Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park Voyage Tips and guide

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Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเฉลิมรัตนโกสินทร์) is in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. The national park is part of the larger Western Forest Complex, while relatively small, is famous for its caves, lush jungles and waterfalls.

In the past, the area was a battleground between Thai and Burmese forces, based on the various artefacts recovered.

Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park was designated a national park in 1980. Initially, it was named Phra Phuttha Yot Fa Chulalok Maharat National Park, after King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty. However, in 1982, it was renamed Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park by King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Despite its small size, the national park has a unique landscape as a result of the collapse of the limestone roof. In addition to the natural bridge formed by the limestone erosion of the karst topography, there are various cliffs and waterfalls and a rich forest area. There are four forest types: hill evergreen forest, dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, and deciduous dipterocarp forest.

The national park is home to a variety of plant and animal species. Some key plant species include the evergreen chinkapin. The national park is also home to many animals including the Asian elephant, barking deer, and different species of porcupines.

Like the rest of Thailand, there are three seasons, hot (February - May), wet (May - November), and cool (November - February). The park is usually open all year round unless there are flood warnings during the rainy season, however, this is also a great time to visit as the waterfalls will be flowing in full force, compared to the late dry season and the hot season.

The national park is someways off from other major towns. The most efficient way from Bangkok is to take newly opened Highway 81 and then exiting onto Route 324 and then onto Provincial Highway 3001, which will then merge with Route 3342 and Route 3086, and finally onto Route 3480.

For Thai nationals the entry fee is 20 baht for children and 40 baht for adults. Monks, children under 3 years old, elderly and disabled people enter for free. For foreigners, the entry fee is 100 baht for children and 200 baht for adults.

There is also an extra free for transport as follows: bicycles - free, motorcycles - 20 baht, four-wheeled vehicles - 30 baht, six-wheeled vehicles - 100 baht, and vehicles with more than six wheels but less than 10 wheels - 200 baht.

Map of Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park

The best way to get around the national park is by car.

• 14.66269999.3055591 Than Lod Noi Cave (ถ้ำธารลอดน้อย). Than Lod Noi Cave is a short and flat walk from the national park headquarters. This is the most famous attraction of the national park in which a river cuts through the cave. The walk inside the cave is relatively flat, but some parts are low, so best to watch your head.  (updated Apr 2026)

• 14.66292499.307241 Than Lod Noi - Than Lod Yai Cave Nature Trail (เส้นทางศึกษาธรรมชาติถ้ำธารลอดน้อย-ถ้ำธารลอดใหญ่). The main hiking trail in the national park which goes through a variety of landscapes. The first segment is a walk through a cave which is relatively flat but can be slippery at times. After that it becomes a flat walk along the river before becoming a steep walk to a waterfall and finally ending at a natural bridge. The whole hike is around 5km and takes around three hours.  (updated Apr 2026)
• 14.62657499.2928772 Khao Kam Peng (เขากำแพง). A longer hiking trail that leads to a higher elevation, usually requiring an overnight stay near the summit. However, it is required to pre-arrange everything with the national park prior to hiking.  (updated Apr 2026)

There is a small gift shop that sells souvenirs near the starting point of the trail.

There is one restaurant once you enter near the national park headquarters. However it is only opened during weekends and holidays.

There are no places to drink inside the national park premises.

There are five cabins in the national park premises, all in the same area, available for rental. All reservations must be done online via the national park website.

There is a campsite near the national park headquarters. Reservations can be made either online via the national park website or upon arrival at the national park.

Backcountry camping is not permitted in the national park.

Take all the necessary precautions when hiking and follow national park rules, especially during the rainy season when flash floods can occur without warning.

Suphanburi. Largest town around the area filled with temples and markets.