Ranong's Twin National Parks Showcase Ancient Mangroves and Waterfalls

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is inviting tourists to explore two exceptional national parks in Ranong province: Mu Ko Ranong National Park and Khlong Kraburi National Park, highlighting their ecotourism appeal.

Mu Ko Ranong National Park, formerly named Mu Ko Payam National Park until 2010, covers 356.70 square kilometers and is managed by two ranger stations on Koh Chang and Koh Sai Dam islands. Located on Thailand's Andaman coast, the park features extensive mangrove forests recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997—Thailand's fourth such designation and the world's first mangrove biosphere reserve. It is also under consideration for designation as a natural world heritage site protecting the Andaman marine conservation area.

Key attractions include Koh Chang (Turtle Bay), Koh Khom, Koh Thalu, nature trails, and a giant mangrove tree over 200 years old standing approximately 30 meters tall with a circumference of about 2 meters—Thailand's largest dwarf mangrove specimen. The park offers kayaking through mangrove scenery, accommodation, and camping facilities.

For waterfall enthusiasts, Khlong Kraburi National Park in Ranong is a must-visit destination. Covering 169.49 square kilometers, it was established in 1999 and spans three districts. The park's landscape features three distinct zones: the Kraburi River (Thailand's border with Myanmar), mangrove forests along riverbanks and islands, and wet evergreen forests including three national forest reserves.

The park's main attraction is Phunyaban Waterfall, a three-tiered cascade flowing from a small stream within the La-Un-Ratchakrut National Forest Reserve, easily accessible from the main highway. Recently, both Phunyaban Waterfall and Haad Yai Hot Spring received excellent-level tourist destination quality certification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.