Thailand's National Parks

The largest is Kaeng Krachan in Petchaburi Province near Burma.

Jun 3, 2007

An unparalleled wilderness with over 250 species of birds and moths, 450 species of birds, plus barking deer, tapair, elephant, wild dog, monkeys, tigers, Asiatic leopard

Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand

Thailand has many green oases, but the 2,915 sq.km. Kaeng Krachan National Park in Petchaburi Province spanning the border with Burma/Myanmar, .is the largest. A three hour drive from Bangkok on the way South towards Cha’am, Hua Hin and Phuket, this wilderness is unparalleled for its rich diversity.

Flora, Fauna and Accommodation in Kaeng Krachan National Park.

There are over 250 species of insects and moths, over 450 species of birds including hornbills and the black drongo, plus spectacled langurs, Fea’s barking deer, tapir, elephant, wild dog, monkeys and gibbons. Rumours surface periodically of other wildlife including tigers and the Asiatic leopard. The rumours usually start after someone has gone into the park, disregarded the rules, and got lost. In recent years, two campers disappeared completely, never to be found.

There are no luxurious hotels anywhere near the park, but the park provides 18 guesthouses and a camping facility around its headquarters, Ban Krang Camp, for 100 tents and Phanern Thung Camp with 60 tents. To reach the latter, a 4WD and experienced driver is required. During the cool months of December-March a dense fog blankets the deep valleys during the mornings.

On the Thai-Burmese Border:

At week-ends the park on the Thai-Burmese border is a Mecca for bird-lovers heading for the Phanern Thung camping site which is set in a remote part of the forest at Kl. 30. The dusty, narrow road to the camp runs through lush tropical jungle, and can only take 200 campers per day due to the limited water supply. Views from the Phanoen Thung Substation to the Tanaosi Range on the Burmese border are magnificent.

In a mountainous landscape with incredible views of sunrise and sunset and the lower valley at dawn covered in mist, with hills surging upward out of the mist like fingers piercing filmy gauze, the camping site is a tranquil spot in which to spend a week-end.

Petchaburi River and Pranburi River

Two rivers run through the forest, thePetchaburi River famous for its clear waters (used for performing royal rites which helps keep the forest protected), and thePranburi River In the month of March the rivers attract butterflies and birds who come to gather nourishment from the spring flowers along the banks and the minerals in the rich soil around. A word of warning though, do not attempt to swim in the rivers or use a raft, as they are home to Thailand's special crocodiles and they do not like to be disturbed!

For those not wishing to hike in the forest, a pleasant day out at Kaeng Krachan is to visit and have lunch at the lakeside restaurant. Fresh lake fish is delicious and you can sit on the verandah with a cool Singha or Chang beer and look across the lake to Burma.Myanmar and the Karen Hill Tribe people who live there.

From Bangkok drive via Highway 3175 towards Petchaburi, then drive via Tha Yang district to reach the Park located close to Kaeng Kracham Dam. There are some privately-owned b. & b’s around the dam, information on which can be found at the Tourist Authoritity of Thailand’s office in Cha’am:

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