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Everything You Need to Know about Taksin Maharat National Park
- Things to Know
- Where is Taksin Maharat National Park?
- How to Get to Taksin Maharat National Park from Chiang Mai
- What to See and Do in Taksin Maharat National Park
- Check out the 700-year-old Ton Krabak Yai
- Stand in awe of Namtok Sam Muen Thung waterfall
- Camp and enjoy an overnight stay in the wild
- Cross the Saphan Hin (Stone Bridge)
- Admire Namtok Pang A Noi waterfall
- Follow nature trails and enjoy birdwatching to the fullest
- Explore the Tran Loard Krow Cave
- Visit Namtok Mae Ya Pa waterfalls
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Taksin Maharat National Park
- Ban Pak Ruk Tawan Restaurant
- Tieng Na Coffee & Bakery Farm
- Where to Shop in and Near Taksin Maharat National Park
- Tops Robinson Mae Sot
- Rim Moei Market
- A Seven Supermarket
- Where to Stay in and Near Taksin Maharat National Park
- Taksin Maharat National Park’s Accommodations
- Tak Andaman Hotel
- Soho Boutique Hotel
- FAQs about Taksin Maharat National Park
Taksin Maharat National Park is a nature-lover’s paradise. The government-managed conservation boasts 150 square kilometers of land teeming with flora and fauna, not to mention jaw-dropping waterfalls and thriller caves.
Located in the Mae Sot District of the Province of Tak, this park is home to Thailand’s biggest tree, a dipterocarp known as the Krabak tree. With a trunk circumference of over 16 meters, this 700-year-old plant would dwarf any human.
Well-managed and spacious, Taksin Maharat National Park has plenty of activities in store for anyone seeking adventures in the wild. It’s another reason why visiting Mae Sot makes a lot of sense especially since it’s not on most tourists’ radar.
Things to Know
Contact: +66 5551 1429
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Admission Costs:
- 200 Baht (Adults)
- 100 Baht (Children 12 years below)
Where is Taksin Maharat National Park?
Taksin Maharat National Park is in Mae Sot District of the Tak province. Specifically, it’s in Tak’s tambon (subdistrict) Mae Tor and Pa Wor and can be accessed 2 kilometers from the kilometer 26 marker found on (Tak-Mae Sot) Highway No.105.
Initially named “Don Krabak Yai National Park” in honor of the Krabak tree, the park is near another conservation area, the Lan Sang National Park.
How to Get to Taksin Maharat National Park from Chiang Mai
Plane: There are two airports in the Tak province, Tak Airport (TKT) and Mae Sot Airport (MAQ). Although it’s possible to fly from Chiang Mai Airport to Tak Province, you’ll have to find connecting flights.
Currently, there are no direct flights from Chiang Mai to Tak.
Bus: Taking the bus from Chiang Mai to Taksin Maharat National Park is a cheap option that will take over 7 hours of travel. Buses leave from Chiang Mai every three hours and should pass Mae Sot en route to the national park in Tak.
Train: If you want to travel cheaply, you can take trains from Chiang Mai to the province of Tak. You can book your ticket in advance here but there’s no need to book in advance for 3rd class tickets.
You won’t get a specific seat assignment with 3rd class tickets so you better come early as seats are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Also, Thai trains very rarely come on scheduled time.
Taxi: The fastest way to reach Taksin Maharat National Park is via taxi. It could take you nearly 4 hours but may cost you 400 Baht for three passengers or more, so make sure you negotiate in advance.
Self-drive: You can self-drive from Chiang Mai to Taksin Maharat National Park which could take over 5 hours. For a more direct route, take Highway 1, then proceed to Highway 32 passing by Nakhon and Kamphaeng Phet provinces.
You can rent a car in Chiang Mai and you’re looking at about 279 kilometers of driving. Make sure you have a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
What to See and Do in Taksin Maharat National Park
Check out the 700-year-old Ton Krabak Yai
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Of all the sights you shouldn’t miss in Taksin Maharat National Park, the 700-year-old Ton Krabak Yai should be top of that list. Not only will you be able to brag home when you visit, but also, it’s bound to be an experience of a lifetime.
