Khao Sam Roi Yot, Thailand’s first marine national park, is a stunning stretch of wilderness that’s bordered by a series of rolling limestone hills – some as high as 600m – and the largest freshwater marsh in the country. A visit here gives you the chance to experience some of the park’s stunning locations and witness its exotic wildlife.
Getting to the Park
The park is open all throughout the year, on all days of the week. It is around an hour’s drive from the seaside resort of Hua Hin, making it easily accessible for anyone staying at a number of Hua Hin hotels, which includes the Anantara Hua Hin Resort. However, there is no public transport to the park, meaning you will have to book yourself a private vehicle.
The Attractions
The Phraya Nakhon Cave is by far the park’s most popular attraction; try to reach it in the morning to witness golden shafts of sunlight stream into the cave. You can take a boat tour from Khlong Khao Dong village – located within the park – that will take you through dense mangrove forests, all the way up to the foothills of the limestone hills. You can also visit the museum located at the park’s headquarters to learn more about the area’s history.
The Wildlife
Be sure to keep an eye out for the park’s unique wildlife as you travel through it. Khao Sam Roi Yot is a fantastic destination for bird watching; over 300 species of birds call the park home, including the white-bellied sea eagle and water rake. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the park’s more elusive residents like the secretive fishing cat or the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.
Other Activities
If you’re in the mood to relax after a day of sightseeing, consider heading down to the park’s beach. There is a small town along this coast where you can rent jet skis or ATVs and there are a number of hotels, bars, and restaurants for you to choose from.
