Khlong Lan National Park

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.30 – 16.30

 

Khlong Lan National Park in Kamphaeng Phet Province is one of the most impressive natural destinations in lower northern Thailand. The park is known for its powerful waterfall, fertile forest, clear streams, rocky rapids, caves, camping areas, and rich ecological diversity. It covers parts of Khlong Lan Phatthana, Khlong Nam Lai, and Pong Nam Ron subdistricts in Khlong Lan District. With an area of about 187,500 rai, the park was officially declared a national park on 25 December 1982.

 

Khlong Lan National Park is important both as a tourist attraction and as a protected watershed forest. Several streams originate within the park, including Khlong Khlung, Khlong Suan Mak, and Khlong Lan, before flowing into the Ping River system. This makes the park valuable not only for recreation but also for water resources, biodiversity, and environmental conservation in Kamphaeng Phet and nearby areas.

 

The forest landscape is diverse, with dry dipterocarp forest, dry evergreen forest, and mixed deciduous forest. These habitats support many species of plants and wildlife. For travelers, the park offers an accessible yet authentic nature experience. Visitors can enjoy waterfalls, forest scenery, streamside relaxation, photography, rafting, cave visits, and overnight camping.

 

The main highlight of the park is Khlong Lan Waterfall, a large and beautiful waterfall formed by water flowing from the Khlong Lan, Khlong Khlung, and Khlong Suan Mak mountain ranges. The waterfall is about 100 meters high and 40 meters wide. Water drops from a high cliff into a natural pool below, surrounded by trees, rocks, and refreshing mist. The waterfall is located close to the park office, making it easy to reach for families, elderly visitors, and general travelers.

 

The beauty of Khlong Lan Waterfall comes from its scale and natural setting. Standing near the lower viewpoint, visitors can feel cool spray from the falling water and hear the deep sound of the cascade echoing through the forest. The best time to see the waterfall is from the late rainy season into the cool season, when the water volume is strong, the forest is lush, and the weather is comfortable for walking and photography.

 

Another important attraction inside the park is Khlong Nam Lai Waterfall, also known as Pang Khwai Waterfall. It is located about 25 kilometers from the park office. This waterfall has 9 tiers and flows through rock shelves and natural pools. The lower area has a large pool suitable for relaxing and playing in the water. Khlong Nam Lai Waterfall has water throughout the year and is often quieter than the main Khlong Lan Waterfall, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a calmer natural setting.

 

For visitors who enjoy adventure, Kaeng Ko Roi is one of the most exciting areas of the park. It is a stream with many rocky rapids that appear like small islands in the water. From the Khlong Suan Mak ranger station, travelers continue by four-wheel-drive vehicle along an unpaved road for about 5 kilometers to the rafting starting point at Tat Pha Daeng. The rafting route passes Pha Chom Chan and Tat Chong Khaep, with forest and rocks on both sides.

 

The rafting difficulty at Kaeng Ko Roi is around level 2-3, making it exciting but manageable for many visitors. The route takes about 1.5 hours. The best rafting period is from August to January, when the water level is suitable and the current is more enjoyable. Visitors interested in rafting should contact park staff in advance and follow all safety instructions.

 

Near the Khlong Suan Mak ranger station are two interesting caves: Tham Sai Hai Sok and Tham Yao Santi Suk. Tham Sai Hai Sok is about 2 kilometers from the ranger station and contains stalactites, stalagmites, and many bats. Tham Yao Santi Suk also features cave formations and bat habitats. Visitors should enter these caves with park staff and bring flashlights, proper footwear, and suitable outdoor equipment.

 

The park is also a valuable wildlife habitat. It contains a wide variety of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and smaller forest species. Visitors walking through natural areas may hear birds, insects, and forest sounds. To protect the ecosystem, travelers should avoid loud noise, never feed wild animals, never collect plants, and keep all waste with them until it can be disposed of properly.

 

For overnight stays, Khlong Lan National Park provides park accommodation and camping areas. Important camping areas include Lan Kaew near the main park office and Lan Khlong Nam Lai near the Khlong Nam Lai ranger area. Visitors who want to camp should book through the official national park reservation system and prepare their own personal equipment. Staying overnight allows travelers to experience the quiet atmosphere of the forest, cool morning air, and the sound of nature after dark.

