Laem Son National Park

Open Days: Daily For Hat Bang Ben And Park Headquarters / Islands Open Seasonally

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 16.30

 

Laem Son National Park in Ranong Province is one of the most important marine national parks on Thailand’s upper Andaman coast. Its headquarters are located at Hat Bang Ben, Ban Bang Ben, Moo 4, Muang Kluang Subdistrict, Kapoe District, Ranong Province. The park was declared a national park on 19 August 1983 and covers about 196,875 rai, or approximately 315 square kilometres. Its protected area stretches along the coast from Ratchakrut Subdistrict in Mueang Ranong District southward through Muang Kluang, Kapoe, Bang Hin, Nakha and Kamphuan areas of Ranong, and continues toward Khura Subdistrict in Khura Buri District, Phang Nga Province. It also includes several Andaman Sea islands such as Ko Khang Khao, Ko Kam Tok or Ao Khao Kwai, Ko Kam Yai and Ko Kam Nui.

 

The defining character of Laem Son National Park is the diversity of coastal and marine landscapes within one protected area. Visitors can experience long beaches, natural casuarina forests, beach forest, mangrove forest, estuaries, offshore islands, white sand, coral reefs, seagrass beds and coastal communities connected with small-scale fishing. This makes the park ideal for travelers who want a quieter and more nature-focused side of Ranong, rather than a heavily commercialized beach destination. Visitors can relax at Hat Bang Ben, walk under the casuarina trees, swim in permitted safe zones, camp, stay in park accommodation or take a seasonal boat trip to the Kam Islands.

 

Hat Bang Ben is the main land-based area of the park. It is where the park headquarters, visitor service centre, accommodation, camping ground, welfare shop and seaside recreation areas are located. The beach is long and broad, with fine sand and a natural line of casuarina trees running parallel to the shore. The atmosphere is calm and suitable for walking, resting in the shade, watching the sunset and viewing offshore islands in the Andaman Sea. This is the easiest part of the park to access and the main base for boat trips to Ko Khang Khao, the Kam Islands and nearby islands during the open marine season.

 

The name “Laem Son” reflects the landscape of the area. “Son” refers to the casuarina trees that grow naturally along the coast. These trees are not merely scenic decoration; they help stabilize sandy coastal areas, reduce wind impact, provide shade and create the distinctive identity of the park. The view of a wide beach, tall casuarina trees and the blue-green Andaman Sea is one of the signature images of Laem Son National Park.

 

The park is ecologically significant because it forms part of the Laem Son National Park–Kapoe Estuary–Kra Buri Estuary wetland system. This landscape contains several wetland ecosystems, including mudflats, sandy beaches, coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests. These areas provide food, shelter and nursery grounds for young aquatic animals, especially shrimp, fish, crabs and other coastal species. Laem Son National Park is therefore valuable not only for tourism, but also for long-term marine and coastal conservation in Ranong.

 

Recent conservation activities by the Department of National Parks also show that the park remains active and managed. These include Smart Patrol operations in island and mangrove areas, coral reef surveys around Ko Khang Khao, underwater clean-up activities, assistance for stranded sea turtles at Hat Bang Ben and monitoring of protected wildlife such as hornbills, slow lorises, sea turtles and dugongs. These activities confirm the park’s continuing role as a functioning national park and conservation area.

 

Hat Laem Son lies about 4 kilometres from Hat Bang Ben. It is a clean white-sand beach with a peaceful atmosphere, suitable for camping, birdwatching, nature walks and quiet coastal relaxation. This beach helps visitors understand that Laem Son is not a single-beach destination. The park contains a continuous coastline with different beach characteristics, forest cover and wildlife opportunities. Birdwatching is best done when the weather is not too hot and heavy rain is absent. Visitors should walk quietly and avoid disturbing birds and shoreline animals.

 

Hat Praphat, also known as Hat Hin Thung, is located in Moo 2, Kamphuan Subdistrict, Suk Samran District. It is a large beach shaded by casuarina trees and shares the quiet coastal character of Hat Bang Ben, but lies farther south in the Suk Samran area. From Ranong town, the route follows Highway 4 for about 90 kilometres, or about 30 kilometres from Kapoe District, before turning near kilometre marker 702 and continuing about 3 kilometres to the beach area. Hat Praphat is suitable for travelers who want a wide, quiet beach and a route that can continue to Ban Thale Nok and the Kamphuan community.

 

Ko Khang Khao is one of the best-known islands in Laem Son National Park and is usually included in Kam Islands boat trips. The boat ride from Hat Bang Ben takes about 40 minutes. The island is known for fine white sand, clear water and a northern stone beach with naturally rounded stones. It is suitable for swimming, beach walking, photography and snorkeling in permitted areas. Visitors must follow national park rules and must not remove stones, shells, coral or natural objects from the island.

