• The United Nations Foundation (UNF), launched in 1998 to manage the generous donation of US$ 1 billion by the founder of CNN, Mr. Ted Turner, established one of the most important partnerships with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for the conservation of World Heritage Biodiversity Sites (WHBS).
  WHBS are on the World Heritage List because they contain biodiversity of outstanding universal value. 40-50 designated or potential sites in about 20 countries have benefited from the UNF-World Heritage Centre partnership. The partnership, established in 1999, was renewed in 2002 as a three-fold relationship between UNF, UNESCO-WHC and the Conservation International (CI) for another 2-3 year period with a total amount of US$ 15 million to be disbursed for select programmes and projects.
• The UNF Biodiversity Partnership has become a role model for other categories of World Heritage sites; e.g. World Heritage forests, World Heritage cities, etc. UNF, whose relationship with the Centre began as a donor, has become a valued partner of UNESCO and the World Heritage Centre helping to tell the World Heritage story and find new partners, particularly within the USA.
  The World Heritage Convention is the only international legal instrument providing a unified framework for the conservation of cultural as well as natural heritage of outstanding universal value.
• UNESCO’s World Heritage List includes national parks containing globally significant biodiversity (e.g. National Parks of Thailand ), scenic splendours protected areas containing evidence of indigenous cultural history and parks with important ruins and monuments of bygone civilizations
  The 172 natural and mixed sites included in the World Heritage List cover as much as 13% of the world’s protected areas. In some ecosystems, for example the tropical forests comprising globally significant biodiversity, World Heritage sites cover nearly 3% of the total global area-coverage.
  Effective use of the World Heritage Convention to consolidate and build on regional, national and local conservation efforts is becoming more and more a tool for global conservation action to a growing range of stakeholders. They include:
  the 176 States Parties who have ratified the World Heritage Convention;
  UNESCO and its World Heritage Centre;
  The World Conservation Union (IUCN) and its large number of NGO membership;
  other advisory bodies to the Convention such as: the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM); and
  a growing range of institutional partners from the public, private and civil sectors.
  This website is dedicated to highlighting the work, achievements, and benefits of the various partnerships working to conserve World Heritage parks and biodiversity; it will also be used as a tool to disseminate information on lessons learned and other outputs derived from numerous programmes and projects implemented with the help of such partnerships.
• Parks & Biodiversity Partnerships
  Thailand has 96 national parks, 100 wildlife and non-hunting sanctuaries and 65 forest parks, which together make up a full 13 percent of land area.
  The park system, managed by the Royal Forestry Department, provides the visitor with easy access to the country’s natural treasure, from the mountain pine forests of the North to the southern rainforests to the spectacular coral and marine life off both coasts.
  Some of the wildlife and non-hunting sanctuaries adjoin one another, making conservation efforts easier. Most of the parks are accessible by road, offer simple accommodation and charge a small admission fee. In the larger ones such as Khao Yai, rangers can be hired as guides for long treks. Wildlife sanctuaries are not tourism areas, however, so visitors must bring food and camping gear and observe the no-disturbance rules set up to protect the animals.
  
  National parks and wildlife sanctuaries have rules for visitors that are made to ensure environmental protection as well as your own safety. You can contribute to the preservation of Thailand's natural heritage by observing the simple rules of leaving nothing behind, taking nothing with you, and respecting the residents of the place you visit, human or otherwise.
   

Locations of National Parks  in :

Krabi Area & Islands   

• Travel to the Phi Phi Islands
  Ko Phi Phi can be reached by boat either from Krabi or Phuket. In downtown Krabi tourists can take a boat at Chaofa pier. The boat leaves for Ko Phi Phi daily. Boat tickets are available at the pier or from travel agents in the town. It takes about 2 hours and a half for the journey. Regular boats from Ao Nang to Ko Phi Phi are also available during high season.
  Mu Ko Phi Phi
  An archipelago of six islands consists of Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Le as the major islands. The superb scenery of the islands includes high hills with jutting cliffs surrounded by marvelous beaches and emerald sea, hiding underneath a bank of coral reefs and colorful marine life. Places to visit of Mu Ko Phi Phi include
  Ko Phi Phi Don
  covers a total area of 28 square kilometers : 8 kilometers in length and 3.5 at its broadest point. At the north end is Cape Laem Tohng, where there is a Chao Ley, or sea gipsy village. These sea gypsies emigrated from Koh Lipeh in Tarutao National Park, near the border with Malaysia. Diving at Laem Tohng is excellent, as it is also at Hua Rah Ket to the extreme south. There are long beaches with rocks scattered about. Two curving bays are especially beautiful : Ton Sai and Loh Dalam. This is also where accommodations and tourist services are found.
