Khao Khitchakut National Park spans the districts of Makham and Khao Khitchakut in Chanthaburi Province. It is one of the most significant national parks in eastern Thailand, serving as a vital watershed for the Chanthaburi River and a sanctuary of rich biodiversity. The park encompasses various types of forests, including tropical evergreen forest, montane forest, and deciduous forest, creating a habitat for a wide array of flora and fauna. Rare plants such as agarwood can be found here, along with numerous herbs and wild orchids. Wildlife is abundant, including banteng, tigers, bears, deer, serow, and a variety of bird species. The streams within the park are home to fish species such as pla pluang, pla kang, pla nuad, and pla duk ramphan.

 

One of the park’s main attractions is Kraching Waterfall, a large waterfall originating from the Khao Khitchakut range, consisting of 13 tiers. The round-trip trek takes approximately three hours, with each tier separated by about 20 meters. Tiers 8 and 9 are regarded as the most beautiful. The trail passes through bamboo groves and a variety of native plants, providing a spectacular natural setting. At the lower level of the waterfall, there is a large sandy riverside beach formed by floodwaters in 1999, offering an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing. The lower stream is located about 100 meters from the park headquarters.

 

Phra Bat Summit is another key attraction, located at the top of Khao Khitchakut. The journey begins at Wat Phluang, following a steep, winding dirt road for about 8 kilometers, then a 1.2-kilometer trek uphill. Along the route, there are resting points where visitors can pay respect to sacred sites, including the Chedi Stone, the Great Buddha Footprint, the overturned bowl-shaped rock, the Ruesi (hermit) cave, and rocks shaped like a turtle and a giant elephant. These geological features are intertwined with Buddhist legends. For those wishing to continue to the Red Cloth Zone, which marks the endpoint accessible to visitors, an additional uphill trek is required.

 

From the Phra Bat Terrace, continuing 800 meters to the summit, visitors can enjoy cool, refreshing air and panoramic views of the Sarbap Mountains, Su-Kim Hill, Ko Nom Sao, and Chanthaburi town. During the annual period from Chinese New Year to Makha Bucha Day, large numbers of devotees climb to pay homage to the Buddha footprint day and night. For elderly visitors, walking sticks are available for rent at 5 THB each, and stretcher services are offered at 400 THB per trip.

 

To reach the park from Chanthaburi town, take Highway 3249 via the Khao Rai Ya junction, a distance of about 18 kilometers to the Phra Bat Pluang route, which is a different access point from the park headquarters. Upon arriving at Wat Phra Bat Pluang, visitors must park their private vehicles. A shuttle service with two-part songthaew (shared trucks) is available from the temple to the start of the Phra Bat trekking trail, with a fare of 50 THB per segment or 200 THB round-trip. The shuttle runs continuously and takes approximately 30 minutes.

 

Khlong Chang Sae Waterfall, located along the route to Phra Bat Summit and about 10 kilometers from the park office, is ideal for nature trekking. Visitors can start from the park ranger station and walk in a circular trail that returns to the starting point, taking roughly three hours to cover 4 kilometers. Informational signs along the trail provide educational insights into the local ecosystem.

 

Khlong Paiboon Waterfall and Khlong Kraseu Waterfall are also large waterfalls perfect for swimming and relaxing. These sites are situated near Ranger Station K.K. 2, approximately 8 kilometers from the park office, and offer shaded picnic and camping areas.

 

Entrance fees are 40 THB for Thai adults, 20 THB for Thai children, 200 THB for foreign adults, and 100 THB for foreign children.

 

Accommodation options include six park-managed bungalows accommodating 2–8 people, as well as tents available for rent for 3–6 people. Visitors bringing their own tents pay a campsite fee. For more details, contact Khao Khitchakut National Park at +66 3945 2074 or the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation at +66 2562 0760, or visit www.dnp.go.th

 

Visitors can also access the park via Sukhumvit Road, turning left at the Khao Rai Ya junction and following Highway 3249 for approximately 24 kilometers to reach Khao Khitchakut National Park. Alternatively, a blue Chanthaburi–Chanthaklom songthaew departs from Tha Chaloem Post Office, providing a convenient option for those without private vehicles.

 

Khao Khitchakut National Park offers more than just natural beauty; it is a learning destination for ecology, watershed conservation, and biodiversity, as well as a cultural and spiritual site rich in history and Buddhist traditions. It is an ideal destination for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and those interested in exploring local legends and heritage, making it a must-visit location when traveling to Chanthaburi Province.