In 1959, 14 important forests were proposed for inclusion in national parks, among them the once vast and malarial Thung Salaeng Luang. Eventually, in 1972, 1,262 square kilometers were declared the Thung Salaeng Luang National Park.

But from the late 1960’s to the early 1980’s the forest was used as a major base area and infiltration route for guerrillas of the outlawed Communist Party of Thailand (CPT). It was sealed off by the Thai military from even the park officials. One of the climactic showdowns of the war with Communist insurgents took place at nearby Khao Kor, where government forces defeated the guerrillas in a series of tough battles in 1981 and 1982, Khao Kor is now the site of a resort and community–based development protects.

Guerrillas have not been the park’s only scourge. Other intruders were hilltribe people and squatters who made use of the Phitsanulok–Lomsak highway running through the park’s northern end to gain easy access to the area and stake claims to virgin terrian.

Geographical Features

Composing the park are hills of limestone, slate and hardpan between altitudes of 300 to 1,028 meters. A long north-south stretch of limestone hills runs down the western section of the park. Thung Salaeng Luang, the origin of numerous streams, is inlaid with meadows, especially in its southern area. Mixed species deciduous forest predominates, with lowland scrub and tropical broadleaved evergreen covering smaller areas.

Weather Condition

The average annual temperature is 25 Celsius, rising to near 30 degrees n summer months from March to June. The best time to visit is in the cool season, November to February. Many of the wild meadow flowers bloom in November. The average annual rainfall is 1,700 millimetres, the wettest months being July to October.

Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

Seventeen mammal species, including elephant, yellow – throated marten and masked palm civet, are confirmed as park dweller. A significant number of others are possible residents. These include tiger, gaur, barking deer, wild dog, wild pig, langur and slow loris. A 1987 study estimated that between five and 20 elephants survied in the park.

Phitsanulok is a major transportation hub easily reached from Bangkok by train, bus, private car and air. From town travel along Highway 12 and watch for the park headquarters office on the right side at kilometre 80. The park can be reached by the same highway from Lomsak

Booking can be arranged through in this website or telephone booking at +66 2562 0760. Reservation can be made 60 days in advance. Payment at Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, needs to be done within 2 days after the reservation is being made.

Foreign clients who perform online accommodation booking from outside Thailand must transfer the accommodation fee (except bank service charge) to Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, Thailand, account number 039-6-02816-0.

It is important to e-mail The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to np_income@dnp.go.th with the following information : 1) Booking Code. 2) Name of booking person as shown in the booking information. and 3) Name of National Park that has been booked. more

Kheng Wang Nam Yen  is a large rock islet 40-50m wide, about 7km far from Nong Mae na national park ranger unit, through to Toong Non Son and turn right along dirt road for about 500m. Situated on Lam Num Krek Noi riverside, is rock islet in cool season and summer.

Nam Tok Kaeng Sopha  Dubbed the “ Niagara Falls of Thailand,” Kaeng Sopha is one of the country’s most beautiful. The trees – tiered waterfall, shaped like a stairway, is found very hear kilometre 68 of the Phitsanulok – Lomsak Highway. Food stalls, rest rooms and a tourist nformation centre are located at the waterfall.

Three kilometres from the park office is an 80 metre long cable stayed bridge spanning the Khek Yai River. The riverbanks are pleasant for picnics and the Khek Yai is ideal for dips in the dry season although dangerous during the rains when the current flows too rapidly.

Nam Tok Soun Some  

Nature Trail  in thung Salaeng luang including diversity of flora and fauna, is important genetic source, headwater, nature learning, and ecosystem for traveling and relaxing.

Pra Wang Daeng Cave  

Tham Kaeng Cow  

Thum Duean - Thum Dao  located in Protect Office National Park(SL.6.). This water droppind cave is about 1.4 km long with stalactite and stalagmite. It is suggeoted to visit the cave in the dry season because og less water in the cave.

Thung Nang Paya or Toong Phaya muang Lane  in the South of the National Park, about 70 km from the Park Headquarters. From Nong Mae na National Park Ranger Unit on Thung Salang Luang-Thung Phaya route about 14 km. The general geography is savannah grass field, surrounding with pine and evergreen forests.

Thung None Son  

Thung Salaeng Luang  Thung Salaeng Luang : is reached by two routes. There is a 40 kilometre long trail running south from park headquarters to the meadow but it can only by negotiated by 4 – wheel drive vehicles and then only during the dry season. The other option is arriving via the Khao Kor – Phertchabun road which runs southeast of the park and turning off at Nong Mae Na. A gravel leads to the park boundary and meadow.

Men's restroom    There are toilets for men.

Women's restroom    There are toilets for women.

Accommodation    7 bungalows are also available at headquarters.

Accommodation    8 bungalows are also available, Ranger Station 8 area, Nong Mae Na, 60 km. from Headquarters.

Accommodation    2 bungalows are also available, Lum Num Khea area, 3 km. from Headquarters

Camping site    National Park provides campground and restaurant for tourists.

Parking    National Park provides parking lot for visitors.

Food services    Restaurant is available in the Park.

Visitor center    National Park have visitor center for the tourist to get the information before visits the park. Visitor center open everyday from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.