• Ko Phi Phi Le
  is 6.6 square kilometers in total area : 3 kilometers in length and 1 at its broadest point. The island is entirely limestone and steep cliffs rising from the sea very nearly ring it. Surrounding waters average about 20 meters in depth, reaching 34 meters at the deepest point off the island's southern tip. Phi Phi Ley has several beautiful bays : Pileh, Maya and Loh Samah ; Ao Pileh is very nearly enclosed by the limestone walls of the island's cliffs, so that the water appears almost to be an island sea. On Phi Phi Ley's northeast is the famous Viking Cave; this was renamed by H.M.Rama IX when he visited it in 1972, Tam Pya Nak, from the shape of a particular boulder, which resembles in shape the head of the great serpent of Buddhist legend, the Naga. It is a place much revered by the local people who come there to collect the swift's nests used to make Bird's Nest Soup, a Chinese delicacy. On the eastern and southern walls of the cave are colored drawings dating from historic times. There are pictures of elephants and also of various boats : European, Arab and Chinese sailing ships ; baroques, motorboats, and steamships. It is theorized that these pirates who paused in their travels from west to east, sheltering in the cave to escape the monsoon winds, transfer cargo, or make repairs. Travel to the Phi Phi Islands Tour operators in both Phuket and Krabi provide transport and tour packages to this popular destination. Regular boat service is available form Jao Fah pier in Krabi.
• Ko Phai
  lies also to the north of Phi Phi Don, not far from Koh Yung. Sandy beaches are on the north and east sides of the island. Broad coral reefs stretch away into the south.
  Ko Yung
  lies to the north of Phi Phi Don. There is a rocky beach on the east side, and a smaller strand of sand in a fold of the hill. Many beautiful and various corals are found there.
  Phra Boromathat Chaiya
  An ancient pagoda, located in Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya, Amphoe Chaiya, housing Lord Buddha relics. The structure is believed to be constructed during the Sivichaya period over 1,200 years ago.
• Chaiya National Museum
  Located at Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Chaiya. It is a historical and archaeological museum. The first building puts on exhibition stone and bronze sculptures discovered in the ancient city of Chaiya, for example, sculptures of the God Vishnu and Bohdisattva Avalokitesvara. The second building exhibits artifacts of prehistoric down to historic periods from Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Lop Buri, Sukhothai to Ayutthaya. Art objects and several other crafts are also displayed here.
  Chaiya National Museum is open daily between 09.00-16.00 hrs. except for Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is 10 Baht each.
  Suan Mokkha Phalaram
  This is otherwise known as Wat Than Nam Lai (Monastery of Flowing Water), a monastic community located in a beautiful and peaceful natural park where Buddhists go for meditation practice. There are several teaching pavilions which many paintings and poems illustrating moral teachings known in Thai as "Entertainment Houses for the Soul".
  Khao Thaphet Wildlife and Nature Education Station
  Located some 6 kms. from town along the Surat - Nasan Road, highway no. 4009 and covers 1,162 acres. The station houses many caged wild animals. The hilltop, some 210 meters above sea level, offers panoramic views of Ban Don municipality, the Tapi River and Ban Don Bay. On Khao Thaphet is also located the stupa named Phra That Si Surat or locally known as Phra That Khao Thaphet which houses Buddha relics donated by the Indian government some 30 years ago.
  Oyster Farms
• Are found around the estuarine areas of the Kradae and Tha Thong Rivers, in Amphoe Kanchanadit. Oyster Bred there are substantially larger than those found elsewhere. To visit the farms is by hiring boats from Tha Thong quayside for some 30 minutes.
  Moo Ban Phumriang
  Some 6 kilometers east of Chaiya, is an arts and crafts center well known for its gold and silver brocade silk cloth and jute headwear.
  Monkey Schools
  The schools where monkeys are trained to pick coconuts, there are 2 places: one is located in Amphoe Kanchanadit, some 13 kms. from Surat Thani along Highway No. 401 and another one is at Ban Khlong Sai, Amphoe Tha Chang, some 35 kms. along Highway No. 41. Visitors are advised to check with local travel agents for full details.
  o Sok National Park
  It is located on km.109 from Surat township area on Highway No. 401. A verdant forest-covered hill national park, with an area of some 161,000 acres. Many kinds of rare wildlife are still to be found. With an atmosphere of peacefulness and restfulness, one can trek along the trails made to the adventure. Accommodations in the park can be available through the reservation section, Forestry Department, Tel. (662) 579-0529, 579-4842. Besides, near the area of the park there are private-run bungalows available for the tourist.
