KHAO SOK-PHANOM TRAVEL & TOURISM
Trekking & Adventure in Khlong Phanom National Park
Khlong Phanom National Park is a paradise for hikers and adventure lovers. Most trails retain a wild, tranquil feel, allowing visitors to walk beneath rainforest canopy, see giant trees and bamboo, follow clear streams and enjoy dramatic limestone scenery.
Big Tree Nature Trail
Why This Trail Is Special
The Big Tree Nature Trail is one of Khlong Phanom’s most popular routes. Its highlight is a “forest giant” with an enormous trunk circumference and a crown rising above the surrounding canopy—an impressive symbol of intact evergreen forest.
Along the way, hikers pass through dense rainforest with massive buttress roots, lianas, wild orchids, ferns and mosses covering tree trunks. Some sections offer viewpoints looking out over lines of limestone peaks in Khlong Phanom and Khao Sok.
Trail Details
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Distance: Around 2 km (return or loop, depending on the starting point).
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Time: 1.5–2 hours, including photo stops.
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Difficulty: Moderate – with some ascents, descents and large roots to step over.
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Best for: Beginner to intermediate hikers who want a “real” forest trail and those interested in nature photography.
Highlights Along the Trail
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The giant tree, the main highlight of the route.
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Occasional viewpoints with sweeping vistas of limestone mountains.
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Gibbon calls and hornbill flights often heard or seen in the morning.
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A wide variety of understorey and epiphytic plants, ideal for plant enthusiasts and macro photographers.
Chiang Roun Bamboo Trail
Charm of the Giant Bamboo Forest
The Chiang Roun Bamboo Trail is characterised by its “giant bamboo forest”, where thick stands of towering bamboo form a natural tunnel overhead. Sunlight filtering through the leaves creates a soft, dappled atmosphere, perfect for slow walking, quiet contemplation and beautiful photographs.
These giant bamboo groves provide habitat for numerous bird species and forest insects, making the trail appealing to hikers, birdwatchers and visitors seeking a “bamboo forest” experience—Thai rainforest style.
Trail Details
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Distance: Approximately 2–3 km (depending on chosen start and end points).
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Time: 2–3 hours.
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate – a mix of soil, rocks and occasionally slippery sections.
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Best for: Visitors keen to experience giant bamboo forest, take photos and enjoy a not-too-demanding hike.
Wang Matcha – Kaew Cave Trail
From Fish Pool to Cave
This trail links “Wang Matcha”, a natural fish pool, with “Kaew Cave”, making it ideal for a half-day program that combines swimming and caving in a single trip.
Starting at Wang Matcha, the path follows a stream and gradually climbs the hillside towards the cave entrance. Along the way, hikers pass through lush evergreen forest with ferns, orchids and birdsong. The trail is not very steep, making it suitable for families and those trying a short forest walk.
Trail Details
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Distance: Around 1 km from Wang Matcha to Kaew Cave.
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Time: 30–45 minutes (excluding time spent swimming or exploring the cave).
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
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Best for: All ages with basic fitness, especially those wanting a mix of “swim + hike + cave” in one outing.
River Canoeing & Kayaking
Paddling the Khlong Sok – Khlong Phanom Area
In and around Khlong Phanom and neighbouring Khao Sok, local operators offer canoeing and kayaking trips along rivers that flow beneath limestone cliffs and through evergreen forest. Paddlers can enjoy close-up views of sheer rock faces rising from the water and may spot monkeys, langurs, hornbills and various water birds along the banks.
The difficulty level is generally easy to moderate, with gentle currents under normal conditions, making these trips suitable for beginners and families (subject to seasonal water levels and safety conditions).
Popular Activities on the River
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Distance: Around 1 km from Wang Matcha to Kaew Cave.
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Time: 30–45 minutes (excluding time spent swimming or exploring the cave).
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
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Best for: All ages with basic fitness, especially those wanting a mix of “swim + hike + cave” in one outing.
Adventure Hikes & Jungle Experience
Full-Day Trekking
Travellers wanting deeper immersion can opt for full-day treks, running from morning until afternoon or evening. These hikes typically combine walking through evergreen forest, following or crossing streams and resting at waterfalls or viewpoints along the way.
Full-day treks are suitable for visitors with reasonable fitness who want to spend unhurried time in the forest. Routes and difficulty levels can be adjusted to match the group, but should always be undertaken with a local guide or park ranger.
Park Overview Nature & Wildlife Attractions Trekking & Adventure