Rating: 2.5/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Hat Wanakon National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, is a marine national park known for its natural beach, rows of sea pines, and a coastal ecosystem that remains highly abundant. It is one of the ideal destinations for travelers who want to relax in a truly natural seaside setting. The beach stretches for more than 7 kilometers, lined with sea pines that provide shade along the shore, creating a peaceful, shady atmosphere that is especially suitable for camping, relaxing by the sea, or enjoying outdoor activities.

 

Hat Wanakon National Park was officially declared a national park on December 30, 1992. It became Thailand’s 76th national park and the country’s 18th marine national park. The park includes both land and marine areas, with approximately 15.36 square kilometers of sea, making it important both for coastal ecosystem conservation and the protection of natural resources.

 

The landscape of Hat Wanakon National Park consists of mixed deciduous forest and open woodland, made up of various deciduous tree species such as wild bamboo, pradu, and makha mong. Additional planted species used in forest restoration include salao, ta-bak, teak, payom, sea pine, and Australian pine. These plants help create an ecosystem suitable for wildlife and many bird species, making the area a natural site with high biodiversity.

 

Although large wildlife is not commonly found in this park, the forest and the coastline provide important habitat for many bird species, especially coastal and forest birds that can be seen along the woodland edges and by the seashore. Examples include the Black-naped Oriole, egrets, racket-tailed drongos, Green Bee-eaters, and many other species, making this area suitable for birdwatching and nature study.

 

The main highlight of Hat Wanakon National Park is Hat Wanakon Beach, a long stretch of clean white sand extending for about 7 kilometers. Sections of the beach alternate with rocky headlands that project into the sea, giving the coastline a varied and beautiful appearance. Behind the beach is a long line of sea pines running from Khlong Nam Chuet to Huai Ban Yang. At the lowest tide, the sandy beach extends as far as 150 meters into the sea, allowing visitors to walk farther along the shore and fully enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

 

Another scenic point is Ao Makha, a curved stretch of coastline extending from Ban Wang Duan to the mouth of Khlong Nam Chuet. The area features seaside cliffs, rock outcrops, and steep banks, making it an excellent sea viewpoint. From here, visitors can clearly see the ocean, Ko Chan, and Ko Thai Si.

 

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Hat Wanakon National Park also offers the Hua Krang and Hin Chuang Nature Study Trail, which serves as an open-air classroom where visitors can learn about the relationships among living things in the coastal forest ecosystem. The trail includes 28 nature study stations, and each station explains how plants, animals, and other living organisms interact in the area, including bamboo, wild olive, wild mango, anthills, termite mounds, and many other forms of life.

 

There are 3 nature study trails in the park. The first route is about 2 kilometers long and takes around 2 hours. The second route is about 3.5 kilometers and takes around 3 hours. The third route is about 6 kilometers and takes approximately 4 hours. Visitors can choose a route according to their physical readiness and available time.

 

In addition, the sea in front of Hat Wanakon allows visitors to see Ko Chan and Ko Thai Si, which are areas under concession for swiftlet nests. The waters around the islands also contain coral reefs suitable for snorkeling and coral viewing. Visitors interested in visiting the islands or snorkeling can contact the park headquarters for more details.

 

For travelers who wish to stay overnight, Hat Wanakon National Park provides park accommodation and camping grounds. The camping area is located near the beach and the sea pine line, allowing visitors to experience the seaside atmosphere up close. In the early morning and late afternoon, soft sunlight filters through the pines onto the beach, creating a beautiful and peaceful scene.

 

Getting There Hat Wanakon National Park is easy to reach from Prachuap Khiri Khan town. Drive along Phetkasem Road for about 24 kilometers, and you will find a left turn near kilometer marker 345. From there, continue for another 3 kilometers to reach the park headquarters. If traveling by public bus, get off in Prachuap Khiri Khan town and hire a songthaew to the park, a distance of about 23 kilometers. Those traveling by train can get off at Huai Yang Railway Station and continue by motorcycle taxi into the park.

 

With its peaceful natural setting, long and clean beach, and a variety of nature-based activities, Hat Wanakon National Park is one of the key natural destinations in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. It is ideal for travelers who want to experience the charm of the sea, forest, and coastal ecosystem all in one place.

 

A: Hat Wanakon National Park is located in Huai Yang Subdistrict, Thap Sakae District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

 

A: The beach in Hat Wanakon National Park is approximately 7 kilometers long.

 

A: Yes. Camping is allowed, and there is a camping area near the beach inside the park.

 

A: Popular activities include swimming, camping, walking nature study trails, and taking beach photos.

 

A: The cool season and hot season are suitable for visiting the beach because the waves are usually not strong and the weather is pleasant.

 

A: Yes. Nearby places include Huai Yang Waterfall, Ban Krut Beach, Wat Tang Sai, Ao Manao, and Waghor Science Park.