Kaeng Tana national park, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand (original) (raw)

Kaeng Tana was declared as the 31st national park of Thailand on 13 July 1981. It lies in Khong Jiam district of Ubon Ratchathani province.

Topography and climate
The 80 square kilometers park contains small hills, under water caves with fishes. Moon river flow through the park, and later meet the Mekong river on Thai - Lao border. In the middle of Khong river there is a large rock island.

The average elevation is about 200 meters above sea level. Ban Tad mountain is the highest point at 543 meters above sea level.

Compared to the surrounding flat lands of Ubon Ratchathani, the park is not too hot in summer and it is not very cool in the cool season.

Flora and fauna
The park is coverd by deciduous forest which has dwarf Shorea obtusa, Shorea siamenses, Dipterocarpus obtusifollus and so on. Besides, there are some dry evergreen forests found parts of the park. Main plants are Eugenia cumini, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, xylia, kerrii, Teak, grassland and bamboo.

The wildlife includes wild pig, barking deer, civet, macaque, gibbon, birds and fish.

Tourist attractions

Kaeng Tana (Tana Rapid) is a sandstone rapid in the middle of Moon river in lower Don Tana. In rainy season heavy current flows over the rocks.

Rak Sai waterfall is the flow of water over a clif through the banyan roots, resembling a curtain wall. There are fern, lichen and mosses that make the air pleasant.

Hanging bridge is a connecting bridge between the headquarters and Don Tana. It is a place to have panorama view of Moon river and Kaeng Tana.

Kaeng Kan Hew consists of a kilometer long, 300 meters wide stone range on the Moon river. In December when the river is in its full flow the rapid on the stone range and the sand beach on the bank create a beautiful natural scene.

Don Tana is soil and rock prominence that separates Moon river into two. It is 460 meters wide and 700 meters long and is covered by dry evergreen and teak forest.

Tat Ton waterfall is located on Huay Tat Ton (Tat Ton stream).

How to get there
The park is 90 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani town. Take the route no. 217 (to the east) to Sirindhorn district (northern side of Sirindhorn dam lake). At Ban Hua Sapan take a left turn (to the north) into route no. 2173. Before you get to the meeting point of Moon and Mekong rivers there is a dirt road to the right (to the east) with the park's sign.

Facilities
There are 4 bungalows sleeping 6 to 10 people each, and 2 campgrounds in the park.

Contact address
Kaeng Tana National Park
Amphur Khong Jiam,
Ubon Ratchatani Province 34220
Tel: 045-442 002, 249 802