The park is situated on the Andaman sea coast in Satun and Trang provinces. It consists of an area of coastline and over 30 islands. The park has many diverse habitats including; open water, coral fringed islands, sandy beaches, forest covered islands to sheer rocky islands which rise steeply out of the sea. There are also a few patches of mangrove forest, beach forest and tropical forest. The islands within the park are small the largest being Khao Yai Island which is about 4.7 sq.km in area. The sea area of the park includes many important fishing grounds for this reason many of the islands act as temporary refuges for fishing boats during monsoon storms. The topography of the park is dominated by Limestone rocks which were deposited in a shallow sea around 470 million years ago, during the Ordovician period. This rock unit was laid down over a very long period of time and as a result in places it is over 2,750m thick. Limestone rock is impermeable but is soluble in water. Thus over a long period of time water seepage through natural fissures results in the fissures enlarging to form a variety of structures and eventually caves. This process results in some fantastic landforms being observed at Phetra National Park. Lidi island The total area of Lidi Island is 2 sq.km with cliffs and caves which are habitats for swallows. The area is suitable for swimming and is also quiet and tranquilizing. Tent area is also available on this island and is also the location for Ranger Station 2 (Ko Lidi). Khao Yai Island Khao Yai Island is essentially a sculptural work of nature, similar to rock castle which has a natural bridge protruding into the sea, whereby, during the low tide, boats can be rowed through. There is also a bay on this island called Kam Pu Bay with small falls and creeks. Kam Pu Bay is rather calm with no waves all year round and during the lowest tide, coral reefs and marine life will be very visible along the coastline. Moreover, sea turtles often come ashore and lay their eggs around Kam Pu Bay as well. Bulon archipelago Bu Lon archipelago is situated 22kms from Pak Bara port on the coast of Satun province. The archipelago has many beautiful sandy beaches and clear water, this makes it a popular tourist spot, very good for snorkling. The water is very clear making the viewing of corals easy. Ra Wai Beach This is the most beautiful beach on the mainland of Satun province. The beach is located near Khon Klan village in Tung Wa district. It is about 26km from Tung Wa town on the road to Langu, with the turn off for the beach at Wangtong village. Phetra Island This island is the main island of a group and is situated in Trang province, almost 40 kms north of park headquaters. These islands can be reached by boat from Palian district, which is about 20kms away. The islands vary in size, with some being little more than rocks rising steeply out of the sea. Nun Bay 3km from Pak Bara port. It is located in a small bay which is locally called Nun Bay, the mouth of the bay is about 800m across. Located at the headquaters is a visitors centre, accomodation, rest houses, toilets, conference room, restaurant and an attractive boardwalk, which extends nearly to the mouth of the bay. A walk to the end of the boardwalk gives pictureesque views back across the bay towards the headquaters. |
