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National Park · Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand

Khao Laem National Park

Khao Laem National Park is a mountainous protected area in western Thailand known for its dense forests, diverse wildlife, and striking reservoir views. It offers excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and boating on the Khao Laem Reservoir.

National Park337,500 acres4+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

337,500 acres

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Khao Laem National Park

Khao Laem National Park is a mountainous protected area in western Thailand known for its dense forests, diverse wildlife, and striking reservoir views. It offers excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and boating on the Khao Laem Reservoir.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Khao Laem National Park, located in Kanchanaburi Province, covers an extensive mountainous region along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Established in 1987, the park encompasses rugged terrain with peaks reaching up to 1,090 meters, dense evergreen and deciduous forests, and the expansive Khao Laem Reservoir. The reservoir, created by the Vajiralongkorn Dam on the Khwae Noi River, colors much of the park's landscape and allows for water-based recreation. Khao Laem's forests provide habitat for diverse wildlife species such as Asian elephants, gaurs, serows, and a rich variety of birds, including hornbills and raptors. The park's geography includes limestone caves, rocky cliffs, and several waterfalls, adding to its scenic diversity. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that vary from short nature walks to more challenging mountain routes, suitable for spotting wildlife and taking in panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. Boat trips on the reservoir are popular and provide a unique perspective of the park's wilderness. Khao Laem’s remote location, combined with its rich biodiversity and serene water features, attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking for less crowded natural experiences. The park also offers camping areas and basic facilities for visitors seeking extended stays immersed in nature.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Khao Laem National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Golden Pagodas of Sangkhla Buri★ 8.5⌖ 4 miCultural Exploration
Sangkhla Buri District

Golden Pagodas of Sangkhla Buri

Explore the stunning Golden Pagodas of Sangkhla Buri in Thailand. Known for cultural tours and hiking opportunities, the area is best visited during the cooler months. Discover the longest wooden bridge in Thailand and enjoy kayaking in the Khao Laem Reservoir.

Cultural ExplorationView Details→
Waterfall Paradise: Thi Lo Su Waterfall, Umphang★ 9.2⌖ 62 miHiking
Thi Lo Su Waterfall

Waterfall Paradise: Thi Lo Su Waterfall, Umphang

Explore Thi Lo Su, Thailand's largest waterfall in Tak. This drive-in landmark, best visited from November to January, offers hiking, river rafting, and wildlife observation, with hornbills and gibbons as highlights. Plan for remote adventure in a quiet, wild setting.

Erawan Falls: A Thai Paradise★ 9.1⌖ 71 miHiking
Erawan National Park

Erawan Falls: A Thai Paradise

Erawan National Park in Thailand offers a 1.5-km hike across seven-tiered waterfalls. Perfect for swimming and wildlife watching, it's a moderate trek ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Accessible from Kanchanaburi, it gets busy during summer.

Cascading Beauty of Erawan Falls★ 8.7⌖ 71 miHiking
Erawan Falls

Cascading Beauty of Erawan Falls

Explore the enchanting seven-tiered Erawan Falls in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Known for hiking and swimming, this moderate trail offers vibrant flora and fauna. Perfect for adventure seekers looking to enjoy the captivating natural beauty.

Discover the Charm of Mawlamyine⌖ 106 miCultural Exploration
Mawlamyine

Discover the Charm of Mawlamyine

Explore Mawlamyine, Myanmar, a cultural and historical hotspot known for its colonial architecture and the stunning Kyaikthanlan Pagoda. Enjoy river cruises and discover local traditions. A drive-in destination, ideal for year-round visits by cultural explorers.

Cultural ExplorationView Details→
Historic Charm of St. Matthews Church in Mawlamyine⌖ 108 miExploration
St. Matthews Church Mawlamyine

Historic Charm of St. Matthews Church in Mawlamyine

Explore the historic St. Matthews Church in Mawlamyine, known for its Gothic architecture. Enjoy peaceful moments and photography opportunities. Accessible by car, it's a quiet location visited year-round.

ExplorationView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Khao Laem Reservoir with panoramic viewpoint spots✦ Diverse wildlife including Asian elephants and hornbills✦ Chong Yen Waterfall with natural pools for swimming✦ Tham Luang Nok Cave offering intriguing spelunking experience
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Khao Laem National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Khao Laem National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Khao Laem National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Khao Laem National Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Khao Laem National Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Khao Laem National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Khao Laem National Park
Park Recreation

Caving

Available in Khao Laem National Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Khao Laem National Park
Park Recreation

Boat Tours

Available in Khao Laem National Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Khao Laem National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Khao Laem National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fees apply; permits are required for some trekking routes; boat tours require advance booking.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Khao Laem National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Khao Laem Reservoir Camping Area

Located near the reservoir with basic facilities, ideal for lakeside camping and easy access to boat tours.

Pong Nam Ron Campsite

A remote campground close to hiking trails and waterfall access, providing a more rustic experience.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Khao Laem National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Si Sawat
⌖ 59.31 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Si Sawat, Kanchanaburi Province

A scenic area blending dramatic lakes, lush forests, and rugged mountains, offering varied outdoor adventures including water sports, hiking, and wildlife watching.

November to FebruaryExplore Town
Umphang
⌖ 70.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Umphang, Tak Province

A remote jungle gateway known for rugged trails, waterfalls, and pristine river landscapes, offering immersive adventure deep in Thailand’s western highlands.

November to FebruaryExplore Town
Umphang
⌖ 70.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Umphang, Tak

A remote and rugged destination offering diverse outdoor adventures set against the scenic backdrop of lush forests, mountains, and waterfalls.

November to FebruaryExplore Town
Dan Chang
⌖ 88.03 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dan Chang, Suphan Buri Province

A tranquil countryside town offering lush green landscapes, gentle river paddling, and peaceful trails ideal for escape into nature.

November to FebruaryExplore Town
Phop Phra
⌖ 91.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Phop Phra, Tak Province

A tranquil gateway to nature in western Thailand offering rich jungle landscapes, ethnic hill tribe cultures, and river adventures in a less-touristed setting.

November to FebruaryExplore Town
Pang Sila Thong
⌖ 101.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pang Sila Thong, Kamphaeng Phet Province

A serene wilderness gateway offering rugged forest landscapes, waterfalls, and caves for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural beauty and adventure off the typical tourist track.

November to FebruaryExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Khao Laem National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.