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National park · Thailand

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Parkอุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสามร้อยยอด

Base in Kui Buri or Pranburi and drive in: Phraya Nakhon Cave early (boat ฿400 round trip or the 1.5 km (0.9 mi) hill walk), Khao Daeng viewpoint before 9:00, and the waterlily and mangrove trails if you have a second day.

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A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

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Some areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
Map to the park
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
Directions
From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

98 km² (38 sq mi)

approximate

Established

1966

Best months

Nov–Feb

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 6Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
  • Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
  • Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
  • Thailand ↗Check entry rules and any arrival card on the official Thai government sites for your passport; visa-exempt stays and pre-arrival forms change.
  • Thailand ↗Do not criticise or mock the monarchy: insulting the royal family is a criminal offence.
  • Thailand ↗Temples and palaces: shoulders and knees covered, shoes off before entering halls.
  • Thailand ↗E-cigarettes and vapes are illegal to import or use; do not pack them.

At a glance

Country
Thailand
Area
98 km² (38 sq mi)
About 61 km² when designated in 1966, enlarged by roughly 37 km² in 1982 (check).
Established
1966
Best months
Nov–Feb
Permits
For some areas
Base
Hua Hin

Khao Sam Roi Yot is Thailand's first coastal national park: a line of limestone peaks dropping into freshwater marsh, mangrove and beach, about 1–1.5 h south of Hua Hin on Route 1020. Almost everyone comes for one thing — Phraya Nakhon Cave, where a royal pavilion stands in a collapsed chamber lit from above — and does it badly, arriving at midday in a queue. Do it first thing, then decide whether you have a second day for the flat wetland trails, the Khao Daeng canal and the viewpoint. There is no public transport inside the boundary and the sights are spread over roughly 20 km, so a car or a guesthouse transfer is the practical way in. Boats that shorten the cave walk and reach Kissing Mountain Cave are seasonal and sell out on Thai long weekends, so confirm before you drive.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

  • No UNESCO listing; national park since 1966.

Size and age

98 km² (38 sq mi) · national park since 1966

About 61 km² when designated in 1966, enlarged by roughly 37 km² in 1982 (check).

This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Hua Hin.

Why go

  • Thailand's first coastal national park: limestone peaks, freshwater marsh, mangrove and beach in one drive.
  • Phraya Nakhon Cave holds a royal pavilion under a collapsed roof that lets daylight in.
  • One of the few places in Thailand where the purple heron nests and breeds.
  • The wetland trails are flat and short, so a non-hiker can see the park too.

When to go

12-month verdict
  1. JanBest
  2. FebBest
  3. MarGo
  4. AprCaution
  5. MayCaution
  6. JunGo
  7. JulGo
  8. AugGo
  9. SepCaution
  10. OctGo
  11. NovBest
  12. DecBest
  • JanCool and dry; clearest light in the cave
  • FebDry, mild mornings
  • MarHeating up; start at opening
  • AprHottest month; midday climbs are punishing
  • MayHot, first storms
  • JunWet season; green marsh, fewer people
  • JulRain showers; boats may pause
  • AugWet; check boat running
  • SepWettest; trails slick
  • OctRain easing, cooler
  • NovDry, comfortable walking
  • DecCool and dry; busiest weekends

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Purple heron (nesting and breeding)All year · One of the few breeding sites in Thailand.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Waterbirds and waders on the marshNov–Mar · Cool-season numbers are highest.yesyesyesnononononononoyesyes
Serow, barking deer and porcupineAll year · Mostly early morning and dusk; sightings are not guaranteed.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Monitor lizards, tortoises and snakesMar–Oct · Active in the warm and wet months; watch your step on trails.nonoyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesnono
Bats in the cavesAll year · Do not disturb roosting groups.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map

How to get there

From Hua Hin

Drive south on Phet Kasem Road past Pranburi, turn left on Route 1020 and follow park signs.

1–1.5 h

Open the page →

From Bangkok

Bus or train to Pranburi or Hua Hin, then a taxi or rented car to the park; no public transport inside.

3.5–4.5 h

Open the page →

From Kui Buri

Short drive north on Phet Kasem Road to the park turn-off.

