Khao Phanom Bencha National ParkKhao Phanom Bencha National Park at a Glance#
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is a protected area in Krabi Province, southern Thailand that conserves rainforest and a forested mountain massif near the Andaman coast. It protects headwaters and intact lowland and montane forest important for local biodiversity.
The park’s attractions are natural rather than developed. Visitors use short trails to reach waterfalls and forest streams and to walk sections of the park’s jungle trails; many routes are single-day hikes rather than long multi-day treks. The park also contains caves and viewpoints overlooking forested valleys.
Khao Phanom Bencha was declared a national park under Thailand’s protected-area system and is managed by the national park authority to conserve watersheds and forest habitat. Management focuses on habitat protection and regulated visitor access.
The park sits in northern Krabi Province, inland from the Andaman Sea coast and within easy driving distance of Krabi town and coastal resorts. The terrain is a mix of lowland rainforest, steep slopes and the central forested mountain massif.
- Main waterfall: Huay To is the park’s principal waterfall, formed by multiple tiers and reachable by short forest trails.
What to See#
- Huay To Waterfall: A series of waterfalls and short walking tracks are the park’s most visited features; Huay To (also spelled Huai To) is the best-known cascade and is accessible from the main park entrance.
Best Time to Visit Khao Phanom Bencha National Park#
Visit in the cool season (November-February) for hiking and waterfall viewing; monsoon months are spectacular for waterfalls but can limit trail access.
Weather & Climate near Khao Phanom Bencha National Park#
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2230 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 20° - 30° | 25° | 29 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 1.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| February | Excellent | 20° - 31° | 26° | 35 mm | some cloud | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Very Good | 21° - 32° | 26° | 78 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 1.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 22° - 32° | 27° | 147 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.3 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 22° - 31° | 26° | 227 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.4 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.4h |
| June | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 212 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.5h |
| July | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 264 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.4h |
| August | Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 318 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.5 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.3h |
| September | Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 342 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.5 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 304 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 202 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.6h |
| December | Very Good | 20° - 29° | 25° | 72 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
How to Get to Khao Phanom Bencha National Park#
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park lies northeast of Krabi town. From Krabi town center it’s roughly a 30-45 minute drive (about 25-40 km) via Route 4 and local roads toward the Phanom Bencha mountain area. Local songthaews and taxis can reach the park entrance; motorbikes are a common option for independent travelers.
Once at the park gate, trails are mostly on foot; hire a local guide at the visitor center for longer treks or if unfamiliar with jungle navigation.
Tips for Visiting Khao Phanom Bencha National Park#
- Take the trail to the summit (if attempting it) early - the route gains steeply through primary forest and becomes slippery after midday showers.
- Bring insect repellent and a headlamp if exploring the cave systems or returning on dim jungle tracks.
- Don't miss the Huai To or Huai Siew waterfalls after rain; they swell dramatically and are best viewed from the official viewing platforms.