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National Park · Surat Thani Province, Thailand

Kaeng Krung National Park

Kaeng Krung National Park is a rugged natural area in southern Thailand well-known for its dense tropical forests, rushing waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, offering excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

National Park76,8754+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

76,875

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Kaeng Krung National Park

Kaeng Krung National Park is a rugged natural area in southern Thailand well-known for its dense tropical forests, rushing waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, offering excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Kaeng Krung National Park covers a mountainous region in Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand, spanning over 300 square kilometers of protected wilderness. The park features steep limestone hills and ridges with elevations reaching up to 849 meters, forming part of the Phuket mountain range. Its dense evergreen and mixed deciduous forests provide habitat for numerous species including Asian elephants, gaurs, wild boars, and various bird species. Several streams and rivers cascade through the park, creating stunning waterfalls such as Namtok Huai Yang and Namtok Krung Kaeng. Established in 1991, the park's diverse ecosystems are an important refuge for flora and fauna, maintaining vital ecological balance. Visitors are drawn to Kaeng Krung for trekking through its jungle-covered hills, wildlife spotting, and exploring its scenic waterfalls. The park’s remote location makes it less crowded than other protected areas in Thailand, appealing to travelers seeking a more solitary nature experience. Access is primarily via Surat Thani and nearby villages, where local guidance is recommended for navigating trails and spotting wildlife. The park’s steep terrain and variable weather require visitors to be prepared, but they will be rewarded with striking landscapes and peaceful natural surroundings.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Kaeng Krung National Park

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

Sun-Kissed Shores at Kho Khao Beach★ 7.2⌖ 39 miBeach Strolling
Kho Khao Beach

Sun-Kissed Shores at Kho Khao Beach

Explore the serene Kho Khao Beach in Khanom, Thailand. Known for its pristine sands and pink dolphin sightings, this quiet beach offers activities like snorkeling and beach walks. Ideal for adventure seekers.

Beach StrollingView Details→
Majestic Nature: Khao Sok National Park★ 8.8⌖ 47 miKayaking
Khao Sok National Park

Majestic Nature: Khao Sok National Park

Explore the stunning Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park. Enjoy kayaking and long-tail boat rides amidst towering limestone cliffs. Perfect for adventure seekers, this serene spot is best visited during the dry season. Moderate difficulty due to uneven terrain.

Serene Sands of Ko Mat Sum★ 7.2⌖ 49 miSnorkeling
Ko Mat Sum

Serene Sands of Ko Mat Sum

Ko Mat Sum offers a tranquil escape off the coast of Koh Samui. Enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, beach picnics, and friendly wildlife encounters. Accessible by boat, this location provides a serene atmosphere suitable for solo travelers. Open year-round.

SnorkelingView Details→
Paradise on the Shores of Ko Samui★ 8.0⌖ 55 miSnorkeling
Ko Samui

Paradise on the Shores of Ko Samui

Explore Ko Samui's stunning beaches and unique rock formations, perfect for snorkeling and photography. The dry season (Feb-Apr) is ideal for water sports. Access is via ferry or flights to Samui International Airport. Suitable for adventure seekers.

SnorkelingView Details→
Tropical Escape at Mae Nam Beach★ 8.0⌖ 57 miSnorkeling
Mae Name Beach

Tropical Escape at Mae Nam Beach

Mae Nam Beach in Surat Thani offers a tranquil escape with activities like snorkeling and kayaking. Enjoy the serene coastline with gentle waves, ideal for families. Explore local markets and Thai eateries nearby for a cultural experience.

SnorkelingView Details→
Tropical Bliss at Thong Takian Resort⌖ 57 miSnorkeling
Thong Takian Resort

Tropical Bliss at Thong Takian Resort

Thong Takian Resort offers beautiful beaches, ideal for snorkeling and kayaking, with activities like mountain biking available. Enjoy a relaxing family-friendly vacation. Quiet destination with scenic views near Koh Samui, Thailand.

SnorkelingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Namtok Huai Yang Waterfall – a multi-tiered waterfall set in pristine forest✦ Diverse wildlife including Asian elephants and hornbills✦ Limestone mountain formations providing scenic vistas✦ Remote trekking trails with opportunities for solitude
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Kaeng Krung National Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Kaeng Krung National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Kaeng Krung National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Kaeng Krung National Park
Park Recreation

Waterfall Exploration

Available in Kaeng Krung National Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Kaeng Krung National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Kaeng Krung 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 Kaeng Krung National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee required for all visitors; permits are issued at the park office.

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 Kaeng Krung National Park

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

Kaeng Krung National Park Campground

Basic facilities located near the park headquarters providing easy access to trails and waterfalls.

Huai Yang Waterfall Campsite

A remote campsite near the base of Namtok Huai Yang waterfall for visitors seeking a back-to-nature experience.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Kaeng Krung National Park

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

Surat Thani
⌖ 2.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Surat Thani, Thailand

A vibrant gateway to Southern Thailand's islands and rainforest wilderness, mixing tropical landscapes with water-based and jungle adventures.

December to AprilExplore Town
Surat Thani City
⌖ 2.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Surat Thani City, Surat Thani Province

A gateway town for nature and water adventures, offering access to tropical forests, river paddling, and island hopping activities in southern Thailand.

November to AprilExplore Town
Surat Thani
⌖ 3.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Surat Thani, Surat Thani Province

Gateway to southern Thailand’s islands and lush natural parks, offering vibrant outdoor adventures from forest trekking to island paddling and cycling.

November to MarchExplore Town
Phunphin
⌖ 5.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Phunphin, Surat Thani Province

A gateway area offering access to Southern Thailand’s natural landscapes with opportunities for river activities and rural outdoor exploration.

November to FebruaryExplore Town
Tha Chang
⌖ 14.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tha Chang, Surat Thani

A tranquil riverside town offering authentic outdoor experiences ranging from river paddling to nature trails, perfect for travelers seeking calm and less crowded adventures.

November to FebruaryExplore Town
Chaiya
⌖ 21.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chaiya, Surat Thani

A tranquil riverside town rich in history, offering gentle nature adventures and cultural exploration in Southern Thailand’s tropical setting.

November to FebruaryExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Kaeng Krung 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.