Taksin Maharat National Park
| Taksin Maharat National Park | |
|---|---|
| อุทยานแห่งชาติตากสินมหาราช | |
|
IUCN category II (national park) | |
|
Ton Krabak Yai | |
  Park location in Thailand | |
| Location | Tak Province, Thailand |
| Nearest city | Tak |
| Coordinates | 16°46′51″N 98°55′43″E / 16.78083°N 98.92861°ECoordinates: 16°46′51″N 98°55′43″E / 16.78083°N 98.92861°E |
| Area | 149 km2 (58 sq mi) |
| Established | December 1981 |
| Governing body | Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation |
Taksin Maharat National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติตากสินมหาราช) is a national park in Tak Province, Thailand. Home to Thailand's largest tree, the park also features waterfalls, caves and rock formations.[1]
Geography
Taksin Maharat National Park is located 26 kilometres (16 mi) west of Tak town in Mae Sot District. The park's area is 149 square kilometres (58 sq mi). The mountains of the Thanon Thongchai Range run through the park's centre.[2]
History
It is believed that the Burmese King Alaungpaya used to march his army through this area. The park's original name was Ton Krabak Yai National Park, named for the park's enormous krabak tree. On 23 December 1981, the park was designated Thailand's 40th National Park. It was later renamed Taksin Maharat National Park ("King Taksin the Great") in honour of King Taksin of the Thonburi Kingdom.[2]
Attractions
The park's main attraction is Ton Krabak Yai, a 700-year old krabak tree measuring 50 metres (160 ft) in height and 16 metres (52 ft) in circumference. The tree is believed to be the largest in Thailand.[1]
Taksin Maharat is home to numerous waterfalls, the largest of which is Mae Ya Pa, a nine-tiered waterfall 30 metres (98 ft) in height. Other waterfalls include Pang Ah Yai, Pang Ah Noi, Pha Krow - Pha Daeng and Sam Mert Thung.[1][2]
Saphan Hin is a natural stone bridge spanning two cliffs with a stream flowing beneath. The formation is 25 metres (82 ft) high and 30 metres (98 ft) long. Nearby is the Tran Loard Krow cave featuring stalactites and stalagmites.[2][3]
Flora and fauna
Ton Krabak Yai is part of the park's lower-elevation dipterocarp forest. Evergreen and pine forest inhabits the park's higher elevations.[2]
Animal species include serow, barking deer, sambar deer, golden cat and wild boar. The park is a noted birdwatching area, with species including tiger shrike, forest wagtail and Chinese pond heron.[1][2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Williams, China (2010). Lonely Planet Thailand (13th ed.). Lonely Planet Publications. p. 417. ISBN 978-1-74220-385-0.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Taksin Maharat National Park". Department of National Parks (Thailand). Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- ↑ "Taksin Maharat National Park". Tourism Authority of Thailand. Retrieved 2 July 2013.