Hua Hin & the Upper Gulf - Thailand - page 1020

The twin waterfalls of Pa La-U Yai and Pa La-U Noi in the southern section of the park are
popular with day-trippers on tours from Hua Hin and stay open in the rainy season, when
they are in full flow. It's also possible to organise mountain biking in the park from Hua
Hin.
Tourist infrastructure in Kaeng Krachan is somewhat limited and the roads can be
rough. The park rangers can help arrange camping-gear rental, food and transport. There
are crowds on weekends and holidays but weekdays should be people free. The best
months to visit are between November and April.
Sleeping & Eating
There are various bungalows ( 0 2562 0760; www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve ; bungalows from 1200B) within
the park, mainly near the reservoir. These sleep from four to six people and are simple af-
fairs with fans and fridges. There are also campsites (per person 60-90B) , including a pleasant
grassy one near the reservoir at the visitors centre, and a modest restaurant. Tents can be
rented at the visitors centre. Bear in mind that you can't stay overnight during the rainy
season.
On the road leading to the park entrance are several simple resorts and bungalows.
About 3.5km before reaching the visitors centre, A&B Bungalows ( 08 9891 2328; r from 700B) is
scenic and popular with bird-watching groups. There is a good restaurant here that can
provide you with a packed lunch.
Getting There & Away
Kaeng Krachan is 52km southwest of Phetcha buri, with the southern edge of the park
35km from Hua Hin. If you have your own vehicle, drive 20km south from Phetchaburi
on Hwy 4 to the town of Tha Yang. Turn right (west) and after 38km you'll reach the vis-
itors centre. You use the same access road from Tha Yang if coming south from Hua Hin.
You can also reach the park by minivan ( 08 9231 5810; one-way 100B; hourly 6.30am-6pm)
from Phetchaburi. Alternatively you can catch a sŏrng·tăa·ou (80B, 1½ hours, 6am to
2pm) from Phetchaburi (near the clock tower) to the village of Ban Kaeng Krachan, 4km
before the park. From the village, you can charter transport to the park. You can also hire
your own sŏrng·tăa·ou all the way to the park; expect to pay around 1500B for the return
trip.
Minivan tours also operate from Hua Hin.