Believed to be the biggest in the country, Ton Krabak Yai stands 50 meters (160 ft.) tall and boasts a trunk girth of 16 meters. This tree is so immense that you can’t even embrace its trunk and would look like a dwarf underneath it.
This krabak tree, a dipterocarp of the Anisoptera Costata species, is endangered due to illegal logging. To locate it, walk 2.5 kilometers from the park’s main office but no worries as you can use a 400-meter nature study trail leading to the area.
Stand in awe of Namtok Sam Muen Thung waterfall
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Namtok Sam Muen Thung waterfall, the largest waterfall in Taksin Maharat National Park, originates from Lam Huai Sam Muen Luang. Witness the beautiful 30-meter cascades rushing from the rock cliff and making their way through the big trees.
Moreover, this nine-tiered waterfall won’t disappoint you any time of the year. Unlike smaller waterfalls which tend to dry up during summer, Namtok Sam Muen Thung waterfall flows all year round.
With all the forest greenery surrounding, the waters here are inviting (and that’s an understatement). With that said, we strongly recommend you show up in hiking gear that you can get wet with.
Camp and enjoy an overnight stay in the wild
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Have you ever wished that you could sleep under the stars? At Taksin Maharat National Park, your wish could very well come true with their camping options.
For a nominal fee of 30 baht per person per night, the park allows you to set up your tent and enjoy living in the wild. You can even have a campfire in designated areas of the reserve to liven up your nights.
Just a word of caution: Make sure you have an ample supply of food and water as finding a restaurant inside the park can be an uphill climb.
Cross the Saphan Hin (Stone Bridge)
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Saphan Hin is a natural stone bridge inside Taksin Maharat National Park that could give your day a timely boost. About 30 meters (98 ft) long, the Saphan Hin rock formation is 25 meters (82 ft) high, sturdy enough to walk with a companion through.
It’s a great vantage point for a selfie as a vigorous stream below adds a nice flowing accent to your shot.
If you plan on going here, make sure to drop by the park office near the entrance beforehand and inform the park officials. It’s a simple protocol that’s meant to promote everyone’s safety.
Admire Namtok Pang A Noi waterfall
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Namtok Pang A Noi waterfall is a bit smaller than Namtok Sam Muen Thung waterfall but it’s every bit as beautiful. Measuring about 20 meters high, this stunning cascade is around 2 km East of Ton Krabak Yai, a 700-year-old krabak tree.
You’ll have to navigate your way via a two- to three-hour hike from the camping area to the big tree. It’s worth it, though!
As you go along, you’ll be surrounded by the mesmerizing beauty of nature—lots of exotic birds and all sorts of flora and fauna—greeting you.
Follow nature trails and enjoy birdwatching to the fullest
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You’d be missing a great ton of opportunities if you don’t spend time birdwatching in Taksin Maharat National Park. For one, the olive bulbul and white-throated bulbul are more easily found here than anywhere else in Thailand.
Even more, tons of bird species can be found in the park, both resident and migratory! Because of this, a host of bird-watching trails have become popular over time (complete with hand-curated trail maps).
If you want to know if a favorite bird species is endemic to the park, a comprehensive report from BirdLife International should get you settled.
Explore the Tran Loard Krow Cave
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A few meters from the Saphan Hin rock bridge is Tran Loard Krow Cave, a treasure trove of stunning stalagmites and stalactites worth exploring. It follows the path of the stream so donning hiking wear that you can get wet with is spot on.
You can explore the cave on your own. However, given how easily you can get lost in the jungle and the cave, a tour guide who knows the area in and out is a blessing.
Visit Namtok Mae Ya Pa waterfalls
Media credit: nazonazo3
Namtok Mae Ya Pa is a stunning mid-sized cascading waterfall in Taksin Maharat National Park you shouldn’t miss. What it lacks in height, it makes up for in its majestic beauty—no wonder it’s a favorite among locals!
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Taksin Maharat National Park
Ban Pak Ruk Tawan Restaurant
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Address: 112/3, Phahonyothin Road Mae Tho, Tak
Phone: +66 64 353 1718
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good Thai food with own farm
Grabbing a meal at Ban Pak Ruk Tawan Restaurant on your way to and from Taksin Marahat National Park is a treat. This family-run resto serves mainly Thai cuisine with a bit of Western flair, and its fusion menus are definitely a great find!
What sets this place apart is that a lot of its ingredients are grown by them on their farm. Plus, there are tons of vegan options to sink your teeth into.
Tieng Na Coffee & Bakery Farm
Media credit: tiengnacafe.tak
Address: 27/28 Phahonyothin Rd, Mai Ngam, Mueang Tak District
Phone: +66 84 048 8595
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Mainly coffee and pastries
Tieng Na Coffee & Bakery Farm serves delicious home-baked goodies and coffee. It’s a great place to relax, especially so with its beautiful tree-lined garden out front.
Since this place is a bakery, you can’t expect to find a full meal here. Grab several croissants and cheese pies if you need to fill up some more—they’re delicious, especially with coffee!
Where to Shop in and Near Taksin Maharat National Park
Tops Robinson Mae Sot
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Address: 99 PHFP+29C 115 ถนนสายเอชีย Tambon Mae Sot, Mae Sot District
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: supermarket
Located in the Robinson Lifestyle Mall in Mae Sot, Tops Robsinson is a reliable spot for stocking up on your essentials.
What’s more convenient is they’re with FoodPanda Thailand, so you can choose to have your groceries delivered right to your door! And if you’re up for some more shopping, just explore the mall to find various shops and boutiques.
Rim Moei Market
Address: MGR9+P4 Tha Sai Luat, Mae Sot District, Tak, Thailand
Phone: +66 5551 4341
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: local market/good place to buy fresh products
Rim Moei Market is a market that sells local produce from the region, both from Myanmar and Thailand. You’ll find a long line of stores selling a variety of fresh local products and other wares.
This is not a supermarket where prices are fixed so you may want to haggle with the vendors to get a good deal on products like fresh shrimp and dried fish.
A Seven Supermarket
Address: 3/21-23 Chomphon, Nong Luang, Mueang Tak District
Phone: +66 55 511 802
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: supermarket with stores out front
If you’re keen on cheap supplies for your trek to Taksin Maharat National Park, then A Seven Supermarket may be a good option for you. The main store focuses on groceries so expect to replenish your supply.
Other shops out front sell just about everything, from souvenir items to food products.
Where to Stay in and Near Taksin Maharat National Park
Taksin Maharat National Park’s Accommodations
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Taksin Maharat National Park has accommodations on-site. First up, there are houses that you can rent for 1,000-2,400 Baht per house in the park.
Secondly, there’s a dormitory-style hostel that you can use at the rate of 1,000 Baht. The place is good for 30 people.
Last but not least, you can bring your tent and sleep under the stars—the cheapest and most rustic option.
Tak Andaman Hotel
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Address: 121 Phahonyothin Rd, Tambon Mae Tho, Mae-Toe
Phone: +66 95 006 2888
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: noon (Check-in) & noon (Check-out)
Good to know: 2-star hotel
Located off National Highway 1, this 2-star hotel can be just the comfort you need to wind down and get your energy up when visiting Taksin Maharat National Park. You get standard hotel service, a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and room WiFi.
There are 100 rooms for you to choose from, all complete with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and refrigerators. The rooms are big and spacious and as most hotels do, expect a complimentary breakfast each day of your stay.
This is a leg up compared to staying at the national park when it comes to comfort.
Soho Boutique Hotel
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Address: 31 Mahadthaibamrung road Nong Luang, Mueang Tak District
Phone: ++66 55 513 123
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2pm (Check-in) & noon (Check-out)
Good to know: 3-star hotel
Soho Boutique Hotel is a 3-star hotel that’s about a 30-minute drive to Taksin Maharat National Park. The distance is worth it, though, given the comfortable, fully decked modern rooms.
The complimentary breakfast for guests is served at the on-site coffee shop, and it’s praised by many. Adding to the convenience is its location in the city center, so convenience stores and night markets are easily accessible.
This place has plenty of parking spots as well, so it’s perfect if you’re driving!
