Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park
Chaloem Rattanakosin national park is the smallest park in Kanchanaburi province. Its main features are fertile forests, steep limestone mountains, waterfalls and mysterious caves. The park was designated in February 1980 as Thailand's 17th national park covering an area of 59 square kilometers. The forested, limestone mountains of the park are the watershed of Mae Klong river. The highest peak in the park is Kam Paeng mountain which reaches 1260 meters.
The park is mostly covered by dry evergreen forest, deciduous forest with some areas of bamboo forest. There are many kinds of animal in the park, such as leopard, Banteng, Gaur, deer, white-handed gibbons and monkeys. Over 60 species of bird have been recorded in the park, including Oriental Pied Hornbills, Francolin, Tickell's Blue and Red-Flycatchers and Coppersmith Barbets. A special type of animal is "water dog" or barking tree frog (Manam of Kiadwag in Thai), a rare frog with a croak that is remarkably similar to a dog's bark.
Highlights and tourist Attractions
Tharn Lod Noi Cave The subtle lighting in this 300 meters cave illuminates the many stalactites. A small stream inside cools the air in the cave. A 2km trail leads from this cave to its sister cave. On this trail there is a huge tree covered with bamboo stakes that villagers use to climb and collect honey from bee nests in the upper branches. An hour walk would take one to the other cave.
Tharn Lod Yai cave A spectacular sinkhole with a natural stone arch over the stream. The cave is an ancient graveyard; and weapons, skeletons and charms have been found in the cave.
How to get there
From Kanchanaburi drive along the route no. 323 to the west to the intersection with route no. 3086. Turn right (to the north) on to route number 3086 and drive to Nong Pru district. Turn left (to the west) onto the road 3480 to Ban Tha Lamyat. There is a dirt road to the park headquarters. The distance from Kanchanaburi to the park is about 96 km.
Erawan National Park
Erawan national park was designated in June 1975 as Thailand's 12th national park. It covers an area of 550 square kilometers of high mountains and valleys. The eastern mountains rise to nearly 1000 meters with shear limestone cliffs. These mountains protect the area from the eastern monsoon resulting in a low average rainfall. In summer the weather is sweltering, but it is cool between November and February. The main feature of the park is the stunning Erawan waterfall.
Deciduous forest covers about 78% of the park with Pterocorpus macrocarpus, Hopea odorata, Afzelia xylocarpa and Spondaic pinnata being some of the dominant tree species. There are also dipterocarp, dry evergreen and bamboo forest. Wildlife surveys of mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians have been carried out. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of elephants, gibbons, Siamese hare, flying squirrels, eagles, white-eyes, king cobras or pythons. Fish, crabs and insect are abundant in many steams.
Tourist attractions
Erawan Waterfall
The 7 levels of this waterfall drops 1,500 meters down steep-sided cliffs. It is surrounded by beautiful forest with many types of trees and orchids. There is a trail as far as the 6th level and from there you have to scramble up the cliff to reach the 7th level. The climb is well worth the effort, for the sight of tumbling water, spraying off the boulders into the deep pool below. This fall resembles the head of the Erawan Elephant (the 3-headed elephant from Hindu Mythology) which gives the whole waterfall its name.
Wang Bahdan Cave
is a big limestone cave located 54 km from the headquarters. Its narrow entrance widens into a large hall festooned with strange limestone formations.
Pratat Cave
is 12 km from the headquarters. Strange-shaped stalactites and stalagmites fascinate the eyes, and a huge rock garden with a stupa or eagle-shaped sandstone decorates the centre of the cave.
Ta Duang Cave
Unfortunately boulders have collapsed in front of the mouth of this cave and it is no longer possible to enter. There are wonderful stone age paintings of people, trees and way of life on the walls of this cave.
Mee Cave
This large 5 roomed cave has many strange shaped rocks and striking colored stalactites and stalagmites.
Rua Cave
Main feature of thes cave is ancient boat-shape water bowl carved out of a log. The head of the water bowl.
Kheaun Sri Nakarin National Park
The park is located in Sai Yok, Sri Sawat and Thong Pha Phum districts of Kanchanaburi province. Beautiful natural features abound including waterfalls, hot springs, caves and an island studded reservoir. The park was designated in 1981, and has a total area of 1,532 square kilometers.
The limestone mountains are covered in evergreen and deciduous forests, the origin of Kwae Yai river. Abundant wildlife includes leopard cat, slow loris, civets, squirrels and bats. Birds found in the park include parakeets, kingfishers, beeaters, orioles and barbets. The north side of the reservoir is an important fishing area for local people.
