Ob Khan National Park Chiang Mai
Escape to Ob Khan National Park, a serene natural escape near Chiang Mai with stunning gorges, clear rivers, and peaceful trails. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Ob Khan National Park Chiang Mai
Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Escape to Ob Khan National Park, a serene natural escape near Chiang Mai with stunning gorges, clear rivers, and peaceful trails. Free entry!
"A gem near Chiang Mai, offering stunning gorges and refreshing river dips with free entry!"
Download Offline Maps
No network! Download maps before you go to navigate easily. :iphone:
Bring Your Own Food & Water
Canteen available, but packing your own is best. Pack out trash! :forkandknife: :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ob Khan Gorge
Along the Mae Khan River
Stunning rock formations carved by water, perfect for photos and cliff diving teenagers.
Refreshing River Dip
Mae Khan River
Clear, cool waters offer safe spots for both kids and adults to cool off and swim.
Nature Trails
Throughout the park
Easy to moderate trails offer scenic views and a chance to immerse yourself in nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate Without Signal
Pack Smart for a Day Trip
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download Offline Maps
No network! Download maps before you go to navigate easily. :iphone:
Bring Your Own Food & Water
Canteen available, but packing your own is best. Pack out trash! :forkandknife: :water_wave:
Free Entry & Parking
Enjoy the park without fees! Great value for a day out. :moneywithwings:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be uneven with rocks. Be careful! :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Offline Maps
No network! Download maps before you go to navigate easily. :iphone:
Bring Your Own Food & Water
Canteen available, but packing your own is best. Pack out trash! :forkandknife: :water_wave:
Free Entry & Parking
Enjoy the park without fees! Great value for a day out. :moneywithwings:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be uneven with rocks. Be careful! :athletic_shoe:
Easy Drive from City
Just 30-45 mins from Chiang Mai Old Town. Enjoy the scenic forest road. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ob Khan National Park for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the gorge and river, and its convenient proximity to Chiang Mai. The free entry and parking are significant draws, making it an excellent value for a day trip. While some trails require careful footing, the overall experience is described as peaceful and refreshing.
"OB Khan National Park, Chiang Mai Thailand is an absolute gem! The motorbike ride in was an adventure in itself, with those winding roads adding to the excitement. Once you arrive, the park staff are friendly and efficient, taking down basic info (name, phone number , vehicle registration number) for free registration – a simple process for a government record.
Parking is plentiful and free, which is a huge plus. The natural trails are perfect for photos, and the highlight has to be the high-speed water, with safe spots for both kids and adults to cool off. There's a canteen, but I'd recommend bringing your own food and water to make the most of your visit.
Overall, it's a fantastic place for a day out, offering natural beauty and a refreshing experience. Highly recommended!"
Sohrab Khan DVM
"A very enjoyable visit to this national park from Chiang Mai city! It takes around 30 minutes from the Old Town, and once you leave the highway after about 20 minutes, the forest drive becomes incredibly beautiful and peaceful.
Midday can get quite hot, so it’s not very advisable to visit between 12 PM and 4 PM. The best time to go would be in the morning or late afternoon.
There is no entry fee for the national park, making it a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the city. You’ll also find a few small shops nearby selling necessary items."
Aaryan Chandra Prakash
"Beautiful and peaceful place just 30 minutes from Chiang Mai. The canyon views and clear river make it perfect for a day trip. You can walk along the river, swim in some spots, or just relax with a picnic. The trails are easy and great for families. Not too crowded, and the nature is amazing. Great place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors!"
Hemanshi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ob Khan National Park is conveniently located about 30-45 minutes from Chiang Mai's Old Town. The drive involves leaving the highway after about 20 minutes, leading to a beautiful and peaceful forest road. While Grab drivers might be difficult to find for pickup, it's a manageable drive.
Navigation can be tricky as there is no network or GPS signal within the park. It's highly recommended to download offline maps of the area before your visit to ensure you can find your way around the trails.
Finding a Grab or taxi for pickup from Ob Khan National Park can be difficult due to its remote location and lack of mobile signal. It's best to arrange your transportation in advance or consider driving yourself.
