Khao Phanoen Thung reopens Nov 1 with 2 daily uphill windows

Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi reopened Khao Phanoen Thung on November 1, 2026, with two designated uphill travel windows each day and access restricted to roadworthy four-wheel-drive vehicles, Bangkok Biznews reported.

Khao Phanoen Thung had been closed during the rainy season to allow nature to recover. The reopening gives visitors access to cool weather, sea-of-mist views and opportunities to learn about the ecosystems of the World Heritage forest. According to the park, the mist phenomenon can be seen throughout the year.

Separate travel windows govern the Phanoen Thung road

Mongkol Chaipakdee, superintendent of Kaeng Krachan National Park, explained that the steep, narrow, single-lane road to Khao Phanoen Thung requires traffic to operate in one direction at a time. Separate uphill and downhill periods are intended to prevent accidents and keep vehicles moving safely.

Mongkol outlined preparations covering visitor facilities, safety measures and traffic management ahead of Khao Phanoen Thung’s reopening.

The daily travel schedule for Khao Phanoen Thung is:

• Morning ascent: Depart Ban Krang service point for Khao Phanoen Thung between 5.30am and 7.30am.
• Afternoon ascent: Depart Ban Krang service point for Khao Phanoen Thung between 1pm and 3pm.
• Morning descent: Leave Khao Phanoen Thung for Ban Krang service point between 9am and 10am.
• Afternoon descent: Leave Khao Phanoen Thung for Ban Krang service point between 4pm and 5pm.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles required for Phanoen Thung access

Kaeng Krachan National Park permits only four-wheel-drive vehicles in good working order on the steep dirt-and-gravel route to Khao Phanoen Thung. Saloon cars, vans and ordinary two-wheel-drive vehicles are prohibited.

Visitors to Khao Phanoen Thung who lack a suitable vehicle or are unfamiliar with the route can hire vehicles operated by local community groups at the visitor centre. The service is intended to improve travel safety while distributing tourism income and supporting livelihoods in communities surrounding the protected area.

Day trips and camping subject to daily visitor limits

Khao Phanoen Thung accommodates both day visitors who want to view the mist before returning downhill and overnight campers seeking stargazing and the quiet of the forest after dark.

Kaeng Krachan National Park limits daily visitor numbers according to the area’s capacity to prevent overcrowding and reduce damage to the World Heritage forest’s ecosystems. Visitors are asked to plan ahead and follow park regulations to help protect the natural environment.

For information and advance entry reservations, visitors can contact Kaeng Krachan National Park on 091-0504461 or 032-772311 during office hours.