About Sri Phang Nga
Located north of Phang Nga Province in southern Thailand east of Thailand, Si Phang Nga National Park is popular for its waterfalls, a short nature trail and birding. The park also has a campsite and a restaurant. The nearest popular towns are Phuket, Khao Lak and Khura Buri.
Si Phang Nga National Park is located within the Khlong Saeng – Khao Sok Forest Complex, which encompasses 12 protected areas spanning 5,316 km², including several offshore islands in the Andaman Sea. The park's mountains are part of the Phuket Mountain Range, which stretches from Phuket Island northward to north of Ranong Province.
The park was officially established through an announcement in the Royal Gazette, Issue 105, Chapter 60, on April 16, 1988. It covers an area of 246 square kilometers.
Wildlife
Sri Phang-Nga National Park is regarded as one of Thailand’s classic birdwatching hotspots, offering the chance to see several rare species. Among the highlights are Malayan banded pitta, Gould’s frogmouth, bushy-crested hornbill, and chestnut-naped forktail—still uncommon, but more frequently encountered here than in most other parts of the country. The park is also one of the few known wintering sites for the very rare large-blue flycatcher. Hornbill sightings are fairly common, often seen when they fly by or heard.
Stretching in an elongated shape from south to north, the park shares much of its wildlife with neighboring Khlong Saeng and Khao Sok. Because it borders farmland and villages, poaching remains a challenge, and sightings of larger mammals are infrequent.
From a mammal-watching perspective, the park does support a number of impressive species, though encounters in the easily accessible areas near the main campsite and waterfalls are uncommon. Visitors may occasionally hear or glimpse white-handed gibbons, dusky langurs, or giant squirrels. After dark, Asian palm civets and slow lorises are among the mammals more likely to be seen.
The reptile diversity is also notable, with most species found in surrounding parks also occurring here. Among lizards, the Phuket tree dragon (Acanthosaura phuketensis), Gunung Raya green lizard (Bronchocela rayaensis), and roughneck monitor (Varanus rudicollis) have all been recorded. The park is home to a wide variety of snakes as well, including Phuket pit viper (Trimeresurus phuketensis), snake-eater wolf snake (Lycodon ophiophagus), triangle keelback (Xenochrophis trianguligerus), and the dark wolf snake (Lycodon albofuscus).
Visiting Sri Phang Nga National Park
There are no public transportation options that go all the way to the park, and it’s not practical to walk there from the nearest stops along the main road. Hitchhiking can also be difficult, as very few vehicles head toward the park.
The most convenient way to reach the park is by car or taxi from nearby towns such as Khao Lak, Phuket, Khao Sok Village, or Kura Buri. The park headquarters and visitor center are located about 4.5 kilometers from the main road (Highway 4, also known as Phetkasem Road). From there, the parking area for the two main waterfalls lies about 1 kilometer further inside the park.
Once parked, the only way to get around in the park is by foot. The two major waterfall trails are clear, other trails are not maintained well. You are not recommended to walk far on non official trails.
Nearby popular parks
Khao Sok National Park is nowadays an extremely busy and overcrowded park about 65 km east from the park, popular for its trails and wildlife. Cheow Lan Lake within Khao Sok National Park is another 60 km further east, popular for its floating resorts, caves, wildlife, water activities and other attractions in Ratchaprapha Reservoir.
Similan and Suring Islands are off the west coast, both very popular for diving and swimming.
Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park is located east of the popular Khao Lak Town, popular for its waterfalls and long hikes.
Attractions of Sri Phang Nga
Tam Nang Waterfall
The park’s largest and most popular waterfall, Tamnang cascades about 60 meters into a wide pool surrounded by lush rainforest. It is easily accessible and one of the most photogenic spots in the park, especially impressive during the rainy season when water levels are high. It is reached by a 600 meters long hike.
Ton Deng & Ton Au waterfalls
Two small waterfalls can be reached from the car park, located about 400 and 600 meters away along the same trail. The second waterfall cascades into a wide, inviting pool that is ideal for swimming.
Ton Toei Waterfall
Located near the main campsite, around 500 meters from the road along the stream, there is no clear trail to get there, but following the stream will get one there. This smaller but charming multi-tiered waterfall is a popular picnic and swimming spot. The surrounding forest is rich in birdlife, making it a good place to combine relaxation with wildlife watching.
Ton Sai Waterfall
A scenic waterfall hidden deeper in the forest, Ton Sai requires a short trek through dense vegetation. The area is less crowded and offers a more tranquil experience, ideal for those seeking solitude and a closer connection with the rainforest. This trail should be walked with a ranger.
Trails
Several trails branch out from the visitor center and waterfalls, leading into pristine evergreen forest. The rocky stream flowing along the road is also possible to walk along. These trails provide opportunities to spot birds, reptiles, and occasionally mammals, offering a glimpse of the park’s rich biodiversity.
While the short trails to Tam Nang and Ton Toei waterfalls are both clear and easy trails, the other trails should be asked for permission to walk.
There are no official long trails in the park.
The Campsite and Visitor Center
The main campsite serves as a convenient base for exploring the park. The visitor center provides information on trails and wildlife, and the campsite allows visitors to experience the sounds of the rainforest overnight.
It is also possible to book park accommodations through the DNP website. Though, the booking system is often dysfunctional and complicated when trying to book from abroad, when functional, easier to book by transferring the booking amount from convenience stores like 7-Eleven.
There is a restaurant next to the campsite, on the opposite side from the visitor center, serving basic traditional local food. The restaurant is open all year round.