Going wild in Kaeng Krachan

It’s 3pm and the pick-up truck growls as it negotiates the winding road towards Thailand’s largest National Park, Kaeng Krachan. Samrong Meekaew, an enthusiastic park ranger and guide, runs visitors through the wildlife they are likely to encounter – hornbills, dusky leaf monkeys, black giant squirrels, pheasants, red junglefowl, and elephants.

The mention of elephants jolts some travellers out of their somnolent state.

“Elephants? I thought this was supposed to be an easy trip, full of birdsong and misty mountain valleys. I don’t recall anyone mentioning wild elephants,” the concerned traveller says.

“Things happen in Kaeng Krachan National Park,” Samrong replies with a grin. “You really are in the heart of the wild.”

A haven for wildlife

Sightings of panthers have become increasingly common in Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province. Most recently,…