Namtok Chat Trakan National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาดิน้ำตกชาติตระการ, RTGS: Utthayan Haeng Chat Namtok Chat Trakan) is a national park located in Chat Trakan and Nakhon Thai Districts of Phitsanulok Province of Thailand, established in 1987. It encompasses Lam Kwae Noi, Daeng and Chat Trakan forests a substantial portion of Chat Trakan District.
Topography
Most of the park is mountains covered with dipterocarp forest. The source of several rivers is within the park, including the Khwae Noi River and its tributary the Phak River. The area of the park is part of the Luang Prabang montane rain forestsecoregion, Phu Khai Hoi is the highest peak in the park with 1,277 metres (4,190 ft).[5]
Chat Trakan Waterfall
The Chat Trakan Waterfall, a.k.a. Pak Rong Waterfall, is located within the park. The sandy beach near the falls is suitable for swimming. Some of the cliffs near the falls are inscribed with yet unexplained rock carvings. The stream from the waterfall joins the Phak River.[5]
History
A survey called "Khao Ya Puk Forest Park" was set up, in March 1982 the name changed to "Namtok Chat Trakan Forest Park". First they surveyed areas of approximately 1,274 square kilometres (492 sq mi) for a national park. Later half of the surveyed areas should be designated as a national park. Namtok Chat Trakan, with an area of 339,375 rai ~ 543 square kilometres (210 sq mi),[6] was proposed for inclusion in the national parks system in 1985. Namtok Chat Trakan was declared the 55th national park on 2 November 1987.[3] Since 2002 this national park has been managed by Protected Areas Regional Office 11 (Phitsanulok)
Climate
Summer is between March and May, with temperatures around 25–29 °C (77–84 °F). Rainy season is between June and October. Winter from November till February is very cold at night.[7]
^"สถิตินักท่องเที่ยวที่เข้าไปในอุทยานแห่งชาติ ปีงบประมาณ พ.ศ.2562" [Statistics of tourists visiting National Parks fiscal year 2019]. Department of National parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (in Thai). 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2021, no.55 Namtok Chat Trakan N.P.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
^"น้ำตกชาติตระการ" [Namtok Chat Trakan]. Department National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (in Thai). Retrieved 26 October 2021, ลักษณะภูมิอากาศ - climatic characteristics.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
^"น้ำตกชาติตระการ" [Namtok Chat Trakan]. Department National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (in Thai). Retrieved 26 October 2021พืชพรรณ - flora.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
^"น้ำตกชาติตระการ" [Namtok Chat Trakan]. Department National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (in Thai). Retrieved 26 October 2021, สัตว์ป่า - fauna.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
^"น้ำตกชาติตระการ" [Namtok Chat Trakan]. Department National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (in Thai). Retrieved 26 October 2021, สถานที่ท่องที่ยว - tourist attractions.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
^"ส่วนอุทยานแห่งชาติ, 10 อุทยาน" [National parks section, 10 parks]. Office of Conservation Area 11 (Phitsanulok) (in Thai). 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.