Nam Phong National Park

Geography

Nam Phong National Park is located about 50 kilometres (30 mi) west of the city of Khon Kaen in the Ubolratana, Ban Fang, Nong Ruea, Mancha Khiri and Khok Pho Chai districts of Khon Kaen Province and the Ban Thaen and Kaeng Khro districts of Chaiyaphum Province. The park's area is 197 square kilometres (80 sq mi). The park is located in the Phu Phan Kham mountain range in the northern section and the Phu Meng mountain range in the southern section. Rivers such as the Nam Phong, Chi and Choen are fed by sources within the park's boundaries.

Attractions

Part of the Ubol Ratana Dam reservoir is in the park's northern section and is located by the park headquarters. Hin Chang Si viewpoint, also in the park's northern section, offers views over the reservoir, forested landscapes and east to Khon Kaen. There are also prehistoric rock paintings at this location.

There are rock formations at Pha Chan Dai and Kham Phon. Another less accessible viewpoint at Pha Sawan offers more spectacular views as at Hin Chang Si. Phu Meng mountain features lush forest hosting a wide variety of animal and plant life.

The park's southern section hosts the Huai Khe waterfall.

Flora and fauna

The park's main forest type is deciduous dipterocarp, covering 80% of the park's area. The remainder of the park is mixed deciduous forest and grassland.

Tree species include Shorea obtusa, Shorea siamensis, Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, wild almond, Annamese burada, Hopea ferrea, Cycas, Siamese sal and ingyin.

The park serves as a sanctuary for animal species including wild boar, barking deer, wolf, porcupine, pangolin and Siamese hare. Bird life includes junglefowl, white wagtail, grey wagtail, Richard's pipit, sooty-headed bulbul, kingfisher and munia.