History
The forest of Doi Khun Tan one of 14 forests the government decided to declare as a national park in 1959. The survey conducted in 1974 and 1975 found this forest was rich in natural resources namely economic plants, orchids, herbs, wildlife, shady forest and the country's longest railway tunnel. It was upgraded from reserved forest to Thailandûs 9th national park in 1975.
Geography
Rugged mountains blanket most area, leaving the remaining to the plain on mountain shoulder. The park is watershed for significant river including Mae Tan and Mae Tha. Doi Khun Tan is the highest peak at 1,373 metres above sea level. The park comprises Moist evergreen forest and hill evergreen forest that occupy area above 1,000 metres elevation. Its coniferous forest and mixed deciduous forest can be found above 700 metres elevation.
Climate
Climate in Doi Khun Tan National Park can be divided into three seasons. Summer, from February to April, is comfortable with summer breeze. Rainy season can be wet from May to October. It rains heavily in July and August. Winter, from November to January, is rather cool.
Flora and fauna
The park is home to various forest types including tropicalrain forest, hill evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest and coniferous forest. Its significant plants include Tectona grandis, Afzelia xylocarpa, Toona ciliata, Anisoptera costata, Lagerstroemia calyculata, Michelia sp., Mangifera sp., Pinus merkusii, Pinus kesiya, Pterocarpus macrocarpus and Schleichera oleosa. Wildlife using this area includes Muntjak, Sambar Deer, Macague, Langur, Wild Boar and great variety of bird such as Lineated Barbet, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Chestnut-headed ee-eater, Collared Scops-Owl, Black-naped Oriole, Spotted Dove, Striped Tit-Babbler and Little Bunting.
Attractions
- Khun Tan Tunnel. The countryûs longest railway tunnel is 1,352 metres long. At the entrance, there is a ùChao Pho Khun Tanû shrine to houses protective spirit of the forest and a monument to honour German who controlled the tunnel construction.
- Mountain peaks. Mountain peaks in Doi Khun Tan National Parks are nice places for camping. Tourist can relax in a resort of State Railway of Thailand, or visit coniferous forest here resort of MR Kukrit Pramoteûs house was located nearby. The house was decorated with temperate plants and lychee garden where His Majesty the King had paid a visit. Some 3.5 kilometres from the house, through shady beautiful scenery, is the highest peak of Khun Tan Range from where provincial town of Lampang can be clearly seen. On the way, there are 7 resorts belong to missionary. The resort is available for rent, by contacting at Payap University in Chiang Mai.
- Mae Long Waterfall. The waterfall is situated among lush vegetable 10 kilometres south of Khun Tan Railway Station. Visitor can get off at Mae Tan Noi Station and walk for other 3 kilometres.
- Tat Moei Waterfall. The entrance to the waterfall is between MR Kukritûs house and the peak. It is situated in Mae Yon Wai Valley, 300 metres away.
Getting there
Khun Tan National Park can be contacted via mail at mu 8, Tambon Tha Pla Duk, Amphoe Mae Tha, Lamphun 51140 or call 0-5351-9216.
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