Known as Thailand’s largest national park, Kaeng Krachan National Park is located on the border with Myanmar and is an extension of Tanintharyi Nature Reserve. This vast natural reserve was declared a national park in 1981 and with a mesmerizing collage of dense forests, waterfalls, valleys, caves and exotic wildlife, Kaeng Krachan National Park is on the bucket list of every nature lover, photographer and wildlife fanatic. Is in.
If you are one of them, then visit this fascinating piece of land to experience ultimate bliss and adventure.
And before you take off, here’s a handy guide on everything about Kaeng Krachan National Park.
Everything You Need to Know About Kaeng Krachan National Park
Location and geography of Kaeng Krachan National Park
Spread over an area of 2914 sq km, Kaeng Krachan National Park is located in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces of Thailand. Located on the border between Thailand and Myanmar, the park offers a diverse but extremely beautiful landscape along two rivers; Phetchaburi and Prana Buri, flow through it.
Best time to visit Kaeng Krachan National Park
When planning your trip to Kaeng Krachan National Park, you should take into account the climatic factors to get the best experience of the place. Although the place is moderately warm throughout the year, the wet seasons from June to October are quite humid. Heavy rainfall has been recorded and can hamper safaris and wildlife spotting, so it is advisable to avoid these wet months. So, the ideal time to visit Kaeng Krachan National Park is from November to March, as these months are relatively cool, dry, pleasant and will help you enjoy all the essential activities.
How to reach Kaeng Krachan National Park
Hua Hin Keng in Thailand is the nearest town to Krachan National Park. The park is 190 kilometers away from Bangkok and one can fly to Suvarnabhumi Airport and drive for about two and a half hours to reach the national park.
Kaeng Krachan National Park Entrance Fees and Timings
Kaeng Krachan National Park is open to visitors from 5 am to 7 pm every day. The park is frequented by locals and tourists alike and remains crowded during weekends and public holidays. The entry fee is Rs 634 per person for adults and Rs 423 per person for children. Apart from this, one has to pay extra for camping rental, safari, vehicle and guide. You can take advantage of all this from the visitor center located outside the park premises.
Flora and fauna of Kaeng Krachan National Park
flora
Kaeng Krachan National Park is characterized by dense cover of tropical and subtropical trees and palm plantations. The forest area is spectacular and once you climb to the highest point situated at an altitude of 1500 meters along the Burma border, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the vast forest land.
fauna
Kaeng Krachan National Park is most popular for its diverse wildlife. With 57 mammal species and 400 bird species, this vast park is home to innumerable snakes and over 300 species of butterflies. Commonly seen animals are clouded leopards, bears, deer, elephants, stump-tailed macaques, golden jackals and crab-eating mongooses. The place is a paradise for ornithologists, as they can spot rare bird species like white-fronted scoop owl, hornbill, full-necked stork, ratchet tailed treepie and grey-headed fish eagle, etc. You can see endangered snakes like the mountain pit viper and sawtooth-necked snake. The bronzeback and red-headed krait are also seen.
Tourist Attractions in Kaeng Krachan National Park
1. Pala-U Waterfall and Thorthip Waterfall
There are many waterfalls in the lush green land and hiking through them and taking a bath is one of the most refreshing experiences. Pala-U Waterfall and Thorthip Waterfall are one of the best places to see in Kaeng Krachan National Park. Trekking through forest paths to reach these places and enjoying the surreal beauty of falling water makes your trip worthwhile in every sense. The clean and refreshing plunge pool looks very inviting to swim or take a dip in.
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2. Khao Phanoen Thung
Kaeng Krachan National Park is known for a range of fascinating views and Khao Phanoen Thung is one of the best among them. The place offers a wonderful view of the surrounding misty forests, deep valleys and distant mountains. A short descent from the viewpoint point will take you to the ‘Orchid Trail’, where you can spot rare bird species and butterflies. To avoid excessive crowds of tourists, it is advisable to visit Khao Phanoen Thung early in the morning.
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3. Kaeng Krachan Reservoir
Located in the center of the national park; Kaeng Krachan Reservoir is a large water body created by damming the Phetchaburi River. Surrounded by lush greenery and mountains, this place soothes the mind and soul of every traveler who spends some time here. You can enjoy boating in the reservoir or enjoy bird watching.
4. Headquarters Campsite
Kaeng Krachan National Park is endowed with several camping grounds and the Headquarters Campsite is one of the most popular. It is a vast area, surrounded by lush green forests and perfect for camping. Located on the periphery of the rainforest, the HQ campsite has several restaurants with free WiFi, ATMs, clean and sanitary toilets. Moreover, mobile connectivity is stronger here compared to other camping sites in the forest.
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5. Ban Krang Campsite
If you are a nature lover; Ban Krang Campsite is an ideal place to see rare butterflies and birds. This spacious camping ground is located inside the forest, offering facilities like restaurants, washrooms, shower areas and visitor centre. You can bring your own camping equipment or you can rent it from the visitor centre.
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Things to do in Kaeng Krachan National Park
1. Go wildlife watching
Wildlife watching in Kaeng Krachan National Park is an experience you should definitely not miss. Take a guided walk and you can easily spot leopards, elephants, jackals and stump-tailed macaques. Tigers are rarely seen in this area. Be alert during your tour and don’t forget your camera and binoculars.
2. Enjoy the thrill of caves
Located near Ban Krang, Tham Hua Chang is a picturesque limestone cave. The beauty of the elephant-shaped, karst topography and the natural charm of the place will leave you spellbound. Featuring stalactites and stalagmites of various sizes and forms, this cave can be reached by trekking and walking on some of the less popular forest routes.
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3. Get involved in birdwatching
Kaeng Krachan National Park is a paradise for ornithologists. As home to more than 400 bird species, this part of the region leaves every bird lover awestruck. Almost extinct bird species like Fish Eagle, Giant Pitta, White-fronted Scops Owl, Great Argus and Broadbills can be seen here. Among the many trails, try the Orchid Trail to enjoy a captivating bird watching experience.
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4. Butterfly watching
The Pranburi River flows through the national park and its banks are an ideal place to view countless butterflies. Depending on the season, one can also see more than 100 types of butterflies and it is definitely amazing to see this colorful insect flying in the air.
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Places to Stay in Kaeng Krachan National Park
Resorts and Hotels Where You Can Stay While Exploring Kaeng Krachan National Park
If you are visiting Kaeng Krachan National Park, never be left wondering where to stay. There are many hotels, homestays and lodges in Hua Hin and one can stay there and visit the park in day tours. But if you really want to stay in the jungle, then either choose a camping ground or try booking Samaran Bird Camp, Kaeng Krachan Boathouse Paradise Resort, Kanyapa Resort and Ban Maka Bungalows.
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Are you dying to visit this amazing country of nature? Customize your Thailand tour package and experience the beauty of Kaeng Krachan National Park on your trip.
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