Chalerm Rattana Kosin National Park

Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park is with its 59 km² area the smallest park in Kanchanaburi province. Its main features are fertile forests, steep limestone mountains, waterfalls and mysterious caves. The park was designated in February 1980 as Thailand's 17th national park. The forested, limestone mountains of the park are the watershed of Mae Klong river. The highest peak in the park is Kam Paeng Mountain which reaches 1260 meters.

The park is mostly covered by dry evergreen forest, deciduous forest with some areas of bamboo forest. There are many kinds of animal in the park, such as leopard, deer, white-handed gibbons and other monkeys. Over 60 species of bird have been recorded in the park, including Oriental Pied Hornbills, Francolin, Tickell's Blue and Red-Flycatchers and Coppersmith Barbets. A special type of animal is the water dog or also called the barking tree frog, a rare frog with a croak that is remarkably similar to a dog's bark.

Tourist attractions

The two Tham Than Lot Caves are the main attraction of this national park. It is a 2.5 km walk trail which leads from the smaller Tham Than Lot Noi cave to the bigger Tham Than Lot Yai cave on top of the mountain. The trail follows the course of the 3-tired Trai Trueng Waterfalls.

Admission fee: 400 Baht per person

Lawa Cave

About 50 meters from the riverside of Kwai Noi River and 75 km away from provincial town is the Lawa Cave. It is the biggest cave of this area and the stalactites and stalagmites inside are very nice. Boat trips can be hired from Pak Saeng Pier or go there by road across the bridge at Ban Kaeng Ra Boed. Going there overland is a bit tricky. You have to cross the bridge a little bit southwards and find the dirt road to the cave. Admission fee: free
How to go there: own vehicle, boat

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By: PEERAWAT JARIYASOMBAT

Published: 7/05/2009 at 12:00 AM

Newspaper section: Horizons

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