Hot District: Rock Art, Forests and River Landscapes

Hot District offers a diverse range of discoveries: at Ob Luang, a gorge landscape meets rock paintings, while Pha Sing Liao is shaped by unusual earth and rock formations. There are also forests, waterfalls and activities on rivers. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth first deciding whether nature, culture or outdoor activities should be the main focus.

Rock Art and Distinctive Formations

Ob Luang is located in the administrative area of Hang Dong Subdistrict in Hot District, Chiang Mai Province, within the Ob Luang National Park protected area. The Pha Chang rock shelter contains red-and-black and white paintings depicting people and animals. They give this place a cultural character that clearly differs from the geological features of the surrounding area.

Pha Sing Liao is a geological natural feature: land subsidence created attractively layered rock formations. The earth formations reach heights of up to 50 metres and cover an area of nearly 100 rai. Pha Sing Liao is designated as a recreational and tourist site, with visiting hours from 08:30 to 16:30. Another impressive rock area is Pha Nang Noi–Pha Nang Luang. This ancient limestone outcrop has taken on unusual shapes through erosion and features stalactites, stalagmites and low-ceilinged limestone caves.

Forest, Views and Wildlife

Doi Bo Luang Forest Park is an ecotourism destination with a natural pine forest surrounded by mountains. Cool weather throughout the year and a peaceful atmosphere define the park. Coffee is also grown, processed and sold to tourists in the park. For a trip focused on forest landscapes and local products, this offers a different focus from the rock formations of Pha Sing Liao.

Mae Tho National Park covers areas of Hot and Mae Chaem districts in Chiang Mai Province. Its forest types include montane rainforest, dry evergreen forest, montane pine forest, mixed deciduous forest and dipterocarp forest. The park provides habitat for serows, muntjacs, Asiatic black bears, wild boars and many bird species. From the viewpoint at the headquarters, the view extends across the Karen rice terraces; on clear days, Doi Inthanon is also visible. Mae Ap is considered a beautiful waterfall in a peaceful mountain landscape.

River Activities and Outdoor Experiences

At Ob Luang, visitors climb up to a bridge spanning the gorge to take in the landscape. The national park also offers nature walks, white-water rafting and kayaking on the Mae Chaem River. This is distinct from the approximately 9 km white-water rafting route on the Salak Hin River. If you are planning a family trip, you can weigh these active experiences against the quieter nature and culture offerings without making every outing the same kind of activity.

Huai Nok Khao Waterfall is also a small natural spot with beautiful scenery; it serves as a place of recreation for the residents of Ban Tan. Ban Tan is also known for its tradition of handwoven cotton fabrics: using handlooms and natural dyes, people make items including scarves, skirts, shawls and clothing fabrics. Alongside scenery and outdoor activities, local crafts and textile design can therefore be distinct interests for your trip.

Trip Planning and Accommodation

To travel from Chiang Mai, take Highway 108 towards Chiang Mai–Hot–Mae Sariang. After arriving in Hot District, turn off at the roundabout and continue along Highway 108 for about 17 km. Take this distance into account when planning your route. As a specific accommodation option, Doi Bo Luang Forest Park offers tourists a range of places to stay and a campsite. When looking for a holiday rental in Hot District, you can first decide which of the area's different landscapes and experiences you want to shape your trip.

Hot District also includes the town of Hot. Other destinations: San Kamphaeng, Mae Taeng District, Mae Ai, San Pa Tong District.

For the broader travel overview: Chiang Mai.