Do you feel like exploring the wild while coming to Thailand? Then you should come to Khao Phanom Bencha National Park which is quite small but it has rich collections of the flora and also the fauna. You should be able to enjoy a lot of things while visiting the area and there are several attractions to enjoy.
About the Park
As it was mentioned before, Khao Phanom Bencha national park is pretty small. It is only 50 kilometers square of an area located in between Khao Phanom, Ao Luek, and Maung districts on the northern side of Krabi. Despite the size, Khao Phanom Bencha national park is quite popular, especially for the caves, waterfalls, and trails going through the mountain forests. The park itself is located on the northern area of the city of Krabi, but the visitor main centre area is located on the eastern side, 27 kilometers away from the city.
The main center is crucial because this is the point where you can reach the two waterfalls as well as the circular trails, as well as the caves. It also has a restaurant with very nice food, a small but convenient camping ground, and also accessible parking space.
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What to Do at the Park?
Besides trekking and hiking, you can also camp and rent the bungalows. It will give you another sense of exploration where you can get connected with nature and see the wildlife from close. There is Huai To Falls, which is the main (and also the popular) destination for trekkers coming to Khao Phanom Bencha national park. What’s unique from this fall in the form of 5 falls with other smaller ponds connected to it – and cascading over 80 meters. The tiers are quite accessible by a short stroll. it is located 500 meters from the visitor centre. The first one is quite easy and then it will be more difficult. The trail leading to the last one will become steep and it makes it difficult to walk. Can you swim at the ponds? Yes, you can but follow the directions only.
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Another attraction is Khao Pheung Cave, which is a big cave filled with stalagmites and stalactites. The cave is 2 kilometres away from the visitor centre. If you come to the cave, you will find animals such as geckos, frogs, and bats. It is advisable to hire a guide, whose rate is around 500 baht. They can take you to other caves located higher within the same mountain. Although the cave can be accessed by a short rocky and steep trail, it isn’t suitable for those who aren’t fit enough to climb and for kids.
Spending the Nights
If you want to stay there, you can rent tents. The cost ranges from 225 baht for 3 people to 810 baht for 8 people. The sleeping set will cost you 60 baht a person. There is no shower although they provide a big bowl of basin if you want to take the old-fashioned way to bathe. They have several bungalows with AC or fans. If you rent the one with fans, it will cost you 600 baht to 1200 baht. If you rent the one with the AC, it is around 1,000 baht to 2,000 baht. It’s better to reserve a spot if you want to use the bungalow. Not only will ensure a spot, but you can also enjoy a discount.
Khao Phanom Bencha national park is open every day with operational hours from 8.30 AM to 4.30 PM. The entrance fee is 100 baht for adults and 50 baht for kids. Cars will be charged 30 baht.
Reaching the Park
There is no public transportation to reach Khao Phanom Bencha national park. The only possible way is to rent a car or scooter or use a taxi. You can also rent a tuk-tuk. The cost is 300 baht. It’s advisable that you manage a car rental first before coming to Khao Phanom Bencha national park.
If you are planning to come to this area during your holiday, it’s better to reserve now. For your flights, don’t forget to reserve at Airpaz to get the best deal and rate.
