Issue May 2017

VISIT
AROUND
A Natural Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai
Nature can create many unexpected wonderful things.
Pha Chor is an area of cliffs 30 metres high, sometimes
nicknamed the Grand Canyon. It was formed millions of
years ago when the Ping River ran through the area and over time
changed course and created a hill. Subsequent erosion created soil
pillars and cliffs of interesting shapes.
Pha Chor is located one and a half hours nice drive from Chiang
Mai to Mae Wang National Park, followed by a few kilometres off
road. The actual site of Pha Chor isn’t huge, but it is unique and
something you don’t see every day. The walk to the site leads down
a stretch of steps through narrow corridors of tall trees and sandy
rocks. It is scenic and quiet, suitable for most people but perhaps
not recommended for elderly people. This natural trail of 900
meters offers a variety of ecological and geological features with signs
written in English. From the starting point you will have a beautiful
view over Chiang Mai’s valley, including Lamphun, Sanpatong and
Doi Inthanon.
Recently, a delegation of government officials visited Pha Chor to
discuss the details required to support an application for the canyon
to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After visiting the canyon you can drive just a few kilometres
further to Guy Sun Ten, which has a similar natural rock sculptures.
While smaller than Pha Chor, it still offers lovely scenery and
different formations of pebbles and rocks that can be viewed from a
lower height. Or you can relax at one of Mae Wang National park’s
many waterfalls: Khun Puay, Pra Duk Daeng, Phong Noy or Phong
Samid. You can also watch the sunset from the dam located right
next to the park’s entry.
34 35