If you are looking for an impressive nature experience in Chiang Rai, then you should definitely visit the Khun Kon waterfall. It’s not only one of the highest waterfalls in Chiang Rai, but in my opinion, also the most beautiful. The sight of the water plunging into the depths never ceases to fascinate me. Even at the end of the dry half of the year – from November to March – the waterfall doesn’t just drip, but can still be called a waterfall.
To get to Khun Kon Waterfall, drive about 30 kilometers southwest from downtown Chiang Rai. The now well-developed road 1211 passes Singha Park, which you could also visit on the way. Doi Chang, the mountain of coffee, is also in this direction. After about 17 km, the turn-off onto road 1208 to the waterfall is well signposted. The very well-built road gently ascends, mostly following the stream through small villages towards the mountain.
Along the way is the beautiful „The White House“ Boutique Resort with its photogenic suspension bridge and garden. The wooden bungalows are spacious and attractively designed with lots of glass.
From the entrance of Lamnam Kok National Park, recognizable by the barrier in a curve, it’s another 2 kilometers on the now steeper road to the parking lot. From there, continue on foot for approx. 1.3 km along a charming path. This is where you really get that jungle feeling. The evergreen rainforest with its tall trees and thick bamboo could be far from civilization.
As ChatGPT aptly puts it, “There’s a viewpoint along the way where you can admire the waterfall. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Taking a refreshing dip in the cool pool at the base of the waterfall is an absolute highlight and should not be missed.” My comment on this: The waterfall is definitely photogenic. But it can be quite cold here in winter. Refreshing is therefore more suited to the hot season in March and April. How wonderful that it doesn’t dry up even then, like so many other waterfalls in Thailand.
You can also spend the night in a tent on the campground / parking lot. The stream and forest ensure that it’s pleasantly cool during the hot season.
The headquarters of the rescue operation was also recreated on this large area for the Netflix film Thai Cave Rescue. I was there and in the cave itself as an extra.
The waterfall on GoogleMaps
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