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TEL: (66) 7532-5196-7
FAX: (66) 7532-5197 |
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Khao Luang National Park in Nakhon Si Thammrat
| Introduction |
The tourist destination area under the jurisdiction of the
TAT Southern Office: Region 2, comprised of three provinces,
namely Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Trang, is
enriched with a variety of resources. These various valuable
resources of tourism are arts, culture, customs as well as
fascinating and eye-catching natural attractions. The development
and promotion of tourism in this area has been carried out
continuously and appropriately according to its nature. Such
management has been based on eco-tourism according to the major
policies of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
In accordance with the management plan and dissemination of
information of Khao Luang National Park-the prime natural
destination for tourists in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, the TAT
Southern Office: Region 2 has, therefore, managed to publish this
handbook for tourists and those interested to use as information
while visiting the park. The book highlights the trails for nature
studies of Krung Ching Waterfall and the trails of Khiriwong Forest
and Khao Luang. This aims to provide basic knowledge of plants,
wildlife, and other interesting environmental surroundings. Finally,
instructions and a code of conduct for visitors are also conveyed in
this booklet.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Khao Luang National Park
hope that this information will make your visit to the park more
worthwhile. It is also expected that visitors will give a helping
hand in preserving these in valuable treasures for posterity.
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Background |
Topographically, the southern part of Thailand is along
peninsular which has some scattered mountain rages in particular
areas. In the central area of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province such
landscape is obvious. The Nakhon Si Thammarat Ranges, named
after the province, are located in the central part of the province.
Therefore, much of this large southern province is covered with
rugged mountains lying as long lines parallel to the eastern coast.
In the past, these mountains and forests were known as a
significant source of food that nurtured the prosperity of ancient
communities. The well known, great Tamphonling Kingdom of the
southern Peninsular was located here. Khao Luang, the highest point
in peninsular Thailand is also a rich source of various resources,
e.g. mines, wood, herbs, wild produce, and water. As a result, it
made Nakhon Si Thammarat a very important trading seaport centre in
Southeast Asia.
At present, the business center has been shifted to other places
in accordance with changing conditions, but Khao Luangs significance
still remains. Apart from being a source of various natural
resources, it also serves as a rare habitat of a variety of
biodiversities of numerous species that are countless in value.
The Royal Forestry Department declared Khao Luang as the 9th
national park of Thailand on 18 December, 1974. |
Topography |
Khao Luang National Park is located in Southern Thailand. It
partly covers the areas of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Tha Sala, Phromkhiri
Chawang, and Phipoon districts of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The
park covers an area of approximately 356,250 rai or 570 square
kilometres. There is range upon range as far as the eye can see.
Most parts of the formation are soil from igneous rock with
scattered limestone mountains.The highest peak of the ranges is
about 1,835 metres above sea level.
The top of the peninsular ranges is covered with virgin forest.
This makes an ideal source for streams and rivers.One of the most
important river courses that originates here is Tapee river, which
nurtures the land of the central peninsular.
The climate of the region is mainly rain throughout the year.
This begins in May and becomes heavier during October-December. But
decreases in January. The quantity of rain is scarce during
February-April compared with the rest of the year. The average
maximum temperature on the plain is around 28.7 C except on the
mountaintops which may be as low as 5 C. |
Forest and Vegetation on Khao
Luang |
Since the area of the park is covered with high mountains with
year-round rainfall, this effects the types of vegetation and the
forests growing there. Due to the high altitude, the forest is
generally Tropical Rain Forest which can be categorised according to
the different heights of altitude and the availability and density
of particular vegetation, especially that prevalent at each
height. Lowland
Forest This type of forest grows on the plain up to a height not
exceeding 300 metres. This dense jungle consists of a rich variety
of species. The high treetops are found at three different levels.
Those with a height of up to 30-50 metres are tall timber trees,
locally known as Yang (Dipterocarpus spp.). The ground is covered
with shrubs, weeds, creepers, and other plants like ferns, taro,
galanga, ginger, pandanus, and rattan.
