Khao Sam Roi Yot was declared as the first coastal park in Thailand
on 28 June 1996. This 98 square kilometers park is located
approximately 300 km south-west of Bangkok, in Prachuap Khiri Khan
province. "Khao Sam Roi Yot" means the mountain with 300 peaks. A
series of grey limestone mountains which rise from the gulf of
Thailand and adjacent coastal marsh to a maximum height of 605
meters.
The wooded mountains make it a site of outstanding natural beauty,
but it is the freshwater marsh and coastal habitats, that gives the
park ecological significance. The offers fine sandy beaches,
spectacular caves, superb mountain viewpoints, offshore islands,
forest trails, boat excursions, and estuarine and mangrove habitats,
all within a relatively smalll area.
Wildlife
The park still supports a population of Serow and blackish goat
antelope. There are three species of primates: dusky or spectacled
langur, crab eating or long tailed macaque, and the slow lorris.
Other mammals found are the barking deer, malayan pangolin, fishing
cat, common palm-civet, malayan porcupine, javan mongosse, siamese
hare, grey bellied squarrel. Dolphins are sometimes sighted in the
coastal water.
There are around 300 species of birds recorded seen in the park. The
large number of species found in a relatively small area can be
attributed to the unique diversity of habitat, and because the park
is located on the east Asian/Australian flyway of birds. Migratory
birds account for about half of the recorded species.
Tourist attractions
Visitor center at the headquarters keeps information including
slides for study.
Khao Daeng viewpoint is located between the headquarters and
the Khao Daeng village. A 30 minute climb up a steep rocky 320
meters trail takes you to the top of Khao Daeng, at an elavation of
157 meters. A panoramic view of the coastal area and mountain
scenery are the rewards.
Khao Daeng canal boat trip Hire a boat in Khao Daeng village.
A 10 passenger boat for a 1.5 to 2 hours cruise along the canal for
3 to 4 km. Visitors can see various species of birds and trees. The
best time is in the early morning or late afternoon (about 4 - 5
pm).
Sam Phraya beach This one km long beach is located 5 km form
the headquarters. A restaurant and washrooms are available.
Laem Sala beach This cape has a fine sandy beach protected on
three sides by limestone hills, and when approached from the sea it
appears to be an island. Amongst the plantation of casuarina (a pine
like tree), you will find a restaurant, bungalows, a camping area, a
small visitor center, a picnic shelter, and washrooms. Laem Sala is
accessible either by land or water.
Phraya Nakhon cave is actually two large sinkholes, the roofs
of which have collapsed allowing sunlight and rain to reach the
floor, where trees have grown reaching for the ceiling.
Phraya Nakhon Cave can be reached from Laem Sala beach, by a steep
rocky trail, 430 meters long and rising to a height of 130 meters,
taking about 30 minute to climb. There are a couple more caves that
are of insterest.
How to get there
The park is located 63 km south of Hua Hin, in Prachuap Khiri Khan
province. Driving from Bangkok, take Highway no. 4 to Phanburi
(approximately 3.5 hours), and then it is a further 37 km to the
headquarters.
Contact
Khao Sam Roi Yot national park
Tambon Khao Dang, Amphoe Kui Buri
Prachuap Khiri Khan province 77150
Phone 032-603 571