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Everything You Need to Know about Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
- Where is Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park?
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
- What to See and Do in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
- Explore the mangrove trail at the park’s headquarters
- Hike to the Khao Daeng Viewpoint
- Head to Phraya Nakhon Cave
- Laze around Laem Sala Beach
- Soak in the stunning view at Hua Khao Tian Viewpoint
- Visit Sai Cave
- Have a picnic at Sam Phraya Beach
- Stop by Wat Khao Daeng
- Ride a boat along Klong Khao Daeng
- Gear up for a birding adventure around the park
- Try the challenging hike to Kaew Cave
- Stroll along the Bueng Bua Boardwalk
- Board a boat around Sam Roi Yot Marsh
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
- Sam Phraya Beach Welfare Restaurant
- Hat Tham Sai Seafood Restaurant (ร้านหาดถ้ำไทรซีฟู้ด)
- Ladda Restaurant
- Where to Shop in and Near Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
- New Farm Market
- Kui Buri Food Market
- Yingruay Market (ตลาดยิ่งรวย หน้าปั๊มpt-พุน้อย)
- Where to Stay in and Near Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
- Laem Sala Beach Ranger Station
- Lung Cha Homestay
- Cordelia Resort Sam Roi Yot
- FAQs about Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand’s first marine national park, is definitely setting a high bar for other national parks. Its diverse flora and fauna thrive in its forested mountains, mangrove forests, lagoon beaches, and coastal plains.
The park’s bungalow accommodations, camps, and restaurants make it a hit among backpackers and campers. Boasting a vast freshwater marsh, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is home to some of the most diverse aquatic bird species in Thailand.
Khao Sam Roi Yot which translates to “mountain with 300 peaks” is a haven for birdwatchers in the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. It’s no wonder why this natural reserve is a favorite day-trip destination from big cities (e.g., Bangkok).
Where is Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park?
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is on the east coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. It’s bounded by the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin District from the north, and Don Yai Nu Subdistrict from the south.
Things to Know
Phone: +66 32 821 568
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Admission Cost: 200 baht
How to Get to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Train: One of the best ways to get to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is to take the train from Bangkok’s Bang Bamru Station to Pranburi. From there, you can take a cab directly to the national park’s headquarters.
This is the cheapest option but expect the total travel time to be approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Bus: You can also get to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park by riding a bus from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to Hua Hin via the Cha-am route. From Hua Hin, you must catch another bus to the park’s entrance.
Your total travel time should be around 4 hours.
Taxi: A faster way to get to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park from Bangkok is to hire a private taxi or book one from Grab or Bolt. This option is more expensive but lets you reach the park’s headquarters in approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Rental car: If you can rent a vehicle with your driver’s license and International Driving Permit, you can drive to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park from Bangkok. Start by driving south via the Sirat and Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressways.
Continue driving via Highway 35 and switch to Highway 4 in Pak Tho District. Switch to Highway 37 in Cha-am, switch back to Highway 4 in Pran Buri District, and turn left to Highway 1020.
From here, turn right to Highway 3168 and turn left to Highway 4020. This highway leads directly to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
What to See and Do in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Explore the mangrove trail at the park’s headquarters
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The short mangrove trail near the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park Headquarters is definitely a must-see, and this can be your first stop. There’s a wooden walkway, so strolling around the dense mangrove forest should be easy for everyone.
It’s also great for animal spotting because it’s home to numerous local fauna.Think mangrove crabs, crab-eating macaques, common kingfishers, great egrets, and more.
Just note that the macaques can be aggressive if they see visitors carrying food, so be warned!
Hike to the Khao Daeng Viewpoint
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Khao Daeng Viewpoint is the nearest hiking spot to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park’s entrance. The viewpoint’s trailhead along Highway 4020 is easy to spot because it has a brown road sign.
This trail is straightforward so it’s also suitable for casual hikers. At the top, you’ll get a panoramic view of the park’s surrounding mountains, coastlines, and Khao Daeng Village.
However, you still need to wear proper hiking attire because it gets steeper as you draw closer to the summit, plus there’s a rocky uphill path. Luckily, there’s a safety rope at the steeper parts of the trail to help climbers.
Head to Phraya Nakhon Cave
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Phraya Nakhon Cave is the most iconic attraction in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. It’s known for its elegant shrine pavilion inside the main chamber, directly below a massive open ceiling.
The outside light peeking through this large opening adds a layer of mysticism to this shrine, making it one of the most photographed spots in the park.
But bear in mind that you must undergo a slightly challenging hike to reach this cave from the ticket entrance. So wear proper hiking boots and carry plenty of water!
This trail overlooks Bang Pu Beach and gives you a good chance to spot cute dusky-leaf monkeys.
Laze around Laem Sala Beach
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Laem Sala Beach is arguably the most popular beach in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. It doesn’t have fine white sands but its shore is filled with dead corals, so it’s great for collecting sea shells and sedimentary rocks.