Hills Forest This covers the high altitude area exceeding 300
metres, but not exceeding 1,000 metres. It resembles the first type,
but with more Podocarpus, giant fishtail palms, and tree ferns which
are found prevalent in the valley. Rare jungle orchids are also
found in this area.
Lower Montane Forest This is found in the high area exceeding
1,000 metres, but lower than 1,500 metres. Plants growing in this
zone obviously differ from the first two types. This area is always
covered with fog and cloud, so there is a high degree of moisture.
Some prevalent timber trees available are Eugenia, Schima tree and
Oak, with primitive plants like filmy ferns and mosses that grow on
the surfaces of tree trunks as well as rocks. Besides the mentioned,
there is a variety of Begonia growing in the area.
Montane Forest This type covers the high altitude of above 1,500
metres with year-round foggy and cloudy cover. Hence, it is known by
another name as the "cloud forest" It is also characterised by
strong winds and cold temperatures. The level of moisture is almost
100 percent. Most timber trees are dwarfish with a height of only
3-5 metres, e.g. Rhododendron and a variety of Oak. On the trees,
there are mosses, ferns, and lichens which grow densely. The most
visible plants are Dipteris fern and Cheiropleuria fern on the
mountaintops. These remarkable ferns are found nowhere else in
Thailand. |
Wildlife |
The rich natural resources of Khao Luang National Park's forest
attracts diverse species of animals, e.g. Malayan tapir and serow
which are preserved in Thailand. These animals, which generally are
difficult to see, inhabit the valleys of the central part of the
park. Anim that are easily visble are macaque, musk deer, civet,
binturong, and various kinds of rare southern birds and reptiles;
for instance, turtles, lizards, and rare jungle insects that can be
found around the bush on the sides of the water courses or falls
throughout the park. |
Orchids of Khao Luang |
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Khao Luang Forest is a hub of biodiversity that is comparable to
none. It accommodates various species of fauna and flora, especially
more than 300 species of orchids. Some are uniquely local which are
found nowhere else. Visitors walking in Khao Luang Forest will be
greeted by different kinds of orchids all along the trail. Some grow
their roots on the ground or among rocks whereas others are found
growing epiphytically on tree trunks. |
1. Singto-Biphad (Cirrhopetalum skeatianum) |
2. Khonta-Singto (BulBophyllum ovatum) |
3. Ueng-Saai-Serd (Coelogyne massangeana) |
4. Singto Dr:Tem (Bulbophyllum smitinandii) |
5. Ueng-Daeng-Hin (Liparis blcolor) |
6. Kluai-Ploik (Epipogium roseum) |
7. Ueng-Sila-Tai (Tainia latilingua) |
8. Wan-Nok-Hum (Anoectochilus albolineatus) |
9. Uneg Khiriwong (Didymoplexiopsis
khiriwongnsis) |
Things to do for visitors |
Study about the destination before visiting particularly the
weather, seasons for suitable equipment, and safety.
Familiarise oneself with the rules and regulations what are
do and don't laid out by the park at the Visitor Centre or the Park
Protection Centre while visiting different spots in the park.
Prepare equipment that helps one to enjoy the beauty of nature
effectively such as binoculars, sketch book, telescope, or
camera, and take them along.
Ask for permission from park officials in the case of wanting to
spend the night in the park compound. The number of campers at
each spot should not exceed 10 people, and they must prepare
themselves as follows:
- Take only extremely necessary and useful equipment, e.g.
backpack, tent, plastic plates, sleeping bag, torch, water
containers, pocket knife, pots, rope, plastic bags, digging tools,
ointment, etc.
- Dress in well-protective clothing. A raincoat is necessary
during the rainy season and only wears trekking shoes.
- Enough food should be taken in accordance with the period
planned to spend in the forest, as well as easy to prepare; a
camping gas stove is required since building fires in the park is
prohibited.
- Camp only in the area suggested by the park, and walk only
along the marked trails.
- Take all disposals out of the park.
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Krung Ching's Nature Trail
1. Maha Sadam (Tree Fern)
Maha Sadam, a tree fern, is the biggest fern in the world. It is
found in tropical virgin forest, which is a source of water. It is a
flowerless plant that is reprodued by spores under its leaves. The
spore cells need water in order to breed and reproduce a new
plant.
