Go Travel !! Lom Phu Khew, a sinkhole in Lampang Province, is an emerald-green water source that never dries up.

 

Lom Phu Khew is a natural sculpture formed by the collapse of the Earth’s crust or limestone layers, which may have originally been a cave. When the upper cave ceiling collapsed, it created a basin that collects water — a phenomenon known as a sinkhole.

Scholars estimate its age to be over 280 million years. Local villagers discovered it while trekking through the forest and found a beautiful emerald-green body of water, which they then named "Lom Phu Khew."

However, many are unaware that this place is steeped in mysterious legends — including tales of a great serpent or Naga guarding the sacred waters, and stories of supernatural forces hidden within this ancient forest.

Lom Phu Khew is located within Tham Pha Thai National Park, in Ban On Subdistrict, Ngao District, Lampang Province. It is a large water basin formed by the collapse of the Earth's crust, surrounded by steep limestone mountains and dry evergreen forest.

The water in the sinkhole is emerald green and unfathomably deep. A diving expedition once reached a depth of 42 meters, yet the bottom of the sinkhole has still not been found.

Local villagers believe that Lom Phu Khew is a sacred water source, whose waters can be used for drinking and for making wishes to recover from illness. It is also used in various sacred ceremonies, in accordance with traditional beliefs passed down through generations.

There are also strict taboos observed by the locals, such as no swimming, no fishing, and no feeding the fish in the basin, as it is believed that breaking these rules may bring misfortune or danger.

Local villagers believe that Lom Phu Khew is a sacred water source inhabited by a great serpent, or Naga. As part of this belief, an annual water worship ceremony is held. In the past, villagers would place a bowl of rice, flowers, incense, and candles on a log and float it out to the center of the basin to honor the sacred spirit believed to dwell in the water.

One tale recounts how the floating log would mysteriously sink beneath the surface and later resurface with the candle still lit, an occurrence that astonished the villagers and strengthened their faith in the sacred power of this mystical place.

From a tourism perspective, Lom Phu Khew is well-organized, with designated parking areas, public restrooms, and community-based activities. Local residents once opened restaurants, beverage stalls, and souvenir shops to offer visitors more than just a walk to the sinkhole itself — aiming to create a fuller, more rewarding travel experience.

However, as of 2025, tourism has significantly declined. The number of visitors is inconsistent, making it difficult for local businesses to survive. Many shops have closed due to the unpredictable flow of tourists.

In reality, there aren't many activities beyond nature exploration and visiting the sinkhole itself. As a result, some critics have expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "There’s nothing to do here." This stems from the fact that most tourists do not appreciate the value of geotourism or ecotourism. Perhaps the long drive to reach the location contributes to the disappointment, as once they arrive, visitors often only take photos as souvenirs without feeling that the journey was worth it.

Another challenge in managing the tourism aspect of Lom Phu Khew is separating it from local beliefs and customs, which is quite difficult. For example, the establishment of the Shrine of the Great Serpent (Naga) at the entrance to the sinkhole can lead to issues. If religious ceremonies involving offerings are held, the smoke from incense fills the air, potentially detracting from the natural experience.

Personally, the writer has encountered a group of people dressed in white who gathered to chant loudly and even screamed, believing they were possessed by the Naga. They mimicked snake-like movements on the ground, creating a disturbing scene. This is an inappropriate behavior that should not take place in any tourist destination, especially in places meant for Buddhist or cultural tourism, where the atmosphere should reflect respect and serenity.

In my personal opinion, there should be a clear distinction between tourist attractions and sacred places of worship based on belief. Mixing the two diminishes the appeal of the natural sculptures, particularly from the perspective of international tourists. It is rather perplexing to me that the area is being marketed as a tourist destination, but it doesn't fit neatly into either category. The presence of flower, incense, and candle offerings at the entrance suggests it could be a temple, but it’s not; it's not a religious site either. It can only be seen as a place for personal belief.

This blending of elements, without clear direction, has resulted in wasted investments in developing this site as a tourist destination in Lampang. The area has been left to become overgrown and neglected, without any follow-through or proper management. Despite the fact that Ngao District has much potential for creative tourism, the lack of planning and organization has led to a missed opportunity for sustainable tourism development.