Rating: 4/5 (8 votes)

Open Days: Generally daily (some periods may have area closures / campsite closures as announced for safety)

Opening Hours: Generally 08:30 – 16:30 (recommended to check the latest announcements before traveling)

 

Ob Khan National Park is a “Chiang Mai travel / Northern Thailand travel” escape that’s perfect for anyone who wants to get into nature without driving so far that the whole day disappears. You get forest air, a flowing river, and a dramatic “cliff gorge” that feels larger-than-life for how close it is to the city. Being here feels like stepping into a natural ravine where the Mae Khan River has slowly carved the rock into grooves, hollows, and strange, beautiful shapes over time—making the visit fun whether you’re taking a short stroll or coming with a serious eye for landscape.

 

The whole place can be summed up in two words: “rock” and “water.” The terrain here is shaped by both limestone and igneous rock, which is why the cliffs and rock faces look different from one spot to the next. In some sections you’ll see sheer walls narrowing into a tight passage like a natural gateway; elsewhere the river has smoothed the rock into ledges and shallow basins, rounding it more and more as the water keeps passing through. A nice way to enjoy it is to look at the rock like it’s a record of the river—how strong the flow once was, and how patiently time can work detail into stone.

 

The signature highlight that most people remember is “the gorge” itself: steep cliff walls rising to roughly 30 meters, with the Mae Khan River running straight through the middle. The narrowness of the walkway in parts naturally slows you down, and as you get closer you’ll notice the cliff surfaces are full of curves and indentations formed by moving water and sediment. That’s why many visitors like coming when the water level is just right—you get the sound of the river and the rock textures looking crisp in the same frame.

 

If you’re traveling with family or want a safer-feeling area to enjoy the water, “Huai Ya Sai” is often mentioned because it tends to be shallower and more suitable for careful wading or splashing around. The riverbank is lined with green ya sai grass that can flower beautifully in some periods, giving this zone a softer atmosphere than the steeper cliff sections. Not far from there is “Pha Tub,” a rock outcrop sculpted by the current into unusual shapes. It’s great for slow walking, photos, and close-up views of erosion patterns—but wear shoes with good grip because the rock surface can be very slippery.

 

Another reason Ob Khan feels different from a typical waterfall trip is that it’s often described as part of a “headwaters forest” system connected to important local waterways, and many sources note a variety of forest types across the park area, from dry evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest to deciduous dipterocarp forest. That diversity changes the feel of a walk depending on route and season. Early in the year, some visitors come hoping to catch “Ueang Mani Trairong,” a rare orchid reported in this area and often associated with blooming around January. If you’re genuinely interested, it’s best to ask park staff about appropriate viewing points first—wandering randomly in search of rare plants can unintentionally disturb sensitive ground.

 

In terms of experience, Ob Khan is a place where you can set your own pace. If you want a light visit, you can walk in to see the gorge, take in the rock-and-water details, stop by a safer water-play area, and head back within half a day. If you want a fuller day, you can plan onward to other points of interest mentioned around the park or nearby zones, such as various waterfalls and caves (some may take more time and require checking trail conditions). A good approach is not to cram everything into one day until you’re exhausted—the real charm here is the “slow time” that lets the landscape reveal itself.

 

Safety matters here, especially in the rainy season or right after rain. Water levels can change quickly, and the current may be stronger than it looks. Rock that’s frequently wet becomes extremely slick. Wear non-slip shoes, avoid climbing steep sections, and don’t enter narrow channels or swirling spots. If you’re with children, keep close supervision at all times. It also helps to carry a small trash bag—once riverbanks get dirty, restoring them is harder than people think.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, take the canal-side road (Highway 121) toward the Hang Dong area, then follow signs onto the route toward Nam Phrae – Ob Khan. The final stretch includes some steep and curvy sections, so use a well-maintained vehicle and drive carefully. After reaching the park office area, you can walk about 450 meters further to the main Ob Khan gorge point (a short walk, but it’s worth allowing extra time to enjoy the scenery along the way).

 

Inside the park, there are generally basic services and a welfare shop during service hours, plus camping / accommodation options in certain forms that often require advance inquiry because operations can change with season and area management. In many nature areas, campsites are commonly closed during the rainy season for safety and restoration, so if you’re traveling especially from May through August, it’s smart to check the latest announcement directly with the park.

 

 

A: For comfortable walking weather and clear rock–water scenery, November to February is ideal. The hot season can be great for water play, but the rock can be slippery. In the rainy season, check announcements and water conditions first.

 

A: The vibe is similar—a river-cut gorge with narrow passages and steep rock walls—but Ob Khan is closer to the city and works nicely as a half-day or full-day trip without feeling too heavy.

 

A: Yes, in safer, shallower areas such as the Huai Ya Sai zone, but children should be supervised closely at all times. Wear non-slip shoes and avoid narrow channels or fast-flowing sections.

 

A: From the park office area, it’s generally about a 450-meter walk to the Ob Khan gorge point. It’s short, but it’s worth allowing extra time for photos and slow scenic walking.

 

A: Watch out for sudden water level changes and very slippery rock. Some areas or campsites may close for safety, so it’s best to call and check with the park before you go.