Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

Unclaimed

The park is peaceful. It has been set up with conservation in mind. We spent around 3 hours in the park. Although we didn't see too many animals, it's clear there are a lot around. I'd recommend spending longer if you want to see more animals.

This is a very well protected area, unknown to many, including Thailand's own people! This sanctuary has a history of protection for almost three decades and the wildlife population recoveries are impressive.

I loved every minute of my time at Huai Kha Khaeng - it was the highlight of my trip to Thailand. It wasn’t easy to reach but that made it even more worthwhile. Saw around 30 wild bantheng on the first day, many footprints including tiger, leopard, elephant .. found out a tiger had been seen 12 days before from the lookout I was in. Was welcomed and introduced to an English speaking guide, Jaeb. He had an amazing knowledge of the animals & pointed out so much. He was there to meet me on my second and final day too. Such a special place … wild & wonderful, found it so thrilling to be walking in the footsteps of so many wild animals .

Bare bones. You pay the entrance fee, and it’s basically dirt roads to the viewing area. A few areas were tight, 2 cars would not be able to pass each other. But when we went it, midday, dry season… it was quiet. During the day it was fairly quiet wildlife wise as well, but on the way back the wildlife began to stir. At the end of the 9km drive, you park the car, there are restrooms but not much else. Cross a walking suspension bridge, chat with the administrator at the center, walk to a pavilion honoring one of the researchers who was killed protecting the wildlife here and eventually setting up the park as a UNESCO World Heritage Center. We went during dry season and mid-day but managed to see some deer by a small watering hole, some monkeys by the bridge gazebo and on the drive back some reptiles and a peacock.

A rare sight, a family including calves, of wild gaur, the world's largest bovines, which can grow over 6 feet tall and weigh up to 1000 kg, are considered a vulnerable species, primarily because of habitat loss and poaching. Their meat, horns, and even organs have been targeted for years. As a result, their global population dropped an estimated 70% since the 1980s, according to the World Land Trust.