The park contains Doi Lang Ka Luang, which at 1,500 meters is the highest point within the protected area.
It was officially declared a national park in 1995, becoming the 80th national park in Thailand.
The park is home to a significant population of the rare and protected 'wild banana' species.
The waterfall trails involve crossing rocky streams that can become hazardous during periods of heavy rainfall.
Khun Chae National Park is a 270-square-kilometer protected area in Chiang Rai Province, defined by its rugged mountainous terrain and dense evergreen forests. It serves as a vital watershed for the Mae Lao and Mae Khachan rivers. The park features a series of multi-tiered waterfalls, most notably the Khun Chae and Mae Tho falls, which require trekking through hilly trails to access. Elevations in the park range from 300 to 1,500 meters above sea level, contributing to a cooler climate compared to the surrounding lowlands. The vegetation transitions from dry dipterocarp forest at lower elevations to hill evergreen forest on the mountain ridges. Wildlife recorded in the park includes barking deer, macaques, and diverse bird species. Visitors primarily access the interior via nature trails that demand physical stamina due to steep inclines. The park remains a remote destination with limited infrastructure compared to more heavily visited national parks in northern Thailand.
The upper viewing platform of the Khun Chae Waterfall.
Bring non-slip trekking footwear as the trails near waterfalls are often muddy and mossy.
Carry sufficient insect repellent, as the humid forest environment has high mosquito activity.
Prepare to be self-sufficient with water and snacks, as facilities within the trekking zones are nonexistent.
Attempting the longer waterfall hikes during the rainy season when flash floods are a genuine risk.
Parts of the park may be temporarily inaccessible during the peak of the rainy season due to trail conditions.
Maintain silence to observe wildlife, carry out all trash, and refrain from feeding animals or removing plants.
