Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park was declared a national park on 14 April, 1986, and covers a total area of 45,000 rai. The national park has 2 sections; namely, the Lam Pi Range which comprises a long stretch of mountains of mostly igneous rocks of 60 – 140 million years old, and Hat Thai Mueang, a white sandy beach on the Andaman Sea. The Lam Pi Range features evergreen forests of plant species like Yang (Dipterocarpus alatus), Takhian Thong (Hopea odorata), Krabak (Anisoptera costata), ferns, rattan, bamboo, etc. The topmost peak is Yot Khao Khamin, which is 622 metres high. Hat Thai Mueang features white sandy beaches in the west and a mangrove forest in the east, where the Park’s headquarters is situated. The fauna found within the Park include palm civet, sambar deer, red junglefowl, thick-billed pigeon, etc. Marine life includes stingray, mullet, flying fish, starfish, and small coral reefs.
Interesting Attractions within the National Park:
Hat Thai Mueang is in the Thai Mueag Sanitary District, with a right turn for 1.5 kilometres and another 5 kilometres along the beach to the location of the Park’s headquarters. Hat Thai Mueang features a white sandy beach running parallel to the highway for a distance of more than 13 kilometres and crystal clear sea suitable for swimming. During November – February, sea turtles will come to lay their eggs on the beach. As such, there is an activity to watch spawning sea turtles on the nights of the waxing moon. During March every year when the eggs are hatched, the baby sea turtles will be released into the sea in a tradition called the “Sea Turtle Releasing Festival”.
Thung Samet is a cajuput forest covering an area of 1,000 rai located in the middle of Hat Thai Mueang. It features white powdery sand.
Namtok Ton Phrai is a massive waterfall originating from Khao Ton Yan Sai. The surrounding forests are shady with large trees. To get there, from Amphoe Thai Mueang, take Highway No. 4 and turn right between Km. 28 – 29 for another 7 kilometres.
Namtok Lam Pi is a medium waterfall of 4 tiers originating from the Lam Pi Range. There is a large basin with water all year round. In the rainy season, it is usually frequented by local people. To get there, from Amphoe Thai Mueang, follow Highway No. 4 and turn right between Km. 32 – 33 for 2 kilometres.
Accommodation: The Park provides 6 bungalows for tourists, each accommodating 5 – 10 persons at 800 – 1,500 Baht and tents for rent for 3 – 5 persons at 450 Baht. A camping fee of 20 Baht / person will be charged for visitors bringing their own tents.
To get there: From Phang-nga provincial town, follow the Phang-nga – Thai Mueang Road for 56 kilometres. Turn left at the Talat Thai Mueang Intersection for approximately 6 kilometres to arrive at the Park’s headquarters. If travelling by car from Bangkok, take Phetchakasem Road via Amphoe Takua Pa and turn into the Takua Pa – Thai Mueang route for about 66 kilometres to arrive at the Talat Thai Mueang Intersection.
