Thale Ban National Park Satun Thailand
Explore lush rainforests, mangrove swamps, and caves in this wild national park near the Malaysian border.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Thale Ban National Park Satun Thailand
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore lush rainforests, mangrove swamps, and caves in this wild national park near the Malaysian border.
"Beautiful, but in dire need of repairs and lacking basic amenities like trash bins."
Pack Out Your Trash
Bring your own bags as trash bins are scarce. Be a responsible visitor! :recycle:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be overgrown and slippery. Good hiking shoes are essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mangrove Boardwalks
Around the lake
Explore the unique coastal mangrove ecosystem on raised walkways. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife and other small creatures.
Nature Trails
Various locations
Hike through lush rainforest on trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. Some paths can be overgrown and poorly marked.
Waterfalls
Various locations
Discover small, picturesque waterfalls. Access to some can be challenging, requiring climbing over slippery rocks.
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife including monkeys, birds, and potentially even bears. Remember to be cautious of monkeys.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Wild Experience
Entrance Fees & Park Condition
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Out Your Trash
Bring your own bags as trash bins are scarce. Be a responsible visitor! :recycle:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be overgrown and slippery. Good hiking shoes are essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Beware of Leeches
Especially after rain, leeches can be present. Take precautions to avoid them. :bug:
Be Wary of Monkeys
Monkeys can be cheeky and a bit bold. Keep your belongings secure. :monkey_face:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Out Your Trash
Bring your own bags as trash bins are scarce. Be a responsible visitor! :recycle:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be overgrown and slippery. Good hiking shoes are essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Beware of Leeches
Especially after rain, leeches can be present. Take precautions to avoid them. :bug:
Be Wary of Monkeys
Monkeys can be cheeky and a bit bold. Keep your belongings secure. :monkey_face:
Check Park Conditions
Some infrastructure may be run down. Be aware of potential safety hazards. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Thale Ban National Park offers a raw, natural experience with beautiful landscapes, but visitor reviews frequently mention issues with park maintenance and a lack of basic amenities like trash bins. The entrance fee is considered high by some given these concerns. However, the natural beauty and wildlife opportunities are still appreciated by many. +2
"This is my first 3 stars review on google (was thinking to rate 1 star). Well, to be honest, the 200 thb entrance was expensive for what they offer in the national park. First of all, there was NO SINGLE RUBBISH BIN found in the park!!! This is unacceptable for me. I’ve been travelling to Thailand few times and visited few national parks, this was the worst experience ever. How much would it cost just to buy a rubbish bin? We approached a staff who was sweeping dry leaves and ask how to dispose our food waste, to my surprise we were told to bring out and throw somewhere else. I suggest the national park management needs to look into this matter. Secondly, the park was not well maintained. Some part of the path near the pond was broken and deserted. The park offer accommodation but it doesn’t look good from outside. The only good thing was that I’m able to collect a special signature from the staff on duty which was a signature of an owl. If I would’ve had a normal signature I’ll just rate 1 star for the review. Btw, the pond was beautiful for photo shoot."
wei chong lim
"real wild nationalpark close to the malaisyen boarder, wildlife like birds, lemure, monkeys, deers, thapier, bear... are amazing, the national park is well organiced, no rubish, nice walk trail+-4km, good local thaifood and drinks for fair price, staff is nice and very friendly, beware of the monkeys they are a bit nouthy."
3DPing Gaming
"Basically, it's just a lake with very run down infrastructure, absolutely not worth the 200B entrance fee.
Upon entry to the park everything seems nice and well maintained. But as soon as one is leaving the parking area and starts to wander around the lake it soon becomes obvious that this park is in dire need of repairs. There are collapsed bridges and disjointed raised walkways over the lake without safety rails - it all looks very unsafe.
The 750m nature trail is excessively overgrown and the path poorly marked, making navigation difficult and increasing the likelihood of getting lost..
We are fit and good hikers, and rate this trail a 8 out of 10 in terms of difficulty, it's not suitable for children and people that are not regularly hiking rough terrain.
The tiny waterfall is almost inaccessible. It requires climbing over slippery rocks and a lot of leaves and tree roots on the ground that make it very hard to see where there's solid ground or a hole between the rocks. The observation deck on top, near the largest part of the waterfall, is severely decayed and unsafe.
The exorbitant entrance fee of 200B for a national park in such a state of neglect is deeply disappointing. Even the reduced fee of 40B for Thai nationals fails to justify the experience. This falls squarely on the shoulders of the Satun National Park division, who should be ashamed for this substandard offering."
The Travelers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thale Ban National Park is located near the Malaysian border, about 60 km from Satun town. You can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach the park. Some visitors mention driving from Bangkok, which is a significant journey. +1
Within the park, transportation is primarily on foot. For reaching the park, consider hiring a taxi or renting a vehicle.
Many visitors arrive by car or hire a taxi. The journey from Satun town is approximately 60 km.
Information on direct public transport is limited. Hiring a private vehicle or taxi is the most common and recommended method.
The park is situated close to the Malaysian border, making it a potential stop for those traveling between Thailand and Malaysia.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for foreigners is 200 THB. Thai nationals pay a reduced fee of 40 THB. Some visitors find this fee expensive given the park's condition. +2
While specific hours aren't always listed, it's generally advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and better experience. Early mornings and afternoons are recommended.
Tickets are typically purchased at the park entrance upon arrival. Advance booking is usually not required.
Opinions vary. Some find the fee high for the park's current state of maintenance, while others appreciate the natural beauty. +1
Yes, Thai nationals receive a discounted entrance fee of 40 THB.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include mangrove boardwalks, nature trails, waterfalls, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. +1
Maintenance varies. Some paths are well-kept, while others, especially around the lake, are in disrepair and can be overgrown or poorly marked. +1
Some trails can be challenging and overgrown, making them less suitable for very young children. The lack of trash bins is also a consideration.
You might see birds, lemurs, monkeys, deer, and tapirs. Be cautious of monkeys as they can be bold.
Yes, some walkways and bridges are in disrepair and lack safety rails. Trails can be overgrown and difficult to navigate. Leeches can also be present. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some reviews mention good local Thai food and drinks available at fair prices. However, one visitor noted no food or drinks were available on their visit. It's advisable to bring some snacks. +1
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is recommended, especially given the inconsistent availability of vendors.
Information on nearby restaurants is limited. Focusing on food within the park or bringing your own is a safer bet.
Yes, picnicking is possible, and it's a good idea to bring your own food and drinks.
If available, expect local Thai food options.
📸 📸 Photography
The pond area is noted as beautiful for photoshoots. The mangrove boardwalks and waterfalls also offer scenic opportunities.
Accessing some waterfalls requires climbing over slippery rocks, so exercise caution while taking photos.
A wide-angle lens would be useful for capturing the expansive rainforest and mangrove scenery. A sturdy camera bag is also advisable.
The unique mangrove ecosystem, the small waterfalls, and the lush greenery provide excellent photo opportunities. +1
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with park authorities before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
📸 Nature Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Thale Ban's Trails
For a more accessible experience, the mangrove boardwalks offer a pleasant walk through a unique ecosystem. These are generally well-maintained and provide opportunities to observe birdlife and the intricate root systems of mangrove trees.
Park Maintenance and Visitor Experience
Furthermore, infrastructure such as walkways around the lake and bridges have been noted as run-down, disjointed, and lacking safety rails, posing potential hazards.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
Visitors are advised to be cautious, particularly regarding the monkeys, which have been described as 'cheeky' and 'naughty'.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit