Standing
tall amidst the sanctuaries and national parks of Thailand, Thung Yai
Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary exerts irresistible pull on the lovers of
wildlife. Rare animal and bird species, rich natural diversity on vast
landscape, fascinating limestone structures and lively tribal life are some
features of the marvellous sanctuary.Synopsis
| Country | Thailand |
| Location | About 300 kilometers north-west of Bangkok |
| Accessibility | Through road |
Why To Visit
» Thanks to it's rich natural diversity, Thung Yai Naresuan - Huai Kha Khaeng Park has been registered by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site.
» Largest continuous tract of wildlife in Southeast Asia
» One of the last natural habitats in Thailand for the tiger
Park Residents
» Species that are found no further north (tapirs, white crowned hornbills)
» Species that are found no further south (Fea's muntjacs and rufous-necked hornbills)
» Species that range no further east or west
» Endangered species like white-winged wood duck, kalij pheasant, Burmese peafowl and Indo-Chinese green peacock
» Endangered mammals like tiger, mainland serow, tapir, rhinoceros, hog deer
Tour Attractions
Apart from viewing wildlife in it's natural habitat and researching, the sanctuary holds some other attractions. Brief information about them is as follows:
Khao Phraya Phai Rua
In close vicinity of the sanctuary, 4 kilometers from Lan Sak, is Khao Phraya Phai Rua. Just 150 meters walking uphill is a cave made up of several connecting caverns containing fascinating stalactites and stalagmites.
Sa-lao Dam
12 kilometers from Lan Sak is Thap Sa-lao Dam, which offers lovely views with mountains providing a marvellous backdrop.
Khao Pla Ra
It is a limestone mountain range to the west Nong Chang district, offering pre-historic paintings in red color depicting human and animals.
Hup Pa Tad
Close to Khao Pla Ra is Hup Pa Tad, a place with beautiful caves. Groves of an ancient plantlife bedeck the valley.
Cyber Waterfall
86 km from Huai Khot town, the fall, surrounded by lush forests, is supported by the brooks flowing down the mountains in Huai Kha Khaeng wildlife sanctuary.
Khao Tham Taphap
Located in Ban Rai district, it is a cave complex made up of several caverns, decorated by stalagmites and stalactites. Pre-historic tools found here testify to the presence of early man.
Other interests of the area include the villages of Karen and Hmong minorities, elephant rides and viewing of wildlife at saltlicks.
Vegetation
» High ground covered by evergreen forests
» Mixed deciduous and bamboo forests dominate the lower altitudes
» Savanna grasslands are present at every elevation
Topography
Generally mountainous terrain, divided by many perennial streams into valleys and lowland plains, with a large central grassland plain. The earth is red-brown or red-yellow. Presence of small lakes, ponds and swampy areas make the area ideal for wildlife. The reserved area is the source of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai rivers.
General Information
» Located about 300 kilometers north-west of Bangkok, the twin sanctuaries are at the southern end of the Dawna Range.
» Covers area in three provinces (Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi and Tak) totaling 5,775 sq km.
» Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary was declared wildlife reserve in 1972.
Climate
| Dry | November to May |
| Hot wet | May to October |
How To Reach
Thung Yai is accessible from Bangkok by road (an unsurfaced one). The journey by car takes around 10 hours. Huai Kha Khaeng is reachable via Uthai Thani from Bangkok. The journey by car takes around 6 hours. Buses ply from Bangkok to Uthai Thani and Lansak, but no public service is available as far as the sanctuary.
Note: You need prior permission to visit the area from the Royal Thai Forestry department.
