The Ancient Flooded Town of Hod is Back

The Ancient Flooded Town of Hod is Back

I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to travel to the southernmost part of Chiang Mai province. It was not just an ordinary trip but to experience the old town that had been submerged underwater for several decades. The old town of Hod, or what we call “Ancient Hod Town,” is a story I want to share in detail because it is not just history but a powerful signal from nature that changes and strongly reminds us all.

Many people know Hod district as a passageway to Mae Sariang, but in fact, the old town of Hod was located much further south than we think, several tens of kilometers away, and was not on the main route from Chom Thong as it is today.

Going back to 1964, the construction of the Bhumibol Dam affected many communities in the north, including Doi Tao, Omkoi, and Hod. As the water behind the dam rose, the landscape changed completely. The old town of Hod was flooded and disappeared under the lake, with water reaching deep into the original Hod district, even though it is hundreds of kilometers from the Bhumibol Dam.

Decades later, the environment has changed. The water level in the Doi Tao lake, which once covered a wide area, has been continuously decreasing. I have followed the information and traveled to explore the ruins of the old Hod town. The remains of pagodas and ancient sites that were once submerged have started to emerge clearly. This image reminds me of the endurance and true changes of nature.

The area around the ancient flooded Hod town has become new land. Local villagers use it for cultivating crops like corn and beans, which are economic plants suitable for the soil and climate here. I traveled to experience the lifestyle of the locals who still maintain a close relationship with nature despite facing changes in water and forests.

The story of the ancient Hod town is not only fascinating history but also an important lesson I, mr.hotsia, want to share with all Thai people. Nature’s harsh impacts through floods and droughts are clear warnings that everyone must cooperate seriously to protect forests and the environment, not just leaving it to local people in places like Doi Tao and Hod alone.

I still remember traveling on the road through Hod district, seeing roadside signs calling for forest conservation, reflecting the villagers’ efforts to raise their voices to the world. I wrote this article to be another voice encouraging everyone to realize the importance of nature and forest conservation in the north.

If you want to understand the changes in Hod town and nearby areas, I recommend readingThe Story of the Doi Tao Lake Ruinswhich I have written before. It will help provide a clearer picture of the water changes in this area in detail.

Also, if you have a chance to travel through Omkoi, I suggest you stop bySan Thong Omkoi Templeto experience the local lifestyle and culture that still carries the authentic Lanna atmosphere. This place is full of fascinating history and is another destination I, mr.hotsia, really like.

Hod town and its surroundings also have charm in local food and warm community life. I stopped to taste local dishes at the fresh market in Hod district, finding simple menus like sticky rice mixed with fermented fish chili paste and fresh vegetables grown by the villagers. The flavors are unique and truly the taste of this land and water.

Traveling to Hod town today is much more convenient. The roads are paved well, and there are bus services from Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. The scenery along the way is full of green mountains and small villages that still maintain the simplicity of northern life.

For those who enjoy nature and history travel, I, mr.hotsia, recommend visitingPhra Borom That Doi Koeng Templewhich is not far from Hod. It is another beautiful viewpoint with interesting religious and cultural stories.

Finally, I want to leave a message to everyone interested in traveling here—not just for tourism but to learn and understand more about the role of humans and nature. The ancient flooded Hod town that has reappeared today is like a mirror reflecting the fragility of our world that we must help protect.

For those who love stories about nature and community life in Chiang Mai, I, mr.hotsia, have many other interesting articles you might want to read, such asA Hunter Along the Ping Riveror try the unique salted egg flavor withMuang On Mineral Salted Eggswhich is also an experience not to be missed.

Open your heart and travel to experience the reality in Hod town, and you will truly understand how nature and history are connected.