อุทยานแห่งชาติดอยขุนตาล

December 2025 Fantastic hike in between Chiang Mai and Lampang. Easily accessible via train too which I found to be a rarity for Thai National Parks. I caught the Rapid 102 train from Chiang Mai station at 6:30am, which arrived at Khun Tan station around an hour later. The train ride alone is worth the journey, beautiful sunrise views as you climb into the hills. The hike is relatively easy steepness wise, with a few sections of sharper incline along the way. It is quite a long return walk from the station to the summit and back, around 18km. I found I had plenty of time returning to the station for the 1:36pm 407 train back to Chiang Mai with some time at the summit, a lunch break and a Thai tea beside the station. If too slow, there is a later train around 5pm. The trail itself was very quiet and peaceful with only a couple of other hikers/small groups around. No other foreign tourists the day I was there. Lovely views most of the way. My favourite of the few hikes I completed in Thailand!

Arrived by bicycle from Lampang (not advisable unless seriously fit and like gradients of 17%). Park staff v friendly & helpful. However, bungalow was like a movie set from the 1950s, bed hard as rock, a sponge pillow and the bathroom in need of a serious upgrade.

Doi Khun Tan National Park is a peaceful and scenic place, especially for nature lovers who enjoy quiet surroundings. The park is less crowded than many other national parks, which makes it feel calm and relaxing. The forest, mountains, and fresh air create a nice escape from the city. There are some beautiful natural views along the trails, and the area around the railway tunnel is interesting and unique. However, facilities and signage are quite limited in some parts, and certain areas could be better maintained. Activities are fairly low-key, so it’s more suitable for hiking, walking, or simply enjoying nature rather than expecting lots to do. Overall, Doi Khun Tan National Park is a decent place to visit if you enjoy quiet nature, light hiking, and a slower pace. It may not be a highlight for everyone, but it’s worth a stop if you’re nearby or looking for a peaceful outdoor experience. Tourists pay 100 B per person and an extra 30 per vehicle.

Beautiful, well kept, organized and well run National Park. A big FYI, if you take the train there; you have a very long uphill walk just to get to the main entrance(base camp #1 in photo). Once there, you then have another very long uphill hike to #2 in photo where there is a cute restaurant with an incredible view. The main entrance also has an incredible view. Once you walk up to #3 area along the road, you can finally take the 2 hour hike to the highest cloud view point on a trail. There are many cute cabins to rent and stay in all along the way. This is no park for the weak of heart. You are constantly climbing but worth it. We drove to base 2 then walked to 3. Once there we were exhausted and didn't bother with the trail hike! Enjoy, but it is a very long journey. Definitely don't ride your bike!! 😬 If you take the right-hand turn before you get to the park(left turn), you go to the train staion and tunnel. Very nice historic setting with views and snack shops.

Arrived by express train from bangkok. Hired a truck from one of the food stalls to get up to the national park. Walk the trail, which is around 10 km round trip. The restaurant here closed early around 4pm so ordered food ahead. Nice NP lodging. Easy to moderate trail.