Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Forest Research and Nature Study Center To Daeng Peat Swamp Forest, widely known as To Daeng Peat Swamp Forest, preserves the largest and most intact peat swamp forest in Thailand. Covering more than 120,000 rai across Su-ngai Kolok, Tak Bai, and Waeng districts in Narathiwat Province, it is one of the most important wetland ecosystems in Southeast Asia.

Ecologically, the peat swamp functions like a giant natural sponge. During the rainy season, it absorbs and stores massive amounts of freshwater, helping reduce flood risks. In the dry season, it gradually releases water to maintain moisture in surrounding agricultural areas. The forest is also a highly efficient carbon sink. Because plant material decomposes very slowly in permanently waterlogged conditions, layers of organic soil known as “peat” accumulate over time, reaching depths of 0.5 to more than 5 meters and preserving natural history for thousands of years.

A remarkable feature of the forest is the adaptation of its vegetation to acidic, oxygen-poor soil. Many plant species develop stilt roots to stabilize themselves in soft ground and pneumatophores (breathing roots) that rise above the water surface to absorb oxygen. Notable plant species include sago palm (Metroxylon sagu), rattan, and local plants such as “Lumphii,” along with red water lilies and other aquatic vegetation. The dark tea-colored streams, caused by dissolved tannins from decaying plant matter, give the area its distinctive “red water” appearance—hence the name To Daeng (“Red Table”) Peat Swamp.

The forest is also a crucial habitat for rare and endangered wildlife. Most notably, it is home to the Flat-headed Cat, one of the world’s rarest wild cat species, specially adapted to wetland environments. More than 200 bird species have been recorded here, along with mammals such as dusky langurs and smooth-coated otters.

Visitors can explore the ecosystem via a wooden nature trail approximately 1,200 meters long, extending into the heart of the peat swamp. The elevated boardwalk allows close observation of the forest structure at different levels, from low shrubs to towering canopy trees. A viewing tower provides panoramic views over the vast peat forest landscape. A visit here is not just sightseeing—it is an immersive journey into one of the region’s most valuable natural classrooms.

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How to Get There

• By Car: From Narathiwat town, take Highway 4084 toward Tak Bai District, then continue onto Highway 4057 (Tak Bai–Su-ngai Kolok Road) for about 5 kilometers. The entrance sign to the research center will appear on the left. Drive approximately 1 kilometer further to reach the visitor center.

• By Public Transport: Take a van from Narathiwat to Su-ngai Kolok and inform the driver to stop at the To Daeng Peat Swamp entrance. From there, walk or hire a local motorcycle taxi to reach the center.

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Travel Tips

• Visit between 8:00–9:30 AM or late afternoon for cooler weather and better chances of spotting wildlife.

• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and comfortable walking shoes suitable for wooden boardwalks. Insect repellent is recommended.

• Smoking and open flames are strictly prohibited, as peat soil is highly flammable and underground fires are extremely difficult to control.

• You may combine your trip with a visit to Suai Ko-lok border checkpoint or explore Suai Ko-lok train station, one of the southernmost railway terminals in Thailand.

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Entrance Fee:

• Free admission (open to the public under the supervision of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation).

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.