Khlong Lam Chan Non-Hunting Area

Khlong Lam Chan Non-Hunting Area, in Trang’s Na Yong district, protects a large freshwater wetland that’s become one of the province’s more reliable spots for waterbirds — lesser whistling ducks and cotton pygmy geese gather here in numbers, especially from January to March. Entry is free, in keeping with its status as a DNP-protected non-hunting area rather than a fee-charging national park.

The pond itself is the draw: a broad, tree-shaded wetland where a waterside pavilion lets you sit and watch without disturbing the birds, and wooden boardwalks carry a nature trail out over the wetter ground. It’s a quiet site by design — the “non-hunting area” designation exists specifically to give waterfowl an undisturbed place to roost and feed, and the atmosphere reflects that: still water, birdsong, and long stretches without another visitor in sight outside peak duck season.

Outside the January-March window, sightings are less predictable, and it’s worth treating a visit as a calm wetland walk rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter. Some older listings for this site describe hornbills, otters, and monitor lizards — none of that is confirmed by the sanctuary’s own information, which centres specifically on its duck population, so keep expectations to the wetland birds it’s actually known for.

Insider Tip: Bring binoculars if birdwatching is the point of the trip — the waterside pavilion gives you a fixed vantage point, but the ducks tend to keep some distance from the boardwalk itself.

Overnight stays require written permission from the sanctuary head office arranged in advance — this isn’t an official campsite you can turn up to. Bring insect repellent and water regardless of season; there’s no shop or restaurant on site, and the nearest facilities are back toward Na Yong town, roughly half an hour away.

Watch out: Don’t plan a visit purely around specific animals (hornbills, otters, monkeys) that aren’t documented here — go for the wetland birdlife and the quiet, and treat anything else as a bonus.

Part of the wider Trang destination guide, a quieter contrast to the province’s cave and waterfall sites like Namtok Ton Te and Tham Khao Chang Hai.