Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary is considered one of the most important natural conservation areas in Thailand and Southeast Asia. It covers areas in both Kanchanaburi and Tak provinces, divided into western and eastern sections. The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974, and in 1991, UNESCO, along with Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, inscribed it as a "World Natural Heritage Site" under the name "Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary," recognizing its outstanding ecological value and biodiversity.

The Thung Yai Naresuan forest is a key component of the "Western Forest Complex," one of the largest protected forest areas in Southeast Asia. It encompasses continuous forest areas across several provinces along the Tenasserim Mountains bordering Thailand and Myanmar. The landscape is predominantly characterized by high, complex mountain ranges. The area comprises tropical rainforests, dry evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, dipterocarp forests, and vast savanna grasslands, which give the area its name, "Thungyai." This diversity of forest types and elevations creates a complete ecosystem and serves as an important watershed for several rivers, including the Mae Klong River, the Salween River, and the Sakae Krang River basin.

This area is recognized as one of the most biodiverse regions in Thailand. More than 120 species of mammals, over 400 species of birds, numerous reptiles and amphibians, and a wide variety of freshwater fish have been found here. Rare wildlife that can still be found in the area includes the Indochinese tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, wild elephant, tapir, gaur, serow, and muntjac. Furthermore, it is one of the most important areas in Thailand for tiger population conservation, where the tiger population continues to reproduce naturally, indicating the richness of the food chain and the continued health of the forest ecosystem.

Beyond its natural value, Thungyai Naresuan also holds international academic and research significance. It is an area that has maintained a large, pristine natural forest with relatively little human impact. Scientists and conservationists from many countries use this area to study tropical ecosystems, wildlife behavior, and climate change. This includes sustainable management of the conservation area. The fact that this area remains connected to the natural forest on the Myanmar side allows wildlife to move freely and maintain genetic diversity, a crucial factor for the long-term conservation of large animals.

Although Thungyai Naresuan is renowned as a world-class natural area, much of the area is not open to commercial tourism. Access to many areas requires prior permission from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and some areas require guides to control the impact on nature. Tourists permitted to enter are typically nature study groups, birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, or those genuinely interested in ecotourism. What sets Thungyai Naresuan apart from other tourist destinations is its tranquility, the purity of nature, and the opportunity to experience an ancient forest that has been preserved almost entirely in its original state—one of the best in Southeast Asia.

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How to Get There

• From Kanchanaburi town, take Highway 323 towards Thong Pha Phum. Then proceed toward the Thinuai Forest Protection Unit. A 4WD vehicle is strictly required as the terrain consists of steep, rugged dirt roads.

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Travel Tips

• Obtain entry permission in advance before visiting.

• Carry your ID card or passport at all times.

• A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended for most routes.

• Refuel your vehicle before entering remote forest areas.

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Admission Fees:

• Thai Nationals: Adults 50 THB, Children 20 THB 

• Foreigners: Adults 200 THB, Children 100 THB

• (Fees are subject to change).

Opening Hours:

• Daily from 08:00 AM – 04:30 PM (The sanctuary is usually closed for forest recovery during the rainy season, approximately from June to September).