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TL;DR: Lom Phu Khiao is located at Tham Pha Thai National Park, Ban On Subdistrict, Ngao District, Lampang Province, open Open Daily, hours 08.30 AM – 05.30 PM.
Lom Phu Khiao
Open Days: Open Daily
Opening Hours: 08.30 AM – 05.30 PM
Lom Phu Khiao in Lampang Province is one of the most fascinating natural attractions in Ngao District. Located inside Tham Pha Thai National Park in Ban On Subdistrict, it is a large emerald-green pool surrounded by dry evergreen forest, limestone mountains, and a quiet natural atmosphere. The pool is often described as one of Lampang’s hidden Unseen destinations because of its mysterious still water, unusual geological origin, and peaceful forest setting. It is not a place for swimming or noisy recreation, but a destination for slow observation, photography, geology learning, and responsible nature travel.
Lom Phu Khiao is about 6 kilometers from Ban On Subdistrict and has become an increasingly recognized natural destination in Lampang. Many travelers associate Lampang with old temples, horse-drawn carriages, historic neighborhoods, Kad Kong Ta, or Mae Moh Mine, but Lom Phu Khiao presents another side of the province: limestone mountains, a forest sinkhole, clear emerald water, wildlife habitat, and local spiritual belief. For visitors who enjoy quiet landscapes and unusual natural formations, this place offers a very different experience from the city attractions of Lampang.
The site has the appearance of a large pool or basin in the forest, but its origin is geologically interesting. Lom Phu Khiao is associated with a sinkhole formed by the collapse of ground surface in a limestone area. Over time, the collapsed area became a deep basin filled with water. The pool’s blue-green and emerald color results from depth, water clarity, reflected light, limestone surroundings, and the forest environment around it. From the viewing area, visitors can see still water that looks calm and beautiful, while also feeling the mystery of its unknown depth.
The beauty of Lom Phu Khiao is different from waterfalls or ordinary ponds. Its water is very still, allowing the color to appear clearly when the light is right. At certain times, the pool looks bright blue; at other times, it appears deep green like an emerald. The surrounding trees and limestone cliffs reflect softly on the water surface. Together with the quiet forest sounds and shaded atmosphere, the place feels hidden, calm, and slightly mysterious.
The surrounding area is a dry evergreen forest with limestone mountains and large trees. This type of forest helps protect moisture and shade around the pool. Wildlife, birds, insects, and several fish species live in the area, making it important for visitors to behave responsibly. Travelers should avoid loud noise, feeding animals, throwing food into the water, or disturbing the aquatic ecosystem. The charm of Lom Phu Khiao depends on keeping the pool clear, still, and undisturbed.
One of the most important rules at Lom Phu Khiao is not to swim. Although the water looks beautiful and inviting, the pool is extremely deep and its depth cannot be safely determined by sight. Swimming, diving, or approaching unsafe edges can be dangerous. The best way to enjoy the site is to view it from designated safe areas, take photographs, observe the natural surroundings, and leave the water untouched.
Within the area stands the shrine of Pho Pu Lom Phu Khiao, a sacred place respected by local residents. This gives the site a cultural and spiritual dimension in addition to its natural value. Many visitors pay respect at the shrine before or after viewing the pool. The presence of the shrine shows how local communities connect forests, water, and belief. Visitors should behave politely, dress appropriately, and respect local spiritual practices while exploring the area.
Lom Phu Khiao is suitable for travelers who enjoy quiet destinations with meaning. It is not designed for loud entertainment or high-energy activities. Its appeal lies in watching the emerald pool, listening to forest sounds, observing light on the water, and spending time slowly in a natural setting. Morning visits offer fresh air and softer light, while late morning to afternoon can bring stronger light that makes the water color more visible. Visitors should avoid rushing because the place is best experienced through slow observation.
From the parking area, visitors need to walk about 150 meters to reach the pool. The first part of the trail goes uphill, then the path gradually leads down toward the basin. The distance is not long, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended because the natural ground may include soil, rocks, roots, or slippery areas, especially after rain. Older travelers or those with knee problems should walk slowly and carefully. This short walk helps visitors gradually enter the forest atmosphere before reaching the emerald pool.
Getting There can be done from Tham Pha Thai National Park headquarters by following the Lampang-Phayao route for about 19 kilometers. Look for the park attraction sign on the left, then turn into the Ban On village route and continue for about 10 kilometers. From the parking area, walk another 150 meters to the pool. Traveling by private car or rented vehicle is the most convenient option because the route passes through rural and natural areas, and nearby attractions are easier to combine by car.
