Highway 4015 (Nakhon Sri Thammarat-Lansaka), Ampher Lansaka Nakhon Si Thammarat
Detail
Khao Luang National Park
้Located
covers the area of Nakhon
Si Thammarat, Tha Sala, Phromkhiri, Chawang, and Phipoon districts of Nakhon
Si Thammarat Province
Travel
From Nakhon Si Thammarat
on highway No.4015 about 28 km. Then turn right.
Background
Topographically, the southern
part of Thailand is a long peninsular which has some scattered mountain
ranges in particular areas. In the central area of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
such landscape is obvious. The Nakhon Si Thammarat Ranges, named after the
province, are located in the central part of the province. Therefore, much
of this large southern province is covered with rugged mountains laying
as long lines parallel to the eastern coast.
In the past, these mountains
and forests were known as a sighificant source of lood that nurtured the
prosperity of ancient communities. The well-known, great Tamphonling Kingdom
of the Southern Peninsular was located here. Khao Luang, the highest point
in peninsular Thailand is also a rich source of various resources, e.g.
mines, wood, herbs, wild produce, and water. As a result, it made Nakhon
si Thammarat a very important trading seaport centre in Southeast Asia.
At present, the business
centre has been shifted to other places in accordance with changing conditions,
but Khao Luangs significance still remains. Apart from being a source of
various natural resources, it also serves as a rare habitat of a variety
of biodiversities of numerous species that are countless in value.
The Royal Forestry Department
declared Khao Luang as the 9th national park of Thailand on 18 December,1974.
Khao Luang National park
covers an area of approximately 356,250 rai or 570 square kilometres. There
is range upon range as far as the eye can see. Most parts of the formation
are soil from igneous rock with scattered limestone mountains. The highest
peak of the ranges is about 1,835 metres above sea level.
One of the most important
river, which murtures the land of the central penisular.
The climate of the region
is mainly rain throughout the year. This begins in May and becomes heavier
during October-Decemer, but decreases in January. The quantity of rain is
scarce during February-April compared with the rest of the year.
Since the area of the park
is covered with high mountains with year-round rainfall, this effects the
types of vegetation and the forest growing there. Due to the high altitude,
the forest is generally Tropical Rain Forest which can be categorised according
to the different heights of altitude and the availability. Such as : Lowland Forest
can see Yang(Dipterocarpus spp.), ferns, taro, galanga, ginger,pandanus,
Hill Forest can
see Podocarpus, giant fishtail palms, and tree ferns Lower Montane Forest
can see Engenia, Schima tree, Oak, filmy ferns, mosses and Begonia Montane Forest can
see cloud forest, Rhodo-dendron, Oak, mosses, ferns, and lichens
The rich natural resources
of Khao Luang National Park's forest attracts divers species of animals,
e.g. Malayan tapir and serrow which are preserved in Thailand. These animals,
which generally are difficult to see, inhabit the valleys of the central
part of the park, Anim that are easily visible are macaque, musk deer, civet,
binturong, and various kinds of rare southern birds and reptiles ; for instance,
turtles, lizards, and rare jungle insects that can be found around the bush
on the sides of the water courses or falls throughout the park.
The place attraction in
the park are Karom Waterfall, Phrom Lok Waterfall, Krung Ching Waterfall,
Ai Khieo Waterfall, and Top of Khao Luang.
The Activities : Natural
trekking on Krung Ching's Nature Trail and Trekking to the Top of Khao Luang,
Elephant Trekking and Rafting at Khlong Klaai (a new way of amusement for
visitors rafting into the forest and then elephant trekking back to the
village) can also get a glimpse of the wxotic jungle of Krung Ching.
( The informaing from : Nature Guidebook Khao Luang National Park ,Nakhon
Si Thammarat ;by Tourism Authority of Thailand, Southen office : Region
1)
Contact
TAT Southern Regional Office: Area 2, Sanam Na Muang, Ratchadamneon Rd., Muang, Nakhon Si Thammarat (075) 346515 Fax (075) 346517 E-mail : tatnakon@nrt.cscoms.com
Does anyone know the latest census of tigers/leopards in Khao Luang Np and Khao Sok? I have heard that some Np staff over estimated the number. What´s the chance of spotting tigers/leopards?