30–45 min

Zones and sectors

Zones of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
Bang Pu and Laem Sala coastPhraya Nakhon Cave trailhead, beach, restaurant and campsite.Open with a ticket; boat from Bang Pu.
Khao Daeng areaPark headquarters, viewpoint climb and the canal boat rides.Open 08:00–15:00 for the viewpoint; canal boats 08:00–16:30.
Waterlily marsh (Bueng Bua)Freshwater swamp with a long boardwalk and nature-study centre.Open 08:00–16:30.
Mangrove boardwalk550 m of boardwalk through mangrove forest near the visitor centre.Open in daylight hours.
Sam Phraya BeachQuiet white-sand beach with a second campsite.Open with a ticket.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 8 approximate points in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, north up12345678
Approximate positions across the park, from Khao Daeng headquarters to Laem Sala, for orientation only.
  1. 1Park headquarters (Khao Daeng) · Headquarters≈12.131, 99.959Map ↗
  2. 2Khao Daeng viewpoint · Viewpoint≈12.131, 99.959Map ↗
  3. 3Waterlily Natural Trail · Trail≈12.245, 99.936Map ↗
  4. 4Kissing Mountain Cave · Cave≈12.204, 99.914Map ↗
  5. 5Laem Sala Beach · Beach≈12.204, 100.013Map ↗
  6. 6Phraya Nakhon Cave · Cave≈12.196, 100.011Map ↗
  7. 7Sam Phraya Beach · Beach≈12.153, 99.985Map ↗
  8. 8Mangrove Swamp Nature Trail · Trail≈12.128, 99.955Map ↗

Take the points offline

GPX waypoints · approximate

8 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.

Approximate positions across the park, from Khao Daeng headquarters to Laem Sala, for orientation only.

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Show Top experiencesHide

Top experiences

CavesModerate2–3 hPhraya Nakhon CaveAbout 2 km (1.2 mi) one way on a steep forest path, or cut 1.5 km (0.9 mi) by boat from Bang Pu; the royal pavilion sits in the second chamber, lit by a roof opening. Open 08:00–15:30.
ViewpointsModerate45–60 minKhao Daeng viewpointShort, steep climb near headquarters with a wide view over the marsh and the gulf. Open 08:00–15:00; go early for heat and light.
Boat tripsEasy1 hKhao Daeng canal boat rideKarst walls, coastal forest and mangroves from the water; arrange at Khao Daeng village, 08:00–16:30.
TrailsEasy1–2 hWaterlily Natural TrailFlat boardwalk around a freshwater swamp full of lilies, fish and birds. Open 08:00–16:30.
CavesHard1–1.5 hKaeo Cave500 m climb then a dark, humid cave with slippery sections and sharp rock; bring closed shoes and a light, or rent a torch at the entrance. Open 08:00–15:30.
CavesEasy45 minSai CaveA single chamber, easier to walk than Kaeo Cave. Open 09:00–15:30.
CavesEasy1–2 hKissing Mountain CaveTwo rocks meeting at a cave mouth; reached by reserved boat, which sells out on weekends. Photo queues can run over an hour in the afternoon.
TrailsEasy30–45 minMangrove Swamp Nature Trail550 m boardwalk through mangrove forest near the visitor centre.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related

Entry fees and permits

THB ranges · check
Fees for Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
ItemRangePerNote
Park entry (Thai national park fee)THB 200–400 (≈ US$7–13)personThai nationals pay less; 2026 estimate, check at the gate.
Boat to Laem Sala Beach / Phraya Nakhon trailheadTHB 400 (≈ US$13)boatRound trip from Bang Pu village, four people; seasonal (check).
Boat to Kissing Mountain CaveTHB 400 (≈ US$13)boatFour-person boat; includes a canal run through the hills.
Khao Daeng canal boat rideTHB 300–500 (≈ US$10–16)boatAbout one hour; arranged at Khao Daeng village (check).
Camping tent rental at Laem Sala or Sam PhrayaTHB 200–500 (≈ US$7–16)tentPark provides tents and gear; reserve in advance (check).

