Friday 19 December 2008

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago in the gulf of Thailand consisting of 42 separate islands, the principle islands being;Phaluai, Wua Ta Lap, Mae Ko, Sam Sao, Hin Dap, Nai Phut and Phai luak. All the islands occur in Ang Thong district, of Amphur Samui, Surat Thani province. The park covers a total area of 102 sq.km of which about only 18 sq.km is land. The National park does not encompass the entire island chain, its jurisdiction covers about 82% of the total area. The park was established on 12th November 1980.

Geographical Features

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park consists of 42 islands. Its main islands are, for examples, Phaluai Island, Wua Chio Island, Wua Talap Island, Mae Ko Island, Samsao Island, Phai Luak Island, Kha Island, Hindap Island, Phi Island, Wua Kantang Island, Mae Yat Island, Wua Te Island, Naiphut Island, Changsom Island, Hanuman Island, Thaiphlao Island, Huaklong Island, and Kho Ban Island.Most of the islands consists of limestone mountains about 10-400 meters above sea level. Because the limestone can change its structure easily by both chemical condition and weather, so that makes the islands have many, strange-looking caves and cliffs, and some islands are looked like ancient Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Prasart Hin Pimai.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park Weather Condition

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park has been influenced by monsoon that causes big waves and heavy rain, approximately 2,000 mm. of rain all the year round, and the temperature is approximately 23 oC. The appropriate time for visiting the islands is between February and April, although the temperature is quite hot but the sea is calm suitable for sailing.
During monsoon (November and December) in the Gulf of Thailand always have big waves and windy. Traveling to Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani Province is not safe. Thus, National Park office announced for temporary closing during 1 November - 23 December every year.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

The islands of the park are covered in forest of four types;
Dry Evergreen Forest, occurs on the larger islands with significant patches on Wua Ta Lap,Phaluai and Sam Sao. The principle tree species are; Memecylon sp., Barringtonia fusiformis, Semecarpus curtisii, Cinna- momum sp., Caryota spp., Calamus spp. and Paphio- pedilum niveum "Ang Thong" Pfitz.
Beach Forest, occurs in a narrow strip around most of the larger islands, especially in the area above high water mark on beaches. Species occuring include; Terrminalia catappa, Thespesia populnea, Carophyllum inophyllum, Scaevola taccada, Erythrina fusea, Pandanus monotheca and Crinum sp.
Limestone forest, occurs on the exposed cliff faces and in the very shallow soils on top of the limestone hills. Most of the plants found here are small and highly adapted to survive in the severe environment, species recorded include; Dracaena loureiri, Euphorbia antiquorum and Morinda sp.
Mangrove forest, occurs in the very sheltered spots where sandbars and mudflats have developed. This forest type is best represented around Mae Ko island and on the eastern side of Phaluai island. These forest areas are well structured with many trees, both large and small, the dominant species is Rhizophora apiculata.
On the larger islands with areas of undisturbed forest many species of animals are present. Occasionally seen are Spectacled langurs, Hairy-nosed otters, bats, Pacific reef-egret, Brahminy kite, White-bellied seaeagle, Common sandpiper, Edible nest swiflet, Oriental pied hornbill, Southern pied hornbill, Ashy drongo, Collared kingfisher, Monitor lizards, Tortoises, Sea Turtles and Pythons.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park The area of the Gulf of Thailand in which the islands are situated is at a maximum 10 meters deep. The islands rise up out of the water and are thus surrounded by water which is relatively shallow. This means that the water is greatly influenced by turbid river water from the mainland, the river water does not encounter deep water which will reduce its velocity and thus allow carried sediment to settle out. The water around the islands is thus fairly turbid all year round. The coral development on the islands is not extensive and is restricted to a narrow band encircling each island close to the shore, especially on the southwestern and northeastern sides. Although the Northwestern side of the islands is the area most influenced by the monsoon, in sheltered spots good corals develop especially; elephants tusk coral, brain coral, stagshorn coral and in deeper water plate corals of the genus Pavona and flower corals of the genus Goniopora. Animals found inhabiting these reefs include; Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Parrotfish, Stingray, Black tip shark, Grouper and Cowrie shells.
In areas where the water is not so clear or is subjected to strong currents the species diversity is poor and is dominated by Seaworms, Crabs and brown seaweeds, of the genus Sargassum and Turbinaria.
In places with steep rocky shorelines or where the water is very turbid coral cannot survive. In these areas sedentary marine life is prevalent including; Sea fans, Oysters, Clams and Mussels, which can be seen covering the exposed rock surfaces.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park The water of the gulf of Thailand is very rich and provides a valuable resource upon which a rich diversity of animals and plants are able to thrive. This richness is long established and thus the seas around Ang Thong are plentiful. Species commercially collected are Softcorals, Penshells, Sponges, Seaweeds and Barnacles, important fish species caught include; Mackerel, Anchovy and Squid.

