Boat trips along the Khao Daeng Canal are a must-do for wildlife lovers visiting Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Although the boat trips only last around an hour, they offer the chance to see some of the best wildlife in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park from kingfishers to mudskippers to monkeys. If that’s not enough, you’ll be treated to views of the parks epic limestone cliffs, which tower above the mangroves below. This guide covers everything you need to know about wildlife watching boat trips on the Khao Daeng Canal.
Khao Daeng Canal Information
Opening times – 8am to 4.30pm.
Entrance fees – As with the other sites in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, entrance to the Khao Daeng Canal costs 200 baht per person. This fee includes access to all other areas of the national park on the same day.
Boat trip cost – Once you’ve paid the entrance fee, there is an additional charge of 500 baht per boat. The boats can hold up to six people, but it’s completely up to you if you want to share with others to split the cost.
When to go – The scenery stays the same all year round, so any time of year is good. Migratory birds, including the Malaysian Plover, arrive between January and March and can regularly be seen along the Khao Daeng Canal.
How to get to the Khao Daeng Canal
There is no public transport in the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, so you will need to drive or take a taxi to the Khao Daeng Canal. The canal is located at the edge of the national park, around an hour south of Hua Hin.
We recommend renting a car to explore the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, as the roads are in good condition and it’s the easiest way to get around. It’s also possible to rent scooters and motorbikes, but make sure to have the proper licence if you choose this option.
Wildlife at the Khao Daeng Canal
The Khao Daeng Canal is home to so much wildlife, that you can even see some animals before you start the boat trip. As you walk down the steps to board your boat, keep an eye for small colourful crabs in the mud nearby.
Once you start sailing along the canal, you can see a range of different bird species, including striated herons, green bee-eaters, egrets, and several kingfisher species.
Giant mudskippers are one of the most unique species to spot along the Khao Daeng Canal. This unique fish species skip quickly through the mud and water in a mesmerising way, which is pretty amazing to see.
It’s also possible to see monkeys in the area, and on our visit we saw a long-tailed macaque in one of the mangrove trees. Monkeys are regularly seen on the cliff faces too, so keep an eye out as you cruise along the canal.
Tips for visiting
Arrive early – Ideally you will want to start your boat trip as close to the 8am opening time as possible. Not only are the temperatures more pleasant earlier in the day, but the animals tends to be more active too – which maximises your chance of sightings!
Boat drivers can be hit and miss – Although the Khao Daeng Canal is home to some of the best wildlife in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, the boat trips aren’t specifically designed for wildlife watching. While some drivers will help you spot wildlife and stop when you encounter any animals, others will keep on driving by regardless.
Some drivers don’t understand English, so use Google Translate to ask them in advance to stop for any wildlife.
For another boat trip try visiting Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk.
Use a zoom – Whether you bring a camera or binoculars, a zoom is useful for spotting wildlife and getting close-up views of any animals you spot. If you bring a camera with a decent zoom, then you’ll also be able to take some great photos for long-lasting memories.
Bring water – Although the boats do have a roof for shelter, it’s still worth bringing some water to stop yourself getting dehydrated in the intense Thai heat.
Apply sun cream – While the roofs offer some protection from the sun, it’s best to apply sun cream to avoid burning.
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