Thung Yai Naresuan Huai Kahaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

Thung Yai Naresuan – Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary has only grown in fame since it was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1991. Huai Kha Khaeng covers 5,775 square kilometers, engulfing six Amphoes in three provinces. It also comprises of Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, making it the largest connected conserved forest in Thailand and the South East Asia Region. Huai Kha Khaeng was pronounced a World Heritage Site due to its five types of tropical forests extant within its borders, blessed with biodiversity. Some of the fauna are nearly extinct, including wild water buffalo, serow, leopard, Asiatic wild dog, red junglefowl cock, green peafowl and many species of forest insects. Normally, the wildlife sanctuary does not open for tourists because it is a conserved, high-sensitive area. Travelers are permitted to visit only three points of interest: headquarters of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (where the Sueb Nakhasathian Memorial celebrates an important figure in the sanctuary’s history); Saiboe Ranger Station (where Saiboe Waterfall is located); and Huai Mae Di Ranger Station (where there are campgrounds and a nature study route.) To get there, enter at the headquarters of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, approximately 102 kilometers from the provincial city along Highway No. 333 (Uthai Thani – Nong Chang). Then take Highway 3438 from Nong Chang – Lan Sak. After turning left at Km. 53-54 and driving along for about 15 kilometers, you will arrive at the office of Khao Hin Daeng Checkpoint, located on the Huai Thap Salao creek side. From the sanctuary office, drive for 14 kilometers to the Kapuk Kapiang Ranger Station or 17 kilometers to the Khao Nang Ram Research Station. Alternatively, enter at the Khao Bandai Ranger Station, which is in the south of Huai Kha Khaeng, approximately 137 kilometers from the provincial city, along Highway 333, the Uthai Thani-Nong Chang route. Then, turn into Highway 3282, Nong Chang-Ban Rai route, taking about 80 kilometers. Turn left onto a laterite road, passing Ban Mai Khlong Aangwa for 30 kilometers until reaching the Khlong Rayang Border. Go along to Huai Maedi and the Khao Bandai Ranger Station.   To stay overnight, contact the Wildlife Sanctuary Management Subdivision in person at least 20 days in advance at the Wildlife Conservation Office, Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora. Operating hours are 6.00 am-6.00 pm. For further information, please contact Tel. 0 2561 4292-3 ext. 765 or Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 7, Amphoe Lan Sak, Uthai Thani 61160 or Tel. 0 5651 9654.