2. Dong Chok (Chok Forest)
This species of palm is easily found in southern tropical virgin
forest. Its fruit called "Look Chid" is edible. It will bear fruit
just once and then die
3. Lum Khwak
There are man-traps dug by Communist insurgents scattered around
the area, as this area was once occupied by Communist troops. In the
same area, some plants like common ginger, galanga, and ferns can be
found.
4. Bandai Samkhan
This once served as a strategic point for the Communists. It is
a steep slope and slippery. Extra precautions are needed when
walking to this part of the trail.
5. Sala Pratuchai
This resting pavilion has two huge banyan trees which allows
visitors a good opportunity to learn about the life circle of the
tree. The plant starts its life as a parasite, roots itself on the
ground, and then crushes its host to death. It is a favourite source
of food for various kinds of birds.
6. Giant Lumpho
This timber tree has huge roots to support its trunk in the thin
soil in this kind of forest. The flying lizard and tree frog are
also found here.
 7.
Pratuchai Cave
This area used to serve as the food storage and a strategic
training ground for the communist party of Thailand. Torches are
required to enter the cave. Just far opposite the cave is Tham Kluea
(Salt Cave).
8. Pa Ching (Clock Palm Forest)
The second stopping point is named after the Ching palm which
can be found in this area.
9. Chang Ronghai (Exotic
Palm)
It is rare giant plant of the palm family that is facing
extinction. The sexual organs are separated in each plant. Its
leaves are sharp and can hurt an elephant's trunk if
pulled.
10. Mangosteen Forest
There is evidence that the Krung Ching Forest used to be the
site of an ancient community in the past.
11. Sala Fon
Saen Ha
The last resting spot before reaching Krung Ching
Waterfall.
12. Krung Ching Waterfall
This great waterfall originates from a long stream and passes
through a granite stone valley. The most magnificent level of this 7
- tiered falls is called Hnan Fon Saen Ha. |
Trekking to the Top of Khao
Luang
1.Hua Heow
At Hua Heow, close to the Wangmaipak falls, is a fruit market.
Villagers will collect their crops and sell them here during the
late morning.
2. Suan Somrom
The mixed fruit orchard in the natural forest on the foothills
displays the co-existence between humans and the forest in an
ecological manner.
3. Wang Ai Yang Bon Waterfall
Rare species of plants are found here, such as orchids known as
"Sang Hin" or "Lin Mangkon Som" on the rocks near the stream. These
plants need only fertiliser from the decaying leaves with the help
of fungi.
4. Kratom Suan Sai Nai
This is located at the end of the orchard. Here, visitors have
to spend the night. This area is surrounded by dense jungle.
 5.
San Lung Phram - Dong Tak
There is dense virgin jungle that has an abundance of plants and
animals including "tak" or leeches. If is one of many interesting
spots for those interested in this type of forest.
6.
Laan Sai
The watercourse runs through this area and normally floods
during the rainy season. The tree ferns locally called "Maha Sadam"
are found here. It is a hidden spot that is rarely reached by people
as many kinds of distinctive orchids in the world are being found
here.
7. Din Thalom - San Maidaeng
The trekking trail to Laan Sai follows the slope of the hill,
and then passes the lower tropical virgin jungle where small Maha
Sadam ferns are found along with an abundance of rare orchids in
this evergreen jungle. The soil here is made up of igneous rock; as
a result, soil erosion on the rock face is common.
8.
Laan Hor - Hubpha Maha Sadam
The edge of the hill with the path on the right side leads to
Maha Sadam or tree fern valley.
 9.
Dong Wai Hoeng - Laan Dr.Chavalit
This mist covered area is full of rattan called "Wai Hoeng". In
summer, montane orchid and begonia are proudly displaying their
beautiful blossoming flower.
