Taksin Maharat National Park

Taksin Maharat National Park
อุทยานแห่งชาติตากสินมหาราช
IUCN category II (national park)
284px Ton Krabak Yai
Park location in Thailand
Location	Tak Province, Thailand
Nearest city	Tak
Coordinates
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.

Geography

Taksin Maharat National Park is 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.

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.

Sights

File:Pang Ah Noi Waterfall.jpg

Namtok Pang A Noi

• Ton Krabak Yai (ต้นกระบากใหญ่) 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.
• Saphan Hin (Stone Bridge) (สะพานหินธรรมชาติ) 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.
• Namtok Pang A Noi (น้ำตกปางอ้าน้อย) This middle-sized waterfall flows all year round. It is around 20 m high, and around 2 km away from Ton Krabak Yai to the east.
• Namtok Mae Ya Pa (น้ำตกแม่ย่าป้า) This mid–sized waterfall originates from Lam Huai Mae Ya Pa in a dense forest. It flows in layers along the creek into Lam Huai Mae Tho.
• Namtok Sam Muen Thung (น้ำตกสามหมื่นทุ่ง) This giant waterfall of 30 m high originates from Lam Huai Sam Muen Luang and flows year round.

Flora and fauna

Ton Krabak Yai is part of the park's lower-elevation dipterocarp forest. Evergreen and pine forests inhabit the park's higher elevations.

Animal species include serow, barking deer, sambar deer, golden cat, and wild boar. The park is a noted bird watching area, with species including tiger shrike, forest wagtail, and Chinese pond heron.