Travel in National Parks Thailand Green Heart Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation
National Park The objectives of national parks are protection and conservation of the country s natural resources, fostering public enjoyment and appreciation. Visitors should be made aware of the park values and respect them by minimizing the negative impacts of use. 2
Park Accommodation/ Reservation Bungalows and campgrounds are available in most parks. Advance booking for 60 days through the website can be done at www.dnp.go.th or by calling our Bangkok reservation desk (+66) 2562 0760 during office hours. Visitors can get 30% off the normal rates from Monday to Thursday. Overnight Camping All national parks provide camping areas with facilities such as toilets and food preparation areas. Tents are also available for rent and the payments can be made at the national park. For more information, please contact your selected national park office. 3
National parks conserve our natural and cultural assets. Kindly follow the park rules and regulations for your own safety and leave the natural environment unharmed for the enjoyment of future generations Green Heart Leave Nothing b Follow the park rules. Do not collect plants, animals or other items from national parks. Do not feed wildlife. Do not collect soil, rocks, gravel or sand. Drive on designated roads. Aircraft and drones are prohibited. 4
Travelers ut F otprints A delinquent penalty will be applied for those who violate the national park s rules and regulations. No vandalism or graffiti. Pets are not allowed. No hunting wildlife. Please refrain from making loud noise. Making fire is prohibited. No polystyrene inside the park. National parks are drug and alcohol free areas. 5
The visitor centre will provide a range of information and inspiration for your visit. Why stop by at the visitor centre? To know your national park To meet our staff To discover the park s significance To view informative Exhibitions To plan outdoor activities that shouldn t be missed To find out about attractions nearby the park To enjoy the park s attractions 6
Travel with a Loving Green Heart Tips for pitching Do not pitch your tent in a swampy area. a tent Do not pitch your tent close to a cliff. Avoid sites beneath large trees where branches could fall. Do not pitch tents close to watercourses. Beware of branch falling and venomous insects. Prepare your food in the designated areas. Do not bring lanterns, charcoal stoves or candles into your tent. Watch Out - these creatures can deliver the most painful stings and bites! 7
Trekking with A Green Heart Lower your noise while trekking. Inform park staff before trekking. Refrain from trekking or climbing. If you have a medical condition. Leech socks are recommended in the rainy season. Stay on the trail. Be careful where you sit - the forest floor is home to many insects. Inform park staff prior to overnight trekking. Wear proper trekking boots. 8 Take 5-10 minute breaks every one or two hours.
Bird watching A rewarding pastime Wear clothes that blend with the natural environment. Before the trip, meticulously study bird watching areas. Do not smoke while bird watching. Dusk and dawn are the best times for bird watching. Prepare bird watching equipment. Successful birders make every effort not to disturb the birds. Refrain from making noise and from destroying their habitat or feeding ground. 9
Wear protective headgear with a headlight, gloves, knee & ankle braces. Walk in single file along the designated trail only. Bring extra flashlights, bulbs and batteries. Bring a waterproof backpack along. Wear long-sleeved tops and pants, and trekking shoes. Do not touch anything with your hands while in the cave. Your skin oil will harm the cave ecology. Entering the caves Do not enter caves during the rainy season. Do not smoke; or light fires in the cave. Do not bring food into the cave. Do not litter in the cave. Do not crawl into cave crevices.
Enjoy the waterfalls Stay clear of waterways and waterfalls during and after heavy rain. Do not use chemical products such as soap and shampoo in the waterfall. Follow instructions on signposts. Do not climb waterfall cliffs or use rock platforms as a diving board. Do not swim in winter or when the water is too cold. Refrain from alcoholic beverages. 11 Swim with a Life Jacket Please do not litter at waterfalls.
B i k e An experienced leader is recommended. Bike with a group. Keep left at all times. Strictly follow traffic regulations while using the road. Check out the equipment before pedaling off. Bike along designated paths only. to enjoy nature Stop at intersections before crossing. Hand signals are highly recommended while biking. Keep a distance from others.
Canoeing &Kayaking Choose an operator with high standards, quality equipment and insurance. Follow the advice from your captain and guide strictly. Wear protective headgear and lifejackets at all times. If you fall off the vessel, try to float on your back with your feet in front and just ride the current. Do not try to swim. Wear light shorts and tops for canoeing and kayaking. Wear comfortable shoes, such as strapped flip flops. If you have to prepare food, keep it simple. Do not bring foods or liquids that are packed in cans, polystylene foam or disposable plastic bottles. Collect your trash and dispose of it outside the park. 13
Always swim horizontally in the water. If you need a rest, just float. In shallow waters, avoid treading on the coral reef. Stay away from boulders and vessel. If you feel dizzy, come out of the water immediately. Snorkel only in specifically designated areas. Snorkeling Some jellyfish are extremely veromous. Be careful not to touch them! When a jellyfish stings a person, it leaves thousands of very tiny stingers called nematocysts in the skin. Rinse the area with vinegar for 15 to 30 seconds. Do not use fresh water! Do not use any heat pack. Do not rub, Rubbing can worsen the wound. Inform park staff immediately. See a doctor immediately.
A scuba diver must have a diving certificate from a reputable diving school. Maintain a safe distance from the coral reef while swimming. Do not touch or come into direct contact with any marine animal. Do not chase any marine animals. Observe them from a distance. Do not feed marine animals. Do not collect anything from the marine environment. If you see trash at the bottom of the ocean, bring it up to discard on the boat or on the shore. Do not dive on your own. International scuba diving regulations require a buddy. Scuba diving tips
National Park Office Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation 61 Phahonyothin Rd., Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. Tel. 0-2562-0760 www.dnp.go.th