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Protected areas > Chaloem
Rattanakosin National Park
The smallest national park in the Western Forest Complex yet not the least
interesting, Chaloem Rattanakosin hosts steep limestone mountains,
attractive waterfalls and mysterious caves.
History
The park was designated in February 1980 as Thailand's 17th National Park.
Geography
Chaloem Rattanakosin covers an area of only 59 square km. The forested,
limestone mountains of the Park are the watershed of Mae Klong river. The
highest peak in the park is Kam Paeng Mountain, which reaches 1260 m.
Climate
The weather in this area is quite hot with 1146 mm of rain per year. The
highest temperature is about 37-38 C from March to April, and
the lowest temperature being 17-18 C from December to January.
Flora and Fauna
The park is mostly covered by dry evergreen forest, deciduous forest with
some areas of bamboo forest. There are leopards, bantengs, gaurs, deers, white-handed gibbons and other monkeys
living in the park.
Over 60 species of bird have been recorded here, including hornbills. A special type of animal is "water
dog" or barking tree frog (Manam of Kiadwag in Thai), a rare frog with a
croak that is similar to a dog's bark.
What to See
Tan Lod Noi Cave -
the subtle lighting in this 300m
cave illuminates the many weird and wonderful stalactites. A small stream
Tan Lod cools the air in the cave. A 2km trail leads from Tan Lod Noi to
its sister cave, taking you past a huge tree covered with bamboo stakes that
villagers use to climb and collect honey from bees nests in the upper
branches.
Tan Lod Yai Cave -
a spectacular sinkhole with a natural
stone arch over the stream. The cave is an ancient graveyard and weapons,
skeletons and charms have been bound all over the cave.
Tri Trong Waterfall
What to Do
Trekking, caving.
Facilities
Headquarters - accommodation, restaurant, visitors center, amphitheater,
parking
Accommodation
Bungalows with fan sleeping 4 to 6 people are located at the headquarters. A
camping site is also available at the headquarters.
Transport
By car from Kanchanaburi.
More information
Department
of National Parks -
Chaloem Rattanakosin page - more detailed information on attractions, accommodation, online
reservations, facilities etc.
Map of Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park
Map of Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park
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