Khao Laem National Park
Park National park around a large reservoir and mountains
Khao Laem National Park in western Thailand combines forested hills and a large reservoir; visitors come for boat trips, jungle trekking and encounters with riverside communities.
Khao Laem National Park is a protected area in western Thailand that includes forested mountains and the shoreline of Khao Laem Reservoir (Vajiralongkorn Reservoir). The park conserves forest and freshwater habitats near the Myanmar border.
The area was set aside for conservation to protect watershed and forest values associated with the reservoir and surrounding highlands; management focuses on habitat protection and regulated visitor use. The reservoir itself was created by damming a major river to support hydroelectricity and water storage.
The park lies in western Thailand along the eastern shore of a large reservoir formed by a downstream dam, in a border region adjacent to Myanmar.
- Location and landscape: Located in western Thailand near the border with Myanmar, the park includes a large reservoir shoreline and adjacent forested mountains.
What to See #
- Khao Laem Reservoir: Khao Laem Reservoir (also known as Vajiralongkorn Reservoir) forms a large water body within the park and is used for boat-based recreation and shoreline wildlife viewing.
- Forested hills and viewpoints: Forest-covered hills and ridgelines provide viewpoints and trails into interior forest and are home to native flora and fauna of western Thailand.
How to Get to Khao Laem National Park #
Khao Laem National Park is reached by road from the nearest provincial towns. From Kanchanaburi city, expect a multi-hour drive west; from Bangkok it becomes a full-day drive. Local minibuses and private transfers operate to towns near the park, where longtail boats or park boats can be hired to explore the reservoir inlets.
Road conditions inside the park can be rough; a high-clearance vehicle is useful in the wet season. Visitors planning boat trips should arrange launches from official piers and check weather forecasts before leaving shore.
Tips for Visiting Khao Laem National Park #
- Arrive early in the morning to catch low-angle light on the reservoir and to avoid afternoon heat and insects.
- Hire a local longtail or park-licensed guide if planning to boat into the forested inlets - the coves are maze-like and guides know where wildlife concentrates.
- Bring a lightweight rain jacket in the wet season; sudden storms funnel through the surrounding ridges and turn tracks into mud quickly.
Best Time to Visit Khao Laem National Park #
Best visited November-February for cooler weather and clearer water; the wet season fills waterfalls and brings dense jungle growth.
Weather & Climate near Khao Laem National Park #
Khao Laem National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 18°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1988 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (241 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (313 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (339 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (379 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (320 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (209 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and mostly sunny skies.
