Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

History & Significance

Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1972, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary became Thailand's first natural UNESCO World Heritage site in December 1991 at Carthage, Tunisia. Spanning over 6,427 square kilometers across Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, and Tak provinces, it is a key core of Western Thailand's forest complex. The sanctuary is famous for the legacy of Seub Nakhasathien, a prominent conservation leader who worked tirelessly to protect this wilderness and push for its World Heritage status.

Highlights & What to See

The sanctuary features diverse forest habitats, including dry evergreen, hill evergreen, grassland, mixed deciduous, and dry dipterocarp forests. It serves as a critical refuge for rare wildlife, including the 'Big 7': elephants, tigers, leopards, wild water buffaloes, bantengs, gaurs, and tapirs. It also holds Thailand's largest wild tiger population.

• Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng World Heritage Exhibition Building: Located at the Lan Sak headquarters, featuring 4 zones with simulated forest environments and wildlife educational displays.
• Seub Nakhasathien Memorial & Statue: A multipurpose center dedicated to Seub's work, alongside his statue facing southwest toward the western forest with 8 steps symbolizing his 8 months in office as sanctuary chief.
• Seub's Residence: The preserved home and office of Seub Nakhasathien, kept in its original state as when he lived there.

Visitor Information

The sanctuary is open daily from 08:00 to 16:30. Visitors can access public nature study areas at three main points: the Sanctuary Headquarters in Lan Sak District, the Cyber Forest Protection Unit in Huai Khot District, and the Huai Mae Di Forest Protection Unit in Ban Rai District.

• Admission Fee: Thai adults ฿20, children ฿10; Foreign adults ฿200, children ฿200.
• Facilities: On-site parking is available. Contact phone: 06 5480 1138.

How to Get There

Located in Uthai Thani province in lower northern Thailand, the main headquarters and visitor facilities can be reached via Lan Sak District. Parking is provided on-site for visitors traveling by private or rental vehicles.