Marine National Parks

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
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Topography
Khao Sam Roi Yot was declared as the first coastal park in Thailand on 28 June 1996. This 98 square kilometers park is located approximately 300 km south-west of Bangkok, in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. "Khao Sam Roi Yot" means the mountain with 300 peaks. A series of grey limestone mountains which rise from the gulf of Thailand and adjacent coastal marsh to a maximum height of 605 meters.

The wooded mountains make it a site of outstanding natural beauty, but it is the freshwater marsh and coastal habitats, that gives the park ecological significance. The offers fine sandy beaches, spectacular caves, superb mountain viewpoints, offshore islands, forest trails, boat excursions, and estuarine and mangrove habitats, all within a relatively smalll area.

Wildlife
The park still supports a population of Serow and blackish goat antelope. There are three species of primates: dusky or spectacled langur, crab eating or long tailed macaque, and the slow lorris. Other mammals found are the barking deer, malayan pangolin, fishing cat, common palm-civet, malayan porcupine, javan mongosse, siamese hare, grey bellied squarrel. Dolphins are sometimes sighted in the coastal water.

There are around 300 species of birds recorded seen in the park. The large number of species found in a relatively small area can be attributed to the unique diversity of habitat, and because the park is located on the east Asian/Australian flyway of birds. Migratory birds account for about half of the recorded species.

Tourist attractions
Visitor center at the headquarters keeps information including slides for study.

Khao Daeng viewpoint is located between the headquarters and the Khao Daeng village. A 30 minute climb up a steep rocky 320 meters trail takes you to the top of Khao Daeng, at an elavation of 157 meters. A panoramic view of the coastal area and mountain scenery are the rewards.

Khao Daeng canal boat trip Hire a boat in Khao Daeng village. A 10 passenger boat for a 1.5 to 2 hours cruise along the canal for 3 to 4 km. Visitors can see various species of birds and trees. The best time is in the early morning or late afternoon (about 4 - 5 pm).

Sam Phraya beach This one km long beach is located 5 km form the headquarters. A restaurant and washrooms are available.

Laem Sala beach This cape has a fine sandy beach protected on three sides by limestone hills, and when approached from the sea it appears to be an island. Amongst the plantation of casuarina (a pine like tree), you will find a restaurant, bungalows, a camping area, a small visitor center, a picnic shelter, and washrooms. Laem Sala is accessible either by land or water.

Phraya Nakhon cave is actually two large sinkholes, the roofs of which have collapsed allowing sunlight and rain to reach the floor, where trees have grown reaching for the ceiling.

Phraya Nakhon Cave can be reached from Laem Sala beach, by a steep rocky trail, 430 meters long and rising to a height of 130 meters, taking about 30 minute to climb. There are a couple more caves that are of insterest.

How to get there
The park is located 63 km south of Hua Hin, in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Driving from Bangkok, take Highway no. 4 to Phanburi (approximately 3.5 hours), and then it is a further 37 km to the headquarters.

Contact
Khao Sam Roi Yot national park
Tambon Khao Dang, Amphoe Kui Buri
Prachuap Khiri Khan province 77150
Phone 032-603 571