Thailand, or the Republic of Thailand is one of the most fascinating countries in Southeast Asia, there is something for everyone here. With its great food, tropical climate, fascinating culture, majestic mountains and surreal beaches, Thailand is a treat for any traveler. Thailand’s tropical landscape also shelters some of Southeast Asia’s most charismatic and endangered wildlife, including the Tigers, Asian Elephants, Malayan Tapir, Clouded Leopard, and the Hornbill. The habitat ranges from montane, green jungle, deciduous forest to swamps and mangroves. The forests are largely protected in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
The main international airports in Thailand are at Bangkok and Phuket, and both are well connected by flight from all over the world. International airports are also located at Hat Yai, Krabi, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai, though these largely restricted to flights from other Southeast Asian countries. Thailand is well connected from India with regular flights from major cities.
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is to the north west of Bangkok and lies mainly in the Uthai Thani Province of Thailand. Together with the adjoining Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary to the west, these two separately governed sanctuaries make up a single outstanding conservation area which is the largest protected area in mainland south-east Asia. The Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary provides an area of largely undisturbed habitat for several threatened wildlife species. Endangered animals include wild buffalo, rhinoceros, wild elephant, tapir, leopard and wild bulls. The landscape is hilly with variety of forest in the sanctuary, including deciduous and bamboo forest. In the valley bottoms there are several large rivers surrounded by grassland. This is Thailand’s least accessible and least disturbed forest areas. The scenic beauty of the park is exceptional, enhanced by the sight of a host of tributary streams and waterfalls, the unique mosaic of forest types and the sweeping spectacles of variations of color, form, and foliage. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
ACCESS :The Sanctuary is not open to the public, and special permission is required to enter and explore. Bangkok is the closest major airport with regular flights from all over the world. The journey by car to the park takes 6-7 hours from Bangkok. The road from Uthai Thani to Lansak is metalled, but from there a four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary. There are bus services from Bangkok to Uthai Thani and Lansak, but no public service as far as the sanctuary, as it is not open to the public.
SIZE :2,575 sq km
WILDLIFE:The fauna found within the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary includes an unusual mix of species with Indo-Chinese, Indo-Burmese and Sino-Himalayan affinities. In total, the sanctuary supports a large proportion of Thailand’s animals. Most importantly these include three of the National Reserved Wildlife Species of Thailand: the wild water buffalo, the mainland serow and the hog deer. Other threatened animals include the Asiatic wild dog, tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, Asian elephant, Asian tapir and Fea’s muntjac.
ACTIVITIES:Nature trails, trekking, bird watching, butterfly watching, bicycle tours.
Kaeng Krachan National Park is the largest National Park in Thailand. The park is surprisingly close to civilization but shelters an intense tangle of wilderness that sees few tourists. It is a perfect place to relax, wake to the eerie symphony of gibbon calls as the early morning mist hangs limply above the forest canopy; hike through lush forests to spot elephant herds and other wildlife at the communal watering holes; or sweat through your clothes as you summit the park’s highest peak. The park shares its border with Tanintharyi National Park in Myanmar. The park is known for its dense morning mist covering the park with hill tops sticking above mist cloud around December-March, creating a spectacular view. The park offers one of the best wildlife and birding options in Thailand.
ACCESS :Closest major international airport is in Bangkok. From Bangkok the park is about 170 km and take some 3-4 hours. There are also regular buses from Bangkok to the park. There is also a train route from Hua Lamphong train station in central Bangkok to Phetchaburi, but it is a very slow option compared to buses.
SIZE :2,914 sq km
WILDLIFE:Wild mammals such as leopards, stump-tailed, macaques, deers, porcupines, civets, martens, elephants, gibbons, wild dogs, langurs, gaurs and many others can be found frequently in the park. There are also tigers in Kaeng Krachan but they are not common. Kaeng Krachan is Thailand's top bird and butterfly watching location, over 420 species of birds has been observed in the park which is the highest number of bird species in any national parks in Thailand.
ACTIVITIES:Nature trails, bird watching, butterfly watching, waterfall treks, caving.
Khao Sok National Park comprises the largest virgin forest in Southern Thailand. Many believe that this lowland jungle to be more than 160 million years old, making it one of the oldest rainforest in the world. It features dramatic limestone formations and waterfalls that cascades through juice thickets drenched with rain and morning dew. A network of dirt trails snakes through the park and allows the visitors to spy on wide array of indigenous species. The rainforest is rich in wildlife; close and personal elephant encounters, jungle trekking on foot, canoeing and Truck Safaris are all possible activities, which will give you the experience of a lifetime.
ACCESS :The closest airport to reach Khao Sok National Park is Phuket International Airport. Phuket is well connected and has regular flight from Bangkok as well as other countries. Once you are in Phuket, there are regular buses that run from Phuket for the park that takes about 4 hours. One can also rent a car; driving time is still 4 hours.
SIZE :739 sq km
WILDLIFE:Khao Sok is Southeast Asia’s most vital wildlife habitat. A wide array of animal species reside in the park including Wild Elephants, Gibbons, Civets, Malay Sun Bear, long-tail Macaques, Gaur, Malayan Tapir, Wild Boar and Asian Wild Dogs. The park also houses a wide variety of birds, more than 300 species are found here.
ACTIVITIES:Jungle trekking, canoeing, tubing and bamboo rafting, boat tours.
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