Thale Ban National Park, Jewel of the Satun Border

For non-locals crossing the border between Perlis, Malaysia and Satun, Thailand, the winding, forested main road is usually viewed quickly from the window of their transportation. The main objective being to get from one country to the next. But just 2-kilometers over the mountain from Perlis, Malaysia, and bordering Taman Negeri Perlis Park is Thale Ban National Park, the Jewel of the Satun Border.

Located in the Wang Prachan sub-district of Satun, the 196 square kilometer park was established in 1980 with Bueng Thale Ban (a massive freshwater lake) as its centerpiece. The lake is said to have been created over 300 years ago by an earthquake. The highest elevation of the park is 756-meters.

The Thale Ban National Park Visitor Center is adjacent to a mini park with a menagerie of realistic looking animal statues, giving visitors of glimpse of the region’s wildlife past and present; educational as well as potential photo ops.

Additional highlights in the park are limestones caves, a waterfall, hiking trails and lots of wildlife. A wooden walkway circumnavigates the lake with several gazebos and benches in place for visitors to sit and commune with nature.

The paved road within the park has well-marked signboards for trails and general park information. For exploring deeper into the jungles, a guide is recommended.

Want to Spend the Night at Thale Ban National Park?

If you want to spend the night at Thale Ban National Park, overnight bungalows, as well as camping huts, are available for rent with a limit of visitors being 100 persons daily. Rental fees depend on the size of the bungalow, but I was quoted 400 Thai baht per night for a basic waterfront accommodation.

The floor plans include a covered veranda area, large living room with slightly mismatched furnishings, small but adequate sleeping areas with twin or bunk beds, and hot-water showers. They are simple, but clean and relatively bug-proof. A definite better choice than pitching a tent.

For additional accommodation options, just up the road from Thale Ban National Park is Baan Suan Tondin, a new boutique hotel with an onsite Thai restaurant that serves delicious Thai food. A not to be missed food stop at the very least.

Getting to Thale Ban National Park

Thale Ban National Park is 30-kilometers from Satun Town, just off the main mountain road crossing between Satun, Thailand and Perlis, Malaysia, and a pleasant day visit if you’re passing through the area. Entry to the park is 200 Thai baht for foreign adults and 100 Thai baht for foreign kids. Local Thais pay 100 Thai Baht for adults and 40 Thai baht for kids. If you are interested in staying overnight, camping or special hiking tours, call +66 74 750 758 and +66 083 533 1710, or visit the park website: www.dnp.go.th
*If you have difficulty with the phone numbers or website… you may just have to show up in person for inquiries