“A collection of white sandy beaches and major islands (Emerald Cave, Ko Kradan), and an essential habitat for dugongs, a rare marine species.”
Hat Chao Mai National Park is one of Thailand’s most important and beautiful marine national parks, covering areas on both land and the Andaman Sea, located within Sikao and Kantang Districts of Trang Province. The park spans more than 144,292.35 rai, featuring a unique combination of over 20 kilometers of coastline, limestone mountains, multiple islands, and highly abundant ecosystems.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems:
- Mangrove Forests: Found along estuaries and coastlines, serving as important nurseries for juvenile marine life.
- Seagrass Beds: The primary food source for dugongs, the rare marine mammals symbolic of Trang, with high chances of spotting them in this area.
- Coral Reefs: Beautiful and well-preserved reefs surrounding islands such as Ko Kradan, a popular snorkeling destination.
Tourist Attractions and Key Highlights within the Park:
- Pak Meng Beach: The gateway to the Trang Sea and a gathering point for trips to nearby islands. The beach forms a crescent-moon shape, lined with casuarina trees. A striking sight is Khao Meng (Ko Meng), a large rock formation resembling a reclining person, which serves as the symbol of the beach.
Emerald Cave (Ko Muk):
The most famous natural wonder of Trang. Visitors must swim through an 80-meter dark cave tunnel to reach a large hidden lagoon with white sand and a forest surrounded by towering limestone cliffs — an enchanting natural chamber.
Ko Kradan:
Considered one of the best beaches in the world, known for its turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and crystal-clear shallow reefs that allow sighting of vibrant corals and fish.
Hat Chao Mai / Chang Lang Beach:
Home to the park headquarters, offering a peaceful and scenic shoreline, designated camping areas, and nature study zones.
Khao Ba Na Nature Trail:
Located near Hat Chao Mai, this standalone mountain resembles a shark fin. The short 850-meter trail offers stunning views of the sea and limestone landscapes.
How to Get There
- Private Car: From Trang city, take the Trang–Sikao Road (Highway 4046) and continue toward Pak Meng Beach. The park headquarters is located at Chang Lang Beach, not far from Pak Meng. Total distance is approximately 47 kilometers.
- Public Transportation: Take an air-conditioned van or songthaew on the Trang–Pak Meng route. From Pak Meng, hire a local vehicle to reach the park headquarters or nearby attractions.
Travel Tips
- Travel between November – May, when the sea is calm, clear, and ideal for tourism.
- Visiting Emerald Cave requires swimming; a guide is recommended, and visitors should check the tide schedule beforehand for safety.
- For stays at national park accommodations or campsites, reservations should be made in advance through the official National Park website.
- Help protect marine environments: No littering and No feeding marine animals, to preserve the habitat and food sources of dugongs.
- A single park entrance ticket covers all accessible areas and islands within the park for the same day.
Entrance Fees:
- Thai Nationals: Adults 40 THB, Children 20 THB, Senior Citizens (60+) Free
- Foreigners: Adults 200 THB, Children 100 THB
- Vehicles: Cars (4 wheels) 30 THB/vehicle, Motorcycles 20 THB/vehicle
Opening Hours:
- Open daily from 08:30 – 17:00