Take a fantastic day trip to Ob Khan National Park in Chiang Mai!
A favourite family destination in Chiang Mai for locals and expats alike, Ob Khan National Park is only about an hour away from the city. It has much to offer for the day tripper from great picnic spots, to swimming, and hiking. During the hot season, you’ll definitely want to come for a swim in the river which has a soft sandy bottom. No water shoes required!
Plan your family day trip to Ob Khan National Park, Chiang Mai and join in the fun!
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Best time to go to Ob Khan National Park
The best time of year to visit is from the end of the rainy season through the cool season (October to February). At the tail end of the rainy season in October, the water flows higher and faster allowing you to jump into the river from some of the huge rocks and outcrops. The current is fast enough to grab an inner tube, or just yourself, and float down the river. The kids can spend hours doing this! It’s also a great time to see how the fast-flowing waters have carved out the canyon system farther upstream.
From December to early May, the water level is low and the current is not strong. The banks of the river reveal sandy beaches the kids can play in and even create their own mud pits to splash around in. It’s a very popular hot season destination on the weekends, (usually completely rammed with locals), you may prefer to come during the week.
When not to go to Ob Khan National Park
You probably don’t want to be around here during the rainy season. Heavy rains can happen anytime between May and early October. The river is known to overflow creating impassable muddy roads. This is why the road past the entrance have never been paved. The raging waters and possibility for flash flooding also create a dangerous setting. The park does remain open during this time if you’re still curious. Rains and flooding are not guaranteed and you could end up having the place to yourselves!
Take a hike
Where the road goes no further, there will be a national park office. Here you can grab some information pamphlets and be helpfully pointed in the direction of the hiking path. Facing the building the path begins to the left and travels on behind the office building. The hike is approximately 2 km taking you on a path that follows the narrow canyon to where the river widens once more. This is another great spot to hang out on the large rocks and swim, if the water levels allow for it. Often, you’ll find this is the most peaceful part of the park. Until of course the kids’ imaginations take over and make this place their own!
The trail loops back on itself to place you where you started. It’s a relatively easy hike with some ups and downs. Just note that beyond the park office, there are no washrooms or other facilities. The artful skill of peeing in the bush may have to be learned!
What to bring
- We highly recommend a family picnic! The surrounding settings couldn’t be more perfect on the right day. There is a snack shop, but there’s no guarantee it will be open or have what you desire. Sometimes there’s the rare chicken BBQ stall, but that is also hit or miss. It’s best to be on the safe side and try to bring what you need. You can even bring our own BBQ and cook up goodies to eat.
- Make sure to bring towels or mats to sit on to help keep any friendly critters at bay and your bottoms slightly less sore than they would be on hard ground.
- Extra drinking water is a very good idea.
- With young kids, a small medic kit could be a good to have on hand. The park is generally very safe but scrapes and bruises happen!
- And of course, never forget your trusty toilet paper, especially if you find yourself on the trail needing to hide in the bush.
- If you forget anything, there’s always 7-11 on Canal Rd before the turn off for the park.
How to get to Ob Khan
From the Old City, head west from Suan Dok Gate on Suthep Road and make a left onto the Canal Road (also called the 121). Drive south as if you’re heading to Hang Dong for about 12 km, and look out for a sign on the right for The Grand Canyon. This sign indicates that you are almost at the sign for Ob Khan National Park just a few more clicks down the road. Keep a watchful eye and turn right over the canal. From here it’s another clearly marked 15 km to the park entrance. At the entrance you’ll be asked for the number of visitors and the vehicle’s number plate. There is no fee to enter. It can take between 30 – 45 minutes to get to Ob Khan depending on traffic and whether you drove a car or motorbike.
Grab, or taxis are also another way to get here, although I’d be wary of relying on either of these as a guaranteed mode to return home. Grab and even taxis are not easily found out this way. You may want to make arrangements with the driver to pick you up at a designated time, or better yet, get a private driver for the day!
Songtaews are great to hire for a large family for the day. All your picnic gear, swim toys, etc can easily fit in the back with you. Cost is approximately 1,000 baht but likely negotiable.
Things to consider
Due to its close proximity to The Grand Canyon and The Grand Canyon Waterpark, you may wish to split your day between Ob Khan and one of the amazing swimming adventures on offer! It’s only a 10 km drive away to a giant inflatable water park and a quieter swimming hole.
