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Protected areas >
Mae Wong National Park
If trekking, viewpoints and waterfalls are
your favourite activities, the Mae Wong National Park was made for you.
History
The area was proclaimed a national park
on September 14, 1987 as the 55th national park of Thailand.
Geography
Mae Wong National Park is situated
in the Thanon Thong Chai mountain range. With the highest peak - Khao Mokoju
- at 1964 meters above sea level it is one of the highest mountain ranges in
the west of Thailand. The area consists of rugged winding mountains and is
the source of several waterways, including the Mae Wong river that feeds the
low lying agricultural areas in the Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Sawan
provinces.
Climate
The weather in Mae Wong National Park can be divided into 3 seasons: hot and
dry summer from March to May, humid rainy season from June to October and
cool winter from November to February which is the most suitable for
travelling.
Flora and Fauna
The park’s main area is covered by mixed deciduous forest and evergreen
forest is found on the hills. The most common mammals are barking deer, wild
pig, Asiatic jackal, squirrels, civets and porcupine. More than 450 species
of bird have been recorded here.
What to See
Khao Mokoju -
at 1964 meters above sea level,
this highest peak is the most beautiful in the region. Its summit is 38 km
from the headquarters and the return trek takes 5-7 days.
Chon Yen Viewpoint - located 28 km from the headquarters, the 93 km
marker is the highest peak of Khlong Lan - Um Phang road so the weather is
cool and windy. Besides the breathtaking views it is a very good place for
bird watching.
Viewpoints km 81 - 115 - apart from Chng Yen at km 93 there are other
viewpoints along the Khlong Lan - Um Phang road at 81, 87, 102 and 115 km
markers.
Kaeng Pa Nang Roy Rapids - located only some 1400 meters from the
headquarters, this is an ideal site for a picnic and swimming.
Nang Nuan Waterfall - this 4-tier waterfall, located amidst a lush
jungle, can be reached by getting to km 93 and trekking for about 7 km. The
return trip takes 1 day.
Mae Rewa Waterfall - located some 21 kilometers from the headquarters.
It has 5 levels and a deep pool at the base ideal for swimming. The return
trek takes 3 days.
Mae Gee Waterfall - one of the levels of Mae Gee has a sheer drop of
over 200 meters making it one of the biggest in Southeast Asia. You can
reach by hiking.
Mae Kra Sa Waterfall - Mae Kra Sa has a drop of 900 meters divided to
9 levels. It is formed by streams from high-altitude jungles on the Thanon
Thong Chai mountain range. It is about 18 kilometers from the park
headquarters. The return trek to the waterfall takes 3-4 days.
What to Do
Trekking, birdwatching, swimming, rafting, canoeing, kayaking.
Facilities
Headquarters - accommodation, restaurant, visitors center, parking
Chong Yen (km 93) - accommodation, parking
Km 81 - accommodation, parking
Mae Rawa ranger station - accommodation
Accommodation
Bungalows with fan and hot water sleeping up to 8 people each are located at the headquarters.
There are also bungalows, each
sleeping up to 5 people, and a camping site at Chon Yen (km 93 on the Khlong
Lan - Um Phang road) in the northern part of the park. There is another
campsite at km 81 marker on the same road and a bungalow at the Mae Rawa ranger station on the
eastern border of the park.
Transport
By car off highway 1 in the Kamphaeng Phet province along routes 1117 or 1242.
More information
Department
of National Parks -
Mae Wong page
- more detailed information on attractions, accommodation, online
reservations, facilities etc.
Map of Mae Wong National Park
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