Pratu Pha Prehistoric Rock Paintings are located on a limestone cliff in the Pratu Pha gorge, Ban Dong Subdistrict, Mae Moh District, Lampang, near the Pratu Pha Shrine. It is considered an important prehistoric archaeological site in the North, both as a site for rock paintings and a burial ground for ancient humans. Archaeologists believe that these paintings are approximately 3,000 years old.

This archaeological site was discovered in 1988, and excavation, study, and copying of the rock paintings were carried out in 1998 by the Office of Archaeology and National Museums 6, Chiang Mai Province. The survey also revealed various types of archaeological evidence, which help confirm the importance of this area.

Archaeological Evidence Discovered

• Fragments of pottery in the Hariphunchai culture

• Fragments of San Kamphaeng stoneware

• Traces of ancient burial sites under the cliff

• Evidence linked to the legend of Chao Pho Pratu Pha in the Yonok Chronicle

Local legends tell of the battle of Thao Ling Kan against the army from Lamphun, which is believed to have taken place in the Pratu Pha gorge, making this area important in both archaeology and local history.

The area of the archaeological site is divided into 2 main sections:

Section 1: The Surrounding Area

• A large undulating plain to the east

• Rich in natural water sources

• The headwaters of the Mae Huat and Mae Moh rivers

• Large natural ponds on the limestone mountains

Section 2: The Archaeological Cliff Area

• A limestone cliff running along the north-south axis

• The slope of the cliff is approximately 81–90 degrees

• The cliff curves towards the east

• Therefore, the area under the cliff is not directly exposed to rainwater, allowing the rock paintings to remain intact for a long time.

• The soil is fine-textured, like powder

Archaeological studies have found that the rock paintings were created using red paint from iron ore (Hematite) and can be divided into 7 main groups, with the following important information:

Rock Painting Information

• The rock painting line is approximately 212 meters long

• The total number of images is approximately 1,586 images

• The walking path to view the paintings is approximately 627.5 meters long

Types of Images Found

• Images of human hands

• Images of men and women

• Images of various animals such as cows, barking deer, mouse deer, rabbits, monkeys, dogs, birds, bats

• Images of plants and geometric symbols such as circles and squares

• Images of tools or hunting equipment

• Images of burial rituals and belief activities

Some images also show details of human clothing, leading archaeologists to believe that the groups who used this area had a relatively high level of cultural development.

Lifestyle of the Ancient Community Based on Evidence

• Used woven fabrics as clothing

• Used containers made from weaving and pottery

• Lived in an agricultural society

• Practiced farming, animal husbandry, and hunting

• Caught aquatic animals for food

Currently, this area is cared for by the Fine Arts Department and the Royal Thai Army (Pratu Pha Special Warfare Training Camp). Walkways, stairs, and information signs have been created to allow tourists to walk and view the rock paintings conveniently and safely, and to help preserve the valuable archaeological heritage of Thailand.

Therefore, the Pratu Pha Prehistoric Rock Paintings are both an historical attraction and an important archaeological learning resource in Lampang Province, reflecting the story of prehistoric humans through red lines on limestone cliffs in a stunning way.

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How to Get There

• By Car: Drive along Phahonyothin Road, Lampang–Ngao Route (Highway No. 1). When you reach the Pratu Pha Shrine, park your car in the parking area in front of the shrine. Then, walk along the path behind the shrine, which has signs to the rock painting site.

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Travel Tips

• You should wear sneakers or comfortable walking shoes, as you will have to walk along the cliff and climb stairs in some sections.

• You should bring drinking water, especially in hot weather.

• Do not touch the rock paintings under any circumstances to prevent damage to the historical site.

• You should visit in the early morning or early afternoon when the weather is not too hot.

• It takes about 30–45 minutes to walk around.

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Admission Fee:

• Free admission

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

(It is recommended to arrive before closing time to have time to walk the entire route.)