Hot District: Rock Art and Nature

In Hot District, rock art, unusual rock formations, and forest and river landscapes offer different reasons to visit. The area also has a handicraft tradition in Ban Tan and several ways to experience nature. Ob Luang is in the administrative area of Hang Dong Subdistrict, Hot District, Chiang Mai Province, and within the Ob Luang National Park protected area. When planning your stay, consider whether cultural history, geological features, or outdoor activities should be your main focus.

Rock Art and Handicrafts

The Pha Chang rock shelter in Ob Luang contains red-and-black and white paintings depicting people and animals. They provide a cultural contrast to the geological formations and natural areas of Hot District. Ban Tan also has a tradition of making handwoven cotton fabrics using handlooms and natural dyes. Products include scarves, skirts, shoulder cloths, and fabrics for clothing.

Rock Formations and Forest Landscapes

Pha Sing Liao is a geological site shaped by ground subsidence and the layered rock formations it created. The formations reach up to 50 metres in height and extend across nearly 100 rai. Visiting hours for this recreation and tourism site are listed as 08:30 to 16:30; the information is valid through May 2028. Another geological landscape can be found at Pha Nang Noi–Pha Nang Luang: erosion has given this ancient limestone outcrop unusual shapes, and it features stalactites, stalagmites, and shallow limestone caves.

Doi Bo Luang Forest Park is an ecotourism destination with a natural pine forest in a mountainous setting. The area is known for its cool weather year-round and peaceful atmosphere. Coffee grown there was processed and sold to tourists in February 2025. The forest park also offers tourists a range of accommodation options and a campsite. If you are considering staying overnight, check current availability.

Mae Tho National Park includes areas of Hot and Mae Chaem districts. 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, sun bears, wild boars, and numerous bird species; sightings are not guaranteed. From the viewpoint at the headquarters, you can see Karen rice terraces. On clear days, Doi Inthanon is also visible.

Waterfalls and Outdoor Activities

Huai Nok Khao Waterfall is small, set in beautiful surroundings, and serves as a recreation spot for residents of Ban Tan. Mae Ap is known as a beautiful waterfall in a peaceful mountain setting. For nature and exercise, Ob Luang National Park offers nature trails, white-water rafting, and kayaking on the Mae Chaem River. Visitors also walk up to a bridge spanning the gorge to take in the scenery of Ob Luang. Seasonal conditions and the operation of activities may vary, so check conditions before making plans.

There is also an approximately 9-kilometre white-water rafting route on the Salak Hin River. Water conditions vary by season. The different rivers and landscapes can help you decide which activity suits your plans, but conditions are not necessarily the same for all offerings.

Planning Your Journey and Stay

From Chiang Mai, take Highway 108 in the direction of Chiang Mai–Hot–Mae Sariang. After arriving in Hot District, turn at the roundabout and continue on Highway 108 for about 17 kilometres. Check road conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Hot, Mae Ai, Mae Taeng District, San Pa Tong District, San Kamphaeng.

For the broader travel overview: Chiang Mai.