Thailand National Parks - Chiang Mai - Op Khan

Op Khan National Park on the outskirts of Chiang Mai is somewhat neglected in favour of Chiang Mai’s rather better known tourist attractions. Whilst this does help to preserve the peace and tranquility of Op Khan, it is a great shame that this National Park with its outstanding natural scenic beauty is not enjoyed by more visitors to the region.

The most striking feature of Op Khan National Park is the Op Khan Gorge, a strange and beautiful river gorge with amazing shapes worn into the rock of the 30m high cliffs which tower over both sides of the Mae Khan river which flows through the gorge, but there are also waterfalls and caves to be found within the park.

Op Khan National Park covers an area of nearly 600 sq kilometers and borders the Doi Suthep – Pui National Park and is spread over 4 districts, Hang Dong, San Patong, Samoeng and Mae Wang. The geography of Op Khan is mostly mountainous although the highest mountain in the Park, Yod Khun Tien, is only 1550m high. Op Khan is also the source of several rivers which flow into Chiang Mai’s river Ping. There are various kinds of forests within the area of the National Park, including arid and evergreen forests, with large areas of pine trees. The Park contains many species of wild animals as well as a large group of different plant species which includes a rather rare Thai orchid, (Dendrobium wardianum Warner) which can be found only in this area of Thailand.

To view the Op Khan gorge, take the pathway to the left of the visitor centre. Most of the way is easy walking although we recommend stout shoes. Other parts of this National Park are not quite so accessible by car and will require some walking. Some of the other items of interest are:
Khun Win Waterfall,
Mae Sapok Waterfall,
Mae Tien Waterfall,
Tukkatan Cave,
Namsoon Cave.

Op Khan National Park has a visitor centre, although most of the information is available only in Thai, and the park is open from 8am to 6pm. One nice little extra is that admission is free. There is a campsite within the Park but visitors must bring their own tent and food.