Khun Chae National Park

Khun Chae National Park protects 270 square kilometres of the Khun Tan mountain range in Chiang Rai’s Wiang Pa Pao district, its highest point reaching 2,031 metres at Doi Lang Ka — also known as Doi Langka Luang, the peak behind the park’s best-known multi-day trek. Entry costs 100 THB for foreign visitors and 20 THB for Thai nationals, open daily 08:30-16:30; it is not the free park some older listings describe.

Day-trip trails near the headquarters lead through bamboo groves into denser evergreen forest, passing two named waterfalls: Khun Chae Waterfall, a six-tier cascade close to the entrance, and Mae Tho Waterfall, a seven-tier drop of around 40 metres further into the park. A giant strangler fig near headquarters — its canopy has been recorded covering more than 1,600 square metres — is worth the short detour on its own. Wildlife includes gibbons, Asiatic black bears (rarely seen), and a wide range of birds; stream crossings along the main trails make natural rest stops for cooling off.

Watch out: The Doi Langka Luang summit trek is a serious multi-day undertaking, not a casual hike — the park’s official route runs roughly 19 km one-way over 4 days and 3 nights, ending on a different mountain road from where you started (rangers arrange the return transport). Book through park headquarters in advance; this isn’t a trail you turn up and walk.

With under 12,000 visitors a year, Khun Chae stays quiet even by national park standards — you’re more likely to have a trail to yourself here than at Doi Inthanon or Doi Suthep-Pui. Cooler temperatures under the canopy are a genuine break from the northern heat, though the terrain on the longer routes is steep and can be slippery after rain.

Insider Tip: Ask at the visitor centre near headquarters for the giant fig tree, rather than assuming it’s signposted from the main trailhead — it’s easy to miss on a first visit.

Basic camping is available near headquarters for overnight stays, though most visitors do the shorter waterfall trails as a day trip from Chiang Rai, about 30 km away via Wiang Pa Pao. Bring sturdy shoes, insect repellent, and water — there are no shops inside the park boundary. Khun Chae Waterfall and Mae Tho Waterfall both have their own pages if you’re planning which cascade to prioritise.