In reality, traveling to enjoy nature, waterfalls, and mountains doesn't always have to be far from Bangkok. Today, TerraBKK will take you on a new experience to fully appreciate nature in Suphanburi Province.

We will be visiting Putei National Park, located in Dan Chang District. It is the 85th national park in Thailand and the only one in Suphanburi Province. The journey takes about 4 hours, covering a distance of 245 kilometers.

       

Putei National Park consists of lush forests and complex mountain ranges with steep slopes, including Phra Daeng Mountain, Phutei Mountain, Phurakham Mountain, Plak Moo Mountain, Kho Moey Mountain, Mung Thao Mountain, Palong Mountain, and Huai Plu Mountain. The highest peak is "Yod Khao Thevada," standing at 1,123 meters above sea level. It is the source of several streams, including Lam Ta Phein, Huai Lek Lai, Huai Ongkot, Huai Ong Phra, Huai Tha Deua, and Huai Khamin, which flow into the Kaseaw Dam in Dan Chang District, Suphanburi Province.

      The wildlife in this park is abundant due to the plentiful water and food sources. Common wildlife includes tigers, deer, gibbons, bears, slow lorises, porcupines, king cobras, cobras, wild boars, civets, monkeys, and more. There is a beautiful natural two-needle pine forest, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation, covering an area of approximately 198,422 rai or 317.48 square kilometers.

The general weather in Putei National Park is quite hot in early years, with frequent rainfall throughout the year. Particularly from August to October, the water flow at the waterfalls is higher than usual. However, in winter, temperatures can drop to around 10 – 15 degrees Celsius, while in the Karen village of Ta Phein Khee, temperatures can reach about 5-6 degrees Celsius.

There are three main camping sites:
– Putei National Park Protection Unit 1 (Wang Kan - Pa Khee)
– Putei National Park Office (Plak Pradoo - Huai Hin Dam)
– Putei National Park Protection Unit 3 Ta Phein Khee (Plak Pradoo - Ta Phein Khee)

Interesting natural attractions:

Two-needle Pine Forest

Located on the Phutei mountain range, about 7 kilometers from Pa Khee village and the Putei National Park office, this forest features 1,376 two-needle pine trees, each 200-300 years old and measuring 2-3 people in circumference. From the two-needle pine forest, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view resembling a sea of mountains, with a cool breeze blowing continuously, making it perfect for nature lovers.

Ta Phein Klee Waterfall

Located beyond Phu Krating Waterfall, accessible via the route from Thung Makok to Pa Phak village, then turning left up the mountain to Ta Phein Klee village, an old Karen village adjacent to the World Heritage Site buffer zone of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. This village is free of all types of weapons. Ta Phein Klee Waterfall, located just a short distance from the village, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls, flowing year-round. From the waterfall, you can see the peak of Yod Khao Thevada, which is 1,123 meters high. This waterfall has previously been promoted as a significant tourist attraction in Suphanburi Province.

Nakee Cave, Little Bear, Hanging Stalactites, and Phra Yai

Located near the Putei National Park office (Pa Khee village), about 30 kilometers from Dan Chang District, this cave features beautiful natural stalactites and stalagmites. It is a gathering place for wildlife such as bears, king cobras, porcupines, foxes, wild boars, and many bats. This cave is situated in the Tuu Tii mountain, which is densely covered with Chan Pa trees and lotus flowers.

Taad Yai Waterfall

From the Sala Lauda intersection to the other side of the two-needle pine forest, travel through lush forests filled with trees and abundant wildlife. Following the stream towards the village of Kokk Chiang in Huai Khamin Subdistrict, Dan Chang District, Suphanburi Province, after about 4 kilometers, you will find Taad Yai Waterfall. This waterfall has a cool and shady atmosphere, with lush undergrowth, ferns, and moss covering the roots and branches. The waterfall consists of several tiers, each with natural pools that are not deep, allowing visitors to enjoy swimming or camping comfortably and safely.

Phra Yai

This high cliff is located at the Tuu Tii mountain, about 2 kilometers from the Putei National Park office. The mountain also features beautiful stalactites and stalagmites that sparkle in the light. The journey up to the cave is quite challenging, with some sections requiring climbing along the mountain's edge.

Phu Krating Waterfall

Located at Ban Klong Lek Lai, near Ban Wang Hora, there is a gravel road leading to Phu Krating Waterfall. From Dan Chang District to Phu Krating Waterfall, there is a reservoir at Lam Ta Phein as part of the royal initiative project, with a national park protection unit stationed there to provide convenience and security for visitors. Although Phu Krating Waterfall is not very large, it is beautiful with its cascading waters that flow down nine tiers, with water available only during the rainy season.

For those interested in visiting Putei National Park, there are accommodations available for tourists and clean camping sites. Visitors should prepare camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and hammocks. However, if you do not bring your own camping gear, the park has improved government accommodations available for temporary lodging, and tents are also provided. It is advisable to bring your own food, as visitors can camp in the pine forest but should be well-prepared, as there are no facilities available up there.

Thank you for the information from Wikipedia.