Hat Wanakon National Park

Hat Wanakon is the 18th and currently newest Marine National Park in Thailand (1995). It was opened by royal decree on 30th December 1992. The park covers a total area of 38km2 which also makes it the smallest Marine National Park. The park is relatively close to Bangkok being 315kms south. Prior to becoming a National Park, Hat Wanakon was an Arboretum and Silviculture Station, and has long been associated with forestry. The park consists of a terrestrial and marine section, the landward part (59.5%) is dominated by beach forest and plantations. The marine section (40.5%) is nearshore sandy beach and the deeper water surrounding two islands 6km offshore.

Hat Wanakon is located on a narrow coastal plain which stretches from the mountains of the Tennessarim to the gulf of Thailand. The deposits are of Quaternary origin and consists of layers of material laid down in horizontal beds. The deposits are dominated by Quartz sands, with a partical size ranging from sand to pebbles. Some of the beds also have sandstone rock fragments. The particals in the beds show a degree of rounding probably produced by fluvial action. The degree of rounding, <40% is quite low and indicates the deposits are youthful, probably only having been transported the 11km from the mountains inland. These deposits can be clearly seen forming the cliffs surrounding Makha Bay.

Chan Island and Thaisi Island

There is a 100 meters white sand beach and coral at the end of the island. It has two caves here which live by many thousands of swallow birds.

Makha Bay

Makha Bay viewpoint, is located on the two headlands surrounding Makha Bay. They can be reached by either walking the 4kms along the beach or follow one of the trails through the plantations. The second viewpoint is reached after a further kilometer. There are picnic benches and shade provided by trees. The views across the bay and out to the islands are very picturesque.

Wanakorn Beach

Wanakon Beach, is a popular daytrip destination with visitors coming to relax on the beach, go swimming and to picnic under the trees. The beach is very long and of clean soft sand. The water is suitable for swimming although care must be taken after heavy rainfall as jellyfish can occur. A 1km walk north up the beach is an area where rocks extend out to sea, a good place for observing marine life and snorkling.

National Parks - Central Thailand

Khao Khitchakut National Park Chanthaburi
Khao Sip Ha Chan National Park Chanthaburi
Namtok Phlio National Park Chanthaburi
Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park Kanchanaburi
Erawan National Park Kanchanaburi
Khao Laem National Park Kanchanaburi
Khuean Srinagarindra National Park Kanchanaburi
Lam Khlong Ngu National Park Kanchanaburi
Sai Yok National Park Kanchanaburi
Thong Pha Phum National Park Kanchanaburi
Kaeng Krachan National Park Phetchaburi
Thap Lan National Park Prachinburi
Hat Wanakon National Park Prachuap Khiri Khan
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park Prachuap Khiri Khan
Kui Buri National Park Prachuap Khiri Khan
Namtok Huai Yang National Park Prachuap Khiri Khan
Chaloem Phrakiat Thai Prachan National Park Ratchaburi
Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park Rayong
Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park Rayong
Pang Sida National Park Sakaeo
Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park Saraburi
Namtok Samlan National Park Saraburi
Pu Toei National Park Suphanburi
Mu Ko Chang National Park Trat
Namtok Khlong Kaeo National Park Trat
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