Khao Lampi - Thai Mueang National Park
"Discovering Nature's Serenity: Exploring the Wonders of Khao Lampi - Thai Mueang National Park"
Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang National Park, often referred to simply as Khao Lampi - Thai Mueang National Park, is a national park in Phang Nga Province, Thailand. It is situated in the districts of Thai Mueang and Kapong and covers an area of 72 square kilometers. The park was established on April 14, 1986, making it one of the older national parks in Thailand.
Here are some key features and attractions of the park:
1. **Geography**: The park includes coastal and inland areas, providing a mix of natural environments. The inland region is characterized by its rugged mountains, part of the Phuket mountain range, with elevations that range from the coast up to about 1,000 meters above sea level.
2. **Beaches**: One of the park's main attractions is Thai Mueang Beach, a picturesque beach with golden sands stretching for several kilometers along the Andaman Sea coastline. It's known for being much quieter than the busy tourist beaches in nearby Phuket.
3. **Waterfalls**: The park is home to beautiful waterfalls, such as Lampi Waterfall and Ton Prai Waterfall. These scenic locations are popular for relaxation, picnics, and enjoy the natural beauty.
4. **Flora and Fauna**: The national park shelters various types of ecosystems, including evergreen forests, mangroves, and marine habitats. As a result, it boasts rich biodiversity, with numerous species of plants, animals, and marine creatures. Rare species like the Malayan tapir and leatherback sea turtles, which nest on Thai Mueang beach, can be found here.
5. **Marine Turtles**: Thai Mueang beach within the park is one of the few remaining spots in Thailand where marine turtles come ashore to lay eggs. The nesting season usually peaks between November and March, and during this time, the park organizes turtle release festivals. These have become educational and conservation efforts to protect the endangered species.
6. **Activities**: Visitors to Khao Lampi - Thai Mueang National Park can enjoy various activities, including hiking to waterfalls, exploring the beach, bird watching, and studying the rich marine life through snorkeling or diving.
How to Get There
Thai Mueang Beach can be reached from Thai Mueang Town on route 4. Just follow the turn west to the beach. The forest area is best entered at Lampi Waterfall some 10km south of Thai Mueang Town. Entrance to the national park is 100-baht for foreigners and 40-baht for Thais.
Here are some key features and attractions of the park:
1. **Geography**: The park includes coastal and inland areas, providing a mix of natural environments. The inland region is characterized by its rugged mountains, part of the Phuket mountain range, with elevations that range from the coast up to about 1,000 meters above sea level.
2. **Beaches**: One of the park's main attractions is Thai Mueang Beach, a picturesque beach with golden sands stretching for several kilometers along the Andaman Sea coastline. It's known for being much quieter than the busy tourist beaches in nearby Phuket.
3. **Waterfalls**: The park is home to beautiful waterfalls, such as Lampi Waterfall and Ton Prai Waterfall. These scenic locations are popular for relaxation, picnics, and enjoy the natural beauty.
4. **Flora and Fauna**: The national park shelters various types of ecosystems, including evergreen forests, mangroves, and marine habitats. As a result, it boasts rich biodiversity, with numerous species of plants, animals, and marine creatures. Rare species like the Malayan tapir and leatherback sea turtles, which nest on Thai Mueang beach, can be found here.
5. **Marine Turtles**: Thai Mueang beach within the park is one of the few remaining spots in Thailand where marine turtles come ashore to lay eggs. The nesting season usually peaks between November and March, and during this time, the park organizes turtle release festivals. These have become educational and conservation efforts to protect the endangered species.
6. **Activities**: Visitors to Khao Lampi - Thai Mueang National Park can enjoy various activities, including hiking to waterfalls, exploring the beach, bird watching, and studying the rich marine life through snorkeling or diving.
How to Get There
Thai Mueang Beach can be reached from Thai Mueang Town on route 4. Just follow the turn west to the beach. The forest area is best entered at Lampi Waterfall some 10km south of Thai Mueang Town. Entrance to the national park is 100-baht for foreigners and 40-baht for Thais.