Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries span three provinces Uthaithani, Kanchanaburi, and Tak. This stunning area represents the largest intact forest complex in mainland Southeast Asia, showcasing vibrant biodiversity and unique ecosystems. Home to numerous endangered and endemic species, the sanctuaries provide a pivotal habitat for wildlife conservation. Visitors can immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of lush landscapes, rolling hills, and serene waterways. The sanctuaries also boast rich cultural heritage, reflecting the harmonious relationship between nature and local communities. Explore hiking trails and witness the incredible flora and fauna that thrive within this UNESCO World Heritage site. An adventure awaits for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries stretch across the provinces of Uthaithani, Kanchanaburi, and Tak, forming an expansive natural treasure that is the largest remaining intact forest area on the mainland of Southeast Asia. This remarkable region spans over 2,500 square kilometers and features diverse ecosystems including mountains, wetlands, and dense forests.
Home to a wealth of wildlife, the sanctuaries are a vital habitat for numerous endangered species such as the Asian elephant, tigers, and various bird species, making it a critical site for conservation efforts. The rich biodiversity found within these sanctuaries not only supports the ecological balance but also serves as a unique outdoor classroom for researchers and conservationists from around the globe.
Visitors to Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng can expect to experience an awe-inspiring array of landscapes, from thick jungles to tranquil waterways, providing ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography. The area is adorned with picturesque waterfalls and rare flora, which create breathtaking vistas that captivate the heart and spirit of those who venture here.
Beyond its natural beauty, the sanctuaries are intertwined with the cultural heritage of the local communities, who have coexisted with nature for generations. These interactions highlight the importance of sustainable practices and the need to protect the natural environment while supporting local livelihoods.
With its stunning vistas, rich biodiversity, and deep cultural significance, Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries stand as a vital testament to the importance of conservation and the enduring beauty of the natural world. Visitors leave not only with unforgettable memories but also with a deeper appreciation for the need to preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations. Embrace the adventure that awaits in this extraordinary part of Southeast Asia!
ทุ่งใหญ่-ห้วยขาแข้ง (เมืองอุทัยธานี, ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
Thungyai – Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking , Thailand
I visited Huai Kha Khaeng in Uthaithani last Summer and had a good hike to Cyber waterfall in the evening. Very quiet and serene. There were a bunch of locals taking families there to swim and play in the creek. We learned from the forest rangers that you can camp by the ranger station but you’ll need a permit from Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources. It’s the place for naturalists who want to experience real nature. We’re going back for camping and spotting the wildlife next time.
We went only on a half day walk through the park. It was still worth the visit. Our guide explained us a lot about the fauna and flora. We only saw deer at that half day walk, but it was still really relaxing and pretty.At the end we got to know the tragic story behind this park and how it got to be unesco world heritage.You can read more about my experience or take a look at my pictures on my blogpost about Huai Kha Khaeng : http://www.thailandforfarang.com/uthai-thani/nature/huai-kha-khaeng-wildlife-sanctuary .
We took a leap of faith and visited Huai Kha Kaeng instead of one of the more famous Thai parks. We were not disappointed. However, we do have some pointers to manage the expectations of future visitors.What to expect? This is still real wilderness, meaning: only camping facilities in the park, a very limited number of trails and only two view towers. Your wildlife viewing will mostly be done from the car or from one of the towers. Patience is key while you wait for something interesting to come out in the open. Therefore, we do not recommend this park for families with small kids (unless they like sitting still). We do recommend this park for real wildlife enthusiasts because in the three days we were there we saw plenty of wildlife (wild boar, several kinds of deer, gibbons, bats, banteng, civets, more birds than we can count, muntjak, jackals, …). This park also gives you a very teeny tiny chance to see a tiger (we didn’t though).The wildlife is quite shy, once an animal spots you, it will show you immediately how fast it can run. If you want to take photos, a 300mm lens is a minimum for good shots.How to get there? The area is quite remote and unless you feel like doing a bus hopping tour, get a guide who provides you with transportation.Why take a guide and who to take? You will enjoy this park much more if you have someone with you to show you animals. Not many guides operate in this park but we were very happy with Tontan Travels. Doesn’t matter what you see or hear, our guide Tony was able to find it and identify it. If we hadn’t had him with us, we would have seen only a fraction of the animals we actually saw now. Also ask your guide for an after dark walk to see palm civets, wild boars, tokays, … .Where to stay and eat? You can stay outside the park but we thought the bungalows there were of poor value. Camping inside the camp is much more fun and gives you the opportunity to get up early to see animals. The ablution blocks were clean and quite ok when we were there (do not expect a warm shower). Just outside the park there is a little restaurant. We found the food average but it is your only option and you won’t go hungry.What to bring? your camera with telelens for the viewing towers and long pants for jungle walks. Ask your guide for leech socks, in the dry season you won’t see leeches but there will be ticks and the socks will make it more difficult for them.In a nutshell: if you enjoy spotting wildlife and don’t mind being patient to see it…go to this park with a good guide and cross your fingers to see a tiger!
It takes some effort to come here, rather difficult without own transport. Foreign visitors need to pay 200, while locals only 20 baht (sic!). It’s a nice and quiet place with few hiking trails. Trails unfortunately are not very well marked, nor any serious maps exist, so walking on your own requires some navigating skills. Since vegetation is rather dense, it’s very difficult to spot any animals. All in all, nice place to visit, but don’t expect too much.
It was relaxing but we only saw deer and our guide was really boring and talked too much I’ll prefer to go there with my husband and bealone without a guide. We were there for a day and it was really hard to get there so Ido not think it was really worth it all ou effort to get there.