Years ago, I posted on Facebook seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations in Southeast Asia. One acquaintance replied that to truly escape the crowds, I’d need to “get out of Southeast Asia.”
To him and all the skeptics, I now say: Not true!
Welcome to Emerald Lake in Lampang, Thailand. Had you ever heard of it before now?
Vivid blue and crystal clear
I can’t take full credit for uncovering this treasure.
My colleague Ashley had the clever idea to search for Thailand’s hidden wonders using the Thai version of Google, and she stumbled upon this place. Google Maps doesn’t even list it in English.
Much like Mexico’s cenotes, this lake is a jungle sinkhole filled with transparent water and catfish.
Locals consider it sacred and make annual offerings at the site.
Though Thai tourists visit frequently, you’ll likely see few other foreigners. Best of all, entry was free—unlike the 300 baht fee at Doi Inthanon and 200 baht at most national parks I visited during my Chiang Mai road trip, which included this stop.
How to Get There
At first, my road trip companions and I debated whether adding this lake to our itinerary was worth the extra three hours of driving. It lies in the Ngao district of Lampang, within Tham Pha National Park, reachable via a narrow concrete-and-dirt road.
I’m glad we decided to go. It was incredible to see a cenote on the opposite side of the world from Mexico—the only place I’d previously known them to exist.
The lake is about three and a half hours east of Chiang Mai, and over two hours from our previous (breathtaking) stop at Wat Chaloem.
We got a bit lost along the way, as I discovered that Google Maps can be tricky to follow in rural Thailand. To avoid this, stick to route 1013 instead of taking Google Maps’ suggested shortcut. You’ll then see signs with images of the Emerald Lake guiding you the rest of the way.
Ashley watching the fish.
We rented a cheap Toyota with a small engine and made it there, but on a muddy day after rain, I’d recommend a motorbike with mud-friendly tires or a pickup truck. Much of the road is packed dirt and can be steep in spots.
Once you reach the parking lot, it’s a very short and easy 100-meter walk to the lake.
Additional Tips
In awe
Because the lake is considered holy, swimming, fishing, and feeding the fish are prohibited.
Even though it’s tempting to take a dip—especially given how clear and inviting the water looks—resisting keeps it pristine.
All the same, it’s a magical little stop and one I never expected to find in Thailand.
This was just one of many highlights on an unforgettable road trip around Chiang Mai, and it only deepened my desire to explore more of Thailand’s lesser-known provinces.
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