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entry permit or guide

Pay at the park entrance or at the trailhead checkpoints; keep the ticket.

Camping permit or guide

Reserve in advance through the national park; only Laem Sala and Sam Phraya beaches allow it.

Khao Daeng viewpoint outside 08:00–15:00 permit or guide

Pre-arrange with the national park if you want to climb before 8:00 or after 15:00.

What would our group pay?

from the fee rows above · estimates

People

2

Nights or days

1
  • ฿200–400≈ US$7–13
  • ฿400≈ US$13
  • ฿400≈ US$13
  • ฿300–500≈ US$10–16
  • ฿200–500≈ US$7–16

Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.

A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation — Khao Sam Roi Yot before you go.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
Alcohol
Banned inside Thai national parks; drink outside the boundary.
Backcountry camping
Not permitted; camp only at Laem Sala or Sam Phraya with a reservation.
Cave lights
Bring a torch or rent one at Kaeo Cave; do not touch formations.
Wildlife
No feeding or approaching animals; keep to marked trails in the marsh and mangrove.
Litter and fires
Carry out all rubbish; no fires outside designated camping areas.

Where to stay

In the park

Laem Sala Beach campsite

Park tents and gear; reserve in advance.

In the park

Sam Phraya Beach campsite

Second park campsite, quieter than Laem Sala.

Near the park

Kui Buri and Pranburi guesthouses

Hotels and guesthouses just outside the boundary; most can help with transport.

Near the park

Hua Hin

Full range of hotels, 1–1.5 h by road.

Safety

Heat and dehydration on the climbs medium

Start at opening, carry water and a hat; the park is hot even in the wet season.

Slippery, sharp rock in Kaeo Cave medium

Wear closed shoes, use a proper light, and turn back if the air feels too close.

Boat availability low

Boats to Laem Sala and Kissing Mountain Cave are seasonal and sell out on long weekends; confirm before driving.

Long photo queues at Kissing Mountain Cave low

Go in the morning or on a weekday; afternoon waits can exceed an hour.

How much daylight do you have?

computed for this spot

Time out

Finding the local time zone…

Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.

Accessibility

  • The waterlily boardwalk and the 550 m mangrove boardwalk are flat and the easiest options for limited mobility.
  • Phraya Nakhon Cave, Khao Daeng viewpoint and Kaeo Cave involve steep, rough climbs and are not suitable for wheelchairs.

Visiting lightly

  • Stay on the boardwalks; the marsh and mangrove are the reason the park exists.
  • Use the park's own campsites and pack out everything.
  • Do not buy carved relic stones taken from inside the park boundary.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park?

The national park entry fee is about ฿200–400 per person, with Thai nationals paying less; treat it as a 2026 estimate and check at the gate. On top of that, boats cost about ฿400 per boat round trip to Laem Sala Beach or Kissing Mountain Cave, and a Khao Daeng canal ride is roughly ฿300–500 per boat.

What are the best hikes in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park?

The Phraya Nakhon Cave trail (about 2 km one way, steep) is the main one, and it can be shortened by boat. The Khao Daeng viewpoint is a short, steep climb with the best panorama. Kaeo Cave is a 500 m climb into a dark, humid cave, and the waterlily and mangrove boardwalks are flat alternatives.

When is the best time to visit Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park?

November to February, the cool and dry season, is best for walking and cave light. March to May is very hot, often above 35°C, and June to September is wet; the wet season is greener and quieter but trails get slippery and boats may pause.

Do I need a car to visit the park?

Yes, practically. There is no public transport inside the park and the sights are spread along Route 1020 and Phet Kasem Road. Some guesthouses outside the boundary can arrange transport, and boats cover the coastal legs.

Can I stay overnight in the park?

Only by camping. There are two campsites, at Laem Sala Beach and Sam Phraya Beach, with tents and gear provided by the park; reserve in advance. Backcountry camping is not allowed, and there are no lodges inside the boundary.

Is the boat to Phraya Nakhon Cave always running?

No. The Bang Pu boats that cut the walk to Laem Sala are seasonal, so check with the national park before you rely on them; otherwise you walk the 1.5 km hill route.

Related

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