E-MAGAZINE -- KAENG KRACHAN NATIONAL PARK - Winner of the 2006 Thailand Tourism Award of Outstanding Performance for Natural Site

KAENG KRACHAN NATIONAL PARK
Winner of the 2006 Thailand Tourism Award of Outstanding Performance for Natural Site -
Central Region

Nestled on the western brink of the country four-hours drive from Bangkok is a wilderness unparalleled for its rich diversity of birds, large mammals and flora. Kaeng Krachan is Thailand's largest national park (2,914 sq km) and part of a continuous forest complex covering 30,000 sq km of land spanning the border with Myanmar. The park lies at the junction of biogeographic zones so biodiversity in the area is a mix of Indo-Burmese and Malaysian forms.

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Black-and-Yellow Broadbill

Fea's barking deer

At middle and higher elevations in the forest, two major watersheds fed by the Phetchaburi and Pranburi Rivers support wildlife. In the lowlands beyond the forest, they sustain agricultural activities. The waterways turn from trickles at their sources to raging water columns in mid-course, to gentle meandering wide streams in the lowlands. Along these waterways lie mineral licks and wallows fed by smaller forest streams where a plethora of fauna including Fea's barking deer, Tapir, Asian elephant come to feed. Tiger, Asiatic leopard, and wild dog lurk along trails leading to the mineral licks waiting for these prey species to emerge in the dead of night. Endangered Siamese crocodile nest along the banks of the Phetchaburi River. The Banded leaf monkey is also commonly seen.

Spanning altitudes ranging from 300 to 1,513m, Kaeng Krachan hosts a diversity of vegetation and is home to a rich bird fauna. Over 400 species are recorded, including the rare Ratchet-tailed treepie, found nowhere else in Thailand. Yellow-vented and White-bellied Pigeons, Grey Peacock Pheasant, six species of hornbill and seven kinds of broadbill are also present.

FLORA
Forest covers 80% of the park and comprises dry dipterocarp, mixed deciduous, and evergreen types.

Dense morning fogs blanket deep valleys

TIPS
To get to the core of the forest, trek along trails leading from the main access road. This road runs for 36 km from the park headquarters past Ban Krang Camp to Phanoen Thung Camp at an elevation of 1,207m. To preserve the integrity of wildlife habitats, off-the-road vehicle access is prohibited. During the cool months of December - March, dense morning fogs blanket deep valleys. Views from the Phanoen Thung Substation and KM 33 to the Tanaosi Range on the Myanmar border are magnificent. Rewarding treks include a daylong walk to Phanoen Thung Mountain from KM 30, and an 8-km loop trail from KM 36 to Tho Thip Waterfall and K.U. Camp on the Petchburi River. A longer 25 km trail runs from KM 27 to Mae Sariang to a point on the road near Ban Krang Camp. It is possible to engage in white-water rafting from Bong Luk to the Petchburi Reservoir. To preserve crocodile habitat, rafting is no longer permitted from K.U. Camp to Bong Luk. Contact the park headquarters to arrange ranger guides for any of these trips.

Kaeng Krachan National Park reflects effective management and the implementation of proper zoning, with well-defined areas designated for various activities, including accommodation and camping zones. There are a variety of natural attractions with vast areas to accommodate visitors to the park, such as Ban Krang, Khao Phanoen Thung, Kaeng Krachan Dam and Pa La-U Waterfall.

Contact information:
Kaeng Krachan National Park Visitor Centre
Mu 8, Kaeng Krachan sub-district,
Kaeng Krachan district,
Phetchaburi Province
Tel: +66 (0) 3245-9291, (0) 3245-9293
Fax: +66 (0) 3245-9293

Kaeng Krachan National Park Headquarters
Tel: +66 (0) 3245-9293

TAT Central Office - Region 2 (Phetchaburi)
E-mail: tatphet@tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 3247-1005, (0) 3247-1502
Fax: +66 (0) 3247-1502

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