Khlong Tron National Park

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 07.00 – 18.00

 

Khlong Tron National Park, now also known in official usage as Ton Sak Yai National Park, is one of the most remarkable forest destinations in Uttaradit Province. Located mainly in Nam Pat District, the park covers approximately 324,240.80 rai, or 518.80 square kilometres, of fertile mountain forest. It is known for waterfalls, caves, cliffs, streams, trekking routes, and the natural waterway called “Khlong Tron,” which has long been associated with the area. For travelers looking for a quieter and more nature-focused side of northern Thailand, this park offers a deep forest atmosphere that is very different from mainstream tourist attractions.

 

Khlong Tron National Park was officially declared a national park on December 4, 2003. Its landscape includes mountain ranges, watershed forests, streams, waterfalls, limestone caves, and natural viewpoints. The area remains valuable not only as a tourist destination but also as an ecological zone that supports local water systems and forest biodiversity. Visitors who come here do not simply visit a scenic viewpoint; they experience a protected forest environment where walking trails, waterfalls, caves, and mountain scenery are closely connected.

 

The name “Khlong Tron” comes from the important natural stream that runs through the area. This waterway helps sustain the surrounding forest and local communities, making it one of the defining natural features of the park. In later years, the name Ton Sak Yai National Park came into use to reflect the park’s connection with large teak trees and the forest identity of Uttaradit. Even so, many Thai travelers still know the area by its former name, especially when referring to Khlong Tron Waterfall, Phu Miang, and the trekking routes inside the park.

 

The main appeal of Khlong Tron National Park is its raw and peaceful natural character. Many of its attractions are not located directly beside a main road. Some require walking, some are best visited with guidance from park officers, and some are suitable only for travelers who are physically prepared. This makes the park especially attractive to nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and travelers who prefer authentic outdoor experiences rather than quick sightseeing stops.

 

Khlong Tron Waterfall is one of the park’s most important natural highlights. The waterfall is formed by Huai Khlong Tron and consists of two main waterfall areas. The first has 4 tiers and is about 20 metres high, while the second is located about 1.5 kilometres farther away and is about 30 metres high. Reaching the waterfall requires walking through the forest, so visitors should prepare suitable footwear, drinking water, insect repellent, and basic hiking gear. Before entering the trail, it is important to ask park officers about current trail conditions, especially during the rainy season when water levels and slippery paths may affect safety.

 

Huai Khom Waterfall is another notable waterfall in the park area. It is located around the middle section of Huai Khom near Ban Huai Khom in Nam Phai Subdistrict. The waterfall system includes 3 separate falls. The first is a single-tier waterfall about 15 metres high. The second is about 200 metres from the first and has 2 tiers with a height of about 15 metres. The third is about 30 metres from the second and is a single-tier waterfall about 20 metres high. Visitors must walk about 5 kilometres from Ban Huai Khom because there is no road access for vehicles. This makes Huai Khom Waterfall suitable for travelers who are ready for a more committed forest walk.

 

Phu Miang Cliff is one of the best-known adventure spots in the park. It is a large cliff with a strong visual character and wide views over nearby villages and forested mountains. The flat area on top can be used for camping, but there are no facilities, so travelers must bring their own water, food, camping equipment, and safety supplies. Phu Miang is located between Ban Ton Khanun and Ban Bang Kham Pom, about 10 kilometres away by trekking route. It is best suited to experienced hikers or groups traveling with proper guidance.

 

Chan Cave is a medium-sized marble cave located in the Khlong Tron forest area. Inside the cave, visitors can see stalactites and stalagmites, along with a large number of bats. The cave extends about 200 metres from its entrance and is approximately 15 metres wide. Unlike several waterfall and cliff routes, Chan Cave can be reached by vehicle, making it a more accessible option for travelers who want to explore the park’s geological features without a long trek.

 

Other attractions in and around the park include Chedi Cave, Leopard Cave, Pha Tang Cave, Khao Phu Miang, and several cliff viewpoints. Together, these places make Khlong Tron National Park more than a single-attraction destination. Travelers can plan a half-day visit for easier access areas, a full-day nature trip for waterfalls and caves, or a more demanding trekking route when conditions and park permission allow. This flexibility makes the park suitable for different types of travelers, from casual nature visitors to serious hikers.