It’s also great for picnicking! You’ll find some outdoor tables and chairs within its vast tree-lined beach area, where you can relax under the shade.
There’s also a restaurant, public bathrooms, campground, and rental bungalows in case you need a cozy place for the night. There’s also a boat service to Bang Pu Beach for tourists who want quick access to Phraya Nakhon Cave.
Soak in the stunning view at Hua Khao Tian Viewpoint
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Hua Khao Tian Viewpoint is a scenic seaside cliff between Laem Sala Beach and Bang Pu Beach that’s accessible through a short hike. The trail’s rocky but it has concrete pathways, stairs, and handrails that make it forgiving for casual hikers.
Its highest point offers a panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand and a few nearby islands: Koh Khi Nok, Koh Sattakut, and Koh Rawing.
Visit Sai Cave
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Sai Cave is one of the most popular caves destinations for serious hikers visiting Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
It has a challenging climb with a steep, rocky trail, so it’s best for experienced hikers. The cave itself is a sight to behold with its unique stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Remember to carry a flashlight because it’s dark inside. And for a better experience,
hire a tour guide at the cave’s main entrance.
Have a picnic at Sam Phraya Beach
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At Sam Phraya Beach, swimming isn’t allowed. However, its quiet atmosphere, pavilions, and outdoor dining makes it perfect for picnics!
There’s also a rental bungalow and a campground for those who want a place to stay overnight. Plus, the park also runs a welfare restaurant here so you’re covered for food and drinks.
Stop by Wat Khao Daeng
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Wat Khao Daeng is a serene Buddhist temple in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Its main attraction is its gorgeous Thai-style ubosot with intricate gilded patterns, a multi-tiered roof, and a sweeping staircase with Naga handrails.
Don’t forget to explore outside, where you’ll find unique and separate statues of the Buddha’s upper body and legs.
Ride a boat along Klong Khao Daeng
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Klong Khao Daeng is a canal that runs through Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, and it’s the place to go for boat adventures. The canal’s boat service station is near the entrance to Wat Khao Daeng.
On your boat ride, you’ll ride through lush mangrove forests and offer striking views of massive rock cliffs and mountainscapes. You can also spot crab-eating macaques and various aquatic bird species hunting for food along the mangrove trees.
The boat trip runs for an hour and costs 500 baht. Take one in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the sweltering midday heat!
Gear up for a birding adventure around the park
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Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is well-known among birdwatchers, thanks to its 350+ recorded bird species, including near-threatened and vulnerable bird species. Think greater adjutant, mustached hawk-cucco, spot-billed pelican, etc.
It also helps that the park consists of numerous habitats, from forested mountains to beaches, mangrove forests, a freshwater marsh, etc.
Most of these are aquatic areas, so also expect to find a wide range of wetland bird species like great egrets, Malaysian plovers, spotted redshanks, and broad-billed sandpipers.
Our favorite bird-watching spot is the park’s freshwater marsh because it’s the hunting ground for many aquatic birds.
Try the challenging hike to Kaew Cave
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For serious hikers looking for a challenge, Kaew Cave is certainly worth checking out for its demanding hiking trail.
You must be well-prepared and properly geared if you want to take on this cave’s trail! There are certain portions where you must crawl through narrow spaces and climb steep ladders.
The cave is also dark, so a flashlight is essential if you plan to explore its chambers. Inside the cave are interesting rock formations, particularly the stalactites, plus bats and cave-dwelling insects (which are pretty interesting).
Stroll along the Bueng Bua Boardwalk
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Bueng Bua Boardwalk is one of the most (if not THE most) picturesque attractions in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. It boasts a chic, lengthy wooden walkway running across the park’s vast freshwater marsh.
It’s perfect for strolls and sightseeing, especially when the marsh’s lotus flowers are in full bloom!
The boardwalk also connects to a large wooden pavilion where visitors can soak in the scenery and take postcard-perfect photographs. Here’s a tip: take photos during sunset when the orange sky is reflected on the marsh’s shallow waters.
Board a boat around Sam Roi Yot Marsh
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If you want a closer look at Sam Roi Yot Marsh’s vibrant pink flowers, we recommend taking the 1-hour boat ride instead. This will set you back 500 baht but it’s definitely worth it, especially with the stunning photographs you can take during the ride.
The marsh has a few aquatic flower species, from pink water lily to nymphaea and sacred lotus. These flowers bloom as early as January but look the best between February and March.
Riding a boat here also gives you a closer look at the park’s numerous aquatic birds. In case you didn’t know, Sam Roi Yot Marsh is the largest freshwater marsh in Thailand, so it’s definitely worth seeing while you’re here.
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Sam Phraya Beach Welfare Restaurant
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Address: Khao Daeng, Kui Buri District
Phone: +66 85 428 3364
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for coffee and Thai food
This welfare restaurant is a convenient food spot for visitors staying in or near Sam Phraya Beach. It’s also a great coffee place, especially if you’re camping in this area.
