Thailand

A true wildlife sanctuary, Khao Pu-KKhao Ya National Park promises a memorable hiking experience in southern Thailand.

Nakhon Si Thammarat province boasts a rich ecosystem of tropical forests. To fully appreciate it, a day trip to Khao Pu-Khao Ya Park is essential. Locals revere the eponymous sacred mountain and seek blessings from ancestors. Wildlife and flora enthusiasts will delight in its rich biodiversity. Varied landscapes await hikers: caves, waterfalls, rivers, and steep cliffs adorn this vast 649 km2 jungle, predominantly composed of evergreen rainforests. Following a reconnaissance journey, you'll agree that Khao Pu-Khao Ya Park is one of the most marvelous natural parks in southern Thailand.

Historical notes

The park was inaugurated on May 27, 1982. Locally known as Bha Brommajan, meaning "virgin forest," questions arise about its classification as a Thai protected area. Hosting endangered bird species doesn't necessarily designate it as critically important for bird conservation. Few large mammals are recorded there. What criteria justify its protected status?

In our view, the mountain's cultural significance influenced this decision. Mount Khao Pu is sacred, according to local beliefs. The deity musician Ta Pu is said to reside there. Annually, a worship festival named Wan Wang, or "free day," is dedicated to honoring him. People are called to rest for three days, singing, dancing, and making ritual offerings to the mountain spirits and ghosts. Typical donations include food, candles, or incense sticks.

The cultural aspect intertwines with the economic dimension. A long river runs through the park, marking the natural boundary between Phattalung and Trang. This water source ensures prosperity for rice farming in nearby districts like La Mai, Mai Siab, and Cha-Uat. Many poor rural families directly depend on the park's natural resources. Some woody plants, like Hopea odorata or Semecarpus curtisii King, are used for building homes. Harvesting fruits or wild honey helps small farmers survive during lean times.

Establishing Khao Pu Khao Ya Park aims to balance environmental protection with economic goals, ultimately fostering sustainable development for local communities through tourism.

The rich biodiversity of Khao Pu Khao Ya Park

Although not famed as an ecotourism destination, the park hosts some impressive wildlife specimens. Palm civets, yellow-throated martens, and tapirs are common in the jungle. Among reptiles, notable species include the equatorial spitting cobra, bent-toed gecko, rough-necked monitor lizard, and the famous flying dragon, an arboreal lizard capable of gliding between tree branches, covering distances three times its body length in successive flights. Birdlife includes birds of prey like eagles, falcons, and hornbills. Along the river, you'll spot bulbuls and kingfishers. The fauna inventory lists 60 mammal species, 67 reptile species, 70 insect species, and 125 bird species. While abundant, wildlife isn't easy to spot, making it a trekking adventure rather than an animal-spotting tour for tourists.

Selection of activities

Nestled in the mountain foothills of Banthat, between Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phattalung, and Trang, Khao Pu-Khao Ya Park offers an exciting journey into the Thai tropical jungle. You'll traverse a dense, ombrophilous forest dotted with giant ferns, cross granite cliffs, visit sacred caves, and refresh at waterfalls. Whether by bike or on foot, the magic and inspiration of the moment are all that matter.

The park features four must-see attractions:

• Matcha Cave: Less than 2 km from the reserve entrance, Matcha Cave awaits. The serene atmosphere and stunning mineral formations, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, will captivate you. The cave is divided into three chambers, housing ten Buddha statues and an expansive pond teeming with freshwater fish.
• Pak Jam Waterfall: This magnificent seven-tiered waterfall requires about an hour's walk to reach. Forget driving; the trail isn't accessible by car.
• Nan-Prew Waterfall: Similar to Pak Jam, Nan-Prew Waterfall cascades on terraced levels. Located near Nakhon Si Thammarat, its water pools form small natural swimming spots, though braving the cold is a requirement.
• PhaPhung Viewpoint: For avid photographers, the PhaPhung viewpoint is a must. Located just 300 meters from the reserve headquarters, the cliff is home to numerous beehives during the dry season. Visitors enjoy breathtaking views of mountain ranges, the canopy, and nearby villages.

The best time to visit

Southern Thailand's climate is hotter and more humid than central Thailand's. The protected area receives between 1,600 and 2,500 mm of rain annually. The smartest time to visit is between January and March, when rainfall decreases, and the tropical sun tempers its intensity. Daytime temperatures remain warm but drop significantly at night. Visiting during the dry season ensures accessible waterfall trails, which are often impassable in the summer.

How to get there

The park is easily accessible by train from downtown Trang. Two trains per day operate between Trang and Khao Pu Khao Ya, with a one-hour journey costing approximately €25.

Visitor reception hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is 100 baht for adults, roughly €2.8, and half-price for children.

Accommodation

Camping facilities are available inside the park. Expect to pay around 30 to 40 baht to rent a two-person tent.

Nearby attractions

Outside Khao Pu-Khao Ya National Park, other natural sites worth visiting include:

• Samet Chun Waterfall
• Khao Luang National Park
• Khao Wang Thong Cave