Hat Chao Mai National Park

Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 06.00 - 18.00

 

This area, which was proclaimed a marine national park on 14 October 1982, covers the 2 districts of Kantang and Sikao. The park headquarters is situated at Chang Lang Beach in Tambon Mai Fat, approximately 47 kilometers from the city.

 

Hat Chao Mai has a 20-kilometer coastline and a 5-kilometer long white sandy beach which is set against shady casuarinas and limestone hills with caves. Most caves are of historical importance as prehistoric human remains are found.

 

Land-based attractions of the park are Pak Meng Beach, Chang Lang Beach, San Beach, Yao Beach, Yong Ling Beach, Chao Mai Beach, and Chao Mai Cave. All are easily accessible by car. Moreover, there are 7 other islands for which the park is responsible. They are Ko Muk, Ko Kradan, Ko Chueak, Ko Pling, Ko Waen, Ko Meng, and Ko Chao Mai. The park also features the Marine Natural Study Center (tel. 0-7521-0664) and the Tourist Service Center.

 

In the national park, endangered dugong can be spotted along with rare black-necked stork. More common wildlife includes macaques, languors, wild pigs, pangolins, pacific-reef egrets, etc.

 

Accommodations are available on the island. For more details, please contact the National Parks Division, Royal Forestry Department, tel. 0-2561-2920 - 1 or Hat Chao Mai National Park, Mu 5, Tambon Mai Fat, Amphoe Sikao, Trang, P.O. Box 9, tel. 0-7521- 0099. Admission fee to the national park is 200 bahts / person.

 

To reach the park, take the Trang-Sikao-Pak Meng Road (Highway No. 4162) for 40 kilometers and then 7 kilometers more on a road that runs parallel to the beach to the park headquarters.

 

How to get there take the Trang-Sikao-Pak Meng road (Highway No. 4046-4162) and then 4 kilometres more on a road paralleling the beach to the park headquarters.