Kaeng Krung National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Surat Thani Province, Thailand

Kaeng Krung National Park

Kaeng Krung National Park is a rugged natural area in southern Thailand well-known for its dense tropical forests, rushing waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, offering excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

National Park76,8754+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

76,875

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Kaeng Krung National Park

Kaeng Krung National Park is a rugged natural area in southern Thailand well-known for its dense tropical forests, rushing waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, offering excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Kaeng Krung National Park covers a mountainous region in Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand, spanning over 300 square kilometers of protected wilderness. The park features steep limestone hills and ridges with elevations reaching up to 849 meters, forming part of the Phuket mountain range. Its dense evergreen and mixed deciduous forests provide habitat for numerous species including Asian elephants, gaurs, wild boars, and various bird species. Several streams and rivers cascade through the park, creating stunning waterfalls such as Namtok Huai Yang and Namtok Krung Kaeng. Established in 1991, the park's diverse ecosystems are an important refuge for flora and fauna, maintaining vital ecological balance. Visitors are drawn to Kaeng Krung for trekking through its jungle-covered hills, wildlife spotting, and exploring its scenic waterfalls. The park’s remote location makes it less crowded than other protected areas in Thailand, appealing to travelers seeking a more solitary nature experience. Access is primarily via Surat Thani and nearby villages, where local guidance is recommended for navigating trails and spotting wildlife. The park’s steep terrain and variable weather require visitors to be prepared, but they will be rewarded with striking landscapes and peaceful natural surroundings.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Kaeng Krung National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Namtok Huai Yang Waterfall – a multi-tiered waterfall set in pristine forest✦ Diverse wildlife including Asian elephants and hornbills✦ Limestone mountain formations providing scenic vistas✦ Remote trekking trails with opportunities for solitude
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Kaeng Krung National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Kaeng Krung National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Kaeng Krung National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Kaeng Krung National Park
Park Recreation

Waterfall Exploration

Available in Kaeng Krung National Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Kaeng Krung National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Kaeng Krung National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Kaeng Krung National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee required for all visitors; permits are issued at the park office.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Kaeng Krung National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Kaeng Krung National Park Campground

Basic facilities located near the park headquarters providing easy access to trails and waterfalls.

Huai Yang Waterfall Campsite

A remote campsite near the base of Namtok Huai Yang waterfall for visitors seeking a back-to-nature experience.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Kaeng Krung National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Surat Thani City, Surat Thani Province
⌖ 2.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Surat Thani City, Surat Thani Province

Surat Thani City unlocks southern Thailand’s outdoor adventures, from hiking lush rainforests to paddling tranquil rivers and accessing vibrant islands. It’s a convenient, nature-rich basecamp blending culture with adventure.

November to April
Explore Town
Surat Thani, Thailand
⌖ 2.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Surat Thani, Thailand

Surat Thani is Southern Thailand’s dynamic gateway for jungle hikes, cave exploration, and tropical island adventures. It offers easy access to Khao Sok National Park and the Gulf’s top islands, perfect for outdoor lovers seeking nature and water escapes.

December to April
Explore Town
Surat Thani, Surat Thani Province
⌖ 3.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Surat Thani, Surat Thani Province

Surat Thani is a vibrant southern Thai town known as the gateway to famous islands and lush rainforests. Adventurers enjoy hiking in Khao Sok, paddling limestone cliffs, cycling rural roads, and island hopping in the Gulf of Thailand.

November to March
Explore Town
Phunphin, Surat Thani Province
⌖ 5.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Phunphin, Surat Thani Province

Phunphin in Surat Thani Province is a quiet town serving as a launch point for gentle hikes, cycling adventures, and river paddling amidst Southern Thailand’s rural and forest landscapes.

November to February
Explore Town
Tha Chang, Surat Thani
⌖ 14.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tha Chang, Surat Thani

Tha Chang is a peaceful riverside town in Surat Thani where you can hike quiet trails, paddle calm rivers, and enjoy authentic cultural encounters. It’s a great basecamp for nature lovers off the usual tourist routes.

November to February
Explore Town
Chaiya, Surat Thani
⌖ 21.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chaiya, Surat Thani

Chaiya is a peaceful town in Southern Thailand known for ancient temples, quiet riverside paddling, and gentle hiking. Ideal for travelers seeking a low-key adventure blending nature and culture.

November to February
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Kaeng Krung National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Sunlit Portraits on Koh Samui’s Golden Shores
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Bo Put, Surat Thani
Photography TourADV Bookable

Sunlit Portraits on Koh Samui’s Golden Shores

A relaxed, 90-minute guided photoshoot across Bo Put’s beaches, turquoise water and temple sites — this guide explains what you’ll see, where you meet, and what to expect.

Photography TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip