Rafting at Khlong Yan" – Kaeng Krung National Park, Vibhavadi District, Surat Thani Province

Khlong Yan originates from the mountain range within Kaeng Krung National Park. This river stretches approximately 70 kilometers, with both banks covered in lush, pristine forests that remain largely untouched. Some sections of the river feature rapids, making it an excellent spot for white-water rafting. Additionally, Khlong Yan serves as the headwater for the Phum Duang River and the Tapi River, which have sustained the people of Surat Thani for generations.

There are two main activities that attract visitors to Khlong Yan: white-water rafting and trekking. In this review, we’ll take you on an exhilarating rafting adventure through the refreshing, green wilderness of one of Thailand’s most well-preserved forests.

You can explore essential details, including rafting experiences, travel information, accommodations, and preparation tips for your trip!

"Kaeng Krung National Park" – A Natural Treasure of Surat Thani

Kaeng Krung National Park spans across Tha Chana, Chaiya, Tha Chang, and Wiang Sa districts in Surat Thani province. The terrain consists of a series of complex mountain ranges running north to south, covered in lush tropical rainforest that remains rich in biodiversity and home to abundant wildlife.

The highest peak in the park is Khao Daen, standing at approximately 849 meters above sea level. The area is also rich in tin deposits and features valuable economic tree species, such as Hopea (Mai Lumpho), ironwood (Mai Takian), and champak (Mai Champa).

Kaeng Krung National Park is the headwater forest for Khlong Yan, which feeds into the Phum Duang and Tapi Rivers, vital water sources for Surat Thani.

Popular attractions within the park include:

• Khlong Yan River – perfect for rafting and nature exploration

• Bang Cham Waterfall

• Khlong Pha Waterfall

• Bang Kwang Waterfall

The name "Kaeng Krung" originates from a large rapid found along the Khlong Yan River, making it a fitting name for this breathtaking national park.

Kaeng Krung National Park Headquarters is  Location: Moo 8, Takuk Nuea Subdistrict, Wiang Sa District, Surat Thani Province

How to Get There:

• From the main highway (Route 41), take a turn onto Route 4262 and continue until you reach Takuk Nuea Subdistrict, Wiang Sa District.

• There will be a right turn leading directly to Kaeng Krung National Park.

• The total distance from Surat Thani city is approximately 72 kilometers.

📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MmxdsaYaYaABtVvr5

🏡 Accommodation & Camping

• The park provides rental bungalows and a camping area for visitors.

💰 Entrance Fees

• Thai citizens:

• Adults: 20 THB

• Children: 10 THB

• Foreign visitors:

• Adults: 100 THB

• Children: 50 THB

📞 Contact Information:

• Phone: 09 0878 0774

Website: www.dnp.go.th

Preparing for a Khlong Yan Rafting Adventure

✔️ Book in Advance

• Reserve your rafting date and time with the national park or local tour operators.

• If staying overnight, book a bungalow or campsite in advance.

✔️ Packing Essentials

• Change of clothes (before and after rafting).

• Waterproof bag/case for valuables and phone.

• Personal medications (if needed).

• Drinking water, snacks, or light meals for energy breaks.

Get ready for an exciting rafting experience surrounded by the lush greenery of Kaeng Krung National Park! 🚣‍♂️🌿

The rafting activity at Khlong Yan is typically operated by Kaeng Krung National Park and local private operators. Tourists interested in this activity are advised to inquire in advance before their trip, as rafting at Khlong Yan requires the presence of park officials or local guides to facilitate the experience and ensure safety during the activity.

The best time for rafting at Khlong Yan is between July and August, as well as between December and March each year.

There are two main rafting points at Khlong Yan:

Point 1: Located in Ban Chiao Maprang, Moo 2, Takhuk Tai Subdistrict, near Vibhavadi Waterfall—only 6 kilometers away. Participants can choose the duration and distance of the rafting trip according to their preference to avoid excessive fatigue.

For more information about rafting at Point 1, contact Mr. Songkiat Sriburut at +66 85 816 8996.

Point 2: Located in Moo 16, Ban Bang Tai, Takhuk Nuea Subdistrict, near Kaeng Krung National Park. Rafting at this location is divided into two routes:

• Route 1: From Pak Bang Cham to Hat Pak Chun campsite, covering 12 kilometers and taking approximately 4 hours.

• Route 2: From Hat Pak Chun campsite to the Kaeng Krung National Park pier, covering 8 kilometers.

The most scenic rapid along Khlong Yan for rafting is Kaeng Krung (Chiao Krung Rapids), which stretches 400 meters and features numerous smaller rapids along the way.

For more information about Point 2, contact:

• Kaeng Krung National Park: +66 90 878 0774

• Mr. Venus Suksuea: +66 87 274 1528

For rafting activities organized by Kaeng Krung National Park, kayaks are used, each accommodating two people. Visitors can choose to paddle themselves or have a park officer assist with paddling.

• Rafting fee: 450 THB per person

• Distance: 8 kilometers

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours

The journey starts at Hat Pak Chun (Kaeng Krung National Park Protection Unit KK.7 - Khlong Yan) and ends at the Kaeng Krung National Park pier.

The Hat Pak Chun rafting point is the location of Kaeng Krung National Park Protection Unit KK.7 (Khlong Yan). This point is deep within the forest, about 8 kilometers from the park headquarters. The road is rough and requires a 4WD vehicle to access. Additionally, there is no mobile signal in the area.

At Hat Pak Chun, there are park accommodations and camping grounds available for visitors. Park rangers are on duty to ensure safety at all times.

Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/8LwGUfncNdWP4ZQD9

The park accommodations for visitors at Hat Pak Chun are located on a grassy knoll, just 30 meters away from the Khlong Yan river.

The camping ground at the park offers a close view of the river, allowing campers to enjoy the natural beauty of the area up close.

For this trip, the TAT team utilized the Khlong Yan rafting activity organized by Kaeng Krung National Park, specifically the route from Hat Pak Chun campsite to the Kaeng Krung National Park pier, covering a distance of 8 kilometers.

It is recommended to call in advance and arrange a specific date and time for the rafting activity, at least 2 days before the trip. This allows the park staff to prepare the necessary equipment and provide assistance.

On the day of the activity, participants need to register at the Kaeng Krung National Park headquarters, then switch to the 4WD vehicle provided by the park. The drive to Hat Pak Chun takes about 40 minutes along a rugged road that leads to the rafting starting point.

Upon arriving at Hat Pak Chun, the park staff will prepare the kayaks and necessary equipment. It's important not to forget to wear a life jacket and protective helmet at all times for safety.

The park staff will assist with paddling the kayaks and ensure safety throughout the route, accompanying tourists along the way. Visitors can choose to paddle on their own or have the staff paddle for them while enjoying the scenery in a more relaxed manner.

Some sections of the route pass through islands and rapids, where the water can be quite turbulent, making the experience both thrilling and a little bit exciting, with a touch of adventure.

The rafting route organized by Kaeng Krung National Park ends at the Kaeng Krung National Park pier, about 2 kilometers from the park headquarters. After the trip, the park staff will assist tourists in dismounting the kayaks, transporting all the equipment onto a 4WD vehicle, and then returning to the park headquarters or back to Hat Pak Chun (if the visitor plans to stay overnight there).

The Khlong Yan rafting route is incredibly scenic and remains largely untouched by modern development. The path winds through a lush, deep forest, offering a peaceful escape and an opportunity to reconnect with nature.

If you're planning a trip to Surat Thani, don't forget to include a visit to Khlong Yan for a fun and refreshing rafting adventure!