We are planning to spend three days in a forest near Bangkok watching the wildlife and the birds
Khao Yai and Kaeng Krachan both seem good choices but we obviously won't have time to do the two. Which one is better in terms of campsites and facilities? Esther C.
Camping is the best way to experience the jungle, and both Khao Yai and Kaeng Krachan are good choices. It takes just little over two hours to get from Bangkok to Khao Yai and almost three hours to Kaeng Krachan.
Kaeng Krachan National Park is the largest national park in Thailand covering approximately 3,000 square kilometres. The highlights include a view of sea mist from the peak of Paneon Thung, which stands 1,207 metres above sea level, and a multitude of wildlife species, birds and butterflies. The national park manages four campsites for visitors with basic facilities like toilets, bathrooms and parking lots. They are located near Kaeng Krachan reservoir, Ban Krang, Paneon Thung and Pa La-U. Bungalows are also available near the reservoir campsite, which has decent toilet and bathroom facilities. This area is very popular with families camping with small kids. The Ban Krang campsite is popular with bird lovers and probably not suitable for noisy kids. Those who prefer the mountain life like to camp on Paneon Thung at km 36. However, for this site, you do need a four-wheel drive. Pa La-U campsite is near the Pa La-U waterfall, and popular with those travelling from nearby Hua Hin.
Several private resorts and campsites are available outside Khao Yai National Park, but the atmosphere of being in the jungle is unbeatable. Besides bungalows, there are two main camping areas in Khao Yai – Pha Kluymai and Lam Takong. Each has six zones. Campers who enjoy solitude prefer Lam Takong zone C, as it's located near a lake. Pha Kluymai has more toilets and is nearer to the park's restaurants.
If, as you say, you love wildlife and bird watching, I would recommend Kaeng Krachan's Ban Krang campsite. It's best to travel during the week as more campers head there at weekends.
The three of us will be arriving in Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur at 7.50pm. Is it too late to travel straight to Hua Hin? And what’s the most convenient way to get there. Thanks!
The most convenient way to get to Hua Hin from Suvarnabhumi Airport is by limousine taxi. It usually takes about two hours or a little longer to reach Hua Hin, so you should arrive at your hotel in the beach destination after 10pm. You will be travelling along highway 4, which is in excellent condition, and has petrol stations with convenience stores and restaurant services still open, so you can grab something to eat if you need to.
The official airport limousine service operates around the clock and has a choice of vehicles. The distance between the airport to Hua Hin is about 220 kilometres so you expect to pay more than Bt4,000 for a sedan. Other options are available on the Internet. Do, however, book a limousine in advance to make sure you can leave the airport right after collecting your luggage.
