Thung Salaeng Luang National Park

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, a sprawling natural wonderland nestled in the heart of Thailand, is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Spanning across the provinces of Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, this lush park covers an area of approximately 1,262 square kilometers. As you embark on your journey to explore Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, this guide will provide useful information on its history, flora and fauna, how to get there, accommodation options, activities, and more.

Established in 1963, Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is Thailand’s 7th national park. The park’s name translates to “Royal Hunting Ground” in English, a nod to its historical use as a hunting reserve by Thai kings. Interestingly, the park also played a significant role during World War II, as it served as a training ground for the Free Thai Movement, a group of Thai resistance fighters against the Japanese occupation.

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, pine forests, and grasslands. The park’s highest peak, Khao Kho, reaches an elevation of 1,143 meters above sea level. The park is also home to two major rivers, the Nan and Khwae Noi, which meander through the park and provide a vital source of water for the region’s flora and fauna.

Flora and Fauna

The park’s varied ecosystems support a wide array of plant and animal species. The evergreen and mixed deciduous forests are home to more than 700 plant species, including rare and endemic ones such as the Siamese sal (Shorea obtusa) and Siamese rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis). The park’s grasslands are dominated by needle grass (Heteropogon contortus) and blady grass (Imperata cylindrica).

As for wildlife, the park is home to over 200 species of vertebrates, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the park’s most iconic mammals include Asian elephants, gaur, sambar deer, barking deer, and wild boars. There are also several rare and endangered species, such as the Asiatic black bear, Indochinese tiger, Malayan tapir, and white-handed gibbon.

Birdwatchers will be delighted by the park’s rich birdlife, which boasts more than 150 species, including the gray-headed fish eagle, white-fronted scops owl, silver-breasted broadbill, and coral-billed ground cuckoo.

How to Get There

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is accessible from both Bangkok and Chiang Mai. From Bangkok, visitors can either rent a car or take a bus to Phitsanulok, followed by a local bus or taxi to the park’s entrance. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours. Alternatively, one can fly from Bangkok to Phitsanulok and then take a taxi or bus to the park. From Chiang Mai, the drive to the park takes about 6 hours by car or bus.

Where to Stay and Eat

There are several accommodation options within the park, including bungalows, tent sites, and a youth hostel. Bungalows range from basic fan rooms to more comfortable air-conditioned ones, and can be reserved through the park’s website or by calling the park office. Tent sites are also available for those who prefer to camp, and tents can be rented from the park office.

For dining, the park has a restaurant that serves Thai and international dishes. There are also a few local restaurants and food stalls near the park entrance offering delicious, authentic Thai cuisine at affordable prices. For those who prefer to cook their own meals, there are designated barbecue areas within the park where visitors can grill and enjoy a meal amidst the natural surroundings.