Location and Journey

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
145/1, Talat Lang rd, Talat Sub-district,, Muang Surat Thani, Surat Thani, Thailand 84000
Tel. : 0 7728 6025, 0 7728 0222 Fax : 0 7728 6588
Head's name : Satid Tontikittiya Position : Administrative Forest Officer 7

By Car

Use national road number 35 (Thonburi-Paktho) from Bangkok to national road number 4 pass Phetchaburi province, Chumphon province, and Prachuap Khiri Khan province to national road number 41 to Surat Thani province, approximately 644 kilometers. ( Bangkok to Koh Samui air-bus fare = 745 Baht.) Go on to Donsak District and on board a ferry from Donsak District for another 60 kilometers.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park By Airplane

By Thai Airline Public Co, Ltd. from Bangkok to Surat Thani province. The airfare is 2,055 Baht.By Bangkok Airway Co, Ltd. from Bangkok to Samui Island. The airfare is 3,180 Baht. There is return flight every day, and about 1:15 hour a trip.

By Ship

Traveler can set off from Samui Island to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park about 35 kilometers with 1,100 Baht a person by taxi-boat (tour boat).

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park By Train

Use the train everyday from Bangkok (Hua Lam Phong) to Phunphin Train Station, and take a bus to Surat Thani Province and go further by bus of Surat Thani – Samui Island.

By Bus

Take a bus from Surat Thani to Ko Samui District about 84 kilometers with the air-bus fair = 210 Baht a person. from Ban-Don Seaport, Surat Thani Province, to Samui Island at 05.00 AM. And at 09.00 PM. from Samui Island to Surat Thani Province at 04.00 Am.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

Thailand National Park : Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

Thailand National Park : Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

Thailand National Park : Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

Thailand National Park : Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

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Thailand National Park : Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

Tags : Thailand National Park , Thailand Travel, Nature Travel , Thailand Picture, National Park Camping ,Scuba

Khun Nan National Park ( Nan National Park )

Khun Nan National Park Khun Nan National Park is within the compound of the Doi Phu Kha and Doi Pha Daeng National Forest Reserves, Phu Fa sub-district, Bo Kluea Tai sub-district and Dong Phaya sub-district, covering important mountain ranges such as Phu Fa, Khun Nam Wa Noi, Nam Wa Klang and Phi Pan Nam mountain ranges. The summit of the Phi Pan Nam mountain in Dong Phaya sub-district is the highest point, with an approximate height of 1,745 metres above sea level. The waterfall is full of water throughout the year.

Khun Nan National Park Interesting Attractions within the National Park are as follows:
Namtok Sapan is at Mu 1, Ban Sapan, Dong Phaya sub-district, 1 kilometre from the Office of the National Park. Take Highway No. 1081 and turn right for 2 kilometres. It is a medium-size waterfall with a height of 3 tiers with a stream throughout the year. It is a shady, beautiful, and abundant forest, 10 kilometres from the Bo Kluea District Office. It is conveniently accessible by car. Continue with a walk for 700-800 metres.
Namtok Huai Ha is at Mu 14, Ban Na Bong, Bo Kluea Tai sub-district. It is a medium-size waterfall. The first, second and third tiers are approximately 8, 12 and 50 metres high, respectively. There is water throughout the year. The third tier (Pha Daeng) consists of various beautiful cascades.