 

Ko Kam Tok, also known as Ao Khao Kwai, is one of the most memorable landmarks in the Kam Islands group. Its bay curves almost into a circular or buffalo-horn shape, framed by forested hills and white sand. The island is frequently remembered for its aerial view, blue-green sea and beautiful curved bay. A park ranger station operates on the island during the tourism season. From Ko Khang Khao, the boat ride to Ko Kam Tok takes about 20 minutes, which is why both islands are commonly combined in a one-day marine itinerary.

 

Ko Kam Yai is a larger island in the Kam Islands group, known for white sandy beaches around much of the island. It is about 1 hour and 30 minutes by boat from Hat Bang Ben. Its appeal lies in quiet scenery, intact nature and a broad island landscape. Ko Kam Nui lies close to Ko Kam Yai, with one main beach and several smaller surrounding islands. These islands are suitable for travelers who want a more remote Ranong sea experience away from crowded island destinations.

 

The Kam Islands, Ko Khang Khao and Ko Kam Tok are seasonal marine destinations. The Andaman Sea is affected by the southwest monsoon in the middle of the year, so boat operations depend on park announcements, weather, wave conditions and safety measures. Island and marine tourism areas close during the monsoon season according to annual park announcements. This allows nature to recover and reduces travel risk. The Hat Bang Ben headquarters and land-based areas remain accessible during normal park hours, while travelers who plan to take a boat should check directly with the park or licensed boat operators before traveling.

 

The park has two main seasons: the rainy season from May to November and the hotter, drier season from December to April. Land-based beach visits are possible throughout the year depending on weather, while island trips, snorkeling and swimming in offshore waters are best planned during the calm sea season. In general, late-year to pre-monsoon months provide the best conditions for sea travel, clearer skies, safer boat rides and more attractive water colour.

 

For travelers who prefer nature activities without taking a boat, Hat Bang Ben and Hat Laem Son are excellent choices. Visitors can walk along the beach, rest under casuarina trees, photograph sunsets, watch birds and study beach-forest ecology. These areas are suitable for families, older visitors who prefer short walks, camping groups and travelers seeking a calm beach atmosphere. They are also useful alternatives when the island zones are closed for seasonal recovery.

 

During the open sea season, recommended marine activities include boat trips to Ko Khang Khao, Ko Kam Tok, Ko Kam Yai and Ko Kam Nui, beach swimming, snorkeling, reef viewing, island photography and sunset watching from Hat Bang Ben or Bang Ben Pier. Travelers should use authorized boat services, wear life jackets at all times, avoid entering restricted water areas, avoid stepping on coral, never touch marine animals and never leave rubbish in the sea. Laem Son is a marine national park where visitor safety and ecosystem protection must be treated together.

 

Laem Son National Park provides park accommodation and camping areas at Hat Bang Ben. Staying inside the park is suitable for visitors who want to wake up near the sea, walk the beach in the morning and enjoy the casuarina grove in the evening. The main advantage is proximity to nature and easy access to the beach, boat departure areas and park facilities. Advance booking or direct inquiry with park staff is recommended because accommodation and camping capacity is limited, especially on holidays, during the high travel season and when the islands are open.

 

Facilities in the park include a visitor service centre, parking, toilets, a welfare shop, park accommodation, camping area, seaside resting points and safety staff. Visitors should still prepare personal necessities such as drinking water, regular medication, a hat, sunscreen, rain protection, comfortable shoes, waterproof bags and insect protection. For boat trips, bring dry clothing, sun-protection clothing and only necessary valuables.

 

The published national park entrance fee is 40 baht for Thai adults and 20 baht for Thai children. For foreign visitors, the published rate is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. Vehicle fees such as car and motorcycle fees apply according to national park rates. These fees cover park entry only and do not include boat fares, accommodation, tent rental, meals or special activities. Travelers should separate park entrance costs from marine transport and overnight expenses when planning a budget.

 

Getting There is easiest by private car, rental car, van or local hired transport. From Ranong town, take Highway 4 on the Ranong–Phang Nga route toward Kapoe District for about 45 kilometres. Around 6 kilometres before Kapoe town, near kilometre marker 657, turn toward Ban Bang Ben and the national park headquarters. The side road from the main highway to the park is about 10 kilometres. The route is accessible by vehicle, but extra care is needed during heavy rain or late evening travel.

 

Travelers from Bangkok can follow Highway 4 south through Chumphon and continue into Ranong, then proceed toward Kapoe District. Those coming from Phang Nga, Phuket or Khura Buri can take Highway 4 north toward Kapoe and turn into Ban Bang Ben. Without a private vehicle, buses or vans on the Ranong–Kapoe–Khura Buri route can be used, followed by local transport to Hat Bang Ben. However, private or chartered transport is more convenient because nearby beaches, communities and piers are spread across several coastal side roads.

