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If you're looking for a truly breathtaking natural attraction in the southern province of Trang, Thailand, look no further than Hat Chao Mai National Park! This incredible park spans over 230 square kilometres, also home to a diverse array of landscapes, including lush rainforests, soaring limestone cliffs, and a stunning archipelago of islands dotting the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea.
At Asia King Travel, we're passionate about helping travellers embark on unforgettable adventures in paradise. So, if you're ready to experience the magic of Hat Chao Mai National Park, read on for some helpful tips and insights!
Hat Chao Mai National Park (Credit: Khunkay)
Hat Chao Mai National Park is situated within the Sikao and Kantang districts of Trang Province, Thailand. This marine park was established in 1981 and is designated as an IUCN Category II protected area that includes coral reefs. Its size is about 144,292 rai or around 231 square kilometres.
Furthermore, the park is a Ramsar site, which is a site listed on the List of Wetlands of International Importance, since it was made up of limestone karst mountains, mangrove forests, and vast seagrass beds. Additionally, the park is the first dugong conservation zone in Thailand.
A lighthouse in Hat Chao Mai (Credit: Lonely Planet)
Although Hat Chao Mai National Park is open year-round, preference for the best time to go varies according to interests and activities. It is considered by many visitors and travel agencies as best visited during the dry season, which is from November to March of the following year.
Scenery in Hat Chao Mai (Credit: Filipe Moura)
This is when the weather is bright and dry, registering less or almost no rainfall, perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, beach, and island exploration. Plus, travellers can avoid the hottest time in Thailand, around March and April, with the temperature ranging from comfortably warm to a scorcher.
Moreover, it is also peak in terms of tourist activities, you can expect higher numbers, especially during peak periods. The dryer conditions ease access to the park's trails and beaches.
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Hat Chao Mai National Park is around 785 km south of Bangkok. So, the easiest way to get to the park from Bangkok is to take a domestic flight to Trang Airport, which takes about an hour and 20 minutes. You can hire a private taxi or rent a car from Trang Airport to drive the remaining 70 km to the national park entrance, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
If you're going to leave from Phuket, the simplest way would be to take a domestic flight to Trang Airport, which will take just about an hour. From there, take the same direction above to Hat Chao Mai National Park.
Travellers can move to Hat Chao Mai from Trang Airport (Credit: Chris Mitchell)
The area is home to exquisite flora and fauna, including some of the most vibrant bird species in the world. These magnificent creatures boast bright blue plumage and distinctive black-and-white markings on their feathers. In the Hat Chao Mai National Park, you'll find the elusive Gurney's Pitta hidden among the thick underbrush, a native of the area. It is a rare treat for enthusiasts of the winged species.
It is also a habitat for some of the most interesting creatures, including the endangered Malayan tapir – a curious hoofed mammal with a prolonged snout and a coat with unique patterns. This is great news for mammal enthusiasts, where they can witness these gentle giants wandering through the undergrowth in the park.
Coral Reef in Hat Chao Mai National Park (Credit: Nation Thailand)
Hat Chao Mai National Park is a wonderful place to visit, not just because it's a home for natural creatures, but also because it's a playground for adventure seekers, offering a range of exhilarating activities! And the absolute highlight of your visit is swimming through the incredible Emerald Cave!
Just a stone's throw from Kradan Island, the Emerald Cave, or Morakot Cave, has long been a firm favourite with tourists, even during the pandemic. Many tourists charter private boats to cruise to this lovely cave.
Morakot Cave is an ideal destination for couple (Credit: Traveloka)
When you arrive, just get off the boat and join the other visitors in the water as you make your way into the cave. Don't worry if you need help figuring out what to do! There'll usually be a lovely tour guide to show you the way.
Once you've swum through the cave's mouth to the other side, keep your eyes peeled for a gorgeous white sandy beach surrounded by cliffs. As you look up, see if you can spot a heart-shaped slice of sky formed by the cliffs. Around 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the sunlight will shine through the hollow and cast a beautiful reflection on the water inside the cave.
Emerald Cave swimming (Credit: Protocol Travel)
Once you've had your fill of exploring the pristine beaches and hidden caves, you may be looking for a change of pace by cruising around other mini-islands.
Hat Chao Mai National Park is perfectly located for some great attractions. There are lots of great options for day trips and exploring.
From Hat Chao Mai, you can enjoy great views of the surrounding mini-islands. There are seven islands surrounding it, such as Muk Island, Kradan Island, Chueak Island, Pling Island, Waen Island, Meng Island, and Chao Mai Island. It's well worth taking a boat ride to see them up close.
Kradan Island (Credit: CNA)
What makes these islands so interesting is the colourful coral reef that you can see below them. Moreover, the water is so clear you can see the coral reefs on the sandy coastline, so consider joining a snorkelling trip, because It's a great way to see the underwater world and the rainbow-tinted coral reefs.
If you're looking for a bit of adventure, you can camp at the designated sites in Hat Chao Mai National Park. Just pitch your tent among the greenery and let the sweet symphony of nature wake you up in the morning. The park has basic camping facilities like restrooms and fresh water, so don’t worry about the lack of equipment here.
Otherwise, you can stay in a hotel or resort, as there are plenty to choose from in the Hat Chao Mai National Park area. They range from budget to luxury beachfront and can accommodate various travellers and budgets. Most are near the park entrances and have added facilities like restaurants, swimming pools, and spa services.
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Resort around Hat Chao Mai National Park (Credit: Tripadvisor)
Hat Chao Mai National Park is an absolute gem! It offers a truly special experience of living amidst nature's incredible beauty. The island paradise is covered with the most lush rainforests, the most exotic plants, and fauna, while on the other side, it has islands surrounded by the lightest blue waters and the most beautiful white sand beaches.
There's so much to love about Hat Chao Mai National Park! Contact us here, to explore so many natural wonders, experience them, and appreciate the beauty you'll gain from them.
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