Kaeng Krachan National Park

Declared in 1981 as Thailand's 28th national park, Kaeng Krachan covers about 2,914.70 km², the largest of any park in the country, across Nong Ya Plong and Kaeng Krachan districts of Phetchaburi and Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Most of it is moist evergreen forest on the Tenasserim range, the source of the Phetchaburi and Pran Buri rivers. The highest peak, Khao Ngaengnikyuaktong, rises to about 1,513 m on the Thai–Myanmar border.

On 26 July 2021 the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee inscribed the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex – Kaeng Krachan, Kui Buri and Chaloem Phrakiat Thai Prachan national parks and Mae Nam Phachi Wildlife Sanctuary – as a natural World Heritage site for its biodiversity. The forest is home to wild elephants, gaur, banteng, tigers, tapirs, white-handed gibbons and hornbills.

The main sights on the Phetchaburi side are the lake above the dam in front of the headquarters, Ban Krang Camp, the sea-of-mist viewpoint on Khao Phanoen Thung and Tho Thip Waterfall. The headquarters has bungalows, a campsite and tents for hire, and the riverside zone about 1.5 km away, near the suspension bridge, has more bungalows. Lodging and camping are booked through the national park booking system.

Ban Krang and Khao Phanoen Thung close every year from 1 August to 31 October. When they are open, stop at the visitor centre for a pass before driving up.