They also serve a wide range of classic Thai dishes like deep-fried sea bass, stir-fried squid with salted egg, spicy shrimp salad, minced pork omelet, and more!
Hat Tham Sai Seafood Restaurant (ร้านหาดถ้ำไทรซีฟู้ด)
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Address: Khao Daeng, Kui Buri District
Phone: +66 84 460 9458
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for seafood
Hat Tham Sai Seafood Restaurant is one of the best seafood spots in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. It’s known for its wide selection of Thai seafood dishes, from steamed mud crabs to crab curry, deep-fried fish, batter-fried shrimp, and more.
It’s also tucked away in a quiet seaside location, perfect if you want to enjoy a relaxing meal away from tourist crowds. Plus, it’s near the entrance to Sai Cave so you can stop by for a meal before or after hiking there.
Since this isn’t in the park’s headquarters or ranger stations, you can also come here for beer.
Ladda Restaurant
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Address: 121 Moo 6, Soi 33 Sam Roi Yot
Phone: +66 83 947 8213
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for seafood
Ladda Restaurant is a popular seafood restaurant in Sam Roi Yot. Locals and tourists frequent this place for its exquisite seafood dishes like grilled squid, yellow crab curry, fresh oysters, tom yum soup, and more.
Their best-seller is the traditional seafood tom yum. It has a rich creamy broth and a generous amount of fish meat or large prawns so it’s a great value for your money.
This restaurant is near the road to Kaew Cave so be sure to drop by before or after the hike.
Where to Shop in and Near Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
New Farm Market
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Address: Rai Mai, Sam Roi Yot District
Phone: +66 32 689 257
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 4 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for budget shoppers
New Farm Market is a local market along Sam Roi Yot District’s Phetkasem Frontage Road. It’s filled with stalls selling a wide range of products, from fresh goods to handicrafts, clothes, toys, and more.
It also has plenty of street food stalls so you can try various traditional Thai snacks while shopping here. This isn’t a tourist hotspot, so expect cheap and local-friendly prices.
Kui Buri Food Market
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Address: 1003 Rural Road, Kui Buri District
Phone: +66 80 780 2878
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 3 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday, Thursday)
Good to know: Good for grocery shopping
Kui Buri Food Market is a fairly large wet market near Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. It opens before dawn so it’s a great place to shop for fresh food ingredients, especially if you like to prepare packed meals for your trip.
The most common items sold here are meats, seafood, vegetables, and fruits. You can also find retail stores selling basic toiletries, packed snacks, and accessories.
Yingruay Market (ตลาดยิ่งรวย หน้าปั๊มpt-พุน้อย)
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Address: 281 Sam Roi Yot District
Phone: +66 86 172 1243
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday, Thursday)
Good to know: Good for fresh ingredients and food shopping
Yingruay Market is a local hotspot for fresh food ingredients in Sam Roi Yot’s Ban Pu Noi Village. This place is well-maintained and looks more hygienic than standard Thai markets, perfect for first-time visitors.
Most stalls here sell freshly cooked snacks and street food but you can also find vendors selling fresh vegetables, root crops, fruits, and Thai condiments.
Where to Stay in and Near Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Laem Sala Beach Ranger Station
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Address: Laem Sala Beach, Sam Rot Yoi District
Phone: +66 2 098 3888
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for beach lovers and backpackers
The ranger station in Laem Sala Beach is a great choice for visitors looking for budget-friendly accommodation. It has a campground so you can rent a tent and various sleeping gear for an affordable price.
They also have wooden bungalows that can accommodate 6 to 9 guests. They offer discounts to weekday bookings, so take note of this in your travel plans.
Also, be sure to book ahead of time via the official DNP website. If you’re already in Thailand, you can just pay through any 7-Eleven store for a smoother transaction.
Lung Cha Homestay
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Address: 334 Sam Roi Yot Subdistrict
Phone: +66 83 317 5319
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 1 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for mountain and marsh views
Lung Cha Homestay is a great option for visitors who want quick access to Sam Roi Yot Marsh. The marsh reaches this place so you can see the numerous lotus flowers from their wooden stilt bungalows!
They also have boat services in case you want to explore the lotus-filled marsh straight from the property. You can also join the host for an afternoon fishing trip in the marsh, so you can experience catching your food.
Vegan food can also be served upon request, which is a plus!
Cordelia Resort Sam Roi Yot
Address: 224 21 Soi Sam Roi Yot Subdistrict
Phone: +66 99 047 5151
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 1 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and families
Cordelia Resort Sam Roi Yot is a top-rated resort near Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. It stands out for its chic outdoor swimming pool sandwiched between their standard modern rooms.
These units are fully equipped with closets, private bathrooms with showers, flat-screen TVs, and fridges. Some rooms also include a private balcony and garden.
They also have large family rooms with two twin beds for parents and a bunk bed for two children. It’s also close to Sam Roi Yot Beach and we like that it offers bike rentals for easier exploration.
