Gurney’s Pitta – Endangered and Extremely Rare Bird Species
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is a virgin rainforest and wildlife protection area which houses part of the Khao Phanom Bencha Mountain. The name of the mountain literally means “five-point prostration”, as the outline of the mountain resembles a person prostrating in worship. The national park covers a total area of 50 km square.
At the park, you can chill at the many picturesque and refreshing waterfalls, including the well-known 5-cascade Huay To Waterfall (or “Nam Tok Huay To”) and 3-cascade Huay Sade Waterfall (or “Nam Tok Huay Sade”). Both waterfalls are just 300-500 meters from the park entrance. Huay To Waterfall offers numerous pools for swimming with clean and cooling water originating from Khao Phanom Bencha Mountain.
For nature lovers, the park is a great place for wildlife and bird watching. There are variety of exotic wildlife here, including Asiatic black bears, barking deer, black panthers, clouded leopards, fishing cats, gibbons, Malayan tapirs, Sumatran serow, tigers, and numerous monkey species. Bird species living in the park include argus pheasant, eagles, helmeted hornbills, white-rumped shama, woodpeckers, as well as the endangered and extremely rare Gurney’s pitta.
For adventure lovers, there are numerous trails in the park for hiking / trekking. Huay To Waterfall itself is a starting point for 4 days 3 nights trekking to the peak of Khao Phanom Bencha Mountain. At 1,397 meters above sea level, it is the highest altitude of Krabi. Approximately 3 km from the park entrance, you will come across Khao Phueng Cave (or “Tham Khao Phueng”), a beautiful cave with shimmering white walls as well as stalagmites and stalactites in various shapes.
| How to get there: | ||
The park is located approximately 20 km from Krabi Town. You can hire a motorbike taxi or tuk tuk to the park, which costs around THB300-400 round-trip. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike at around THB150-250 per day and get there on your own. From Krabi Town, get on to Uttarakit Road, turn right to Phet Kasem Road and look for the signpost showing the turning to the park.
| Opening hour and entrance fee: | ||
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is open daily from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, with last admission at 4.30 pm. Admission fee is THB100 per person and additional THB20 for motorbike.
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