Khun Chae National Park

Khun Chae National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติขุนแจ) is a national park in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. This rugged park is home to high mountains and waterfalls.[2]

Khun Chae National Park
อุทยานแห่งชาติขุนแจ
IUCN category II (national park)
Overlooking a sea of clouds in the park
Park location in Thailand
Location	Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
Nearest city	Phayao
Coordinates	19°9′11″N 99°28′2″E
Area	270 km^2 (100 sq mi)
Established	1995 (1995)[1]
Governing body	Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

Geography

Khun Chae National Park is located about 100 kilometres (60 mi) northeast of Chiang Mai in the Wiang Pa Pao district of Chiang Rai Province. The park's area is 270 square kilometres (100 sq mi). Khun Chae Park is located in the Khun Tan Range and is home to the range's highest peak, Doi Lang Ka at 2,031 metres (6,660 ft).[2] The park adjoins two other national parks: Chae Son National Park and Mae Takhrai National Park.[1]

Attractions

While Doi Lang Ka is the park's highest peak, another high peak, Doi Mot at 1,700 metres (5,580 ft), offers views to both the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.[1][2]

Waterfalls include the park namesake Khun Chae, a six-level waterfall, and Mae Tho, a seven-level waterfall about 40 metres (130 ft) high.[1]

A giant ficus tree is located near the park headquarters. The tree continues to grow and as of 2006 had covered an area of more than 1,600 square metres (17,000 sq ft).[2]

Flora and fauna

The park features numerous forest types, depending on altitude, including bamboo forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, pine forest, rainforest and evergreen forest.[2]

Leopard cat

Animal species include Asiatic black bear, Siamese hare, serow, barking deer, hog badger, slow loris, white-handed gibbon, leopard cat and wild boar. Reptiles include king cobra, geckos and skinks.[1]

Scarlet minivet

Avian life includes scarlet minivet, red junglefowl, shikra, ashy drongo, white-crowned forktail, brown fish owl, crested serpent eagle, velvet-fronted nuthatch, blue-throated barbet, coppersmith barbet and blue-winged leafbird.[1]

References

1. "Khun Chae National Park". Department of National Parks (Thailand). Archived from the original on 10 November 2013. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
2. "National Parks in Thailand: Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park" (PDF). Department of National Parks (Thailand). 2015. pp. 40–41. Retrieved 26 May 2017.