Kaeng Krachan is the biggest
national park of Thailand spreading entirely over the
Tanaosi mountain range and the West of Phetchaburi down to
Hua Hin of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.It is the origin source of 2 main rivers in this area: the Phetchaburi
River and Pran Buri River.
Kaeng
Krachan is the source of a great ecological diversity.
There are several kinds of forest including dry dipterocarp, mixed deciduous,
dry evergreen and Hill evergreen forests.
Most of the park is the moist evergreen forest where abundant rainfall creates
vast variety of flora and fauna both in species and number.As the park is the junction of north and south birds, more than 300 kinds
of bird are found.Some live
permanently while some migrate here during the winter months.Bird watchers and ordinary visitors will find it a good bird watching
spot all year round.Summer and the
rainy season see broadbills, woodpeckers, and especially the Rufous Treepies
which have been found only in Thailand so far.Dry season brings various cuckoos, hawks and large eagles.
For nature-lovers who like to get closer to the rich western forest, trek along
the main trail of Wangwon-Phanoenthung specially designed for you.
The trail is a compact late rite road passable throughout the year. However,
truck and 4-wheel drive are recommend during the rainy season. Motorcycle and
bicycle are prohibited due to the road being steep and narrow. Beside, the
park’s driving regulations must be strictly observed for safety of all parties.
Times to set off from the park's service center 5.00-10.00 am.
and 2.30-3.00 pm.
Times to set off from the service unit at Phanoenthung are 12.00
am. -1.00 p.m. and 4.30 - 6.00 pm.
15th-18th
Km. Trail
Visitors camp up at Ban Krang Campsite as there are toilets and a stream nearby
for water.No other services.A good
spot to see birds, butterflies and flora.
Across the steam behind the campsite, a trail takes you along the bank with some
part cutting through the forest and detouring back to the water.It takes half a day.More
information or tour-guide can be enquired for at Ban Krang’s service unit.
You would find Banded King-fisher, Raffles’s Makoha, some herons such as the
Malayan Night-heron, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Black-breasted Broadbill,
Black-breasted Broadbill,Black-naped Monark.
Butterflies are seen at salt lick by the brooks, wildflowers along the trail.The butterflies found here are Paris Peacock, Common Blue Bottle, Green
Dragon Tail, Clipper, Commander.If
lucky, you may find the rare and protected Banded Peacock.
27th-36th
km. Trail
A very popular bird watching spot as the rare ratchet-tailed treepir was
reportedly found here in 1993.Other birds found are Common Flameback, Black-crested Bulbul, Blue-billed
Leafbird, and Blue-throated Barbet.
In the rainy season, there are Silver-breasted Broadbill, Black-breasted
Broadbill and Long-tailed Broadbill.
At 23rd
Km. on the right, a big banyan tree when its fruits are ripen, is another spot
to watch the birds that come to feed; gibbons and langurs may be seen sometimes.
31st
and 33rt Km. Trail
This is the view point where visitors can watch the sea of mist between 5-7 am.
all year round.
The
road ends at 36.5th
Km., visitors then walk down a steep hill for 4 kilometers.As it is a difficult trail with many leeches in the rainy season, it is
suitable for keen trekkers traveling with an official guide.Contact Phanoenthung’s service unit.Visitors should stay overnight at the campsite near the waterfall so that
they are strong enough to climb up the next day.Visitors will find a dense forest rich with flora and fauna.Gray Wagtail, Forktails, Red-bearded Bee-eater, Common Kingfisher and
Woodpeckers are found by the creek.
Butterflies can be found by the stream near the campsite: Common Jay, the Great
Orange Tip, the Great Mormon, the Green Awlet, Common Emigrant and Orange Goll.In the obscure forest near the brook, there are more wild butterflies:
Pan and Jungle King.
On the Top of Phanoenthung
It is the highest peak of 1,207 meters From 27th kilometers, trekkers
walk through the forest for 6hrs.A
difficult trails that needs to camp up for one night en route.
Provisions must be prepared.The
beautiful dense forest and grassland along the way and on the peak will never
disappoint the trekkers.It is
always cold up here.The sea of
mist will appear by the end of the rainy season approaching the beginning of
winter.
Try to keep quiet so as to disturb and scare birds away from you.
Going in a small group increases a chance to find more birds.
Being bird watching early in the morning or in the evening as birds take
refuge from hot sun in dense forest during daytime.
Avoid going near any bird nests so not to disturb during birds.
Keep in mind that birds’ well-being always comes first.
Recommendations For
Butterfly Watching
Avoid dressing in bight colours as butterfly’s eyes are very sentitive.
Being butterfly watching early in the morning when the sun is shining as it
is the time when butterflies will come out to still on leaves and rocks to
warm and strengthen themselves. If it is a cloudy or rainy day, look for
them under the leaves or on the trees.
Moving very solely towards the butterfly will help you get closer to it.
Bring a binocular to see those who are flying high.
Recommendations For
Trekking
To put up a tent to stay overnight in the
forest is not as difficult or dangerous as one may think, especially as the
Kaeng Krachan National Park. What you need to prepare in advance are the tent,
its accessories, drinking water, dried food and a small gas or charcoal stove.
The tent should be covered again with a fly-sheet or a plastic sheet. Another
plastic sheet to cover the cooking area rains while cooking.
Pracaution aginst mosquitoes is a must as Malaria Still
exists here. Apply the anti-mosquito solution or be in the tent before dusk and
come out later in the night to admire the nature. Malariacarrying mosquitoes
(genus Anopheles)
mostly come out to feed at suck, there are not so many late in the night.
Strictly abide by the regulations and
respect other people’s right, i.e. do not cause too loud noise, and do not take
way anything from forest. Kaen Krachan Park provides 2 routes for visitors who
enjoy nature-cum-adventure.
K.U.-Pong Luek: is the most popular route.
The raft will skirt rocks and islets in strange forms and shapes on very fast
currents that cut through the rich forest plentiful of wild birds. The trip
takes 2 day with one staying overnight in the forest.
The most appropriate time for this
adventure is in the rainy season to be beginning of winter, especially
October-December. The expense is 1,750 baht per person inclusive of the raft,
food and transportation to and back from the riding spot.
Pong Luek – Huai Taphap: is a short about
30 kilometers long and takes about 3 hours. This introductory option though not
as exciting as the route reveals equally beautiful scenery on both banks of the
stream. The expense is 350 baht per person.
The
road ends at 36.5th
Km., visitors then walk down a steep hill for 4 kilometers.
