Rating: 3.8/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Generally open daily (temporary closures may occur according to national park announcements or weather conditions; checking before travel is recommended)

Opening Hours: Generally 08:30 – 16:30 (early morning or late afternoon is recommended for softer light and cooler temperatures)

 

Pha Chor is one of Chiang Mai’s most remarkable natural landforms, often described as a “sculpture carved by time.” For travelers who appreciate unusual landscapes, this destination offers a striking experience unlike typical rock cliffs. Instead, Pha Chor features towering earthen walls shaped by wind, rain, and erosion over long periods of time. If you have enjoyed places such as Phae Mueang Phi in Phrae Province or the earthen formations of Lalu in Sa Kaeo, Pha Chor will feel familiar in spirit, yet unique in its mountainous forest setting within Mae Wang National Park, Chiang Mai.

 

What gives Pha Chor its depth beyond visual beauty is the geological story embedded in its walls. Local interpretations and geological observations suggest that this area was once part of an ancient river channel of the Ping River. Rounded pebbles scattered throughout the earthen layers support this idea. Over time, as the river shifted course, the former riverbed was uplifted into higher ground. Sediments accumulated layer by layer, and through long-term erosion by wind and rain, these deposits transformed into the dramatic cliffs and pillars visible today. Walking through Pha Chor feels like reading layers of time written directly into the earth.

 

The scale of Pha Chor is impressive. The earthen cliffs rise to approximately 30 meters, comparable to the height of surrounding treetops in some areas, and stretch across a wide section of the valley. The walking path winds through canyon-like corridors, creating the sensation of exploring an earthen canyon hidden within the forest. The best photographic conditions are found in the early morning and late afternoon, when shadows emphasize the layered textures of the soil. Visitors who enjoy landscape or adventure photography will find many compelling angles along the trail.

 

Both Pha Chor and Kiew Suea Ten are natural formations shaped by erosion, transforming what was once an ancient river passage into dramatic earthen columns and cliffs concealed within the valleys of Mae Wang National Park. Beyond these formations, the park also offers several waterfalls and trekking routes leading to higher elevations such as Doi Pha Tang. Whether planned as a 2-day, 1-night trip or a more demanding 3-day, 2-night trekking experience, the area is well-suited to nature-oriented travel.

 

Pha Chor is a natural phenomenon formed by prolonged erosion from wind and rain. It is believed that hundreds or even thousands of years ago, this area served as part of the Ping River’s course. Evidence of this history can still be seen in the rounded stones embedded throughout the earthen walls.

 

As the Ping River gradually changed direction, this former riverbed was uplifted into a hillside. Over time, layers of river sediment accumulated, hardened, and were sculpted by natural forces into cliffs and pillars with unusual and visually striking forms. These formations closely resemble those found at Phae Mueang Phi in Phrae and Fang Ta in Phayao, though Pha Chor stands out for its forested mountain setting.

 

Pha Chor features expansive earthen slopes and walls reaching around 30 meters in height, covering a broad area. Visitors must travel to Yang Khram Subdistrict, Doi Lo District, where a ranger station of Mae Wang National Park is located. From there, visitors should contact park officials to arrange guided access into the Pha Chor area.

 

The guided walk to Pha Chor takes approximately one hour to complete. Kiew Suea Ten, located about 1 kilometer away, can be visited in combination with Pha Chor. Although similar in origin, Kiew Suea Ten has distinct patterns, with more visible gravel and stones and a slightly lower overall height.

 

Kiew Suea Ten lies within the same Yang Khram Subdistrict and offers equally impressive scenery with different visual textures. For visitors staying overnight in the national park, one option is to hike Doi Pha Tang on the first day and explore Pha Chor and Kiew Suea Ten on the second day.

 

Doi Pha Tang rises to approximately 1,909 meters above sea level and is located in Mae Win Subdistrict, Mae Wang District. As part of the Doi Inthanon mountain range, it enjoys cool temperatures year-round. The ridgeline is often windy, with minimal tall vegetation, allowing for wide, unobstructed views throughout the trek.

 

For those who prefer a less strenuous experience, Mae Wang National Park also offers several waterfalls suitable for relaxation after exploring Pha Chor. These include Khun Puai Waterfall, Pla Duk Daeng Waterfall, Pong Samit Waterfall, and Pong Noi Waterfall. Most of these waterfalls are located within Mae Wang District.

 

Among them, Mae Wang Waterfall is the most popular due to its proximity to Pha Chor. This single-tier waterfall stands about 20 meters high and approximately 10 meters wide, flowing into a shaded pool below. Water runs year-round, making it an ideal spot to cool down after walking the trails.

 

If the trekking program to Doi Pha Tang is excluded, visitors can spend nearly a full day exploring Pha Chor and Kiew Suea Ten. In the afternoon, it is possible to continue onward to Doi Inthanon, creating a scenic travel route along Highway 108, one of Chiang Mai’s most interesting driving corridors.

 

Getting There Pha Chor is located within Mae Wang National Park, Doi Lo District, Chiang Mai Province. From Chiang Mai city, take Highway 108 (Chiang Mai – Hot) for approximately 21 kilometers. Then turn right toward Mae Wang District via Rural Roads 12039 and 10240 (Mae Win – Bo Kaeo), traveling about 36 kilometers to reach the Mae Wang National Park headquarters. The entire route is paved and accessible year-round.

 

A practical safety note: Pha Chor consists of fragile earthen terrain. After rainfall, surfaces can become slippery and some edges may be unstable. Visitors are advised to wear shoes with good grip, stay on designated paths, avoid climbing or touching the earthen walls, and refrain from scraping the soil for photos, as even small damage can accumulate into long-term deterioration.

 

 

A: Pha Chor is an earthen canyon formed by ancient sediment layers and long-term erosion, creating distinctive soil patterns and canyon-like walls.

 

A: About 1 hour for walking in and exploring the site. If combined with Kiew Suea Ten and nearby waterfalls, half a day is recommended.

 

A: Early morning or late afternoon, when softer light and shadows enhance the texture of the earthen walls.

 

A: Both are erosion-formed earthen sculptures, but Kiew Suea Ten is closer, slightly lower in height, and features more visible gravel layers, making it complementary rather than repetitive.

 

A: After rain, the ground may be slippery and unstable. Visitors should stay on marked paths, avoid climbing or touching the earthen walls, and wear proper footwear with good traction.