Phu Toei National Park

Phu Toei National Park Black Bear, Bengal Slow Loris, Malayan Porcupine, Among tall mountain slopes Finlayson’s Squirrel and Wild Boar. with steep valleys, the Thewada crest is the highest peak at an Attaractions ◆ Two Needle Leaf Pine Forest or Pinus merkusii elevation of 1,123 metres above Forest. The large pine forest amazes most visitors to mean sea level. The watershed this region. Each tree is over 2 metres in circumference forests of Phu Toei also feature a and estimated to be 200 to 300 years old. From the large area of scenic pine forests. hilltop, there is spectacular panoramic mountain The total area is 317.4752 square scenery. kilometres situated over Dan Chang ◆ Phu Krathing Waterfall. The waterfall can be of Suphan Buri. reached via a dirt road from Khlong Lek Lai village. Then, go to Wang Hora village. Phu Krathing Ranger Station can provide safety and assistance to the tourists. History In 1998, it was established as Thailand’s 86th national park. The multiple natural resources of plants and wildlife, along with its expansive forests distinguish this beautiful region. Geography The mountain range consists of steep slopes and watershed forests, which feed into many streams nearby namely Lam Taphoen, Lek Lai, Ong Khot, Ong Phra, Tha Duea and Khamin. Climate Early months of each year are always warm and followed by the rainy season. Heavy rains come in August through October. Flora and Fauna Lush tropical jungle blanket most of the region such as Afzelia xylocarpa, Pinus merkusii, mixed deciduous forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, which share the area with dry evergreen forest. Plants prominently in the park include Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, Xylia xylocarpa and Dalbergia oliveri. The park is habitat to a variety of wildlife due to its abundance of water and food sources such as Sambar, Northern Red Muntjac, Lar Gibbon, Asiatic 200 National Parks in Thailand 57-12-106_166-204 Eng New19-05_Y-Coated.indd 200 5/19/15 8:31 PM ◆ Taphoen Khi Waterfall. The famous waterfall is situated next to Phu Krathing Waterfall. From Thung Makok, head for Pa Phak village and then turn left uphill to Taphoen Khi village, an ancient Karen village. The weapon-free village is located on a buffer zone of the UNESCO’s World Heritage site, the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. The waterfall flows year-round. Nearby is Thewada crest at 1,123 metres high from mean sea level. ◆ Nakhi Cave, Mi Noi Cave, Hoi Raya Cave and Pha Yai Cave. The caves is close to park headquarters at Pa Khit village. The caves are beautified naturally with formations of stalagmites and stalactites. The areas around the caves are habitat to wildlife such as Malayan Porcupine, Bamboo Rats, Golden Jackal, Wild Boar, Northern Red Muntjac, and Lesser Oriental Chevrotain, Green-billed Malkoha, White-rumped Shama, Black-crested Bulbul and a number of Insect-eating Bats. The caves are part of Tuti mountain range and consist of Dracaena loureiri. ◆ Tat Yai Waterfall. The large and shady waterfall is covered with green layers of moss and fern. Abundant step rocks and shallow pools allow tourists to walk freely. A camp ground is available. The entrance is at the Lauda Air Spirit House. ◆ Pha Yai. The towering cliff is part of Tuti Mountain. There is a beautiful cave which houses unique formations of stalagmites and stalactites. The cave is 2 kilometres from park headquarters. The trail is steep and can be difficult. Taphoen Khli to Ban Rai Getting There Taphoen Khi Pine forest ❚ From Bangkok, motorists can take Highway Phu Toei 340 to Doem Bang Nang Buat district, 150 to Dan Chang kilometres distance. Turn left and continue Huai Hin Dam 33 kilometres. Then, turn right onto Highway to Ban Rai 333 and head toward Dan Chang district, Headquarters 40 kilometres. ❚ Alternatively, from Bangkok, can take Highway 4 to Nakhon Pathom and turn right at Malaiman Intersection to Highway 321 toward U Thong Phu Krathing district, 70 kilometres distance. From U Thong, take Highway 333 to Dan Chang district in to Ban Tha Lamyai Dan Chang Suphan Buri province for 50 kilometres. Nong Phak Waen ❚ From Dan Chang take Highway 333 (Dan to U Thong Chang-Ban Rai) for 15 kilometres to the asphalt road at Wang Khan village bound for Pakhi village, 15 kilometres distance. The park entrance is 3 kilometres to Nong Prue from Pakhi village via dirt road. Central & Eastern 201 57-12-106_166-204 Eng New19-05_Y-Coated.indd 201 5/19/15 8:31 PM.

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