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Protected areas >
Kaeng Krachan National Park
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Male and female wreathed hornbill
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Sea of Fog
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Resting deep in jungle at the Phetchaburi
river
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Dusky langur with a baby
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Kaeng Krachan is the
largest national park in Thailand. That being said does not mean it is also
the most visited. It is not by any means. If you meet crowds for example in Khao Yai
National park during weekends, Kaeng Krachan still stays calm. A great
opportunity for those who don't want to be disturbed when enjoying nature.
History
The park was created on June 12, 1981. It was enlarged in December 1984
to include the boundary area between Phetchaburi and Prachuapkhirikhan
provinces. The park has been included in the list of ASEAN Heritage Parks.
Geography and Climate
The park consists mainly of evergreen rainforest within the eastern slope of
the Tenasserim mountain range. The highest elevation is at 1200m. Humidity
remains high throughout the year, with heavy rains during the rainy season
and cool weather for much of the year. The steep forested areas of the park
are even more humid than the young forest and cleared lands in the lower
elevations.
Two main rivers originate within the park - the Pranburi river and the
Phetchaburi river. About half of the area drains to the Phetchaburi river,
which flows to Kaeng Krachan dam at the eastern edge of the park and then
down through farmland to the provincial capital of Phetchaburi. The southern
haft of the park drains to the Pranburi river, which flows south to the
Pranburi dam and then on to the town of Pranburi in Prachuabkhirikhan
Province. Because of abundant rainfall and undisturbed forest cover in these
watersheds, the streams, waterfalls and rivers of Keang Krachan flow year
round.
Parts of the park (containing the Ban Krang and Panoen Thung capmsites) are closed in rainy
season from August to October every year for visitors safety and forest
recovery.
Flora
The western section of the park is bordered by large
expanses of relatively
undisturbed forest in Myanmar. This effectively increases the conservation
estate, allowing
animals to move across the border and enhancing the biodiversity value of
the area. Kaeng Krachan and adjoining Mae Nam Phachi
Wildlife Sanctuary are linked by forests both in
Thailand and Myanmar to the large Huai Kha
Khaeng/Thung Yai Naresuan Complex
further north. This whole extended area with
its high biological value is important for protection of Kaeng
Krachan National Park and
West Peninsular watershed.
Most of the park is covered by deep, steep forest. Over three-quarters of
the area has slopes greater than 30%, 85% of the terrain is evergreen
rainforest, another 10% is mixed deciduous forest. The forest is rich and
complex, with hanging lianas, ferns and orchids, and an abundance of
fruiting trees and vines. The forest is unusually diverse because of its
location at the juncture of continental Asia and the Malaysian Peninsula.
Continental species such as oaks, chestnuts, and maples are found here, as
are peninsula palms and fruiting trees.
Fauna
Like the plant community, the animals of Kaeng Krachan represent both
Asiatic and Malaysian species. Over 200 species of birds are known to occur
within the park’s boundaries, and 57 mammals. Larger mammals include
elephant, gaur, sambar deer, banteng, bear, tiger, leopard.
Malayan tapir, gibbon, langurs, Asian wild
dog, otter, wild boar. Among the birds recorded in the park are six
species of hornbills, junglefowl, peacock-pheasant, stork, black eagle and many species of songbirds, woodpeckers and other
forest birds.
What to See
Thor Thip waterfall -
at this 9 levels waterfall deep in
the forest, water flows all year round. The waterfall is reached by a steep
4 kilometers jungle trail from the end of the Nam Tok Thorthip road, 35
km from the edge of the park and 55 km from the headquarters.
A campground has been built nearby at the confluence with the Phetchaburi
river.
Sea of Fog - the morning fog evaporating from the valley of the
Phetchaburi river can be seen every morning from the viewpoint at km 36
marker from the headquarters.
Pala-U waterfall - this 16-tier waterfall flows throughout the year.
It is situated on the southern border of the park and is best approached from
Hua Hin.
Wiman Cave - beautiful stalactites and stalagmites are found in this
cool cave as well as evidence of ancient inhabitants - ceramics and stone axes
Hanuman Plain (Khao Pakarang) - a rocky mountain looking like a coral.
The area has lots of langurs and gibbons and is also a great
view point.
What to Do
Trekking, birdwatching, butterflywatching, caving, rafting, canoeing.
Jungle trek to Phetchaburi river - 8 km long trek (4 km each way)
through dense jungle down to the valley of Phetchaburi river. The trek
passes the Thor Thip waterfall on the way.
Panoen Thun Peak trek - 12 km long trek (6 km each way) to the 1207 m
high Panoen Thun, the 2nd highest peak in the park, begins at the 27 km
marker. On the top grassland and evergreen forest make a good camping spot.
The view from the top includes a beautiful panorama of the evergreen forest
and the Sea of Fog in the mornings.
Facilities
Headquarters - accommodation, restaurant, visitors center, parking
Lower camp at
Ban Krang - accommodation, parking
Upper camp at
Panoen Thung - accommodation, restaurant, parking
Pala-U Waterfall ranger station - accommodation, parking
Accommodation
Bungalows and three camping sites (headquarters, Ban Krang and Panoen Thung) are within the park, resorts just outside of
the park.
Transport
By car from Petchaburi (from north) or Hua Hin/Prachuapkhirikhan (from south).
BEWARE! Times to go up and down from the Panoen Thung camp are limited:
 up From Ban Krang to
Panoen Thung: 05.30 - 07.30 am and 1.00 - 3.00 pm
down From Panoen Thung
to Ban Krang: 09.00 - 10.00 am and 4.00 - 5.00 pm
More information
Department
of National Parks - Kaeng Krachan page - more detailed information on attractions, accommodation, online
reservations, facilities etc.
Map of Kaeng Krachan National Park
Map of Kaeng Krachan National Park
Map of Kaeng Krachan National Park
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