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Nature & Wildlife of Khlong Phanom National Park

Khlong Phanom’s rainforest is among the most intact in Surat Thani. Dense canopy, clear streams, towering limestone cliffs and year-round humidity create ideal conditions for a rich diversity of plants and animals. From giant emergent trees and rare Rafflesia flowers to wild elephants, Malayan tapirs, serow and hornbills, this is a haven for life.

Forest Types & Ecosystems

Tropical Evergreen Rainforest

Most of Khlong Phanom is covered by tropical evergreen rainforest. This type of forest receives high rainfall throughout the year and has:

Multiple canopy layers, including tall emergent trees rising above the main canopy
A dark, humid forest floor where little direct sunlight reaches
Abundant ferns, mosses, fungi, climbers and young seedlings

Valley bottoms and lower slopes with flowing streams are especially humid, providing ideal conditions for shade-loving plants such as ferns, mosses, epiphytic orchids and stands of bamboo mixed with large hardwood trees. As a result, the forest remains lush and green all year round.

Montane Forest & High Ridges

Along the higher ridges and peaks, the forest gradually takes on characteristics of montane forest. Temperatures are slightly cooler, winds are stronger and mist often shrouds the treetops at certain times of year. Trees are generally shorter, but their trunks and branches are heavily draped with mosses, lichens and ferns.

These elevated zones provide habitat for species that favour cooler, moist conditions, including gibbons, certain hornbill species and canopy-dwelling forest birds. They also offer excellent viewpoints overlooking endless waves of limestone mountains.

Notable Flora of Khlong Phanom

Large Trees & Valuable Timber Species

Khlong Phanom hosts many large hardwood tree species, including:

Dipterocarp species such as Hopea and Dipterocarpus, with tall, straight trunks and broad crowns
Ficus and other fig relatives that provide shade and abundant fruit for wildlife
Giant fig trees along streams whose fruits are a key food source for birds and mammals

Some emergent trees have trunks several metres in circumference and reach impressive heights, forming highlights along trekking routes—especially on the “Big Tree Nature Trail”, where visitors can stand at the base of these forest giants and fully appreciate their scale.

Giant Bamboo & Bamboo Forests

A distinctive feature of Khlong Phanom is its stands of giant bamboo, often referred to locally as “Chiang Roun bamboo”. These bamboo clumps can grow very tall and thick, forming shaded corridors that feel like a natural tunnel and remain cool even during hot days.

Bamboo groves support a range of birds, insects and small mammals, and they create photogenic scenes beloved by hikers and nature photographers. As a result, the Chiang Roun bamboo trail has become one of the park’s must-visit routes.

Wild Orchids, Climbers, Ferns & Mosses

Within the rainforest, Khlong Phanom is rich in epiphytes and understorey plants, including:

Wild orchids growing on tree branches and limestone cliffs
A variety of climbers and lianas forming layered tangles that serve as pathways and nesting sites for arboreal animals
Ferns and mosses carpeting rocks and tree trunks in the wettest areas

During flowering seasons, orchids and other forest blossoms add vivid splashes of colour to the predominantly green landscape, providing delightful subjects for plant enthusiasts and macro photographers.

Rafflesia – The Giant “Bua Phut” Flower

Characteristics & Life Cycle

The giant Rafflesia (Rafflesia kerrii), locally known as “Bua Phut”, is a rare parasitic flower found only in a handful of locations in southern Thailand, including Khlong Phanom. It is remarkable because:

It has no visible leaves, stems or roots like normal plants
It lives entirely as a parasite inside a forest vine and only becomes visible when it produces a flower
The flower can be enormous, with a diameter of 60–80 cm or more

The life cycle begins with a small bud attached to the host vine, slowly swelling over many months until it finally opens. When it blooms, the flower releases a strong, carrion-like odour to attract scavenging insects that act as pollinators. Each flower remains open for only a few days before collapsing and decaying.

Best Time to See Rafflesia

In Khlong Phanom, Rafflesia flowers typically bloom during the late rainy and early dry season, roughly from November to May. Exact timing varies from year to year depending on rainfall and moisture conditions.

Because each flower lasts only a few days and the number of blooms can differ annually, visitors hoping to see Rafflesia should always check the latest information with park staff or local guides. This greatly increases the chance of visiting when flowers are in full bloom.

Rules & Etiquette for Visiting Rafflesia Sites

Rafflesia plants are extremely fragile and slow-growing, so areas where they occur require strict protection. Visitors should:

Stay on designated paths and never stray off-trail
Avoid stepping or sitting near buds, which may be hidden under leaf litter or soil
Never touch the flowers, whether buds or fully open blooms
Refrain from using harsh camera flash at close range and do not place objects or climb on the host vines

By following these guidelines, visitors help ensure that Rafflesia populations remain healthy and continue to bloom for future generations.

Wildlife of Khlong Phanom National Park

Mammals

The park’s continuous, rugged forest provides a vital refuge for many large mammal species, including:

Wild elephants – leaving footprints and dung along game trails and near water sources
Malayan tapirs – rare animals favouring moist forest close to streams
Serow – typically seen on steep limestone cliffs and high ridges
Deer, muntjacs and mouse deer – feeding in glades and more open forest patches

Several primate species also occur here, including macaques, langurs and gibbons, whose calls echo across the forest in the early morning and late afternoon. Various cave and fruit bats emerge at night to feed.

Birds & Birdwatching Spots

Khlong Phanom is a rewarding destination for birdwatchers. Its evergreen forest and limestone cliffs support a wide variety of species, including:

Hornbills, which frequently fly between treetops and ridges
Bulbuls, barbets and woodpeckers commonly seen in the canopy
Flycatchers and small insectivorous birds feeding along branches and stream edges

Good birdwatching spots include the campsite area, streamside sections and main forest trails. The best times are early morning and late afternoon, when bird activity is highest.

Reptiles & Amphibians

With its high humidity and numerous streams, Khlong Phanom provides excellent habitat for reptiles and amphibians, including:

Various forest snakes, both venomous and non-venomous
Lizards and monitor lizards living among rocks and along stream banks
Frogs, toads and other amphibians whose calls fill the night air

These animals are more active at dusk and after dark. Visitors interested in herpetofauna can look for them near water and along trails in the evening, ideally accompanied by an experienced guide for safety.

Tips for Responsible Wildlife Watching

Move quietly and speak softly to increase your chances of seeing wildlife
Use binoculars or telephoto lenses instead of approaching animals too closely
Never feed wild animals; it disrupts their natural behaviour and can be dangerous
Wear neutral, earth-toned clothing rather than bright, reflective colours
Always follow park rules and listen to advice from guides or rangers

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