Visitors coming from Lampang city should allow enough travel time because Lom Phu Khiao is in Ngao District. For a relaxed visit, it is best to leave early in the morning, make Lom Phu Khiao the main stop, and combine it with nearby places such as Tham Pha Thai National Park, Tham Pha Thai Cave, Chao Pho Pratu Pha Shrine, the ancient rock paintings at Pratu Pha, Ban On, or local restaurants in Ngao District. This makes the journey more worthwhile and allows travelers to see more of Ngao’s natural landscape.
Since Lom Phu Khiao is inside Tham Pha Thai National Park, visitors should strictly follow park rules. Stay on designated paths, do not walk outside safe areas, do not approach risky edges, do not litter, do not feed fish, and do not disturb wildlife. The site is ecologically sensitive because the water clarity and quiet ecosystem can be affected by careless behavior. Responsible travel helps preserve the beauty of Lom Phu Khiao for future visitors.
Photography at Lom Phu Khiao depends greatly on light and viewpoint. When sunlight reaches the water surface at the right angle, the blue-green color becomes especially vivid. A wide-angle lens or wide camera mode is useful for capturing the pool, surrounding trees, and limestone landscape together. Close-up photography can focus on leaves, reflections, water color, and forest textures. Visitors should never climb down toward unsafe edges for photographs because safety and conservation are more important than a dramatic angle.
For families, Lom Phu Khiao is a useful outdoor classroom. Children can learn about sinkholes, limestone landscapes, national parks, forest ecosystems, and responsible travel. Parents can explain why the pool should not be disturbed, why feeding fish is harmful, and why protected natural areas need rules. Children should always be supervised closely near walking paths, slopes, and viewpoint areas.
Culturally, the shrine of Pho Pu Lom Phu Khiao adds local meaning to the site. The belief is not separate from nature; it reinforces respect for the pool, forest, and surrounding area. Visitors who pay respect should do so politely and avoid placing offerings where they may fall into the water or harm the environment. Respecting local belief is part of understanding the destination.
Lom Phu Khiao is also interesting for travelers who enjoy geology. Limestone landscapes often contain caves, underground voids, sinkholes, and collapsed basins. The pool provides a visible example of how natural processes can shape landforms over long periods. It functions as both a scenic attraction and an outdoor learning site where visitors can understand that landscapes are constantly shaped by water, rock, time, and natural forces.
The best seasons to visit are the cool season and the late rainy season to early cool season. During these periods, the weather is more pleasant, the forest remains green, and walking conditions are generally comfortable. The site can be visited all year round, but rainy-season visitors should be careful of slippery ground and check weather conditions before traveling. In the hot season, morning or late afternoon is more comfortable than midday.
Useful items to bring include comfortable walking shoes, drinking water, a hat, insect repellent, a camera, a personal trash bag, and a rain jacket during the rainy season. If planning to stay overnight or use facilities at Tham Pha Thai National Park, contact the park in advance about accommodation, camping areas, and available services. All trash should be taken out of the natural area.
Lom Phu Khiao is suitable for a half-day visit, with time for travel, walking from the parking area, taking photos, and resting by the viewing area. For a full-day trip, combine it with Tham Pha Thai National Park and other attractions in Ngao District. This allows visitors to experience caves, forest, limestone landscapes, local communities, and restaurants in one route.
Nearby restaurants are mostly located in Ngao town or along the main travel route rather than directly at the pool. Visitors should plan meals before or after the visit, especially when traveling with family or a group. Ngao District has local restaurants, noodle shops, cafes, and simple Thai food options. Calling restaurants with available contact numbers before traveling is useful because opening hours may vary.
For accommodation, travelers can stay in Ngao District for easier access to Lom Phu Khiao and Tham Pha Thai National Park, or stay in Lampang city for more facilities and a wider selection of hotels. Staying in Ngao is practical for nature-focused trips and early starts, while Lampang city is better for travelers who also want to visit the old town, Kad Kong Ta, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, and other major attractions.
