Rating: 4.4/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 16:30

 

Ta Phraya National Park is a borderland national park that still preserves a calm, soft rainforest ambience amid undulating plains and ridgelines forming a natural wall between Thailand and Cambodia. The park was established in 1996 and covers around 371,250 rai (approximately 594 square kilometers). Its western side adjoins Pang Sida National Park, the north connects to Thap Lan’s forest complex and Buriram Province, while the east lies close to the Banthat and Phanom Dong Rak ranges where the frontier can be clearly seen. Signature images here include quiet forest floors, seep springs, mineral licks, and distant mountain silhouettes that make visitors feel as if they are stepping onto the very “edge of the forest.”

 

The forest types comprise mixed deciduous, dry evergreen, and dipterocarp woodlands layered by elevation and moisture. Dominant species such as Shorea obtusa (teng), Shorea siamensis (rang), Dipterocarpus obtusifolius (hiang), Shorea roxburghii (phluang), Dipterocarpus alatus (yang na), Irvingia malayana (krabak) and other deciduous trees create a pleasantly open canopy that lets sunlight filter down to the forest floor, bringing out the earthy aroma of leaves and soil. Off the hillsides flow headwater streams born in the park—Lam Sathon, Huai Sap Kradon, and Lam Nang Rong—supplying year-round moisture and serving as wildlife corridors.

 

This ecological richness makes Ta Phraya home to diverse wildlife. You may encounter ungulates like gaurs, muntjacs, sambars, and mouse-deer; suids like wild boar; large mammals such as Asian elephants and banteng; and predators including dholes, leopard cats, and Asian golden cats, plus bears, porcupines, and mongooses that are more active at night. Birders will be especially pleased—over 300 bird species are recorded here, including fire-tufts, greater green leafbirds, woodpeckers in several genera, night herons, emerald doves, white-rumped shamas, junglefowl, pheasants, and various raptors. Clear winter weather makes exploring fun and bird activity easier to observe, while early rainy season paints the forest floor with wildflowers and swarms of butterflies.

 

The park’s nature trails are designed to gently introduce visitors to forest life—starting with easy flats that lead to mineral licks and seep springs, then linking to foothills and ridgelines overlooking a green carpet below. Along the way you’ll find photo spots such as a small “collapsing sink/earth pillar” area (akin to “Lalu” or “Phae Mueang Phi” but smaller, around 40 sq m), rocky clearings, and light woodlands that are ideal for morning birdwatching.

 

The mountain highlight is the Phanom Dong Rak ridgeline about 3 km from the park headquarters. The path gradually steepens from gentle knolls to sections of rock and sand, then opens to broad views of the Phran Nuch and Sakae Krong ranges stacked beautifully. On crisp mornings, thin mist ribbons the valleys in silver; as daylight strengthens, the Thai–Cambodian frontier line emerges from layered green canopies.

 

Another must-see is “Chong Obok,” a border-end viewpoint with panoramic vistas of Cambodian forests and villages. Around early afternoon, oblique light flatters landscape shots; near sunset, the horizon glows gold, setting dark rainforest against a warm sky. Not far away, “Lan Krachiao” is a rocky flat dotted with curcuma lilies that bloom after the first rains (around June–July), splashing pink-violet across the forest.

 

The park also carries cultural-geographic intrigue. “Khao Yak” features an ancient bas-relief of a hermit carved into a massive boulder, evoking old routes between the Khorat Plateau and Angkor. “Lan Hin Tat” reveals quarry marks thought to have supplied stones for ancient Khmer sanctuaries—letting visitors piece together fragments of the past with the landforms before them.

 

When to go? For weather and visibility, November–February is most pleasant: cool temperatures, soft sunlight, and far-reaching views—ideal for easy hikes and birding. June–October brings lush greenery and strong flows in waterfalls and streams—great for those who love a moist, rain-fresh ambience with intermittent sunbreaks. Bring a light rain jacket and dry bags for camera gear.

 

Birding & nature photo tips: start a little before dawn to catch first light along forest edges. From 06:00–08:30, many species are actively feeding and calling. If you’re after woodpeckers or junglefowl, control scent and noise carefully. A 300–500 mm telephoto works well; a lightweight tripod helps reduce shake.

 

Safety in the forest: wear grippy, closed-toe footwear; carry a headlamp, insect repellent, and a packable rain shell. Pack out all trash, do not feed wildlife, avoid loud sounds near seeps or mineral licks, and always check the forecast before setting out. If you encounter wild elephants, stop at a safe distance, turn off headlights, avoid horn/flash, and wait calmly for them to move off.

 

For a “full-day” taste of Ta Phraya, start at the visitor center for trail and road updates, take a short walk to mineral licks and seeps, lunch at the service area, then drive to the foothills and hike the Phanom Dong Rak ridge. Wait for golden hour at Chong Obok, and stargaze near headquarters. With “two days, one night,” leave day two for Lan Hin Tat, Khao Yak, and a side trip to “Lalu” in Ta Phraya District to see striking earth-pillar formations.

 

Getting There From Bangkok, drive Rangsit–Ongkharak–Nakhon Nayok and take Hwy 33 through Sa Kaeo to Aranyaprathet. Turn left onto Hwy 348 toward Ta Phraya. From the district town, follow signs to the park entrance; the last ~13 km is compacted laterite. A standard sedan can make it, but reduce speed in the rainy season. By bus, take the Aranyaprathet–Buriram line and alight at Wat Khao Chong Takhop, directly opposite HQ, then continue by local transport.

 

Facilities include park lodges, a campground, a small cooking shelter, toilets, and parking. Mobile signals patch around HQ and higher points; some ranger stations have no signal. Entrance fees for Thai nationals: adults 20 THB, children 10 THB; vehicles charged by type (bicycle 10 THB; motorcycle 20 THB; 4-wheel car 30 THB; 6-wheel truck 100 THB). Carry cash in case digital payments are unavailable.

 

Before you go: call the park to confirm road/trail conditions (especially in the rainy season). Allow extra time for the laterite section. Aim to descend viewpoints before dark, and inform rangers if you plan to enter side trails. Practice Leave No Trace—keep noise low, pack out food scraps, do not pick plants, and follow ranger guidance at all times.

 

 

A: November–February offers cool air, soft light, and long-range visibility—great for viewpoints and birding. June–October is lush and moist with strong streamflow for those who enjoy a rainy-green mood.

 

A: Yes to both. Book in advance and bring your own bedding/camping gear. The cooking shelter is small—bring your own supplies.

 

A: Phanom Dong Rak ridge (morning), Chong Obok (sunset), Lan Krachiao in early rainy season, Lan Hin Tat, and open woodlands near mineral licks for birding.

 

A: Take the Aranyaprathet–Buriram bus and get off at Wat Khao Chong Takhop (opposite HQ), then continue by local transport to the park.

 

A: For Thai nationals: adults 20 THB, children 10 THB; vehicles charged by type (bicycle 10 THB; motorcycle 20 THB; 4-wheel car 30 THB; 6-wheel truck 100 THB).

 

A: Do not feed wildlife, do not make fires without permission, pack all trash out, and keep a safe distance from elephants or large mammals.

 

A: Limited—mostly around HQ and higher points. Download offline maps and carry a headlamp.

 

A: Call 08 1178 8119, 0 3724 7933 or email tapraya_np@outlook.com.