At just under 100 square km, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, or Mountain of Three Hundred Peaks, is one of Thailand's smaller national parks, but it still boasts a wide range of scenery and some great activities.
Located midway between Hua Hin to the north and Prachuap Khiri Khan to the south -- and easily visited from either -- the park boasts a stunning mountainous backdrop soaring to 600m high, as well as numerous caves, beaches and limestone cliffs.
Unfortunately ...
the coastline has ruined by encroachment as the indiscriminate building of prawn farms continues, resulting in continued conflict between conservation groups and local industry. Remember that as you tuck into a plate of prawns back in Hua Hin!
As far as wildlife goes, the park is best known for its population of Serow, a kind of goat-antelope, which can be seen during the evening a short distance from the park headquarters.
Other wildlife supposedly include the langur, macaque, mongoose, squirrel and civet, as well as over 300 species of birds.
If it's a slow day the park staff may show you a slide show. There are a number of marked walking trails to some of the nearby summits and a map is available at the park office.
While accommodation is available within the park's confines (at 500 Baht per bungalow), most choose to stay at one of the resorts just outside the park's boundary which tend to have better facilities.
Located midway between Hua Hin to the north and Prachuap Khiri Khan to the south -- and easily visited from either -- the park boasts a stunning mountainous backdrop soaring to 600m high, as well as numerous caves, beaches and limestone cliffs.
Unfortunately ...
the coastline has ruined by encroachment as the indiscriminate building of prawn farms continues, resulting in continued conflict between conservation groups and local industry. Remember that as you tuck into a plate of prawns back in Hua Hin!
As far as wildlife goes, the park is best known for its population of Serow, a kind of goat-antelope, which can be seen during the evening a short distance from the park headquarters.
Other wildlife supposedly include the langur, macaque, mongoose, squirrel and civet, as well as over 300 species of birds.
If it's a slow day the park staff may show you a slide show. There are a number of marked walking trails to some of the nearby summits and a map is available at the park office.
While accommodation is available within the park's confines (at 500 Baht per bungalow), most choose to stay at one of the resorts just outside the park's boundary which tend to have better facilities.