Picture this: a lush expanse of verdant wilderness that not only gives solace to the soul but has also recently been certified as one of Thailand’s top nature escapes. Welcome to Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park in Cha-am! This serene sanctuary has recently ascended to new heights, earning national certification under the Thailand Tourism Standard for the 2025 fiscal year. Awarded by the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the accolade is a testament to the park’s impeccable safety standards, superior service quality, and exemplary site management, especially for camping and eco-tourism enthusiasts.
The distinguished Patthanaphan Jueajan, Head of Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park, received this prestigious honor amidst the sparkling lights and glitzy ambiance of an awards ceremony. It was hosted in none other than the grandeur of the Centara Grand Ballroom at Central Plaza Ladprao, situated in the heart of Bangkok.
Just a quick 30-minute jaunt from the bustling hub of Hua Hin lies this gem of a park. Famed for its untouched trails, lushly vegetated limestone hills, and sprawling views of the Cha-am coastline, it has long been a favorite haunt for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts who crave an authentic escape from the madding crowd of tourists to experience Thailand’s untamed beauty.
Adventure seekers will find themselves spoiled for choice with the park’s two distinctive hiking trails. The shorter, 150-meter trail serves as a gentle climb to the much-loved Phanthurat Mirror Viewpoint — a hotspot for those seeking the perfect sunrise selfie with breathtaking coastal vistas as their backdrop. Recently revamped, the trail features robust concrete steps replacing the older wooden ones, welcoming families and older wanderers alike to savor its beauty with newfound ease.
The longer trail, stretching 3.5 kilometers, offers a moderate challenge with a rewarding trek through dense greenery leading to not one, not two, but three spectacular lookout points. It’s no wonder this path is a veritable haven for birdwatchers, given the over 100 bird species that call this area home!
Upon entering the park, visitors are greeted by manicured lawns that seem to be framed by towering limestone cliffs, providing a magnificent preview of the grandeur to come. Visitors can indulge in a delightful cup of coffee at the small coffee shop, peruse the well-equipped visitor center, or explore a plant nursery showcasing a variety of local flora.
Khao Nang Phanthurat’s journey from a hidden gem to a certified eco-tourism hotspot stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to conservation and meticulous care. Local tourism officials eagerly anticipate that this newfound recognition will attract more responsible travelers to Cha-am, boosting the region’s green credentials while ensuring its natural beauty remains pristine for generations to come.
Wow, Khao Nang Phanthurat sounds like paradise! Can’t believe it’s just a short drive from Hua Hin.
Sure, but once everyone hears about it, it’ll be just another overcrowded tourist trap.
Not if it’s managed well! Certifications like these encourage responsible tourism.
I agree with Judy. It’s about promoting eco-tourism responsibly.
The certification should help control how many people visit at once.
I’m thrilled to see places like this getting recognition! It highlights the importance of preserving natural beauty.
I just hope the certification doesn’t bring in too much human traffic.
Proper management is key to balancing tourism and preservation.
100 bird species? This is definitely going on my bucket list!
Birdwatching sounds amazing there, but with more people, those birds might fly away.
True, but guided tours can help minimize disturbances to wildlife.
Can’t wait to try the 3.5 km trail! Finally, some real adventure!
Hopefully, increased visitors won’t mean litter on those trails.
Pack it in, pack it out! Everyone needs to respect nature.
The new steps should help less nimble folks enjoy it too.
As a local, it’s nice to see our area getting recognition. I just hope it doesn’t disrupt our community.
With good planning, local culture and tourism can coexist.
True, benefits could help the local economy if managed correctly.
Looking for the perfect sunrise selfie at Phanthurat Mirror Viewpoint!
Same here! But don’t block the view with those selfie sticks, please.
I just hope that more visitors don’t ruin the natural beauty or turn the park into a theme park.
Agreed, conservation should be priority number one.
The coffee shop and plant nursery sound like a lovely way to finish a hike!
Can’t wait to try the local brews while surrounded by such beauty.
Exactly, it sounds like a relaxing experience.
Awards and certifications are fine, but real change is in maintaining these standards long-term.
Stunning landscapes and eco-tourism combined sounds like the perfect getaway!
This is great and all, but what about the cultural heritage of these places?
It would be great if they included cultural trails or info tours.
Concrete steps are a great addition for safety. It’s important that hikes are accessible to everyone.