 

The atmosphere of the park changes noticeably by season. During the rainy season, waterfalls become more powerful, streams are fuller, and the forest turns lush green. However, trails can be slippery and water levels may change quickly. The cool season is well suited for trekking, camping, and viewpoint visits, while the hot season is better for shaded forest areas and cave visits. Travelers should choose the season according to their preferred activities and always check current information with park officers before entering trekking routes.

 

Khlong Tron National Park is also an important learning area for forest ecology. Its streams, waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and forest trails are part of a larger natural system that supports wildlife, vegetation, and local water resources. Responsible travel is therefore essential. Visitors should not leave rubbish, disturb wildlife, collect plants or stones, make excessive noise, or walk outside designated routes. A respectful visit helps protect the forest while allowing future travelers to experience the same natural beauty.

 

For visitors planning to hike, camp, or visit remote natural attractions inside the park, preparation is essential. Recommended items include hiking shoes, breathable clothing, rain protection, a flashlight, a hat, drinking water, packed food, insect repellent, personal medicine, a power bank, and a personal rubbish bag. Mobile phone signal may be weak or unavailable in some areas, so travelers should inform park officers or someone they trust about their route before setting out.

 

Khlong Tron National Park is suitable for several types of travelers. Families can focus on accessible areas near the park office and easier natural spots. Hikers can plan waterfall or Phu Miang routes. Nature photographers can capture forest streams, waterfalls, cliffs, morning light, and seasonal vegetation. Students and environmental travelers can use the park as a learning site for watershed forests and conservation. The park rewards visitors who travel slowly and pay attention to the natural surroundings.

 

Getting There from Uttaradit city, take Highway 1045 toward Nam Pat District for about 68 kilometres. From Nam Pat District Office, continue on Highway 1212 on the Huai Duea–Ban Phia route toward Ban Ton Khanun for about 23 kilometres to reach the park office area. The park is located at Moo 3, Nam Khrai Subdistrict, Nam Pat District, Uttaradit 53110. Private cars or rental cars are the most practical options. Travelers should refuel before leaving the main town area and check vehicle condition carefully because parts of the route lead into natural and less urban areas.

 

Travelers can combine a visit to Khlong Tron National Park with other destinations in Uttaradit, such as Ton Sak Yai Forest Park, Sirikit Dam, Phu Soi Dao National Park, and local attractions around Nam Pat District. Staying overnight in Nam Pat is a practical choice for those who want to start early, visit waterfalls, or plan a trekking route. Local restaurants, cafés, small resorts, and homestay-style accommodations are available in the district, making it possible to plan a nature trip with basic travel comfort.

 

For foreign travelers, Khlong Tron National Park is best approached as a nature and trekking destination rather than a casual sightseeing stop. Its beauty lies in forest silence, flowing streams, remote waterfalls, natural caves, and mountain viewpoints. With proper preparation, respect for park rules, and guidance from local officers when needed, the park offers one of the most rewarding nature experiences in Uttaradit Province.

 

 

A: Khlong Tron National Park is located in Nam Khrai Subdistrict, Nam Pat District, Uttaradit Province, Thailand.

 

A: The area is closely connected. Khlong Tron is the former and widely known name, while Ton Sak Yai National Park is the official name now used to reflect the park’s teak forest identity.

 

A: The main highlights include Khlong Tron Waterfall, Huai Khom Waterfall, Phu Miang Cliff, Chan Cave, Chedi Cave, Leopard Cave, Pha Tang Cave, and the Khlong Tron forest stream.

 

A: Yes. Khlong Tron Waterfall requires walking through a natural forest route, so visitors should check trail conditions with park officers before entering.

 

A: Phu Miang Cliff is more suitable for prepared hikers because it requires trekking and has no facilities on the camping area.

 

A: Yes. Chan Cave can be reached by vehicle, making it more accessible than some waterfall and cliff routes inside the park.

 

A: Travelers should bring hiking shoes, drinking water, rain protection, insect repellent, personal medicine, a flashlight, and should contact park officers for updated route conditions.

 

A: The rainy season is good for waterfalls and lush forest scenery, while the cool season is better for hiking, camping, and viewpoint visits. Visitors should check park announcements before traveling.