Kaeng Krung National Park

History & Significance

Kaeng Krung National Park was established following surveys in 1989, which were initially prompted by a proposed dam project by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). Recognizing the ecological richness of the area, which features dense evergreen forests and serves as a vital watershed for both Surat Thani and Chumphon provinces, the Royal Forest Department pushed for its preservation. It was officially declared Thailand's 69th national park on December 4, 1991. The park covers an area of approximately 541 square kilometers (338,125 rai) across Tha Chana, Chaiya, Tha Chang, and Viphavadi districts.

Highlights & What to See

The park is renowned for its lush biodiversity and rugged terrain, including the Khao Phai, Khao Daen, and Khao Yai Mon mountain ranges. Key highlights include:

• Khlong Yan River: The lifeblood of the park, famous for its scenic rapids, including the large rapid "Kaeng Krung" which gives the park its name. It is a popular spot for rafting.
• Waterfalls: Beautiful natural cascades within the park include Bang Cham Waterfall, Khlong Pha Waterfall, and Bang Kwang Waterfall.
• Flora & Fauna: The dense jungle is home to valuable economic timber like Intsia palembanica, Hopea odorata, and Michelia champaca, as well as rare parasitic plants like Sapria himalayana. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot wild elephants, tigers, gaurs, bears, gibbons, and various bird species such as the helmeted hornbill and Asian fairy-bluebird.

Visitor Information

The park is open daily from 08:30 to 16:30. Admission fees are 20 THB for Thai adults (10 THB for children) and 100 THB for foreign adults (50 THB for children). The park headquarters offers bungalows and campsites. For adventurous travelers, there is an additional campsite at Hat Pak Chun (Kaeng Krung National Park Protection Unit 7), which serves as the starting point for Khlong Yan rafting. Note that Hat Pak Chun is located 8 kilometers deep into the forest, requires a 4WD vehicle to access, and has no mobile phone signal.

How to Get There

The park headquarters is located at Moo 8, Takuk Nuea Sub-district, Viphavadi District, Surat Thani Province. Visitors can contact the park at 0908780774 for detailed travel directions and road conditions, especially when planning to visit remote areas like Hat Pak Chun.