Khun Kon Waterfall

Khun Kon Waterfall drops 70 metres down the flank of Doi Chang mountain — the tallest waterfall in Chiang Rai province — inside Khun Korn Forest Park, reached by a 1.4-kilometre forest trail from the park office.

The falls sit under Lam Nam Kok National Park Protection Unit 1 in Mae Kon subdistrict, on Doi Chang’s slopes. Older locals knew the site as “Tat Mork” — misty falls — for the fine spray the water throws up as it hits the sloping rock face below, a haze that hangs in the air on humid days. The trail in follows a stream through forest, gaining height gradually rather than in one steep push, and takes about 30 minutes each way at an easy pace.

Insider Tip: Go on a weekday morning if you can. The trail and the pool at the base get crowded on weekends and holidays, and the water is at its clearest — and coolest — before the day heats up.

The tourist service centre near the park entrance has tent pitches and restrooms, but no electricity, so this is a basic-camping setup rather than a glamping one. If you don’t have your own gear, tents can be rented, but arrange it with the park office in advance rather than turning up and hoping. Water flow varies hard by season: fullest just after the rains, roughly October to November, and noticeably thinner by the hot season in March–May.

Watch out: The rocks around the pool and lower trail get slippery when wet, and there’s no lifeguard. Wear shoes with real grip, not sandals, and take the last stretch to the water slowly.

Khun Kon is one of two well-known Chiang Rai waterfalls travellers often compare — the other being Khun Chae Waterfall inside Khun Chae National Park, about an hour further south. Khun Kon has the taller single drop and shorter approach walk; Khun Chae sits in a larger protected forest with more trail options.

The park sits roughly 30 kilometres southeast of Chiang Rai town — about 45 minutes by car or rented motorbike. There’s no direct public transport, so most visitors drive themselves or book it as part of a private day tour; bring your own water and snacks for the walk.