Back to nature at a Rayong national park

Posted by Party Pete on January 13th, 2012 filed in Daytripping

Thailand is big on its conservation areas and an estimated 10 per cent of the country’s land is contained within designated national parks and preserves. In neighbouring Rayong Province there are two national parks which provide good daytrips for Pattaya’s visitors. The first and most popular is the Gulf of Thailand Khao Laem Ya-Koh Samet Island marine park.

Khao Wong-Khao Chamao is the second of the Rayong national parks and an altogether more relaxing location far from the madding crowds, unless visiting on a Thai national holiday. This 85km² park is named after two landmark peaks, Chamao and Wong. It has large swathes of evergreen forest which are home to great hornbills, gibbons and other wildlife. Two majestic waterfalls and caves are among other park draws.

A waterfall with the same name as the park is an easy one-kilometre hike from the park HQ. Clear pools along the various cascade levels allow walkers to see fish. Klong Pla Gang Waterfall is a bit farther and requires a reasonable level of fitness. The trail here is lined with ferns and the occasional wild orchid. There are a few bungalows and a camp ground for people wishing to prolong their return to the hustle and bustle of the city.

Khao Wong-Khao Chamao can be reached by taking Highway 3 all the way past Rayong and Klaeng from Pattaya, and then turning left at the junction with Route 3377. The park is signposted from the turnoff. Some taxi drivers and Pattaya travel agencies run trips out to the park for those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the splendid vistas.