• Tai Rom Yen National Park
  Covers the area of 133,125 rai of Khlong Nam Thao Forest Reserve in Amphoe Ban Na San and Amphoe Wiang Sa. A mountain within the park known as Khao Chong Chang once used to be the base of the Communist Party of Thailand. There are several scenic tourist spots such as Nam Tok Dat Fa, Nam Tok Muang Thuat in Amphoe Ban Na San and Nam Tok Than Thip in Amphoe Wiang Sa. Visitors wishing to stay overnight here are requested to bring along their camping accessories. For more details please contact National Parks Division, Royal Forestry Department, Tel. (662) 579-4842, 579-0529.
  Nam Tok Wiphawadi or Nam Tok Ban Nai
  Though of the same name as the one within Khlong Yan Wildlife Sanctuary, this one is located in Amphoe Don Sak on the roadside of the Highway 401 between KM. 60-61, about 38 kilometers from town. Though a small waterfall, it is always crowded on holidays.
  Ratchprapha or Chieo Lan Dam
  It is located on Km. 52-53 Highway No. 401 and turn right for another 12 kms. The scenery around the dam area is very beautiful. Accommodations are available from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Tel. (662) 436-3179 or (6677) 311-364, 311-522.
  Khlong Yan Wildlife Sanctuary
  Situated in King Amphoe Wiphawadi, 45 kilometers along the Highway 41 with a 26-kilometers left turn to King Amphoe Wiphawadi. Further on for about 10 kilometers, then turn right for another 8 kilometers, one will get to the sanctuary. Major attraction here is the beautiful waterfall "Nam Tok Wiphawadi". Accommodation is available. Reservation should be made to Chief of Khlong Ya Wildlife Sanctuary at Moo 8, Tambon Takut Tai, King Amphoe Wiphawadi, Surat Thani 84180.
  Islands
• Koh Samui
   It is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. The island has numerous lovely beaches and bays. It is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills, and is fast be coming a resort of international stature. Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Chaweng and Lamai where, generally, the most attractive accommodation is found.
  Besides beaches, other island attractions include the Hin Lat and Na Muang waterfalls the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay; a massive seated Buddha image of Fan isle and Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants, tour agencies and hotels are located.
• Mu Koh Angthong National Park
  It comprises some 40 islands northwest of Koh Samui and covers some 250 square kilometers. Major park islands largely towering, verdant rock masses encircled by clear seas, include Mae Koh which has a beautiful beach and an emerald saltwater lake called Thale Nai; Wua Talap, site of park headquarters where accommodation is available for visitors wishing to prolong their stays; Sam Sai with an exciting coral reef and huge rock arch, and Phai-Luak. Prior reservation is needed by calling 57900529, 579-4842.
• Koh Tae Nai
  It is a small island not too far to be reached from Koh Phangan, is increasingly popular to the tourists from its natural beauties. High jungle-covered hill, long stretch golden sand beach, thriving coral reefs surrounded by fish of all sizes and colors etc. are some of its major attractions. Accommodations in the form of bungalows are also provided on the island. Transportation is available by mean of passenger boat or cargo boat which leave from Surat Thani via Samui.
• Koh Phangan
  The large island 60 minutes directly north of Koh Samui, has the lovely waterfall; Nam Tok Than Sadet, Nam Tok Phaeng Forest Park and an extensive coral reef. Accommodation is available here as well.
• Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan
  These 2 small rocky islands are administratively under Amphoe Koh Phangan and located at the direction northwest of Koh Phangan. Unspoiled and undisturbed lately by tourists, the islands earn its reputations for underwater resources, unique beautiful bays and coves and coral garden under the crystal sea which give the good promising outlook for sea sport activities. Accommodations in the form of huts and bungalows are provided on these two islands. To reach Koh Tao economically is by boat that leaves from Surat Thani and Koh Phangan. Boats are also available for Koh Tao from Tha Yang Pier, Chumphon. And to reach Koh Nang Yuan, boats are available from Koh Tao.
• Sri Phang-Nga National Park
   lies in the districts of Kuraburi and Takua Pa, about 100 kms. from Phang-Nga Town. The National park is virtually all virgin forest, filled with wild animals, and is a great place to camp, to hike, and to botanies. Among the many waterfalls in Sri Phang-Nga:  
  Travel to the Sri Phang-Nga
  from Takua Pa Town on the Petch Kasem Highway north toward Ranong about 26 kms. At km. 756 turn right and go on another 5 kms. to the Park.
  Nam Tok Tam Nang
  is about 4.5 kms from the National Park Office down a road, then on foot another 500 meters.
  Nam Tok Tone Sai
  lies down a road that splits off on the right near the entrance booth from the road leading into the Park. It takes about 15 minutes to reach on foot.