Op Luang National Park

Op Luang National Park is a protected area in Hot, Mae Chaem and Doi Tao districts of Chiang Mai Province, about 105 km southwest of Chiang Mai city. Established in 1991, it covers 553 sq km along the Mae Chaem River. It is notable for the Op Luang Canyon, a steep limestone gorge carved by the river, prehistoric rock paintings, forested mountains and waterfalls.

Visitors can expect a rugged natural landscape centered on the Op Luang Canyon where the Mae Chaem River flows through high limestone cliffs. The park offers viewpoints over the gorge, forested trails, waterfalls such as Mae Bua Kham and Mae Chon, a visitor centre with exhibits, campsites and bungalows, and archaeological sites with prehistoric rock paintings. The environment is dry and hot around the canyon and forested in higher areas.

Established in 1991 as Thailand's 68th national park, covering 553 sq km across Hot, Mae Chaem and Doi Tao districts. The park contains archaeological evidence including prehistoric rock paintings and ancient graves along the Mae Chaem River gorge, estimated to be 2,000-3,000 years old, indicating early human settlement in the area.

The park preserves prehistoric rock paintings at Op Luang Canyon and Doi Pha Chang, which reflect early human culture and rock art traditions in northern Thailand. The Mae Chaem River gorge has historically served as a natural passage for local communities.