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Despite Thailand's rich diversity
of flora and fauna, it has only been in recent years that most
of the 79 national parks, 89 "non-hunting areas" and wildlife
sanctuaries and 35 forest reserves have been established.
Eighteen of the national parks are marine parks that protect
coastal, insular and open sea areas. Together these cover 13% of
the country's land and sea area, one of the highest ratios of
protected to unprotected areas of any nation in the world.
The majority of the parks, reserves and sanctuaries are well
maintained by the Forestry Department, but a few have allowed
rampant tourism to threaten the natural environment. Poaching,
illegal logging and shifting cultivation has also taken their
toll on protected lands, but the government has since crack down
on these activities with success.
Most of the parks are accessible by road, offer simple
accommodation and charge a small admission fee. For a true
appreciation of Thailand's geography and natural history, a
visit to at least one national park is a must.
Kaeng Krachan National Park
This is the largest, and one of the most dramatic, national
parks in Thailand. It is still largely unexplored. The park
covers the watershed of the Phetchaburi river which is on the
Tanao Sri Mountain Range with the peak at Panoen Tung mountain.
On the way to Tho Thip waterfall, an ocean of fog is visible
alongside the mountain range. Phetchaburi river is full of
rapids and there is an abundance of wildlife. It is a paradise
for bird and butterfly watchers.
Activities
Trekking, bird and butterfly watching, raft riding. The best
time to go is between November and May.
Getting there
It is 123 kilometers by car on the Bangkok-Phetchaburi highway
and then along highway 4 for another 20 kilometers, turning at
the entrance to Kaeng Krachan and proceeding for another 38
kilometers.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon,Thailand's highest peak (2595m), has three
impressive waterfalls cascading down its slopes. Starting from
the bottom, they are Mae Klang Falls, Wachiratan Falls and
Siriphum falls. The park has flora and fauna not seen in other
parts of Thailand. Two Hill Tribes, the Karen and Hmong have
settled here.
Activities
Trekking is recommended to observe the fauna and flora. Some 364
different species of birds can be found here, also butterflies.
There are camping grounds and the best time to visit is between
November and February. Details can be obtained from the Park
Lodging office.
Getting there
Doi Inthanon is in Chom Thong district, CHiang Mai Province, 160
kilometers from the town.
Sai Yok National Park
The Sai Yok National Park encompasses the famous Kwae Noi river
of Kanchanaburi province. The park is a forest with caves on the
riverbank. The smallest mammal in the world, Kitti's Hog-nosed
Bat weighing just two grams, is found here. Sai Yok is the name
of the most famous waterfall in the country.
Activities
House-boat riding on the Kwae Noi River, exploring caves, riding
mountain bikes, elephant riding and canoeing.
Getting there
A distance of 97 kilometers on highway 323 (Kanchanaburi-Thong
Phaphum) you turn right at kilometer 97 and continue for a
further three kilometers
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