Doi Khun Tan National Park Travel Guide

Set on a mountain range bordering both Lamphun and Lampang provinces, Doi Khun Tan National Park receives about 10,000 visitors per annum, making it one of the least visited parks in northern Thailand.

The 225-square-kilometer park has an altitude of 1,363 meters at the summit of Doi Khun Tan. Underneath the mountain, there is Thailand’s longest railroad tunnel (1,362 meters) on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai railway line built in the early 20th century. The park features some restaurants and accommodation, including six bungalows. Camping sites are also available but you must bring your own tent and camping equipment.

The main trail, which is well worth walking, ascends from Kuntan Station to the mountain peak where the park headquarters is located. Here you can get maps of further well-marked trails, which range from short walks within the vicinity to trails covering the four peaks of Doi Khun Tan. There is also a seven-kilometer looping trail to Nam Tok Tat Moei but the waterfall isn’t actually worth the effort to get to.

The park’s topography features mixed deciduous forest and abundant bamboo at the lowest levels, moist evergreen and large quantities of pine forest in the mid levels and hardwood at the highest points. Wildflowers include plentiful orchids, lilies and ginger, while mammals and birds are quite rare. Nonetheless, it is a pleasant spot to walk, with only a moderate fitness degree being required.

Getting There & Away

Doi Khun Tan National Park can be accessed by railroad or car. The easiest option is by train from Chiang Mai to Khun Tan Station (1 hour, 30 minutes). Cross the tracks and hike 1.3kms up a steep marked path to the park headquarters. There are three daily trains departing from Chiang Mai. By car, take the Chiang Mai-Lampang superhighway to the Mae Tha turnoff, and then follow the signs along an unpaved steep road for 18kms.