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Protected areas >
Khao Laem National Park
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| Banana forest |
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After winding around (left) and slowly strangling the
tree the lianas become trees in themselves (right) |
The Khao Laem National Park covers the fertile
forest surrounding the Khao Laem reservoir. In Khao Laem natural sights -
waterfalls, viewpoints, caves - come hand in hand with cultural sights - Mon
bridge, the longest wooden bridge in Thailand and Bo Ong, an ancient Burmese
chedi.
History
Khao Laem is one of the five national parks that were proclaimed to honor
the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej on December 5,
1987.
Geography and Climate
The landscape of the park is steeply limestone mountain running on north-south
axis. It is the water source of Kwai Noi river and other important rivers.
The area has tropical climate influenced by southern and Andaman Sea winds
and has three distinct seasons: rains from June to October (heavy rains in
July and August), the winter from November to January with lowest
temperature at 10 C and the summer from February to May with
highest temperature at 38 C in April.
Flora and Fauna
The park consists of mixed deciduous, hill evergreen and dry evergreen
forest, with wildlife habitats of bear, tiger, guar, elephant, sambar deer,
barking deer, wild pig and many birds.
What to See
Kra Teng Jeng Waterfall -
this medium-sized waterfall has 23 level, each level with its own unique
form. The distance from the first to the highest level is 2 km. The path
along the waterfall is suitable for experiencing various kinds of forests:
banana forest, bamboo forest, evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest.
The waterfall it is located 4 km from the park headquarters and a guide is
advisible, as the path is sometimes not visible. The hike takes 2 to 3 hours.
There is a viewpoint at the top of the waterfall from where you can enjoy a
bird’s eye view of the Khao Laem dam.
Kroeng Kra Wia Waterfall - this 5 m high waterfall flows year-round
Kroeng Kra Wia Pond - located near the waterfall, this pond and the
field and forest around is great for birdwatching
Mon Bridge - Mon Bridge is a crossing between Sangkhlaburi and Mon
villages. The 850-metre-long wooden bridge across the Songkaria river is a
famous viewpoint overlooking the confluence of rivers Songkaria, Bikhli and
Ranti.
Pom Pee View Point - from Pom Pee you can clearly see the scenery of the
reservoir and also beautiful sunsets. The area is suitable for camping, birdwatching,
sailing, swimming etc. Campsite is available. Located 2 km from the
headquarters.
Khao Yai Viewpoint - this recently discovered area is suitable for
camping. The park has been developing it in 2 days 1 night adventurous
nature trail.
Bo Ong chedi - Bo Ong is an ancient chedi built in Burmese’s style.
It is located on a small hill surrounded by a large swamp lake. Every year
on the full moon of the 4th lunar month lots of people come to worship this
sacred place. To get there take a boat from Ban Ta Pae in Thong Pha Phum
district to Ban Bo Ong.
What to Do
Trekking routes and natural trails, birdwatching, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, caving.
Facilities
Headquarters - accommodation, restaurant, parking
Kroeng Kra Wia Waterfall ranger station - accommodation, visitors center,
parking
Pom Pee ranger station - accommodation, parking
Accommodation
Bungalows with fan and hot water sleeping 3 to 6 people are available at the
headquarters, Kroeng Kra Wia Waterfall and Pom Pee ranger stations. Camping
sites are available at the headquarters and Pom Pee ranger station.
Transport
By car or bus from Kanchanaburi.
More information
Department
of National Parks -
Khao Laem page - more detailed information on attractions, accommodation, online
reservations, facilities etc.
Map of Khao Laem National Park
Map of Khao Laem National Park
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