🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Doi Khun Tan straddles the Lamphun–Lampang border, with most of the area on the Mae Tha district side of Lamphun. What sets it apart from other parks is that it's the only national park in Thailand you can reach by train. Khun Tan is the highest railway station in the country, sitting at around 578 metres. Once you step off the train, it's about another 1.2 kilometres uphill on foot to the park headquarters. The charm of this trip is that you never have to drive — you ride the train and watch the view roll by, then carry on with the trek.
Why Doi Khun Tan
- You can get there by train — get off at Khun Tan station and walk up the hill from there. No private car needed.
- The trail isn't brutal — Y.1 to Y.4 follows an old road the military cut years ago. The path is clear, which makes it a good pick for beginners trying an overnight trek for the first time.
- Home to Thailand's longest railway tunnel — the 1,352-metre Khun Tan tunnel, finished back in 1918, sits right here, and you can walk over to see the tunnel mouth.
- Cool air in the cold season — from November to February the nights get sharply cold and mornings come with mist, perfect for camping.
Book the activities in your Lamphun trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Know Before You Go — Fees, Lodging, Trains
- Park entry fee — 20 THB for Thai adults, 10 THB for children (100 THB for foreigners). If you drive in yourself, add roughly 30 THB for the vehicle.
- Camping — bring your own tent for about 30 THB per person per night, or rent a tent with a sleeping bag from the park for around 180 THB per night.
- Park lodges — the park has several bungalows, starting at around 500 THB (for 2 people) up to large houses costing several thousand THB. They fill up fast in the cold season, so book ahead through the National Parks reservation system (nps.dnp.go.th) or call 081-032-6341.
- Train from Chiang Mai — there are ordinary trains (cheap, around 15 THB, about 1.5 hours) and rapid/express services (around 50 THB, a bit faster). Always check the latest timetable on the D-Ticket app or dticket.railway.co.th first, as schedules change.
- Supplies — there's a park restaurant on the mountain plus local stalls during high season, but if you come during a quiet stretch, bring your own water and food to be safe.
Khun Tan vs Khun Tal
The spelling differs by just one letter but means two different things. Khun Tan railway station (with an 'n') is where the train stops, while Doi Khun Tal National Park (with an 'l') is the name of the park. When you buy your train ticket, ask for the destination Khun Tan station.
Day 1 — Train Up the Mountain, Hike to Y.2, Pitch Camp
From Chiang Mai to a campsite on the mountain
Day 2 — Conquer the Y.4 Summit, Then Visit the Railway Tunnel
Hike to the summit in the morning, then head back by train
Adjusting the Plan to Your Fitness and Time
Same-day round trip
If you'd rather not stay over, take the morning train up, hike only as far as Y.2 or Y.3, then catch an afternoon train back. Good for anyone who wants a taste of the place but isn't ready to camp.
Full summit push
Camp one night at Y.2 and hike the Y.4 summit on the second morning — you get the morning mist, the summit, and the tunnel all in one. This is the plan this article recommends.
Sleep in a lodge, skip the tent
If you'd rather not carry a tent, book a park bungalow near the headquarters and hike up to the summit in the morning travelling light. Good for families or beginners.
When It Looks Its Best
The cold season (Nov–Feb) brings cool air and morning mist, and if you're lucky, January to February can bring wild Himalayan cherry blossoms across the northern hills. In the rainy season, Tad Moei waterfall runs full but the paths get slippery, so take extra care.
Want a full Lamphun plan with temples, food and cafes?
See the Lamphun travel guide →