Tham Khao Wong Forest Park is located in Moo 3, Ban Rai Subdistrict, Ban Rai District, Uthai Thani Province, within the Huai Tha Khuay and Huai Kra Wen National Reserved Forests. The park covers approximately 9,000 rai. It was first established as a forest park by the Royal Forest Department on December 9, 2001. Later, on October 14, 2020, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment officially designated the area of the Huai Tha Khuay and Huai Kra Wen Reserved Forests in Ban Rai Subdistrict as a forest park, as published in the Royal Gazette, Volume 137, Special Section 290 Ng, on December 14, 2020.

 

The terrain consists of complex mountains, including Khao Chong Lom and Khao Ruph Chang, covering about 2,500 rai. The highest peak reaches 637 meters above sea level. These two mountains are separated by a plateau of approximately 1,000 rai. About 35 percent of the park is steep mountains. The forest at the peaks remains dense and serves as a habitat for many wildlife species as well as the source of the Mo Kho Stream, which flows through Ban Rai District. At Khao Chong Lom, water flows throughout the year.

 

The climate varies by season, with temperatures ranging from 6 to 43 degrees Celsius in summer and winter, and an annual average of 26 to 28 degrees Celsius.

 

The vegetation is mainly mixed deciduous forest, with peaks hosting a mix of deciduous and dipterocarp species. Near the summits, dry evergreen and moist deciduous forests are present. Common tree species include Makha Mong, Salong, Tabak, Sela, Padou, Daeng, Ching Chan, Wa, Phreuk, Phayom, Kaet Sai, Takro, Maklam, Ma Fan, Kraphi Jan, Plaw, San, and Pega. Along the stream valleys, dry evergreen forests occur, which turn into moist forests during the rainy season, with dense undergrowth of herbaceous plants, vines, orchids, ferns, and bamboo species including Sai Bamboo, Wild Bamboo, and Nuan Bamboo. Medicinal plants include Rang Chued, Khao Yen Nuea, Hang Lai Daeng, Hang Lai Khao, Rang Daeng, Cha Plu, Sakaun, Borapet, Kling Klang Dong, Sapue Luead, Mak Luea, Krathue, Euang, Pega, Bai Maka, Khoi, Kok Lan, and Surarampa.

 

Wildlife in the park includes serow, civet, wild boar, junglefowl, monitor lizards, pheasants, monkeys, barking deer, common palm civets, martens, squirrels, flying squirrels, wild rabbits, moles, snakes, and bats.

 

One of the main attractions is Phu Wai Cave, a large cave with spacious interiors featuring stalactites and stalagmites shaped like pagodas and water basins. The entrance is located on a mountainside and requires climbing, but the cave is well-ventilated. A passage runs through to the opposite side of the mountain, and the cave is home to nine species of bats. Behind Phu Wai Cave is Thep Mali Cave, also known as Phaya Nak Cave, which is smaller and deeper, with more stalactites and stalagmites. The summit of Phu Wai rises 700 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views. The ridge hosts relatively intact dry dipterocarp forests.

 

To reach the park from Bangkok, take Highway 340 towards Suphan Buri Province. Before reaching the Suphan Buri junction, turn left onto Highway 357 (the bypass) for about 14 kilometers, then turn left onto Highway 3264 to Sarakha Chon intersection. Turn right onto Highway 333, pass Dan Chang District for about 37 kilometers, then at the three-way junction turn left onto Highway 3011. Pass the Khao Rak Shrine curve, then turn right onto the local road Ban Rai – Ban Ilup for 6 kilometers, and take a left turn towards Khao Wong, passing Wat Tham Khao Wong, ending at Khao Chong Lom near Phu Wai Cave. The total distance from Bangkok is approximately 230 kilometers.

 

From Uthai Thani Province, take Highway 3011 towards Ban Rai District, pass the Khao Rak Shrine curve, then at the three-way junction turn right onto the local road Ban Rai – Ban Ilup for 6 kilometers, then turn left towards Khao Wong, passing Wat Tham Khao Wong and ending at Khao Chong Lom near Phu Wai Cave. The distance from Uthai Thani is approximately 45 kilometers.

 

Tham Khao Wong Forest Park is not only a major natural tourist attraction with large caves and abundant nature but also serves as a conservation area for forests and wildlife and an important local water source. It is an ideal destination for travelers who enjoy adventure and wish to experience nature.

 

The park office is located at Ban Hin Tum, Moo 3, Ban Rai Subdistrict, Ban Rai District, Uthai Thani Province. The office coordinates are 15.0130133, 99.4431923. The head of the forest park is Mr. Surawatch Pantasen, Forestry Academic Officer. Visitors can contact the park for more information to plan their trip efficiently.