Thailand’s Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (also sometimes spelt as Huay Kha Kaeng) is a large and rugged area of jungle in the western central province of Uthai Thani. Along with the neighbouring Thug Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the early 1990s. The two adjacent parks together spread through three provinces – Uthai Thani, Tak, and Kanchanaburi – and reach the border with Burma / Myanmar.
Home to a wide selection of flora and fauna, much of which is rare or endangered, some of the park’s wildlife is unique and can now only be found in this area.
An important conservation and protection area, sections of the large lush and rugged wildlife sanctuary are open to members of the public. Go nature spotting and enjoy an abundance of natural outdoor beauty in one of the country’s most well-preserved and remote forests.
These are a few reasons for nature-loving adventurers to add Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary to their travel plans:
Exploring the stomping grounds of large and exciting animals
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a large number of animals from Southeast Asia, with around 77% of the region’s large mammals found within the forests (according to UNESCO). Whilst there is no guaranteed sightings, even just knowing that you are exploring the same patch of the globe as these mighty fellow inhabitants of Planet Earth is really quite thrilling.
You may get lucky and actually spot some of the park’s large animals, although it is more likely that, if you look closely, you will find other evidence of their presence, such as tracks and excrement.
Signs along the park’s access tracks remind visitors to be careful of encounters with creatures that can be dangerous.
Huai Kha Khaeng is one of the few places in Thailand where tigers still live in the wild, and you’ll notice ranger trucks proudly announcing on the sides that the park is home of the tiger. Not only do tigers live here, but it supports the country’s largest population of wild tigers. It is also one of the country’s last remaining places where the elusive Sumatran rhino, sometimes called the Asian white rhino, is thought to still live.
Other large mammals that roam the park’s huge area include elephants, leopards and clouded leopards, various species of buffalo, Asiatic wild dogs, Indian bison, tapirs, and deer.
When it comes to monkeys, the park’s dense trees shelter diverse species of macaque, gibbons, and langurs.
Spotting smaller creatures and fascinating feathered friends
Numerous smaller creatures, including mammals, reptiles, and birds, live within the beautiful and protected Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. There are very high chances of seeing a good selection of these smaller park dwellers.
Different types of the fairly large and rather dragon-like monitor lizard prowl the undergrowth, whilst smaller lizards, such as geckos and salamanders, dart up trees and scurry around on the floor.
Frogs, toads, and snakes are also common, as are spiders and beautifully coloured butterflies.
Did you know that the cute-looking otter is often a playful animal, as well as being an excellent swimmer and an adept ferocious hunter?!
With around half of Southeast Asia’s larger species of bird gracing the skies and tree tops of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, you are almost sure to catch at least fleeting glimpses of interesting feathered creatures. There are also those birds that spend much of their lives on the ground or lower down in the trees and bushes.
The park’s bird life includes the fabulous hornbills, beautifully decorated peacocks, pheasants, ducks, eagles, woodpeckers and the often-reviled vulture.
Beautiful views and lush scenery
Budding botanists will be delighted with the vast diversity of the park’s plant life and the walking trails provide a perfect opportunity to go a bit deeper into the forest and fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature. Walk the Khao Hin Daeng Trail and the Tiger Trail independently, or arrange for a local and professional park ranger to accompany you on longer treks. You can arrange ranger visits at the Visitor Centre, although the level of spoken English may not be so high.
Climb to the top of the lookout towers and soak up the stretching sea of green all around. The towers are also great places to patiently sit and try to spot a variety of creatures below.
The extensive park area contains two large and well-preserved river systems, as well as soaring mountains, picturesque valleys, glistening streams, enchanting waterfalls, teeming wetlands, sinkholes, and rolling plains. Those who spend some time exploring the forests will find a captivating array of colours and scents as well as beautiful postcard-worthy views.
Celebrate a man who devoted his life to conservation and protection of nature
You can see the former forest home of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary’s previous head ranger, Sueb Nakhasathien, a small and modest dwelling with a life-size statue of the devoted man standing close by.
One of Thailand’s tireless leaders in the field of conservation, Sueb Nakhasathien devoted his life to trying to protect the country’s natural areas. Fearlessly enforcing conservation laws, tackling poachers head-on, looking for innovative ways to prevent forest destruction and poaching, educating local communities, protecting wild creatures, forestry research, and raising awareness within the general population were just a few things that this great man did. Impassioned and dedicated, perhaps to the point of zealousness, Sueb Nakhasthien was one of the greatest men that Thailand’s nature and wildlife has ever had fighting for their survival.
Sadly, his fervor led to much stress and anxiety, with damage to the environment causing huge damage to his state of mind and emotional / spiritual well-being. Sueb Nakhasathien eventually took his own life. Shockingly and devastatingly committing suicide for a cause that he was completely committed to, Thailand may have lost one of its most honourable champions of nature, but his name lives on through the bold efforts of his supporters.
Practicalities of visiting Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
Whilst a day trip is enough to scratch the surface and enjoy a walking trail, climb lookout towers, and see Sueb Nakhasthien’s old home, spending a few days or even longer within the park will afford more opportunities for viewing a greater diversity of wildlife.
There is a camping area close to the Visitor Centre, complete with shower and toilet blocks, but you need to provide your own tents and equipment. Food can drinks can be obtained from the small restaurant and basic store.
There is no public transportation to Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary; you will need to arrange your own transport from Uthai Thani town centre.
Admission to Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is 200 THB (approximately 5.50 USD) for non-Thai visitors.
Completely off the beaten track both for international visitors and domestic tourists, the sanctuary is one of Thailand’s most precious natural jewels. If you are passionate about nature and wildlife, don’t miss visiting the incredible Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary.
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