Khlong Wang Chao National Park, Tak Province is located at the junction between the western mountain ranges and the central plain. The terrain consists of steep and complex mountains, with ranges running north to south, forming part of the Thanon Thong Chai mountain system. The park’s central plains are small basin-like areas covering approximately 2,000–5,000 rai. Significant mountains include Khao Yen, Khao Son, Khao Tao Dam, Khao Khanun, Khao Kha Laeng, Khao I Lo Ko, Khao Wang Chao, Khao Phang Yai, Doi Luak, and Khao Wung Kasang. Among them, Khao Yen, located in the western part of the park, is the highest at 1,898 meters above sea level.

 

Khlong Wang Chao National Park is part of the Ping River basin and consists of two main sub-basins: the Khlong Wang Chao and Khlong Suan Mak basins. There are several important streams, including Khlong Mae Yama, Khlong Khun Mak, Khlong Khae Yong, Khlong Phrai, Khlong Wung Kasang, and Khlong Tao Dam. The climate is influenced by the southwest monsoon from mid-May to mid-October, bringing high humidity, overcast skies, and heavy rainfall, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 1,318 mm. The northeast monsoon affects the region from mid-October to mid-February, resulting in cool, clear weather, with the lowest temperatures in January around 14°C. Summer temperatures can reach up to 36°C, with an annual average of approximately 26°C.

 

The park’s area is covered by five main forest types: mixed deciduous forest, hill evergreen forest, dry evergreen forest, dry dipterocarp forest, and pine forest. Mixed deciduous forests cover about 65% of the park, occurring at elevations of 200–1,000 meters. Key trees include teak, Pterocarpus, rosewood, ironwood, Burmese ebony, and various bamboos such as Dendrocalamus membranaceus and Bambusa arundinacea. These forests provide habitats and shelter for diverse wildlife, including gaur, muntjac, sambar deer, fishing cats, wild boar, and junglefowl.

 

Hill evergreen forests are found on steep mountains in the western part of the park at elevations above 1,000 meters. Common tree species include Quercus semecarpifolia, Lithocarpus spp., Betula alnoides, and various magnolia species. Dense understory plants such as ferns, palms, reeds, and rattans thrive here. Large animals like gaur visit seasonally, along with small mammals and birds such as the white-cheeked flying squirrel, small white-bellied flying squirrel, and larger and smaller flamebacks, as well as the scarlet-backed woodpecker.

 

Dry evergreen forests are found in mid-valleys at 400–1,000 meters, with species such as Chukrasia tabularis, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, and various fig trees. These forests serve as food sources and shelter for gaur, sambar, chevrotain, clouded leopards, leopard cats, hornbills, and other birds.

 

Dry dipterocarp forests appear in patches on hilltops or low hills in the eastern and northern parts of the park at 200–800 meters. Important trees include dipterocarps, Lagerstroemia spp., and mango species. Grasses like Imperata cylindrica and Saccharum spp. dominate the understory. Wildlife includes wild boars, muntjac, monitor lizards, and yellow tortoises.

 

Pine forests grow in scattered patches along ridges and mountain tops at 900–1,200 meters. Key species include three-needle pine, Melia azedarach, and some magnolias. Animals here include serow, wild boar, macaques, civets, hedgehogs, and yellow-cheeked squirrels.

 

The park’s waterfalls and streams are highlights not to be missed by visitors, such as Khlong Wang Chao Waterfall, Tao Dam Waterfall, and Wung Kasang Waterfall, which are medium to large waterfalls with clear pools surrounded by moist forests and ferns, creating a cool, relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy small-scale rafting in some streams or hike along trails connecting the waterfalls for nature studies.

 

Viewpoints on mountains like Khao Yen and Khao Son offer panoramic views of the Thanon Thong Chai mountain range and the central basins, especially during the winter when the weather is cool and skies are clear—perfect for sunrise, sunset, and landscape photography.

 

Wildlife enthusiasts can encounter several endemic species, including white-cheeked flying squirrels, small white-bellied flying squirrels, large and small flamebacks, scarlet-backed woodpeckers, serow, clouded leopards, leopard cats, and great hornbills. Aquatic species in streams include snakehead fish, waterfall carp, hill trout, and striped buffalo fish. Observing these animals requires quiet and careful movement.

 

Adventure activities at Khlong Wang Chao National Park include day hikes, forest camping, small-scale rafting, mountain viewpoints, and nature photography. During the rainy season, waterfalls are particularly impressive, and the forests are lush and green.

 

The park is accessible by private car. From Kamphaeng Phet Province, travelers can take the Asian Highway (A1) to Wang Chao Market intersection, turn left toward Ban Na Bost, follow Provincial Highway 1110 for about 3 km to Ban Den Kha intersection, then left to Ban Nong Daen and right for another 7 km to the park headquarters—approximately 28 km total. Another route is from Kamphaeng Phet along the A1 before Ban Wang Chao intersection, turn left toward Ban Lo Ko via Ban Nong Daen, a total distance of around 30 km. The roads are paved, making the park accessible year-round.

 

Khlong Wang Chao National Park is thus a perfect natural destination suitable for visitors of all ages who want to experience mountains, waterfalls, streams, and rare wildlife, as well as adventure and nature education, making Tak Province a comprehensive natural tourist destination and an important site for environmental learning in Thailand.