Neil Aronson We live only about an hour from Op Luang National Park, and yet until recently my wife and I never went. It is sort of another example of it doesn’t seem that great on the internet, but in person is amazing. I get that a lot in Thailand. Plus for tourists, it may be a little far from those visiting Chiang Mai. But since its just a past Doi Inthanon National Park, you can make a visit to both with an overnight or two stay.
The main park of the park is also on the way to Mae Hong Son if your going that way. Op Luang National Park is about 105 kilometers (70 mi) south of Chiang Mai in Chom Thong, Mae Chaem and Hot Districts.
It is contiguous with Doi Inthanon National Park. However the two main attractions in the park are on opposite sides, with completely different access points. I am referring to the park’s main attraction which is Op Luang Canyon, and Mae Tia Waterfall and camp site. We live near Mae Klang Waterfall on this map, and Op Luang is just past Chom Thong city.
Prehistoric paintings and other artefacts have been found in Op Luang National Park. The Doi Pha Chang area has a cliff painting of an elephant. Near Op Luang Canyon there are more rock paintings, as well as ancient jewelry and tools. Carbon-dating has indicated these relics to be about 28,000 years old. In 1991 Op Luang became Thailand’s 68th National Park.
Op Luang Canyon
The park’s main attraction is Op Luang Canyon, carved out by the Mae Chaem River. The canyon is steep-sided and about 300 meters (1,000 ft) long.
This part of the park is easy to get to just off route 108. Google Maps can take you there. If you don’t have a car or bike, you can easily find a private driver or tour. Turning right to stay on route 108 in the city of Hot, you will drive another 20 minutes to the headquarters and Canyon.
When reaching the main headquarters and canyon area, this is where you pay to park, or camp if you wish. Here you are treated to a beautiful shaded jungle area along the river.
Immediately to the left when you enter is camping along the river. There was no one there when we visited, probably since it was the rainy season, and super humid.
On the way to the main attraction, which is the scenic trail 300 meters down the road, you pass a nice and informative visitors center and several bathrooms.
There are picnic tables scattered along the river and shaded by a canopy of bamboo trees. The pathway to the river gorge and trail is beautiful itself.
Here you have reached the highlight of the park, which is the 2.3-km prehistoric trail through forests, caves, and river gorges. The sign says it takes 1.5 hours, but it would take me much longer, and there are great photo opportunities everywhere.
The beginning parts of the trail itself are amazing along the cliffs leading to the ‘Instagram’ viewpoint, and then across the main bridge over the river.
The main bridge offers some beautiful photos, but is a little scary as well. High up and with very low side railings, it is a bit sketchy. Continuing on the trail which is well maintained, and marked to a dozen informational signs.
Mae Tia Waterfall
This waterfall is only about 35 minutes up the mountain from Chom Thong City. It is actually in the Hot District, although just barley. The drive up is beautiful, and you first drive through rice fields and past a couple large temples and a famous meditation place.
It is not the easiest Waterfall to get to, which is one reason it is not as crowded as others such as those in Doi Inthanon. The roads are in good condition, but steep and very narrow, with lots of blind curves. We drove a big truck up, which makes it harder to pass, but feels safer.
Once you park, there is a 1.5km road you need to hike up. And along the way there is this cool house in the rice fields. It was dry season when we visited this part of the park, so it probably looks amazing in the rainy season.
Crossing the river you enter a beautiful shady, and large, area to spend the day or even overnight. There are areas for camping, nice toilets, and even a little food stand.
Mae Tia Waterfall originates from the lower Mae Tia Stream. It is two-tiered continuous waterfall about 80 m in height and 40 m in width. It flows all year around, except like all in Northern Thailand is is best from October-December. This is one of the special waterfalls and camping spots.
To get to Mae Tia Waterfall from Chiang Mai by car, take Highway 108 until reaching Chom Thong district and turn right next to the district office or turn right close to Sop Tia Temple or take a bus from Chiang Mai to Hot or from Chiang Mai to Chom Thong. Then, take a motorcycle to the waterfall entrance, where a ride service to the waterfall is provided.
Waterfalls in this national park include Mae Bua Kham, about 50 meters (160 ft) high; Mae Chon, about 80 meters (260 ft) wide and the year-round Mae Tia about 80 meters (260 ft) high.
Thep Thanom is a hot spring in the west of the park. Located 14 km from the park entrance this hot spring reaches temperatures of 99ºC. There is one large pool at Thep Phanom where you can swim, but is best enjoyed late at night or in the very early morning.
You can spend the night at Thep Phanom, but with only one cabin available you are best to book ahead. The cabin has three double rooms and two bathrooms. You can rent the rooms individually or rent the whole cabin for 1800 baht. The grounds of the hot springs also offer Thai massage for around 150 baht. There is no restaurant in the grounds but a few km down the road you will find a few open air food stalls in the town of Om Khut.
Tham Tong is a granite and limestone cave leading to long tunnels. Tham Tu Pu cave features stalagmites and stalactites.
Learn more about it’s neighbor Doi Inthanon National Park in our complete guide.
Stay Overnight
If you are also visiting Doi Inthanon National Park and want to stay overnight to visit both, I would consider these options at the entrance to Doi Inthanon.
These three resorts are all near each other and located just outside the park. I would recommend them all. They are located off route 1009 which goes from the main route 108 into Doi Inthanon.
Touch Star Resort. Highly Recommended by us. Located just 5 minutes from the first checkpoint. Very spacious grounds with lush landscape and various types of rooms. Wi-Fi, TV and all the modern amenities.
There are standard hotel rooms, small Chalets, as well as small and large group houses to rent. Wedding and banquet facilities if you’re going down that route! Friendly local staff. Good restaurant. My wife and I have stayed in both a deluxe room and chalet and loved it both times. Rates are 1,200 baht and up.
Inthanon Highlands Resort. This resort is just across the road from Touch Star. Also has beautiful grounds, a great Thai restaurant we tried, and a quiet atmosphere. It is more booked by locals.
Doi Inthanon View Resort. Also located right outside the park entrance on route 1009. They have really neat looking individual chalets. This is a higher end resort offering small villa type rooms. The property features lush gardens, with restaurant and activities. There is a nice looking Thai restaurant. We have not stayed here, but walked around and it looks great.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a temple tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Air Asia is the top regional discount airlines for Thailand and all Southeast Asia. Book from Chiang Mai to just about everywhere.
