Khun Chae National Park
Straddling the highlands between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces, this national park offers visitors an immersive escape into northern Thailand's natural landscape. Its elevated terrain produces a noticeably cooler climate than the lowlands, making it a welcome retreat particularly during Thailand's hotter months. The park's forested hills, cascading waterfalls, and mountain streams provide a backdrop suited to hiking, wildlife observation, and nature photography.
Visitors can expect a quiet, unhurried atmosphere with relatively undeveloped facilities — this is a place for those who prefer rugged terrain over commercial tourism infrastructure. Trails wind through dense woodland to waterfall viewpoints and forest clearings, catering primarily to hikers and nature enthusiasts comfortable with a more rustic experience. The remote setting keeps crowds manageable, lending the park a genuine sense of solitude that is increasingly rare in popular northern Thailand destinations.
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Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Khun Chae National Park — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Khun Chae National Park, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
Tha Phae Gate
Free, open all hours, and best after dark when the brick gate is lit and the square fills up.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Get there around 7pm, before the crowds land, and browse the whole stretch before you buy anything.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Free hilltop temple where the crowd is mostly Thai worshippers, and the giant white-and-gold Buddha is visible for miles.
Khun Chae National Park: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Khun Chae National Park worth visiting?
Khun Chae National Park holds a 4.4★ rating from 720 Google reviews — a strong rating for activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Khun Chae National Park?
Khun Chae National Park is typically open 08:00-16:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Khun Chae National Park?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Khun Chae National Park located?
Khun Chae National Park is at 118, Tambon Mae Chedi Mai, Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57260, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
118, Tambon Mae Chedi Mai, Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57260, Thailand098 296 2271www.facebook.com/KhunchaeNationalParkVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Khun Chae National Park
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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.
Safari World
A full day out east of the city, and the shows are what people remember most.
Nongnooch Pattaya Garden
Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Khun Chae National Park
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)