The final park in my series on the national parks of Prachuap Khiri Khan is Hat Wanakon. The park is designated as a marine park and is the 18th and newest such park in Thailand it is also the smallest covering some 38 Km2.
The park is located on the coastal strip between the Tanao Sri mountain range and the Gulf of Thailand that forms the narrowest part of Thailand. It is about 20 Km from Nam Tok Huai Yang National Park.
About 60% of the park is landward with the remaining area consisting of two offshore islands and surrounding coral reef which are some 6Km from the beach and accessed by speed boat.
The vegetation in the park is mixed and there are some dense areas of Bamboo.
Wildlife is not easy to spot but it is present, including the Golden Jackal (canis aureus), squirrel and the Burmese Hare(Lepus peguensis).
There are over 48 species of bird and various reptiles including skink’s and snakes.
Offshore there are many species of coral and Dolphin are frequently seen near the islands of Chan and Tai Tsea.
The beach at Hat Wanakon is of a fine sand and is shaded by trees. It is rarely crowded.
Access to the park is from the South bound Highway 4 a few Kilometres North of Huai Yang village and is clearly signposted (GPS 11.605603 and 99.662805).
Entrance to the park costs 100 Baht for foreigners with a small charge for Thais and vehicles. This entrance fee also entitles the visitor to enter Huai Yang NP at no extra cost providing the visit is conducted on the same day. The same discount applies if you reverse the trip.
There are bungalows to rent from the forestry authority and camping is allowed near the beach. There is also an excellent food centre, massage parlour and a couple of small shops nearby.
Opinion:
A beautiful beach and forest walks make Hat Wanakon Marine National Park a hidden gem in my opinion, foreigners rarely visit the park, but it can be a little busier at times of Thai holidays.
Great for a relaxing seaside lunch, swim or walk through the woodland. More adventurous folk can take the speedboat(does not run in the rainy season) to the island and spend time swimming and snorkelling around the reefs.
A visit can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby Nam Tok Huai Yang NP. I would suggest a morning there with lunch and relaxation at Hat Wanakon in the afternoon.
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