Sam Roi Yod National Park Thailand
A Sanctuary for Wildlife and Nature Lovers Surrounded by Blue Seas
Sam Roi Yod National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan in Thailand, is a rugged landscape of mountain peaks ringed with silver sands and calm, blue waters.
The name Sam Roi Yod means “mountains of 300 peaks” and is derived from the tree-covered limestone outcrops that emerge from the coastal strip of this beautiful National Park. It is a mere ninety-eight sq. kilometres in size but more than makes up for this by its diversity and beauty.
Flora and Fauna
Sam Roi Yod is home to one of the largest freshwater marshes in Thailand which have logged nearly 300 species of birds. Some of these visit Sam Roi Yod only in the cool season but 60 of the species are permanent residents in the park. Sightings of dusky langurs are frequent, but these animals are very shy and care should be taken not to frighten them away. They are found only in pockets of forest in Thailand and Malaysia, as deforestation has destroyed their habitat.
Tham Phraya Nakhon Cave
As well as bird-watchers and nature lovers who come for the tranquility of the area, Thai tourists flock here to visit Tham Phraya Nakhon, a famous cave which can only be reached by a steep climb from Laem Sala Beach. The beach can by accessed by driving over the mountains but most people come by boat, skirting the coastline and embarking on to the beach which is deserted during the week but busy at weekends.
Legend of the Cave
Legend has it that the cave was discovered around 200 years ago by the ruler of Nakhon Si Thammarat when his ship landed on the beach during a storm. Inside the cave is Tham Phraya Nakhon, a Pavilion erected for King Rama V one of Thailand's great kings. Constructed in Bangkok in 1890 it was dismantled and then rebuilt to provide a resting place for the king during his visit to the cave.
The trek to the cave is over half a kilometre so visitors should arm themselves with plenty of water before tackling the walk, which is steep in parts and slippery when the rain has fallen. Care must be taken at all times and good footwear is essential. It is not advised for older people or those unused to hiking as it requires much stamina.
There are many other caves in the Sam Roi Yod National Park, some linked by tunnels and oil lamps are available to rent as well as guides, by the Tham Phraya Nakhon is by far the most interesting.
Renting accommodation at Sam Roi Yod
Bungalows are also available for rent sleeping up to twenty people, or you can hire a tent. Contact: The Forestry Department in Bangkok - +66 (0) 2 561 4292 or email reserve@dnp.go.th
