4-Day Kui Buri National Park & Phraya Nakhon Cave Tour - Thailand

Today you will leave the bustling streets of Bangkok behind and head to a lesser-explored region less than 3 hours away from the capital. Nestled in the rural landscape south of Bangkok, the Wildlife Friends Foundation rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured animals and provide long-term care for those unable to return to the wild.

Working with local communities they educate future generations to look after the wildlife around them. The WFFT wildlife rescue center looks after injured, confiscated and neglected wild animals and operates a fully equipped hospital. They care for monkeys, gibbons, wild cats, bears, birds, reptiles and even elephants. During your guided tour you will learn about the different inhabitants here and their stories whilst you prepare food for the many furry residents. Your bungalow for the night has a pretty special location right next to the elephants large, chain-free enclosure!

After breakfast, you will say goodbye to your new friends and head to the coast, with a quick stop at a pineapple plantation en route. Khao Sam Roi National Park boasts wide swathes of sandy beaches, wildlife-filled marshes and around 300 impressive limestone peaks jutting from the calm waters. After a climb up one of the limestone cliffs, you will start the descent into Phraya Nakhon Cave, once inside you’ll see it is well worth the effort. A small golden temple sits in the middle, illuminated by the sun streaming in from above – casting a glow all around the cave.

After lunch, you will head further south again to your beach hotel in Pranburi. The beaches here are quieter than other, more developed islands and beach resorts. The boutique resort boasts a beach-side location, inviting pool and Thai-style rooms. With a restaurant on site and calming decor, it’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down with a fruit shake in hand after a day of exploring Pranburi province.

This morning you can take a dip in the pool or stroll along the sand. Around 11.00, you’ll meet your guide and driver to head to Kui Buri National Park (about 1h drive). A wildlife lover’s dream, Kui Buri is home to a large number of animals including elephants, sambar deer, water buffaloes and monkeys. Heading off with a guide and park ranger you will spot these sometimes elusive creatures in their natural habitat, on the plains and at watering holes around the park.

All the park rangers come from the area, many ex-farmers in the pineapple industry, retrained to help protect this naturally diverse region. As the day comes to an end and you’ve spotted lots of wildlife, you will return to base camp and tuck into a well-deserved dinner. You’ll then travel back to Pranburi for another night at the beach. The following morning it is time for one last wander along the coastline before you check out and carry on with your adventure through Thailand.