Khao Chong National Park

Khao Chong National Park, widely known as Khao Chong Botanical Garden, is a protected forest area in Na Yong District, Trang Province, southern Thailand. Located about 20 km east of Trang city at the foothills of the Khao Banthat mountain range, it features lowland evergreen forest, waterfalls and a historic botanical garden. Established as Thailand's first botanical garden, it is notable for its diverse flora, nature trails and role as an education and conservation center.

Visitors can expect a tranquil lowland evergreen forest setting with shaded nature trails, a historic botanical garden, herbarium and arboretum, small waterfalls including Kachong Waterfall, and streams. The area includes a visitor education center, canopy walkway sections, labeled plant collections, picnic areas and viewpoints. The environment is natural and educational, suitable for walking, nature study, birdwatching and photography rather than developed tourist infrastructure.

Khao Chong Botanical Garden was established in 1916 during the reign of King Rama VI, making it Thailand's first botanical garden. It was created as a center for botanical research, plant collection and forest conservation at the edge of the Khao Banthat range and has since served as an important site for forestry education and conservation under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

The site holds educational and conservation significance as a long-standing center for botanical study, environmental education and awareness of southern Thailand's evergreen forest ecosystem. It is used by students, researchers and visitors to learn about native plants and forest ecology.