Than Bokkharani National Park

Introducing Than Bokkharani National Park

If you visit this national park just after the monsoons, you’ll be treated to a lush and surreal experience – almost like you’ve stepped onto the set of a Disney movie. At the park headquarters, close to the small town of Ao Leuk and 46km northwest of Krabi, emerald-green waters flow out of a narrow cave in a tall cliff and into a large lotus pool, which spills into a wide stream and then divides into many smaller rivulets. At each rivulet there’s a pool and a little waterfall; the effect is magical. The park was established in 1991 and protects a large area of islands, mangroves and limestone caves throughout the Ao Leuk area.

Thais from Ao Leuk come to bathe at these pools on weekends, when it becomes full of people playing in the streams – and shampooing their hair, which seems to be a favourite activity here. During the week there are only a few people about – mostly kids fishing. Vendors sell noodles, excellent roast chicken, delicious battered squid and sôm-tam (green papaya salad) under a roofed area to one side.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009