In summary, Lom Phu Khiao is one of Lampang’s most remarkable nature destinations. The emerald pool in the limestone forest offers scenic beauty, geological interest, ecological value, local belief, and a peaceful atmosphere in one place. It is more than a beautiful pool; it is a natural classroom, a sacred local site, and a conservation destination inside Tham Pha Thai National Park. Travelers who visit with care and respect will find one of the quietest and most memorable sides of Lampang.
| Name | Lom Phu Khiao |
| Location | Tham Pha Thai National Park, Ban On Subdistrict, Ngao District, Lampang Province |
| Address | Ban On Subdistrict, Ngao District, Lampang 52110, Thailand |
| Highlights | An emerald-blue natural pool in a limestone forest, with still, clear, deep water, surrounded by dry evergreen forest and limestone mountains. |
| History / Significance | A natural sinkhole pool formed by ground collapse in a limestone area, valuable for geology, ecosystem conservation, and nature-based tourism inside Tham Pha Thai National Park. |
| Name Origin | The word “Lom” refers to a deep hollow or basin, while “Phu Khiao” reflects the green water and surrounding forested mountains. |
| Distinctive Features | A large sinkhole-like pool with blue-green, clear, still, and very deep water. Swimming is not recommended. |
| Travel Information | From Tham Pha Thai National Park headquarters, follow the Lampang-Phayao route for about 19 km, turn into the Ban On village route for about 10 km, then walk about 150 meters from the parking area. |
| Current Status | A natural attraction inside Tham Pha Thai National Park, open to visitors under national park regulations. |
| Open Days | Open Daily |
| Opening Hours | 08.30 AM – 05.30 PM |
| Facilities | Parking area, walking trail, pool viewpoint, Pho Pu Lom Phu Khiao shrine, and accommodation/camping services through Tham Pha Thai National Park by advance contact. |
| Main Areas / Zones | Lom Phu Khiao pool, walking trail from the parking area, Pho Pu Lom Phu Khiao shrine, dry evergreen forest, and surrounding limestone mountains. |
| Caretaker / Coordinating Office | Tham Pha Thai National Park, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. |
| Main Contact Number | Lom Phu Khiao Tel. 054-222-214 / Tham Pha Thai National Park Tel. 082-936-7076, 083-203-7330, 054-220-364 |
| Official Website / Official Page | Tham Pha Thai National Park and Lom Phu Khiao official page. |
| Nearby Tourist Attractions | 1. Ban On, Ngao District – 6 km 2. Ban On Reservoir – 8 km 3. Tham Pha Thai Cave, Tham Pha Thai National Park – 19 km 4. Ngao Town Center – 11 km 5. Chao Pho Pratu Pha Shrine And Ancient Rock Paintings – 35 km 6. Nam Ok Ru, Ban Sop Phlueng – 40 km |
| Nearby Restaurants | 1. Lap Ruean Ngoen – 10 km 2. Tiao Ruea Komin – 10 km 3. Khun Phranai Restaurant – 11 km Tel. 054-329-505 4. Apirom Restaurant – 11 km Tel. 081-289-7009 5. Grandfa Farm-Cafe’&Restaurant – 12 km Tel. 086-658-2739 6. Kuai Tiao Mueang Ngao Ni Do – 11 km |
| Nearby Accommodations | 1. Ban Rim Noen Resort – 11 km 2. Ban Ton Tan Lampang – 11 km 3. Arawan Resort Ngao – 13 km Tel. 086-348-0798, 095-860-0699 4. Grandfa Farm-Cafe’&Restaurant – 12 km Tel. 086-658-2739 5. LD Hotel & Residences – 13 km |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is Lom Phu Khiao located?
A: Lom Phu Khiao is located inside Tham Pha Thai National Park in Ban On Subdistrict, Ngao District, Lampang Province.
Q: How was Lom Phu Khiao formed?
A: Lom Phu Khiao was formed by the collapse of the ground surface in a limestone area, creating a deep natural sinkhole pool.
Q: Can visitors swim at Lom Phu Khiao?
A: No. Swimming is not recommended because the pool is extremely deep, still, and its depth cannot be safely determined.
Q: How far is the walk from the parking area?
A: Visitors need to walk about 150 meters from the parking area. The first section goes uphill before the trail leads down toward the pool.
Q: What type of travel is Lom Phu Khiao suitable for?
A: It is suitable for nature sightseeing, photography, forest walking, geology learning, and quiet conservation-based travel.
Q: Is there a sacred site at Lom Phu Khiao?
A: Yes. The shrine of Pho Pu Lom Phu Khiao is respected by local residents and visitors should behave politely around the area.
Q: What should visitors prepare before going to Lom Phu Khiao?
A: Visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes, drinking water, a hat, insect repellent, a camera, and a personal trash bag.
Q: Who can visitors contact for Lom Phu Khiao information?
A: Visitors can contact Lom Phu Khiao at 054-222-214 or Tham Pha Thai National Park at 082-936-7076, 083-203-7330, and 054-220-364.
Category: ●Nature and Wildlife
Group: ●Other natural attractions
Last Update : 1 WeekAgo
Last Update : 1 WeekAgo
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