Tourist attractions
Huay Knamin Waterfall
is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. The stream separates into two channels and tumbles down seven levels before flowing on to the upper Kwae Yai river in Khaoen Sri Nakarin.
Khaoen Sri Nakarin
view point overlooks the beauty of Sri Nakarin reservoir. You can take a boat trip to explore the dam lake.
Neramit Cave
is a limestone cave which looks like a dome. There are many stalactites and stalagmites inside.
Phra Cave
has a Buddha image inside. It used to be the hiding place of Thai soldiers during the Thai (Myanmar) Burmese war in the 18th Century.
Phatat Waterfall
is the most beautiful waterfall in Thong Pha Phum district. It is located on the route number 323 and is surrounded by peaceful countryside.
Hot spring
there are 2 hot springs suitable for bathing.
Accommodations and facilities
There are some bungalows and raft houses. There is also a campground, though visitors have to bring their own tent and equipment.
How to get there
Take the route 3199 for 105 km from Kanchanaburi. From there you have two options. You can go by land following the laterite road for about 45 km (1.5 hours). Or by water - hire a boat from Khaoen Sri Nakarin market (Talad in Thai) or Ta Kradan district market, which takes about 1 hour.
Sai Yok National Park
Sai Yok national park sits within Thong Pha Phum and Sai Yok districts of Kanchanaburi province, and is about 98 km from the Kanchanaburi town. On the west it is bordering with Thanin-thar-yi province of southern Myanmar.
It became the national park on 27 October 1980, with a total area of 500 square kilometers. The area is mountainous, mostly limestone mountains which run on north-south axis. King Rama 5 used to visit this place and take a bath in a stream.
Mountains and hills are covered by mixed deciduous and dry evergreen forest with bamboo forest. There is a teak forest along the Kwae river side. Wildlife seen in the park includes bull, red cow, tiger, wild pig, samba deer, barking deer and birds. Khun Kitti Bat (probably the world smallest bat) and Poo Rachinee (Queen crab) are also found.
Tourist attractions
Sai Yok Waterfall
flowing into Kwae Noi river, is located close to the headquarters. The head of the river is situated in the forest in Erawan national park. It is beautiful in the rainy season (July to November).
Sai Yok Noi Waterfall (Khao Pung)
is located close to the road number 323 (Kanchanaburi - Thong Pha Phum). During the holidays both waterfalls are crowded with local visitors.
Kwae Noi River
the river on western boundary of Thailand. There are some rapids and sand beaches.
Lawa Cave
is located 20 km south of Sai Yok waterfall. The entrance is narrow, but as you go in the inside is bigger and there are beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.
How to get there
From Kanchanaburi use the road number 323 (Kanchanaburi - Thong Pha Phum) to km marker 97, then turn left and continue for 3 km to the headquarters. Kanchanaburi can be reached by train. If you take the train get off at Sai Yok Noi station and get a local bus to the national park.
Thong Pha Phum National Park
The 1120 square kilometers park covers Sri Sawar and Thong Pha Phum districts in the western Kanchanaburi province, bordering Myanmar (Burma). The forest is connecting with Thung Yai Naresuan wildlife sanctuary, Sai Yok national park, Khao Laem national park and the forests in Myanmar.
The land is fertile and complex. The forested hills are believed to be accommodating many plants and wildlife including elephant, mountain goat, tiger, bear, buffalo, barking deer, civet and birds.
Tourist attractions
Khao Yai Waterfall
is a large fall with 3 levels. The surrounding forest is peaceful and good for recreation. A 4 km nature trail leads to the fall.
Jok Ka Din Waterfall
is a flow of water over 30 meters cliff.
Khao Khad Viewpoint
is close to Jok Ka Din waterfall. The high elevation viewpoint offers a panorama views of surounding forest lands and Jok Ka din waterfall.
Khao Noi Cave
is located in Taling Daeng village of Huay khayeng sub-district (in Thong Pha Phum district). Inside the cave is a Buddha image respected by the villagers. There are stalactites and stalagmites in the cave.
How to get there
From Thong Pha Phum town take the road 3272 (Thong Pha Phum- Muang Bilog) for 30 km to the park.
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area from the eastern monsoon resulting in a low average rainfall. In summer the weather is sweltering, but it is cool between November and February. The main feature of the park is the stunning Erawan waterfall. 
