Rock paintings, unusual rock formations and mountain forests give Hot District in Chiang Mai Province several distinct travel highlights. Ob Luang and its geological sites showcase rock art and canyon scenery; Doi Bo Luang and Mae Tho National Park offer different experiences centered on forests, mountains and nature. You can therefore choose where to stay based on the themes that interest you most during your trip.
Rock Art and Geological Formations
Ob Luang is located in the administrative area of Hang Dong Subdistrict in Hot District, within the protected area of Ob Luang National Park. Pha Chang rock shelter contains red, black and white paintings depicting people and animals. At Ob Luang, visitors walk up to a bridge that spans the canyon and offers views of the landscape. Access conditions may vary seasonally.
The geological sites also display different forms and patterns of formation. Pha Sing Liao was formed by ground subsidence and features layered rock formations. The landforms reach up to 50 meters in height and cover almost 100 rai. A tourism listing from May 2026, valid until May 2028, identifies Pha Sing Liao as a recreational and tourist site, with visiting hours from 08:30 to 16:30.
Pha Nang Noi–Pha Nang Luang, by contrast, is an old limestone outcrop whose unusual shapes were created by erosion. It has stalactites, stalagmites and shallow limestone caves. Comparing the two geological sites, visitors encounter both layered landforms and eroded limestone with cave features. In Ban Tan, the tradition of handwoven cotton textiles complements the focus on nature and landscape: items including scarves, skirts, shoulder cloths and fabrics for clothing are made on handlooms using natural dyes.
Forests, Mountains and Views
Doi Bo Luang Forest Park is an ecotourism destination with natural pine forest. Mountains surround the forest; the weather is cool year-round and the atmosphere is peaceful. Mae Tho National Park covers areas of Hot and Mae Chaem districts. Its forest types include montane rainforest, dry evergreen forest, mountain pine forest, mixed deciduous forest and dipterocarp forest. The park also provides habitat for serows, muntjacs, sun bears, wild boars and numerous bird species.
From the viewpoint near the Mae Tho National Park headquarters, you can see the Karen rice terraces. On clear days, Doi Inthanon is also visible. The view therefore depends on weather conditions. Another waterfall in the district is Mae Ap, considered a beautiful waterfall in a quiet mountain setting. The small Huai Nok Khao Waterfall lies in a natural setting and serves as a place of recreation for Ban Tan residents.
Activities and Accommodation
Ob Luang National Park offers nature walks, white-water rafting and kayaking on the Mae Chaem River. Seasonal conditions and operations may vary. There is also an approximately 9-kilometer white-water rafting route on the Salak Hin River; here too, water conditions vary by season. These offerings differ in nature: walks are for exploring nature, while rafting and kayaking are water activities.
Doi Bo Luang Forest Park offers tourists a range of accommodations and a campsite. As offerings may change, check current availability before booking. It was also reported in February 2025 that coffee grown in the forest park was processed and sold to tourists. This adds a local product to a forest stay without implying that tastings or tours are available.
Planning Your Trip
From Chiang Mai, take Highway 108 toward Chiang Mai–Hot–Mae Sariang. After arriving in Hot District, turn at the roundabout and continue on Highway 108 for about 17 kilometers. Check road conditions before setting out. For your planning, consider choosing your preferred landscape or activity as the focus, and check the relevant seasonal conditions and accommodation availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Hot, San Pa Tong District, San Kamphaeng, Mae Taeng District, Mae Ai.
Go to the main travel overview: Chiang Mai.
