraping the soil walls to help preserve the landscape for the future.

 

Getting There From the Chai Prakan District Office, take Chotana Road (Highway 107) toward Chiang Mai for about 3 kilometers. Then turn left beside Ban Ai School and continue for approximately 2 kilometers to reach Gad Mueang Phi. The route passes through local community roads; drive carefully, especially during morning and evening hours.

 

 

A: It is a natural phenomenon formed by ground subsidence and erosion, resulting in uniquely shaped earthen pillars and soil walls.

 

A: Typically about 30 minutes to 1 hour, making it ideal for a half-day trip or a short stop along the way.

 

A: Early morning or late afternoon, when the light enhances the depth and texture of the earthen formations.

 

A: Avoid climbing the earthen pillars, be cautious on slippery ground after rain, and follow designated paths for safety.