Than Sadet–Ko Pha-ngan (Thai: ธารเสด็จ-เกาะพะงัน) is a national park in southern Thailand, with an area of 26,866 rai ~ 43 km2 (17 sq mi)[2]: 132 mostly on the island Pha-ngan. The park was established on 22 November 2018.[3] It covers parts of the 65 km2 (25 sq mi) Ko Pha-ngan island.
Than Sadet–Ko Pha-ngan National Park | |
---|---|
Location | Surat Thani Province, Thailand |
Nearest city | Surat Thani |
Coordinates | 9°45′0″N 100°4′28″E / 9.75000°N 100.07444°E |
Area | 43 km2 (17 sq mi) |
Established | November 2018 |
Visitors | 158,090[1] (in 2019) |
Governing body | Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation |
The park is named after the royal visit of Rama V, Than Sadet (lit. Royal River) who came to the island to visit the waterfall first in 1888, then returned as many as fourteen times over the next 21 years. Rama V's initials can still be seen carved in a commemorative rock near the estuary of the river where the waterfall empties into the sea at Than Sadet Bay. The river itself forms a series of waterfalls and rock pools along its 2.5 km length, providing excellent trekking possibilities for the experienced. Several other Thai monarchs have visited the site including the late King Rama IX.
Khao Ra is both the highest elevation of the park as well as of the whole island of Pha-ngan, peaking at 635 m above sea level.[4]
In addition to the forest on Pha-ngan itself, the park also includes several small islands north and east of Pha-ngan, including Wao and Hin Bai archipelago.
References
External links
- Than Sadet-Ko Pha Ngan National Park travel guide from Wikivoyage
- National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department