Kaeng Krachan Campsites and Resorts

To our tasting, the best place to stay for the night in the park is without any doubt Ban Krang’s campsite. Well... at least if the thought that the thin fabric is the only dividing barrier between you and the abundant wildlife!

Headquarters and Kaeng Krachan Reservoir

A large campsite is located near the park headquarters. You can pitch your own tent for THB30 or rent one for THB250. Pillows, mats and sleeping bags can be rented as well.

The restaurant on site will have your dinner needs sorted out, and free Wi-Fi is available at both the restaurant and the headquarters.

A few wooden cabins with a private toilette, hot water, fan and fridge are a recent addition but the number of them is limited and reservation through the DNP site is necessary. Prices start at THB1200 for a unit big enough to accommodate 4 people.

Just a few km east of the dam, D Varee Diva Nana (139 Moo 13 Baan Ton-Gate, 76170 Kaeng Kachan) is set in a wonderful and quiet location along the Petchaburi River. The spacious rooms are beautifully designed and furnished, with large windows overlooking the garden, comfortable beds, air-con, flat screen TV and a modern private bathroom with hot water. A big swimming pool with sun beds and a small slide will keep you and your kids occupied in a relaxing atmosphere. A well-equipped gym and a spa are also available. An on-site restaurant offers both Thai and Western food at reasonable prices. A double room with breakfast included will come at THB1700.

Ban Krang and Sam Yod checkpoint

The only option in Ban Krang is the campsite, and if you love camping the experience is exceptional and thrilling at the same time. It’s not rare to see elephants coming to the saltlick station not too far from your tent, and more than likely you’ll find quite difficult to fall asleep wondering how far the noises you’re hearing are coming from. Macaques, civet cats and jackals are also regular visitors of the campsite. Prices are the same as at the previous one, and you can rent everything you might need. Electricity is available only for few hours in the evening.

Be aware that during weekends and public holidays, especially in the cooler months of December and January, the place can be quite overcrowded and lose a great deal of that magic atmosphere that you can expect on any other day of the year.

A few hundred meters prior to the park entrance, at Sam Yod checkpoint, Samarn Bird Camp is a good option if you’re planning to go to Ban Krang but don’t feel comfortable sleeping so close to the wildlife. As you can guess from the name, Samarm and its beautiful garden attract lots of birds all day long, and especially if you’re passionate about feathered creatures, it’s a great opportunity for a close encounter with several species of hornbills (among the others). People on a budget can rent a tent for THB200; pillows, mat and sleeping bag come for an extra THB50.

Private fan-cooled rooms are honestly not a great value for the money, but the spectacular setting and the possibility to enter the park as soon as they open in the morning justify somehow the price of THB1100. Samarn can also organize guided tours inside the park or simply provide transportation to Ban Krang campsite. The place is quite popular among Thai visitors and the reservation is recommended during the busier months of the year.

Pala–U Waterfalls

Very few travellers decide to stop here, most of them coming for just a day trip from Hua Hin. There is a small campsite and nice T-shaped wooden bungalows with private toilette. Prices start at THB1000. There’s usually no need to reserve in advance, but if you want to be sure please refer to the DNP site.