Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping & Eating
There are private resorts within 4km of the park at Dolphin Bay.
National Parks
Department
( 0 2562 0760;
www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve
;
tent sites 160-225B, bungalows at visitors centre 1200-1400B, bunga-
lows at Hat Laem Sala 1600-3000B)
The National Parks Department hires out bungalows (sleeping
up to six people) at Hat Laem Sala and at the visitors centre; advance reservations are re-
quired. You can pitch a tent at campsites near the Khao Daeng viewpoint, Hat Laem Sala
or Hat Sam Phraya. There are basic restaurants at all these locations.
CAMPING GROUND
$
Getting There & Away
The park is about 40km south of Hua Hin, and best visited by vehicle. There are two main
entrances into the park. The turn-off for the northern entrance is at Km 256 marker on
Hwy 4 (Th Phetkasem). The southern entrance is off the Km 286.5 marker.
If there's a group of you, a taxi from Hua Hin is 1800B return. You can also come on
day tours from there. Alternatively, you can catch a minivan from Bangkok's Victory
Monument to Pranburi (200B) and then hire a motorcycle to tour the park independently.
You can also negotiate with the minivan driver to drop you off at the entrance to the park
but then you won't have transport into the park.
WORTH A TRIP
WHERE THE ELEPHANTS ARE
Want to see herds of wild elephants enjoying an evening bath surrounded by the sounds of the jungle? Although
urbanised Thailand seems hundreds of kilometres away from such a natural state,
Kuiburi National Park
( 0
3264 6292; Hwy 3217; adult/child 200/100B) , southwest of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, shelters one of the
country's largest herds of wild elephants (estimated at 230 animals). The park provides an important habitat link
between the rugged Myanmar border and Kaeng Krachan National Park, forming one of the largest intact forest
tracts in Southeast Asia. The herds can frequently be found bathing at the watering ponds near the Pa Yang sub-
station, which is equipped with wildlife-viewing platforms.
Trekking and elephant-spotting tours include English-speaking guides and transport and can be arranged
through the park headquarters.
Bungalow
accommodation
( 0 2562 0760;
www.dnp.th.go/parkreserve
;
bungalows 1800B) is available for
overnight stays with advance reservations.
TOP OF CHAPTER
