Pha Chor

📍 Location of Pha Chor 🚘 Directions to Pha Chor

About Pha Chor

Pha Chor, a national park located about 30 kilometers south of Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a hidden gem that offers a unique experience for nature lovers. This park, often referred to as Thailand's "Grand Canyon," is a testament to the power of natural erosion over millennia. The park is easily accessible from highway 108, and after a somewhat challenging 13-kilometer drive from the highway to the park entrance, visitors are greeted with a modest entrance fee that is well worth the experience that awaits.

Once inside the park, a nearly 3-kilometer drive on a dirt road leads to a hilltop parking area. From here, a walking trail leads down a steep hillside to a dry creek bed on the floor of the gulch. This creek bed serves as the actual trail that meanders to another set of stairways leading to the top of another hill. Here, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular panoramic viewpoint that overlooks the rugged Pha Chor canyon.

The canyon, with its sheer sandstone cliffs and fascinating areas of erosion, appears like a miniature version of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. From the viewpoint, another long series of steps leads to the floor of the canyon. The trail takes visitors to the central area of the Pha Chor canyon where a deck has been constructed. This area is a photographer's dream, offering countless opportunities for great picture taking.

The trail continues to meander through another small creek bed at the bottom of a gulch with steep sides, eventually connecting with the main trail that leads back up the mountain to the park building. The entire park trail can be walked within 2 hours, making it a great place for family fun or just to take friends to experience one of the most unique parks in northern Thailand.

Visitors are advised to visit the park during the winter months, from November to early February, as the weather is more conducive for exploring. However, those who choose to visit in the summer are advised to go early in the morning before it gets too hot. The park also offers free guides for the walk to the formations, and it is customary to tip the guide after the tour.

Despite its beauty and uniqueness, Pha Chor is surprisingly not crowded with visitors. This could be due to its relatively new status as a national park or its location, which requires a car to reach. However, those who make the journey are rewarded with a well-laid-out trail and quite spectacular rock formations. There is also a small cafe next to the car park for refreshments.

While some visitors may find the park to be smaller than expected, the majority find it to be a worthwhile trip. The short 400-meter walk from the parking lot to the walls, some of which are uphill, offers beautiful views of the walls and the surrounding area. There are also beehives near the top of the walls, adding to the park's natural charm.

In conclusion, Pha Chor is a must-visit for those seeking a unique and natural experience in Thailand. Its beautiful canyon, fascinating rock formations, and well-laid-out trail make it a memorable destination for all visitors.