Thong Pha Phum National park
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At its highest point Thong Pha Phum National Park reaches an
amazing 1249 meters above sea level. Its highest mountain is called Yod
Khao Chang Phuak and the average temperature during the day is a cool
25 Celsius all year round.
It has an area of 70,000 rai or112
sq/km and is the origin of most of the main rivers that flow through
Kanchanaburi such as the Bi Khi Noi and Bi Khi Yai Rivers along with
the Kwae Noi River, which is the main artery flowing under the infamous
bridge over the river Kwai.
Some interesting attractions at
thong Pha Phoom are; Doi Tong Palae, which is roughly 300 meters walk
from the national park headquarters. From this view point you can see
the Jok Krading waterfall and it offers great vistas for watching the
sun go down.
Simple Jungle treks which are not too taxing can
be undertaken from the headquarters on your own, maps are available at
the park office but be sure to let them know when you will be
returning. Harder treks can be found, however it is advisable to hire
the services of one of the many trained local guides in the area. This
can be arranged for a reasonable fee again from the park office and
they may even be able to take you to see the Large Black Tumaric Trees
deep in the park which measure around 12 arm widths in diameter.
Other
attractions include Jokkadin waterfall and Neern Kood, and Nern Chang
Phuak Mountains which offer views over Burma and great alternative
sunrise locations to the parks main viewing platform.
One
highlight of the national Park is this viewing platform where the “sea
of clouds” can be seen most mornings. This view point is definitely one
not to miss out on and for those early risers (05:00!) a stunning sea
of clouds over the surrounding forest is the reward from this beautiful
vantage point. 
Thong Pha Phum National Park consists mainly of
mixed deciduous and evergreen forest which have a well defined wet and
dry season and receive an annual rainfall of between 1,250 – 2000 mm.
Dipterocarps are the main tree species and these great forests were
also once home to an abundance of teak since felled wholesale. In their
place bamboo has risen and many shrubs, herbs and grasses are found
here, in fact much more than in tropical evergreen forests due to the
amount of sunlight that reaches the floor. This type of forest offers
many differing ecological niches supporting a wealth of wild animals
such as; the wild Asian Elephant, the Khun Kitti Bat, wild Tiger,
Hornbill, Flat Faced Wildcat, Malayan Porcupine, Barking Deer, Sambar
and Bantaeng. There is also the Rachini Crab which is the regional
symbol of Thong Pha Phoom as they can only be found in this area of
Thailand.
How to get there?
From
Kanchanaburi Town head North West on Highway 323 to Thong Pha Phum
District (town), Thong Pha Phum district is around 200km North West of
Kanchanaburi and this should take you around 3.5 hours by local bus and
will cost no more than 150 THB. If you wish to break up the journey,
then a stop overnight at Sai Yok Yai Waterfall and National Park is
recommended. You can rent river boat houses for around 1500THB per
night (as many people as you can fit in for the same price!). 
From
Thong Pha Phum town to the national park it is around 60 kilometers and
a songtaew goes from the main bus stop/market every day at around
midday along highway 3272. This will take you another 1.5 hours west
towards the town of Pilok. The national park headquarters are between
kilometer markers 24 - 25. Ask the Songtaew driver to take you to the
headquarters and he will drop you right outside! Accommodation can be
arranged on arrival and they are rarely full as not many people make it
this far toward the boarder. They have some fantastic (but basic) tree
houses which have stunning views over the surrounding forest covered
mountain range and on to the Vachiralongkorn Dam. Basic rooms are also
available. Please bear in mind that Electricity is only available
between the hours of 18:00 and 20:00 everyday, although the park does
have a very useful shop where candles and other necessities are
available. There is also a great restaurant offering many different
Thai dishes although you should watch out for the resident hornbill
that will most certainly try to steal a bite or two!
Dangers
and annoyances: Watch out for leaches in the rain season. They are not
dangerous but can be an annoyance to those who don’t appreciate their
blood being sucked!