Khun Nan National Park To get there:
By Bus:
From Mueang Nan district, take the Nan – Pua bus and continue with the Pua – Bo Kluea bus. Get off at Bo Kluea district and continue with the Bo Kluea – Chaloem Phra Kiat bus. The bus will pass the entrance of the National Park. Continue with a walk for 500 metres.
By Car: From Bo Kluea T-junction, turn left into Highway No.1081 for around 5 kilometres. The park is on the right side. Proceed further for 500 metres. The entrance is a laterite road. The viewpoint spot is 2 kilometres from the park.
The Khun Nan National Park provides accommodation and a camping area for tourists. Contact Dong Phaya Sub-district, Bo Kluea District, Nan 55220, Tel. 08 1960 5507 or www.dnp.go.th or e-mail: reserve@dnp.go.th.

Thursday 11 December 2008

Doi Phu Kha National Park ( Nan National Park )

Doi Phu Kha National Park Weather Condition

Three main seasons are characteristic in the park. There is they rainy season, May to October, with the peak rainfall in August and September. The cold season (November-February) is the most popular time to visit the park.

Location and Journey

Doi Phu Kha National Park
Phu Kha Sub-district,, Pua, Nan, Thailand 55120
Tel. : 0 5470 1000, 0 5473 1362 Fax : 0 5473 1362
Head's name : Poonsatit Wongsawat Position : Technical Forest Officer 7

By Car

To get to the Doi Phuka National Park, take route Nan-Pau for 60 kilometers. There is park sign mark that will take you up to the Headquarters of the park with 25 kilometers.

Doi Phu Kha National Park Accommodations

Booking can be arranged through in this website or telephone booking at +66 2562 0760. Reservation can be made 60 days in advance. Payment at Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, needs to be done within 2 days after the reservation is being made.
Foreign clients who perform online accommodation booking from outside Thailand must transfer the accommodation fee (except bank service charge) to Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, Thailand, account number039-6-02816-0.

Doi Phu Kha National Park

Nan Thailand National Park : Doi Phu Kha National Park

Doi Phu Kha National Park

Tags : Thailand National Park , Thailand Travel, Nature Travel , Thailand Picture, National Park Camping

Tuesday 2 December 2008

Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National ParkTham Pla - Pha Sua National Park is situated in an approximate area of 488 square kilometers or 305,000 rai, covering the areas of Tham Pla - Pha Sua Waterfall in the right hand side of Mae-pai National Conserved Forest, Muang District, and Pang Ma-pha Sub-district. The topography of the National Park consist of high mountains extending northwards, which are the sources of streams and rivers. The natural sightseeing spots at the National Park consist of Tham Pla - Pha Sua Waterfall, which are beautiful and very popular for recreational activities.

Geography

The topography of the National Park consist of steep mountains. And Doi Lan is the highest mountaintop of the National Park (1,918 meters above the sea level). The north and the west of the National Park reaches Charn State of the Union of Myanmar; whereas, the south of the National Park reaches Huay Mhak-uen and Huay Peung of Muang District, Mae Hong Son Province; and the east of the National Park reaches the River of Pang Ma-pha Sub-district, Mae Hong Son Province.

Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National ParkClimate

The weather at the National Park is influenced by the tropical seasonal monsoon and can be divided into 3 seasons including the rainy season (May-October), when there are heavy rains (within the 10-year period, it rains 138 days/year); winter (November-January), when the weather is dry and cold; and summer (February-May), when the weather is hot and sultry.

Flora and Fauna

There are various kinds of forests within the areas of the National Park, including tropical evergreen forests, virgin forests, pinery, mixed forests, timber forests, and grasslands. Major plants include Lagerstroemia floribunda (Tabaek-na), timbers, Shorea siamensis (Rang), Sindora siamensis Teijsm. Ex Miq. (Maka-tae), teak, Afzelia xylocarpa Roxb., Leguminosae (Pradoo), Xylia xylocarpa (redwood plants), Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz. (Tabaek-luerd), Malabar ironwood, two-leaf/three-leaf pines, etc.
Wild animals found in the National Park include goral, gaur, wild buffaloes, bears, Muntiacus Muntjak, wild boars, birds, etc.

Article Source : www.dnp.go.th

Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Mae Hong Son Thailand National Park : Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Mae Hong Son Thailand National Park : Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

TTham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Mae Hong Son Thailand National Park : Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Mae Hong Son Thailand National Park : Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Tags : Thailand National Park , Thailand Travel, Nature Travel , Thailand Picture, National Park Camping