Located only 63 km from a classic resort town of Hua Hin, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is Thailand’s first marine national park established in 1966. Its total area of 98.08 kilometres2 spreads in two districts of Prachuap Khiri Khan province: Kui Buri and Sam Roi Yot. The name Khao Sam Roi Yot means the mountain with three hundred peaks. Visitors would be fascinated by picturesque scenery and abundant varieties in ecosystems such as mangrove forest, towering limestone mountain range, and coastal plains. Various species of birds, freshwater fish, aquatic animals, as well as local plants are found here.
There are numerous attractions at the national park including caves, beaches, and a vast freshwater marsh.
Visitors are recommended to begin their nature exploration at the Khao Daeng viewpoint which is 157 metres above mean sea level. Watching the sunrise over Khao Daeng village and observing several kinds of wildlife, for example, the leaf-monkey and the brahminy kite, begin their day is definitely an amazing experience, and it is well-worth a 30-minute hike up there.
Cruising along Khao Daeng Canal is another enjoyable activity. A rental boat is available at Khao Daeng Temple, and the rent is approximately 500 THB for 6 people. The one-hour cruise is worth every THB as the scenery of mangrove forest is spectacular. The best time to cruise is around 16:00 - 17:00 as it is not very hot and a sunset view is a priceless experience.
Cave exploration is also possible. There are several caves at the national park. The remarkable ones are Kaeo Cave and Phraya Nakhon Cave. Located 16 kilometres from park headquarters, the former cave stuns visitors with impressive formation of translucent stalagmites and stalactites. A park staff member and a torch are required to guide the visitors through a bumpy floor paved with rocks. The latter cave features the Thai-style royal pavilion dedicated to King Rama V who visited it in 1890. With a hole in its roof allowing some light to shine upon the pavilion, the breathtaking view of the cave should not be missed.
Other highlights worth visiting are Sam Phraya Beach, Laem Sala Beach, and Thung Sam Roi Yot. Those sandy beaches are secluded, and the vast freshwater marsh of Thung Sam Roi Yot is a birdwatchers’ paradise. The national park opens daily from 08:00 AM to 16:30. The entrance fee is 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children. Accommodations, tents, and campsites are available.
