Kaeng Tana National Park, Ubon Ratchathani

Kaeng Tana National Park has an area of approximately 80 square kilometres covering Sirindhorn District and Khong Chiam District. The terrain is plateaus and low hills with Khao Banthat as the highest point. The general forest has stunted trees and some grassland. The Mun and Mekong Rivers flow through the Park, and the Park office is located by the Mun River near Kaeng Tana. The word “Tana” is based on the beliefs of the villagers and the general public. Originally, it came from the word “Morana”. This is because Kaeng Tana has strong currents and large rocks everywhere, as well as many underwater caves. Villagers roaming the waterways or fishing often had fatal accidents. As such, they called it “Kaeng Morana”, but later it was called “Kaeng Tana”, hence the name of the national park. Don Tana is a central island that is blocking the Mun River. It is 450 metres wide and 700 metres long, and there are suspension bridges spanning both sides of the island. In the north of Don Tana, there is a sandy beach suitable for relaxation. On Don Tana, there is also still dry evergreen forest everywhere. There are large trees providing shade. In the morning and in the evening, a local fishery is conducted around the island. Kaeng Tana is the largest island in the Mun River. In the middle of Kaeng Tana, there is a large sandstone rock. It was caused by a stream of water that eroded into the rock about 1 metre high. Furthermore, the island in the middle of Kaeng Tana has a rectangular structure that was built to serve as a navigational marker during the French colonial era. There is a rapid and deep river in the Kaeng Tana area. Under the water are rock holes, rocks, and many caves. As a result, there are fish that inhabit the area of Kaeng Tana Chuk Chum. The ideal period for travelling is November – June. The suspension bridge connects from the side of the Park office to Don Tana. The structure is steel connected by large wire ropes. It is a viewpoint on both sides of the Mun R