Hat Wanakon National Park
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| Hat Wanakon National Park | |
|---|---|
| File:หาดวนกร WANAKORN BEACH - panoramio (1).jpg Wanakon Beach | |
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| Location | Huai Yang, Thap Sakae and Huai Sai, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province |
| Nearest town | Thap Sakae, Prachuap Khiri Khan |
| Coordinates | 11°35′55″N 99°40′34″E / 11.59861°N 99.67611°E |
| Area | 38 km2 (15 sq mi) |
| Established | December 30, 1992 |
| Visitors | 61,250 (in 2007) |
| Governing body | Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation |
| Website | www |
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Hat Wanakon National Park (Template:Lang-th) is a sand beach and marine national park in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, western Thailand. It overlaps two districts of Prachuap Khiri Khan; Mueang Prachuap Khriri Khan and Thap Sakae, with total area 23,750 rai (38 km2). The beach is located on Petchkasem Road (Highway 4) about 23 km (14 mi) from Prachuap Khiri Khan town towards Thap Sakae, and about 300 km (186 mi) from Bangkok, takes about 4 hr. by car.
History & geophrapy
This area was originally a forest park. Later on, it was upgraded to a national park in 1992 considered as the 76th national park and the 18th marine national park in Thailand. The landscape here is sparse forests with various kinds of deciduous forests, such as Indian thorny bamboo, Burmese rosewood, Makhamong, crape myrtle, Queen's flower and teak together with the seaside and sandy and rock beach inserted sparsely with seashells.
Sights & tourism activities
Wanakon Beach is regarded as a lesser known beach than the other beaches and marine attractions of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Therefore, it is peaceful, clean, naturally and undisturbed.
The highlight of the beach is the double island names Ko Chan (เกาะจาน) and Ko Tai-si (เกาะท้ายทรีย์), they are about 7 km (4 mi) off the shore. It is the most abundant coral reef in the Gulf of Thailand, contains many species of corals, soft corals and other aquatic creatures for a distance of approximately 2 km (1 mi) and a depth of approximately 8-10 m (26.25-32.8 ft). The rare species Acropora cytherea can be found here, therefore, it is an ideal place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Fishing boats are not allowed to enter this area.[1]
Besides, the area around the beach is also habitat of a variety of birds. Bird watching is another interesting activity when visiting this place.[2] The national park has a camping area for serving tourists.
See also
References
- ^ TPBS (2016-07-07). "อุทยานหาดวนกร แหล่งเพาะปะการังทะเลไทย" [Hat Wanakon Park, Thai coral breeding site]. YouTube (in Thai). Retrieved 2021-03-13.
- ^ "Hat Wanakon National Park". TAT.