Thung Salaeng Luang National Park (Nong Mae Na)

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park (Nong Mae Na), located in Khao Kho District, Phetchabun Province, is one of the most outstanding natural attractions in northern Thailand. Its landscape combines savanna grasslands, two-needle pine forests, and mixed deciduous forests, creating a vast scenery that is clearly different from typical forests in Thailand. Visitors can experience a rich natural atmosphere along with a variety of outdoor activities such as trekking, camping, mountain biking, and wildlife watching in a real natural environment.

 

Nong Mae Na is one of the important zones of Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, which is among the largest national parks in Thailand. The park covers areas in both Phetchabun and Phitsanulok provinces. The Nong Mae Na area is approximately 60 kilometers from the park headquarters on the Phitsanulok side and is one of the most convenient points for visitors to access the grasslands and pine forests.

 

The key highlight of this area is its landscape known as the “Savanna of Thailand,” featuring wide open grasslands alternating with two-needle pine forests. From the late rainy season to early winter, the grasslands become lush green and many kinds of wildflowers bloom, creating a beautiful atmosphere that is especially suitable for photography. In the early morning, a thin layer of mist drifts across the area, creating soft and peaceful scenery. This is a distinctive charm of Thung Salaeng Luang that many travelers come specifically to experience.

 

The suspension bridge is located approximately 3 kilometers from the park office. The route to the bridge passes through forest on both sides, creating a shady and relaxing atmosphere. This spot feels like a gateway into true nature. When walking across the bridge, visitors can clearly sense the calmness and the sounds of the natural surroundings.

 

Thung Salaeng Luang is a savanna grassland and a landscape of grasslands alternating with two-needle pine forests. In front of the national park protection unit office, visitors can see a wide open area of approximately 10 square kilometers. Along the route that cuts through mixed deciduous forest, wildlife can sometimes be seen foraging by the roadside, and many species of flowering plants can also be found. This area is highly popular among nature photographers and trekkers.

 

Thung Nang Phaya is located to the south of the Nong Mae Na National Park Protection Unit, approximately 14 kilometers away. It is a grassland surrounded by two-needle pine forests, dry evergreen forest, and dry dipterocarp forest. Beautiful wild orchids can be found growing on pine branches, such as Ueang Chani and Ueang Kham Pak Kai, which bloom in the summer. The pine forest area also has a camping ground. During the late rainy season and early winter, lingering mist gently covers the entire area.

 

Kaeng Wang Nam Yen is approximately 7 kilometers from the Nong Mae Na National Park Protection Unit. It is on the same route as Thung Non Son, with an additional 500-meter turnoff. Along the walking trail, the forest gradually changes from grassland into dry dipterocarp forest mixed with pine forest and mixed deciduous forest.

 

Kaeng Wang Nam Yen is a large rocky rapid stretching for several hundred meters. Between each section of the rapid are large deep pools. This site is known as a discovery area for freshwater jellyfish. Visitors may also see butterflies such as the highland golden birdwing and the red-sash looper butterfly. In addition, the streamside forest offers opportunities to observe many species of birds.

 

Beyond its main tourist attractions, Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is also highly important ecologically. It serves as a watershed for several rivers and provides habitat for many kinds of wildlife, such as deer, barking deer, wild boar, and various bird species, as well as some rare insects. This biodiversity is one of the key reasons why the area is strictly conserved.

 

Popular activities for visitors include short and long-distance trekking, mountain biking, camping, and nature photography. The area is especially attractive during the winter season, when mist and cool weather create an atmosphere that is truly ideal for relaxation.

 

Getting There Visitors can travel by car from Phetchabun town or Khao Kho District, using the route toward Nong Mae Na Subdistrict. Some sections of the road are unpaved, so a vehicle with suitable performance is recommended, especially during the rainy season. Visitors should prepare food, water, and necessary equipment, as some areas do not have shops.

 

 

A: The late rainy season to early winter is the most beautiful period.

 

A: Visitors should prepare drinking water, food, and camping equipment.

 

A: Mobile signal is available in some areas but does not cover the entire park.

 

A: Yes, mountain biking is possible in suitable areas.

 

A: Yes, it is safe when visitors follow the instructions of park officials.