10. Cloud forest - Top of Khao
Luang
This area is the source of the Tapee River. It is recommended
that visitors should visit the spot known as "Chom Nong" to see the
"Coral Valley" or white lichens that has formed by the mingling of
algae and fungi. On the top of Khao Luang is an ancient Bua Chaek
fern which remains the same as it did 230 million years ago.
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Khiriwong |
This village is well known for its natural beauty. It is
situated on the foothills and embraced by the surrounding mountains.
Its surrounding vicinity is also blessed with beautiful streams,
waterfalls, and tiny islets. The village itself is old and has been
inhabited for more than 200 years.
Due to the village is located, is mostly undulating with rocks.
Therefore, most of the people have adopted fruit growing as a way of
earning an income. Their method of plantation is ecological and
simple. They plant various kinds of fruit trees among other existing
natural ones. They call this kind of cultivation in their own
dialect as "Suan Somrom"
In the past, the flash village was severely affected by the
flood. No one thought about abandoning their village, but to
continue their simple way of life hopefully with the notion to
protect the Khao Luang Forest for posterity.
Khiriwong Village is proudly inviting visitors to witness
ecotourism in the village. Most tourists are fascinated by the
interesting activities of the country way of life. The villagers
share their pride with their effort in protecting the environment.
They also offer their services to visitors who want to trek along
the nature study trails to reach the top of Khao
Luang. |
Elephant Trekking and
Rafting |
Khlong Klaai serves as a natural boundary between Khao Luang
National Park to the north and Khao Nan National Park to the south.
Communities in the area havi cooperatively established a new way of
amusement for visitors rafting into the forest and then elephant
trekking back to the village. These two harmoniously combined
activities thrill tourists in a great way. They can also get a
glimpse of the exotic jungle of Krung Ching. |
Khao Luang National Park Head
Office |
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Thepark office is situated in the Karom Waterfall area. From
Nakhon Si Thammarat, take Highway No. 4015 for 28 kilometres. Take
aright turn to the park. Here situated the visitors centre, official
quarters, and nature study trails of Karom Waterfalls.
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Khao Luang National Park |
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Tambon Khao Kaew, Amphoe Lansaka, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80230.
Tel. (075) 309-047
For reservations for accommodation contact: National Parks
Division Natural environment Conservation Office, Royal Forestry
Department Phahonyothen Road, Chatuchak Bangkok 10900 Tel: (662)
561-4292-3 ext.724-5 |
Nature Trails Of Krung Ching Waterfall
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This is located at the Krung Ching Park Office, Nopphitam
subdistrict. From Nakhon Si Thammarat, take Highway No. 4016 passing
Phromlok, Ai Khieo, and Yod Leuang Waterfalls. At the NaLeng
intersection, take a left turn to Ban Rong Lek, Nopphitam sub
district, then turn right and go along Highway No. 4186 to Ban Huai
Phan. Take a left turn to Highway No. 4188. It is a distance of 62
kilometres to this point. Then follow another road on the left for 8
kilometres to the Krung Ching National Park Office.
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Khiriwong Village |
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The Nature Education Centre and the Khiriwong Kcotourism Club
are located in the village. The Club provides services to visitors
such as, village tours as well as provides tour guides and porters
for trekking up to Khao Luang.
Visitors are required to request permission from the Kho Luang
National Park Office. To get there from Nakhon Si Thammarat, follow
Highway No. 4015 for 20 kilometres: before Amphoe Lansaka take a
right turn to the village for another 6 kilometres.
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Khirwong Village Ecotourism Club
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Tambon Kamlone Adminstration Centre, Mu 5 Tambon Kamlone, Amphoe
Lansaka, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80230 Tel. 0-7532-5195 for get infometion E-Mail: CJ World Communication.Co.Ltd
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Elephant Trekking and White Water Rafting at
Khlong Klaai |
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Visitors can take the same route to Krung Ching Park Office.
After turning right to the park area, there is another road leading
to Ban Nopphitam. Here, the Visitor Service Centre is located at the
house of the Assistant Village Head or contact :
Krung Ching Visitor
Service Centre
Tel. (01) 228-2051
Local minibus from Nakhon Si Thammarat to the destinations is
available at Mae Somchit Market in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
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