 

The best travel season is from November to February, when the weather is cool, the streams are clear, and most nature trails are comfortable. The late rainy season is excellent for waterfall photography because the forest is green and the water volume is strong. Summer is suitable for relaxing near the water, while the rainy season requires extra caution and visitors should check park announcements before traveling.

 

Getting There is convenient by private car. From Kamphaeng Phet city, travel along Highway No. 1 to the Khlong Mae Lai area around kilometer marker 346, then turn toward Khlong Lan District via Highway No. 1117 for about 46 kilometers. At Khlong Lan Market intersection, turn right and continue for about 6 kilometers to the park office. The road is paved and suitable for regular vehicles.

 

Travelers coming from Bangkok can use Highway No. 1 through Nakhon Sawan, then turn toward Lat Yao District and continue on Highway No. 1072 toward Khlong Lan. Public transport travelers can take local transport from Kamphaeng Phet bus station toward Khlong Lan, get off at Khlong Lan Market intersection, and continue by local hired vehicle to the park.

 

A good visit should begin at the visitor service area or park office. Visitors can check water conditions, trail information, safe swimming zones, and current park rules before exploring. For a half-day trip, Khlong Lan Waterfall alone is enough for a rewarding visit. For a full-day trip, visitors can add Khlong Nam Lai Waterfall or nearby nature spots.

 

Travelers planning to hike, visit caves, or go rafting should prepare suitable gear, including walking shoes, a flashlight, sun protection, drinking water, insect repellent, and waterproof bags. Those with health conditions should bring necessary medication. Nature travel in the park should follow responsible tourism practices: do not litter, do not damage rocks or plants, do not disturb wildlife, and do not enter restricted areas.

 

Khlong Lan National Park is suitable for many types of travelers. Families can enjoy the waterfall and streams, photographers can capture the large cascade and green forest, nature lovers can observe plants and wildlife, while adventure travelers can plan rafting and cave visits. This variety makes the park more than a single waterfall destination; it is a complete natural learning area.

 

The park also connects well with the local community around Khlong Lan. Travelers can stop at Khlong Lan Market for food, drinks, fruit, and supplies before entering the park. Using local restaurants, shops, and accommodations helps distribute tourism income to nearby communities and makes the trip more beneficial for local residents.

 

Overall, Khlong Lan National Park is a rewarding destination for travelers who want a balance of beauty, comfort, and adventure. Its waterfall, streams, forests, caves, camping areas, and outdoor activities make it one of Kamphaeng Phet’s most important nature attractions. With good planning, visitors can enjoy a peaceful and memorable journey into one of Thailand’s fertile protected forests.

 

 

A: Khlong Lan National Park is located in Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, covering parts of Khlong Lan Phatthana, Khlong Nam Lai, and Pong Nam Ron subdistricts.

 

A: The main attractions include Khlong Lan Waterfall, Khlong Nam Lai Waterfall, Kaeng Ko Roi, Tham Sai Hai Sok, Tham Yao Santi Suk, camping areas, and fertile forest scenery.

 

A: Khlong Lan Waterfall is about 100 meters high and about 40 meters wide, making it the most iconic waterfall in the park.

 

A: The best time to visit is from November to February, when the weather is cool, the water is clear, and the forest scenery is especially beautiful.

 

A: The entrance fee is 40 baht for Thai adults, 20 baht for Thai children, 200 baht for foreign adults, and 100 baht for foreign children.

 

A: Yes. Camping is available in designated areas such as Lan Kaew and Lan Khlong Nam Lai. Visitors should book through the official national park reservation system.

 

A: From Kamphaeng Phet city, drive via Highway No. 1 to Khlong Mae Lai, continue on Highway No. 1117 toward Khlong Lan, then turn at Khlong Lan Market intersection and drive about 6 km to the park office.

 

A: Visitors should prepare walking shoes, clothes suitable for water activities, drinking water, sun protection, insect repellent, a trash bag, and a flashlight if visiting caves or staying overnight.