Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park: A Marine Park in Kui Buri District
Thailand is synonymous with its national parks and stunning marine life and wildlife. One of the most underrated parks in Thailand is the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, located in the Prachuap Khiri Khan Province in the south of Hua Hin.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is the first marine national park in Thailand and is famous for its massive limestone karsts and mountains from which the park’s name is derived. The highest point of the park is 605 meters above sea level. The northwest corner of the park is home to mountain ranges called Thung Sam Roi Yot, which has a freshwater marsh area that covers a massive 37% of the park and is known as the vastest wetlands in Thailand.
Join us on our exploratory visit to the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. It will be worth it.
Fun Fact!
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park offers breathtaking viewpoints from its high mountains and boat rides on the waterways. There is so much to enjoy here such as the birds and animal species around the park. There is a facility for renting a bungalow and camping for those who want to spend the night here.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park Wildlife
There is lots of stunning wildlife in the park with a great diversity of species, especially birds at Sam Roi Yot National Park. The park is home to around 300 different bird species, with almost half of them being migratory. If you are a birdwatcher, this is one of the best places to visit in Thailand. You can see some amazing bird species such as white-bellied sea eagles, Malayan plovers, Kentish plovers, purple swamphens, spoon-billed sandpipers, and even some greater spotted eagles. This park is a bird lover’s paradise.
In terms of animals and mammals, the park has an excellent selection. It is not uncommon to see slow loris, Malayan porcupines, crab-eating macaques, mainland serows, barking deer, and the amusing dusky leaf monkey. In terms of marine life, you can regularly see dolphins on the coastline. Irrawaddy dolphins are also sometimes seen along the coast.
Trivia!
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is spread across a 98 sq km area.
Visiting the National Park
It is possible to drive through the park at any time of the day and night as many parts of the forested areas do not have a closing time. Some of the main attractions in the park are open from 8 am until 4:30 pm. You will find the visitor center and the park’s headquarters and the home base to the south of the park. The park is also very affordable to enter with ticket prices that are 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for kids.
You can camp in the park if you want. Tents are available for rent in some regions of the park at Sam Phraya Beach and Laem Sala Beach. You can rent the tents for 150 THB for two people, 225 THB for three people and only 300 THB for four people. You can rent Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, and other accessories for camping. There is a range of onsite bungalows that are located close to the main base and cost approximately 1,000 THB per night for five people. You can get a discount if you book on weekdays.
Main Attractions at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
There are many things to see and do at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Here is a list of some of the most popular attractions in the park.
Sam Roi Yot Beach
Khao Daeng Viewpoint
One of the most epic viewpoints at the park is the 157m high Khao Daeng Viewpoint. Khao Daeng Viewpoint is only 700 meters from the main base. The viewpoint is on an isolated limestone hill that enjoys mesmerizing 360-degree views overlooking valleys, and mountains. You will also see some long-tailed macaques hanging out in this part of the park. You can park your car nearby and make a small walk up a trail to find the rocky outcrop viewpoint. It’s very safe here, but older people might struggle with the climb.
Wat Khao Daeng
Khao Daeng Canal
If you want to explore the area by water, some boat tours meander through the park, which is located about 1.5km from the main base at Khao Daeng Village.
Around sunset is the ideal time for a boat trip. It takes approximately one hour and weaves its way through valleys and limestone hills, offering a beautiful and memorable journey.
You will also get to see some of the birds up close and personal. The boat tours cost approximately 500 THB per group. You can book when you get there.
Phraya Nakhon Cave
Of all the park’s main attractions, one of the most popular and famous is the Phraya Nakhon Cave which is also home to massive chambers and a famous royal pavilion. The park is located 60km from Hua Hin and a 3-hour drive from Bangkok City.
Here you will find a cave and two sinkholes and a four-gable royal pavilion that is named Phra Thinang Khuha Kharuhat. The pavilion was initially built way back in 1890 for King Rama V and is one of the most famous landmarks of the province. The chambers include Thung Sam Roi Yot freshwater marshes and the Kaeo Cave. With lots of surrounding mangroves, stunning beaches, limestone islands, viewpoints, and immense natural beauty, the park is jaw-dropping.
You will see some spectacular views when you visit this famous cave. The only access to the cave is via Laem Sala Beach along a 430-meter trail that has very steep inclines and can be quite dangerous in the rainy season.
Sam Phraya Beach
Bang Po Beach
Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marshes
The Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marshes are located in the corner of the park and are known as the most extensive freshwater marshes.
Sai Cave & Sai Cave Beach
Did You Know?
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is Thailand’s first coastal national park; its 20 sq km area is covered in water and is home to marshes, sandy beaches, and caves. Recently archeologists found a number of 3000-year-old cave paintings here in this national park.
More Information
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Kui Buri District is Thailand’s first coastal park with an area of 98 sq km that includes white sandy beaches and the famous Phraya Nakhon Cave. This national park has some breathtaking limestone cliffs that offer a spectacular 360 view from the top and it is home to many caves.
Originally published at https://thebear.travel.
