Ko Pha-ngan - TourismThailand.org

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In 1987, there was an official survey to integrate the national park area on
Ko Pha-ngan with the existing Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park. However, the survey
showed that the forest on Ko Pha-ngan has such high biodiversity, historical and
archaeological value to be established as a separate national park. In 1989, a more
detailed survey was done again, and this time the survey results led to Forest Reserve
Area : Ko Pha-ngan Forest, Nam Tok Than Sadet Forest, Khao Lat Kaeo Forest, Khao
Khai Forest, Khao Ta Luang Forest, Khao Hin Nok Forest, Laem Pho - Laem Katha Khwam
Forest and Khao Fai Mai Forest, was prepared to announce as Than Sadet - Ko Pha-ngan
National Park. Later on the area was expanded around Ko Pha-ngan to cover 62 square
kilometers. The Than Sadet - Ko Pha-ngan National Park proposal was agreed by
the national park committee on 10 February 1999 and now in the process with Council
of Ministers to approve.
Nowadays, Phaeng Waterfall is a hot spot especially for foreign tourists.
The National Park has made the 2.5 km. trail for tourists wishing to spend the 1 hour
walk through the forest to admire the fertile dense forest and interesting plants and
animals such as tiger orchids, different variety of ferns, and wild mushrooms that bloom
in rainy season; bulbuls, drongos, spider and butterflies, monkeys, samba deer, and
wild boar can also be found on the trail for those luck to spot them.
This trail goes along the stream to Phaeng Waterfall and up many levels, each
level with a different name : Phaeng Noi, Than Nam Rak, Thang Song Phraeng, Than Kluai
Mai for example. Phaeng Waterfall will be most beautiful in the rainy season. Beyond
the waterfall, the trail climbs higher and grows steeper leading to Dom Sila View Point,
a stunning viewpoint for both scenic and sunset views. From this point, there are
splendid views view of the islands from Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park,
Ko Tao and Ko Samui, as well as the south and west of Ko Pha-ngan.
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