Thailand

Located in the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Kui Buri National Park is the ideal place to admire wild elephants and gaurs in Thailand. The park is home to many wild species and promises you a beautiful safari day trip from Bangkok or Hua Hin.

History

Kui Buri National Park was established in 1999 in the Tenasserim Hills, located in the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

In December 2013, an outbreak of bacteria killed about twenty wild gaurs or water buffaloes in the park, leading to its closure until July 2014.

Visiting Kui Buri National Park

Embark on a half-day excursion to Kui Buri National Park to observe numerous wild animals.

Benefiting from lush nature, the site consists of dry and wet forests housing a wide variety of trees and many species of palm trees. This natural environment also includes over 300 wild elephants and the largest population of wild water buffaloes in all of Thailand.

In addition to these two types of mammals, the park is also home to a few golden jackals, deer, Burmese hares, wild boars, Malayan porcupines, and other rare species such as the Malayan tapir, the Belorussian gibbon, the leopard, and the Asian wild dog.

Bird enthusiasts will have the opportunity to observe the Egyptian heron, the cattle egret, the red junglefowl, and many others.

Wildlife Observation Zone

The park has a secure observation area located in the north of the Huai Leuk sub-station. This is where all rangers gather, and it's where you'll find the guide who will accompany you throughout your visit, searching for wild elephants.

Hop on a safari-type van and embark on an excursion through the lush vegetation of the park. Direct interaction with animals is not allowed, but your guide will find hidden spots to observe the fauna. Keep your eyes wide open and stay alert not to miss anything on your safari!

Camping area

This natural site offers a camping area with basic facilities, but there is no restaurant for dining. Tents available at the visitor center can be rented for 270 baht per night. However, you can use your own tent by paying 30 baht. Park Residence is also available for accommodation.

How to get there?

Kui Buri National Park is easily accessible from Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan. However, it is not served by public transportation. To get there, you will need to rent a car, minivan, or taxi.

If you want to reach the site from Bangkok, you can take:

• The train: available at Hua Lamphong Station and stops in the town of Kui Buri. From there, take a rental to reach your destination.
• The minivan: from Mo Chit Station, the journey takes 4 hours to Hua Hin. Then, you can take the bus to Prachuap Khiri Khan. This option also requires renting a vehicle to take you to Kui Buri National Park.
• The car: it takes about 249 kilometers for approximately 3 and a half hours of travel.

With your Sawa’Discovery agency, you will enjoy your own private vehicle with a driver to take you to the park.

Opening hours

The wildlife observation zone is open to the public from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is advisable to arrive around 3:30 p.m., when the animals are most active and therefore more easily observable.

Entry is closed after 5:00 PM, but once on site, you can enjoy the visit until 6:00 PM. Departures from Hua Hin are around 1:30 p.m.