 

Bang Ben Pier is an important marine gateway during the island travel season. It is located close to Hat Bang Ben and the park headquarters. Travelers heading to Ko Khang Khao, Ko Kam Tok or the Kam Islands usually begin from this area. Before departure, always check weather, sea conditions and park announcements. If waves are strong or staff do not permit boat travel, the trip should be postponed regardless of the travel plan.

 

The area around the park is also connected with Muang Kluang community and Khlong Lat Not, where community-based tourism reflects fishing livelihoods and coastal canal ecology. A combined itinerary can include Hat Bang Ben, Laem Son National Park and local community activities such as canal trips, learning about small-scale fishing, tasting local seafood and buying community products. This makes Laem Son more than a beach and island destination; it also connects travelers with the people who live with the sea and mangroves.

 

Nearby places that fit naturally with Laem Son National Park include Hat Bang Ben, Hat Laem Son, Bang Ben Pier, Khlong Lat Not, Hat Ao Khoei, Hat Praphat, Ban Thale Nok and the Phu Khao Thong archaeological area. Travelers can stay one night at Hat Bang Ben and continue to Ban Thale Nok or Hat Praphat the next day. Those focusing on the sea can stay near the park and take a seasonal boat trip to the Kam Islands when the marine areas are open.

 

Hat Ao Khoei is another coastal area in Kapoe District, not far from Ban Bang Ben. It is linked with the same quiet coastal character of the Laem Son area and is suitable for travelers who prefer peaceful beaches and coastal communities over commercial beach zones. Hat Praphat and Ban Thale Nok are better for visitors who want to extend the journey southward toward Kamphuan and Suk Samran, where beaches, casuarina groves, mangroves, homestays and community-based tourism are important attractions.

 

Visitors must follow national park etiquette. Do not litter, remove stones, shells, coral or plants, feed wildlife, make loud noise, light fires outside permitted areas, swim in red-flagged or restricted zones or take boats without authorized operators and staff guidance. Overnight visitors should keep the area clean, extinguish fires completely and respect quiet hours for other travelers.

 

For families with children and older travelers, Hat Bang Ben is often more suitable than island trips when sea conditions are uncertain. It is easy to access, has shade, toilets, staff and space to rest under the casuarina trees. Photographers should visit in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and more comfortable weather. Sunset can be enjoyed from Hat Bang Ben or Bang Ben Pier, with views toward distant islands.

 

Overall, Laem Son National Park is more than a beautiful beach or a boat gateway to islands. It represents Ranong’s coastal identity through beaches, casuarina forest, mangroves, reefs, seagrass beds, island scenery and community life. Hat Bang Ben offers calmness and shade, the Kam Islands offer marine beauty, Ko Khang Khao offers white sand and rounded stone beaches, Khlong Lat Not and Muang Kluang reflect coastal livelihoods, and the wetland system shows the long-term conservation value of the area. Travelers who want to understand Ranong beyond its most famous islands should spend at least a full day here, and those planning island trips or overnight stays should arrange details in advance for the safest and most complete experience.

 

 

A: Laem Son National Park headquarters are located at 36/6 Moo 4, Ban Bang Ben, Muang Kluang Subdistrict, Kapoe District, Ranong Province 85120, at Hat Bang Ben on the Ranong–Phang Nga route.

 

A: Hat Bang Ben and the park headquarters are open daily from 08.00 to 16.30. The islands and marine tourism areas open seasonally and close during the monsoon according to annual park announcements.

 

A: Yes. The published rate is 40 baht for Thai adults, 20 baht for Thai children, 200 baht for foreign adults and 100 baht for foreign children. Vehicle fees apply according to park rates.

 

A: The main highlights are Hat Bang Ben, the natural casuarina forest, Hat Laem Son, Hat Praphat, Ko Khang Khao, Ko Kam Tok or Ao Khao Kwai, Ko Kam Yai, Ko Kam Nui, mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds.

 

A: No. The Kam Islands are seasonal marine destinations. They open during the calm sea season and close during the monsoon according to annual park announcements for visitor safety and nature recovery.

 

A: The boat trip from Hat Bang Ben to Ko Khang Khao takes about 40 minutes, and the trip from Ko Khang Khao to Ko Kam Tok or Ao Khao Kwai takes about 20 minutes, depending on weather and sea conditions.

 

A: Yes. The park has accommodation and a camping ground at Hat Bang Ben. Travelers should book or contact park staff in advance because availability is limited during holidays and the island travel season.

 

A: From Ranong town, take Highway 4 on the Ranong–Phang Nga route for about 45 km. Around 6 km before Kapoe town, near kilometre marker 657, turn into Ban Bang Ben and continue about 10 km to the park headquarters. Private car, rental car or van is the most convenient option.