Maenam Phachi Wildlife Sanctuary, Ratchaburi

The Mae Nam Phachi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Ratchaburi province immediately north of the Kaeng Krachan National Park.

The sanctuary is contiguous with Kaeng Krachan National Park for much of its southern boundary and thus shares the same habitat types - ie. hill evergreen forest, dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest. Mae Nam Phachi is a wildlife sanctuary, which is much more strictly protected area than a national park. Wildlife sanctuaries are designated to allow as free and undisturbed movement of animals as possible. Therefore they are open mainly for educational or scientific research or for volunteering and a special permit is necessary to normally required to enter a wildlife sanctuary - however Maenam Phachi has at least two trails that are open to public access.

The first of these areas is a trail located in the hills and bamboo and mixed deciduous forest of the Sub Toei (or Sap Toei) waterfall close to the town of Ban Kha. The trail was originally a showpiece trail, covering 2 waterfalls, 2 hilltop views of the surrounding area and very well maintained trail infrastructure however it has been poorly maintained of late and the trail is sometimes difficult to keep to. The most difficult part of the trail is the last 1 km as the woodland is reclaiming the track significantly, however the first 3 kms of the trail are well posted and easy to follow. After 3 kms you will be at 600 meters elevation - if you are not 100% confident at this point simply turn back.

Important facts

Length of trail :: 5.4 km
Hiking time :: 5 to 6 hours for full trail
Terrain :: Hilled forest raising from 200 meters elevation to 600
Difficulty level :: hard (scale : easy, moderate, hard, ouch)
Minimum essentials :: 3 litres water, rehydration salts, high sugar food
Set off early and give yourself plenty of time!

Maps :: Sub Toei Trail

Getting to the Trail from Ban Kha ::

Locate the Wat Pra Lambua at the south of the town, drive 2 kms past the Wat - look for a blue sign post (to Namtok Sub Toei) on your left - follow the red laterite road for 3 kms, take the right turn at the entrance to the village - keep on the road for another 2kms and you will see another blue sign for the waterfall - follow the track for another 1 km until the track stops at a stream.

The Trail ::

Key: 0011 = Carpark and start of trail - gentle climb, well sign posted and with flora and fauna guides
0021 Waterfall and rest area - rest on top of the fall as from here the track incline increases
0031 Waterfall - note the track seems to disappear at the lower fall, to find it you need to cross the falls and go through the hole in the rocks (see photo at bottom of page)
0041 Viewpoint and rest area - very steep initial climb to this area
0051 Viewpoint and rest area - after resting follow the old cart track, it has some vegetation and water damage at its lower elevations but keep to the track
0061 exit point from the forest to track leading back to 0011