Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park

Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาหลัก–ลำรู่) is a national park in Phang Nga Province, Thailand. The park is named for two of its mountain peaks, Khao Lak and Lam Ru. It also encompasses beaches and forests.

Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park
อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาหลัก–ลำรู่
IUCN category II (national park)
Park location in Thailand
LocationPhang Nga Province, Thailand
Nearest cityTakua Pa
Coordinates8°41′54″N 98°16′49″E
Area125 km2 (48 sq mi)
EstablishedAug 1991
Governing bodyDepartment of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

Geography

Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park is 115 kilometres (71 mi) north of Phuket city and 30 km (19 mi) south of Takua Pa. The coastal area here is typically referred to as "Khao Lak". The park is just off Route 4 (Phetkasem Road).

Khao Lak–Lam Ru park covers parts of four districts: Kapong, Mueang Phang Nga, Takua Pa, and Thai Mueang.[1] The park's area is 125 square kilometres (48 sq mi) and its highest peak is 1,077 metres (3,530 ft).[2][3]

History

Originally the park was a seashore park, but in 1984 it was extended to encompass the forested and mountainous area inland and for protection of the province's main drainage basin. On 30 August 1991, Khao Lak–Lam Ru became Thailand's 66th national park.[2]

The December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused high casualties in Khao Lak. Due to its location and shoreline terrain, the area suffered the worst of any area in Thailand, with over 4,000 deaths.

Attractions

The park has numerous large waterfalls, the largest of which is Lam Ru Waterfall, a waterfall of 5 levels and year-round water flow. Other waterfalls include Lam Phrao, Hin Lat, and Ton Chong Fa.[4] The coastal park section at Khao Lak sea shore offers very clear waters and clean, quiet stretches of beach.[5]

Flora and fauna
Deep wilderness of Khao Lak-Lam Ru jungle.

The park's forest is tropical evergreen forest, including such tree species as takian, Dipterocarpus, Alstonia scholaris, Magnolia champaca, and Anisoptera costata. Palms, bamboo, and epiphytes such as orchids and ferns grow widely throughout.[2]

Nearer the seashore, species such as cashew trees, Barringtonia asiatica, and Pandanus fascicularis (screw pine) flourish.[2]

Smaller mammal species include colugo, binturong, and Malayan weasel. Larger mammals include Sumatran serow and Malayan tapir. The park is home to various reptile species including Bengal monitor and Malayan pit viper.[2]

Bird species in the park include crested serpent eagle, white-bellied sea eagle, emerald dove, scarlet minivet, bushy-crested hornbill, and oriental pied hornbill.[2]

References
  1. "Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park". Tourism Authority of Thailand. Archived from the original on 5 July 2013. Retrieved 2 Apr 2013.
  2. "Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park". Department of National Parks (Thailand). Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 31 Mar 2013.
  3. Williams, China; Beales, Mark; Bewer, Tim (Feb 2012). Lonely Planet Thailand (14th ed.). Lonely Planet Publications. pp. 654. ISBN 978-1-74179-714-5.
  4. "National Parks in Thailand: Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park" (PDF). Department of National Parks (Thailand). pp. 225–226. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  5. Nam, Suzanne (Feb 2012). Moon Handbooks Thailand (5th ed.). Avalon Travel. p. 218. ISBN 978-1-59880-969-5.
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