ไทย
The temperature in the dry season seems to be higher than usual this year, and there is a trend for it to continue rising. Going to the beach may not be suitable for everyone due to intense sun exposure. It could lead to sunburn or increased body temperature, causing discomfort. Therefore, today we would like to invite everyone to escape the heat and enjoy the refreshing waterfalls amidst the cool atmosphere at Than Bok Khorani National Park, located in Ao Luek District, Krabi Province.
Originally, Than Bok Khorani National Park was named ‘Tharn Asok,’ characterized by dense forests and being a habitat for wildlife. Than Bok Khorani National Park covers an extensive area of up to 121 square kilometers, spanning the areas of Ao Luek District and Khao Thong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Krabi Province. The area comprises limestone mountains, virgin forests, mangrove forests, and islands in the sea. In 1953, Lieutenant Colonel Banyat Thephasadin Na Ayutthaya came to rest here and found that the original name was not appropriate. Therefore, it was changed to ‘Than Bok Khorani’ since then.
In 1955, the governor of Krabi province at that time proposed to the Department of Forestry to establish a national park. Until the year 1985, the Forestry Office of Krabi province proposed the establishment of ‘Than Bok Khorani,’ and the adjacent area as a national park under the jurisdiction of the National Parks Division and transferred it to the jurisdiction of the Marine National Parks Division in 1995. Finally, it was officially designated as a national park in the Royal Gazette, Volume 115, Section 67A, dated September 30, 2541 B.E (1998).
Than Bok Khorani National Park comprises some areas with steep mountainous terrain running in a north-south direction. Some parts of the area exhibit karst topography with sinkholes and limestone pavement formations. It features characteristics of underground streams, undulating terrain, both gentle slopes and steep cliffs, and monadnock limestone hills scattered throughout. The landscape includes numerous caves, and some parts consist of island clusters in the surrounding calm sea.
Than Bok Khorani National Park is the source area of several streams in Ao Luek District, including important ones such as Klong Marui, Klong Klang, Klong Namtok, Klong Ao Luek, and Klong Karos.
For tourists who want to visit and explore the park, the area near the park office, not far from the Ao Luek district intersection, is the main spot where you can enjoy nature and water activities. Here, you’ll find Than Bok Khorani pond, a natural stream flowing into various ponds of water at different levels, surrounded by lush forests. To the north of Than Bok Khorani pond, there is a replica of the Buddha’s footprints carved from wood, located near the shrine of Toh Yuen – Toh Chong, which is considered a sacred place at this site.
Additionally, within the park, there are sacred trees planted by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (King Rama IX), Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, and His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn (King Rama VI, when he held the princely title), and Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn. These trees were planted during their respective visits to Than Bok Khorani National Park.
Than Bok Khorani National Park is open daily from 08:30 to 16:30 hr. Entrance fees: Children: 30 Baht, Adults: 60 Baht Foreigners: Children: 150 Baht, Adults: 300 Baht (Children under 3 years old, Thai monks, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities enter for free)
Contact Information: Address: 2/2 Moo 2, Tambon Ao Luek Tai, Amphoe Ao Luek, Krabi 81110 Phone: 07568 1096 Email: thanbokechorani.np@gmail.com Facebook: Than Bok Khorani National Park, Krabi
Information sources: Wikipedia, National Park Office