The Khao Chan Ngam nature trail is a 2 km walking path in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). It starts beside ChanNgarm Mountain View Resort and leads through dry evergreen forest and sandstone outcrops shaped by wind and rain, past red paintings made by people who lived here 3,000–4,000 years ago. Numbered posts from C17 to C1 mark the way. This guide takes you through the trail stop by stop, with the best hours to walk, what to bring and the rules that keep the trail good for the next walker.

The trail at a glance

Fact	Detail
Distance	2 km, from the resort (C17) to Mushroom Rock (C1)
Walking time	45–60 min
Level	Easy to moderate, with a steep descent between C13 and C14
Best hours	06:00–08:00 · 16:30–18:00
Highest point	≈ 440 m
Lowest point	≈ 320 m
Height difference	≈ 110 m

Why walk it

It starts at the edge of the resort. There is no car, no queue and no early drive to a trailhead.
No climbing gear, no rush. It is a soft trail: walking shoes, water and a hat are enough.
Forest, rock and culture in one walk. You pass forest, layered sandstone, the remains of an old monk's quarters and prehistoric rock paintings.

Stop by stop

Forest and the old monk's quarters (C17 to C14)

C17, the start beside the resort. The path begins where the resort ends.
C16, dry evergreen forest. The first stretch of the walk is under the trees.
C15, the old monk's quarters. Wat Khao Chan Ngam is close by, and this stop is a quiet reminder of the monks who lived here.
C14 and C13, the steep descent. This is the steepest part of the trail. Slow down, watch your footing and wear shoes with a good grip.

Sandstone and cross-bedding (C12 to C5)

Cross-bedding is the slanted layering you can see inside sandstone, left by sand that was laid down by moving wind or water long ago. On this stretch you can read it in the rock.

C12 and C11, cross-bedded rock and the Chan Ngam rest area. A good place to catch your breath and look at the layers.
C10, the wild Melientha tree. Known in Thai as phak wan pa, a wild vegetable. Look, but don't pick: plants on the trail are protected.
C9, a red cross-bedded sandstone overhang. The rock is stained red, and the layers lean in one direction.
C8, the old monk's cell and the two-coloured stone. Another trace of the monks who once lived on the hill.
C7, the heart of Khao Chan Ngam. The middle of the walk.
C6, the U-turn junction. Check the numbered posts before you choose your way.
C5, Shark-mouth rock. A sandstone shape that earns its name.

The prehistoric rock paintings (C4)

The paintings are the most famous stop. Painted in red on a sandstone cliff by an early farming community, the figures show people, animals and scenes of daily life. They are about 3,000–4,000 years old and 890 m from the resort. A short path behind Wat Khao Chan Ngam (2.1 km from the resort) also leads to the cliff.

Go early for soft light and cool air.
Dress modestly when you pass through the temple grounds.
Do not touch, write on or mark the rock or the paintings.

Bat Strait and Mushroom Rock (C3 to C1)

C3, Bat Strait. A narrow passage between rocks.
C2, the overturned cross-bedding rock. The layers here tilt the other way.
C1, Mushroom Rock, the finish. A mushroom-shaped boulder at the end of the 2 km path. Ask the front desk how to plan your way back before you set off.

Before you set out

Tell someone every time. Tell the front desk or the area coordinator before you walk, so that someone knows you are on the trail.
Know where help can reach you. Rescue access is from the temple side for C1 to C13, and from the resort side for C14 to C17.
Bring: proper walking shoes, drinking water, a rain jacket, a charged phone, a hat and sun protection, and only the light essentials.
On the trail: take your rubbish back with you; no smoking, alcohol or camping; don't cut or pick plants; keep your voice down for the wildlife.

Want company? Ask us about guided walks. A host can point out the rock layers as you go.

In the Khorat Geopark area

Sikhio is one of the five districts in the Khorat UNESCO Global Geopark area. Khorat Geopark joined the UNESCO Global Geoparks network in 2023 and is known for cuesta ridges, dinosaur fossils and petrified wood. ChanNgarm is an independent hotel and is not affiliated with or endorsed by UNESCO.

Make it part of a stay

The trail is easiest as part of a night or two on the hill. Walk in the cool hours (06:00–08:00 · 16:30–18:00), have breakfast (07:00–10:00), and end the day at the Sky Pool, open 07:00–20:00. For a full plan, see our weekend getaway from Bangkok and the Khao Yai Thiang guide. The trail map and its safety notes are on the Wellness page.

Trail FAQ

How long is the Khao Chan Ngam nature trail? 2 km, about 45–60 min. The level is Easy to moderate.

Where are the rock paintings on the trail? At stop C4. They are also 890 m from the resort.

How old are the rock paintings? About 3,000–4,000 years, according to the information we have. They show people, animals and scenes of daily life.

Is there a steep part? Yes, between C13 and C14. Go slowly and wear shoes with a good grip.

Do I need a guide? No, but tell the front desk every time you walk. Ask us about guided walks if you want a host to come with you.

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Khao Chan Ngam nature trail and rock paintings: a stop-by-stop walking guide