Khao Nan National Park

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.30 – 16.30

 

Khao Nan National Park in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province is one of the most rewarding nature destinations in Tha Sala District. The park covers mountainous forest areas across Tha Sala, Nopphitam, and Sichon districts and forms part of the forested mountain range connected with Khao Luang National Park. Its main highlights include Sunanta Waterfall, the Bua Chaek Yai Nature Trail, the seasonal red young leaves of the Pra forest between February and April, Hong Cave with a waterfall inside, and Khao Nan Peak, which rises to about 1,438 meters above sea level. The park is ideal for travelers who want waterfalls, rainforest, hiking routes, camping, botanical interest, and a quieter wilderness experience in southern Thailand.

 

Khao Nan National Park is located in Taling Chan Subdistrict, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The landscape is dominated by complex mountain ranges, deep evergreen forest, streams, and humid forest ecosystems. This geography makes the park an important watershed area for nearby communities and one of the valuable protected forest zones in the province. Its streams and waterfalls flow from the mountain forest toward the lowland areas of Tha Sala and surrounding districts, while its dense vegetation supports mosses, ferns, orchids, large trees, and a wide range of wildlife.

 

The most accessible attraction in the park is Sunanta Waterfall. It is a three-tiered waterfall located within the Khao Nan National Park area and is suitable for visitors who want to enjoy nature without taking on a difficult hike. The first tier is the most prominent, with water dropping from a steep rock face into a natural pool surrounded by green forest and large stones. The atmosphere is cool, shaded, and peaceful, making it a good stop for photography, relaxation, and short nature visits.

 

Sunanta Waterfall is also a practical gateway to the wider landscape of Khao Nan. Travelers with limited time can visit the waterfall, visitor area, and nearby facilities within a half-day trip, while those with more time can continue to nature trails, viewpoints, caves, or camping areas. This makes the park flexible for different travel styles, from family-friendly nature breaks to more focused rainforest exploration.

 

Another major highlight is the Bua Chaek Yai Nature Trail near the park headquarters. This trail leads visitors into moist evergreen forest where rare plants, ancient ferns, orchids, mosses, and epiphytes grow along tree trunks and branches. The trail is especially interesting for travelers who enjoy botany and forest interpretation. Some parts of the route offer views toward Sunanta Waterfall and the surrounding mountains, making it a good choice for light hiking and nature learning.

 

Khao Nan Peak is the park’s landmark for experienced hikers. Rising to about 1,438 meters above sea level, the peak area represents the cool, humid, highland forest environment of southern Thailand. The upper forest is rich with mosses, ferns, orchids, and moisture-loving plants, creating a primeval atmosphere. Visitors planning a long-distance hike must coordinate with park staff in advance, as rainforest trails in southern Thailand can be slippery, humid, and affected by seasonal rain.

 

From February to April, the Pra forest becomes one of the park’s distinctive seasonal features. During this period, the young leaves of Pra trees turn red, creating a striking contrast against the deep green rainforest. This seasonal color change gives Khao Nan National Park a unique visual identity and makes it especially attractive for photographers and travelers looking for a less common side of southern Thai nature.

 

Hong Cave adds another layer of diversity to the park. The cave is known for having a waterfall inside, combining cave scenery, water, and rainforest in one natural setting. Visitors entering cave or forest areas should follow park instructions, wear proper footwear, carry necessary lighting when required, and avoid risky areas during heavy rain or high water levels. Safety and conservation are essential parts of visiting this type of environment.

 

The park is also important for conservation and ecological study. Its rainforest has been used for cloud forest and biodiversity research, and the area is known for wild orchids, ancient ferns, and moisture-rich plant communities. For students, researchers, photographers, and nature-focused travelers, Khao Nan is more than a recreational destination. It is an outdoor classroom that shows the ecological richness of the southern Thai rainforest.

 

For campers, Khao Nan National Park offers camping grounds and park accommodation services. Travelers who plan to stay overnight should contact the park before traveling to confirm room availability, campsite status, weather conditions, and current regulations. Staying overnight allows visitors to experience the quiet forest atmosphere in the evening and early morning, but all visitors must respect park rules by avoiding loud noise, taking rubbish out, not feeding wildlife, and using only permitted areas for cooking or camping activities.

 

The best time to visit depends on the traveler’s purpose. For waterfalls and lush green forest, the period after the rainy season into the cool season is highly suitable. For the seasonal red foliage of the Pra forest, February to April is the key period. Hikers should always check the weather and contact park officers before starting longer routes, as trail conditions can change quickly in southern Thailand’s humid mountain forests.

 

Visitors should prepare non-slip shoes, quick-dry clothing, drinking water, mosquito repellent, a waterproof bag for electronic devices, and a rubbish bag. The best way to enjoy Khao Nan is to move slowly, observe the forest closely, listen to birds and flowing water, and respect the protected area. Removing plants, flowers, rocks, or natural objects from the park should be avoided entirely.

 

Families and casual travelers can focus on Sunanta Waterfall, the visitor area, and short nature trails. More experienced hikers and nature enthusiasts can plan for the Bua Chaek Yai trail, Pra forest, Hong Cave, or the higher mountain routes with park guidance. Matching the route to time, fitness, and experience helps make the visit safer and more enjoyable.

 

Getting There from Nakhon Si Thammarat City is most convenient by private car or rental car. Take Highway 401 toward Tha Sala District. Around the Ban Klai or Ban Sa Kaeo area, turn toward Ban Pak Chao and continue for about 15 kilometers to the park headquarters. From Tha Sala town, the park is about 30 kilometers away. Visitors using public transport should reach Tha Sala or Nakhon Si Thammarat first and then arrange local transport or a hired vehicle to the park. Driving gives the most flexibility for combining the waterfall, nature trails, restaurants, and nearby accommodation in one trip.

 

Overall, Khao Nan National Park is one of Nakhon Si Thammarat’s valuable nature destinations because it combines waterfalls, mountain forest, caves, rainforest trails, camping, and rare plant life in one protected area. Its appeal is not commercial convenience, but the depth of its natural environment. Travelers seeking a quiet, educational, and refreshing forest experience will find Khao Nan an excellent destination in southern Thailand.

 

 

A: Khao Nan National Park is located in Taling Chan Subdistrict, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, and covers areas of Tha Sala, Nopphitam, and Sichon districts.

 

A: The park is open daily from 08.30 to 16.30.

 

A: Thai visitors pay 40 THB for adults and 20 THB for children. Foreign visitors pay 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children.

 

A: The main highlights include Sunanta Waterfall, Bua Chaek Yai Nature Trail, the seasonal Pra forest, Hong Cave, Khao Nan Peak, rainforest scenery, and camping areas.

 

A: Yes. Sunanta Waterfall is one of the most accessible spots in the park and is suitable for families, casual visitors, and travelers who want a short nature visit.

 

A: Yes. Camping areas and park accommodation services are available. Visitors should contact the park in advance to confirm current availability and regulations.

 

A: The period after the rainy season into the cool season is good for waterfalls and lush forest. February to April is suitable for seeing the red young leaves of the Pra forest.

 

A: From Nakhon Si Thammarat City, take Highway 401 toward Tha Sala, turn toward Ban Pak Chao near Ban Klai or Ban Sa Kaeo, and continue about 15 km to the park headquarters. A private car or rental car is the most convenient option.