The road leading to Ob Khan National Park is described as narrow but not too steep, making it an easy drive. The forest drive becomes incredibly beautiful and peaceful once you leave the main highway.
Absolutely! Ob Khan National Park is an excellent choice for a day trip from Chiang Mai, offering natural beauty and a refreshing escape from the city. It's easily accessible and provides a peaceful environment to explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee for Ob Khan National Park, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination for nature lovers.
Ob Khan National Park is open daily from 08:30 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week.
Yes, you'll need to provide basic information like your name, phone number, and vehicle registration number for a free registration at the tourist center. This is a simple process for government records.
No, parking is plentiful and free at Ob Khan National Park, which is a significant advantage for visitors.
There are a few small shops nearby selling necessary items. A tourist center is also available with free restrooms and a coffee shop. However, there isn't a proper restaurant, so it's best to bring your own food.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park's main attractions include the stunning Ob Khan Gorge with its rock formations, the clear Mae Khan River perfect for swimming and cooling off, and various nature trails for light hiking and photography.
The trails are generally easy to moderate, suitable for families. However, some sections can be uneven with protruding rocks and require careful footing, especially when climbing up and down steps.
Yes, the clear, cool waters of the Mae Khan River offer safe spots for both children and adults to swim and cool off.
Yes, many teenagers visit the park to take pictures and engage in cliff diving in the gorge.
Ob Khan National Park is generally not too crowded, offering a peaceful environment to enjoy nature. It's a great place to unwind and escape the city bustle.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There isn't a proper restaurant within Ob Khan National Park. While there is a canteen and a coffee shop, it's highly recommended to bring your own food and drinks to ensure you have everything you need for your visit.
There are a few small shops located near the park that sell necessary items. However, for a full meal, it's best to plan to eat before or after your visit to the park.
Yes, Ob Khan National Park is a perfect spot for a picnic. Bringing your own food and enjoying it amidst the natural beauty is a great way to experience the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The Ob Khan Gorge, with its unique rock formations and the flowing Mae Khan River, offers fantastic opportunities for photography. The natural trails also provide scenic backdrops.
Yes, the gorge is a popular spot for teenagers to take pictures, and its dramatic rock formations make for striking photographic subjects.
You can photograph lush forests, the clear river, impressive rock formations, and the overall serene natural landscape of the park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as dining options are limited. Sturdy footwear is recommended for everyone, as some trail sections can be uneven. The park's free entry and parking make it an affordable outing for the whole family. Downloading offline maps is a good idea, though the park itself is not overly complex to navigate for a day trip.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there's a canteen and nearby shops, bringing your own food and water is the most cost-effective strategy. The scenic drive from Chiang Mai is also relatively short, minimizing fuel costs if you're driving. It's a perfect way to experience Thailand's natural landscapes without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural Beauty
+1The park's trails provide opportunities for light hiking and exploration. While some paths can be uneven with protruding rocks, they are generally manageable for most visitors, including families. The highlight for many is the chance to cool off in the river, with designated safe spots for swimming and wading. The natural scenery is also a major draw for photographers, capturing the essence of Thailand's diverse landscapes.
It's important to note that mobile network coverage is limited within the park, so downloading offline maps is crucial for navigation. The park is also a popular spot for local teenagers who come to enjoy the gorge and engage in activities like cliff diving. Despite its natural appeal, remember to be a responsible visitor by packing out all your trash, as there are no bins provided.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities
When planning your visit, consider the time of day. Midday can get quite hot, so the best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat. The park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. While there's a canteen and a coffee shop, it's highly recommended to bring your own food and water, as well as a trash bag to pack out any waste, as there are no trash bins.
For those looking to extend their stay or simply enjoy the outdoors, camping is permitted in the park. However, due to the lack of facilities like trash bins, responsible camping practices are essential. The park's proximity to Chiang Mai, just a 30-45 minute drive, makes it an easy and rewarding destination for a day trip or even a short overnight stay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit