Than Bok Khorani National Park

Established on 30 September 1998, Than Bok Khorani National Park covers 104 square kilometres of coastal limestone hills in the Ao Luek district, as well as 23 islands off the coast of Krabi province, including the famous Hong Islands. Known by the locals as Mu Koh Hong, it is a stunning archipelago consisting of a dozen deserted islands scattered 7 kilometres off the Krabi's coast and approximately 17 km northwest of Noppharat Thara Beach in Ao Nang. A good part of islands are so small that have no beaches. Most have limestone karst formations in the center or on the shores. Few are quite large as Koh Lo or Koh Saga, Koh Lao Riam, Koh Pakka, Koh Phak Bia and Koh Lao La Ding, and are characterized by stunning white sand beaches. Koh Hong, also known as Koh Lao Pile, located at extreme south of the group is the largest and main attraction of whole archipelago. Koh Hong is the most spectacular example of what Mother Nature is able to create. The island is a majestic limestone formation in the middle of sea that surrounds a breathtaking natural lagoon, a spectacular feature that gives meaning to its strange name. In fact Hong is the Thai word for room, koh or ko is simply an island, so translating literally its name means the Room Island. As the entire group of islands is under the protection of the National Park, it's allowed the visit only during the day, while it is not permitted any form of overnight stay. The terrestrial area of the park is characterized by mountainous ridges alternating along a north-south direction with a variety of deep slopes. There is a little bit of plain area, mostly located on the shoulder and in the valley in the midst of the mountains. The limestone mountains in this area are covered by mixed tropical forests, while the coastal area is mostly characterized by mangrove forests. The park offers an abundance of natural trekking routes, freshing waterfalls, tall limestone towers, beach and streams. Than Bok Khorani National Park is the source and watershed for the water of Ao Luek District, and is crossed by five important streams: Marui, Klang, Nam Tok, Ao Luek and Ka Rot. The sources of these streams are Nam Phut Cave and Ao Mai Dam Mountain, literally Black Tree Bay Mountain. During their flow through the area, on their journey to the sea, these streams often disappear into the limestone rocks beneath underneath the mountains and form sink holes and caves, including the popular Tham Hua Kalok cave. Literally translatable into Skull Cave, and also called Tham Phi Hua To, the cave is located near Phang Nga Bay and contains prehistoric paintings in black and red pigment of humans and strange animals.
Wildlife
The park's area was formerly the territory of wild elephants, until people moved in and settled the area. Currently the wildlife includes Wild boar, Fishing Cats, Mouse Deer, Gibbon, Langurs, Large Indian Civet, Malayan Porqupine, Pangolin, Otters, Squirrels, Javan Mongoose and Flying Lemurs. Birds include Brahminy Kite, Common Koel, White breasted waterhen, Hill Myna, Woodpeckers and Grey Wagtail. The rivers are habitat for a wealth of freshwater species, including True Eel and Long Tom. Reptile sightings, such as Chameleon, Bengal Monitor, King Cobra, Reticulated Python, Malayan Pit Viper and Bronzeback are quite frequent.
Climate
The climate on the area of this national park is the typical monsoon weather, consists of 2 seasons: raining and hot season. Raining Season runs from April till December every year. The heavy rain would be found in September while November would be cold with an average temperature at 26.4 degrees Celsius. Hot Season starts from mid of January till April every year. February is the lowest of raining and very hot but suitable for travel. In April, the average temperature is 29 degrees Celsius.
Getting There
Than Bok Khorani National Park is about 43 km north of Krabi Town. There are no public transport options to reach the park directly from Krabi. However, visitors to the park can reach the Ao Luek Tai sub-district using the bus lines that run on Highway 4 toward Phuket and Phang Nga Bay from the Krabi Provincial Bus Station. Reached Ao Luek Tai, the best option to get the park's entrance is to use a song-thaew, about 4 km from Highway 4. Alternatively, visitors can reach the park independently by renting a car in Krabi for less than 1500 THB per day. The easiest way to get the park from downtown by car is to follow Route 411 northbound, then turn left on Highway 4, the Phet Kasem Road which runs just outside the centre, and then follow it northwards until Ao Luek Tai sub-district. Reached Ao Luek Tai, you will find the Ao Luk-Laem Sak road leading to the park entrance on the left, about 40 km from Krabi.
Park Access Fees
Admission fee for foreign is 400 THB per adults and 200 THB per children, free under three years, while for Thai citizens is 20 THB per adults and 10 THB per children.Read More