Kaeng Krachan National Park

Kaeng Krachan National Park, the largest national park
in the country, takes in 2,915 square km. It was declared to be a national park on June 12, 1981 with clearly defined areas for reservoir and the jungle to the north of the dam in the park area. It located 50 km from downtown, at Kaeng Krachan District.

The national park is very popular with visitors, for the opportunities it presents for rambling through the rich forest and the enjoyment of bird and butterfly watching. The most popular sightseeing spots are km 30-31, for the sea of fog, Thor Tip Waterfall, trekking in the upper reaches of Phetchaburi River and mountaintop, visiting caves with thousands of bats or prehistoric artifacts, etc.

The height of mountaintop, Panern Thung Mountain, is about 1,207 meters that takes 6 hours to reach. There is an only one main road run from the entrance to km 36 and then hike pass the deep forest. It is advised that a trekking trip must be a guide and bring along all food and camping equipment.

The park official also provides accommodation service to tourists who desire to stay overnight at the dam site. Reservation must be made in advance at the Reservation Section, Royal Forest Department, tel (662) 579-0529.

Other attractions nearby the park are Kaeng Krachan Dam and Khao Tao Mo Cave. Kaeng Krachan Dam located in the vicinity of Kaeng Krachan National Park. It is about 53.5 km from Phetchaburi township. It was constructed to store water, and then deliver to the Phetch Dam for distribution into the irrigated area. It can eliminate the water shortage problem in Hua Hin District through the mouth of the Phetch River area. Construction was completed in 1966 with a height of 58 meters and length of 760 meters.

Khao Tao Mo Cave was a newly discovered cave stretching for a vast area in Tha Yang District. Marvellous stalagmites and satlactites beautify a throne hall-like chamber in the cave. To get there, driver along branch road leading to Kaeng Krachan Dam and drive for 6 kilometers to Phetchaburi Water Transmission and Maintainance Project , then take a left turn and cross a bridge and follow direction signs for 15 kilometers to Phra Phuttabat Khao Luk Chang Temple. The cave is another 9 kilometers beyond the temple.

Getting there by car has two routes; they are Tha Yang Route and the road parallels a concrete irrigation canal (Highway Route No.3499). It takes about 60 km from Phetchaburi downtown to Kaeng Kracharn National Park's entrance.

The one-way road is set to secure in driving onto the mountaintop. The incoming way is from 5 am to 9.30 am and from 2.30 pm to 3.00 pm. The outgoing way is at noon to 1 pm and from 4.30 pm to 6 pm. Visitor cannot get into the park without permission. Please contact an officer at the entrance gate.

Getting there by bus, visitors can take on the Bangkok - Tha Yang Route and drop at Tha Yang Market. For more information, please contact the southern bus terminal (662) 435-1199 and 435-1200

Getting there by mini van (or 'songthaew'), its station is at the Clock Tower. They service from 7.00 am to 2.00 pm with 1 hour and 30 minutes of traveling. Chartering is recommended to visitors to get any convenient. Charter price is approximately 500 baht.

Getting there by taxi, its station is in front of Phetchaburi Rama Theature, at Surinruechai Road. They run daily from 7.15 am to 6.00 pm and take about 400 baht of charter price.

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