Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Thap Lan National Park, established in 1981, spans over 2,236 square kilometers (approximately 553,750 acres) in Nakhon Ratchasima and parts of Prachinburi provinces. It is Thailand’s second largest national park and part of the Dong Phaya Yen Mountains, featuring varied terrain including hilly landscapes and dense rainforests. The park holds significant ecological value as one of the few large remaining tracts of protected broadleaf evergreen forest in Thailand. It supports diverse flora, including Dipterocarp forests and numerous medicinal plants. Wildlife includes rare and endangered species such as Asian elephants, banteng, barking deer, gaurs, and a range of bird species including hornbills and kingfishers. The park also contains notable waterfalls such as Namtok Lam Mun Bon, which attract visitors with their striking views. Outdoor recreation in Thap Lan centers on hiking remote trails through forested hills, wildlife tracking, and camping in designated areas. The park is part of the Dong Phaya Yen–Khao Yai Forest Complex, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, highlighting its global conservation importance. Visitors appreciate the park’s relative remoteness, natural beauty, and biodiversity. Facilities are modest but include ranger stations, basic campgrounds, and informational signage. Visiting Thap Lan offers a chance to experience Thailand’s natural heritage away from urban centers, with opportunities for adventure and wildlife encounters.
