Ta Phraya National Park

Ta Phraya National Park protects 594 square kilometres of forest along the Thai-Cambodia border in Sa Kaeo, split across Ta Phraya district here and neighbouring Buriram. Its best-known site is Prasat Khao Lon, the single surviving tower of an 11th-12th century Khmer sanctuary, reached by a rough boulder path up a small hill. Entry is 200 THB for foreign adults (100 THB children) and 40 THB for Thai adults (20 THB children), open daily 08:00-16:30 — but this is an active border-security zone, so check current advisories before planning a trip (more on that below).

Prasat Khao Lon once had four prangs — three in front, one behind — of which only the central tower still stands on its hilltop platform at the foot of Khao Sakae Krong. Elsewhere in the park, the Pha Daeng cliff viewpoint and Khao Yak’s carved rock relief look out over the Sankamphaeng and Banthad ranges, and a set of rock inscriptions from the reign of King Rama V mark an older royal visit. A signed nature trail of about 600 metres, roughly 45 minutes on foot, loops through boulder-strewn forest near the park office — there are no shops inside, so bring your own water and snacks.

The forest itself is mixed deciduous, dry evergreen, and dipterocarp woodland, part of the UNESCO-listed Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex and home to 327 recorded animal species. It’s also one of Thailand’s last strongholds of Siamese rosewood, a tree targeted for years by armed cross-border loggers — rangers here train for counter-poaching patrols rather than just visitor duty, which gives the park a rougher, less manicured feel than Khao Yai or Thap Lan to the west.

Watch out: Ta Phraya district sits directly on Thailand’s most contested border stretch. Fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces has flared repeatedly since mid-2025, land crossings including Sa Kaeo’s Ban Khlong Luek checkpoint have been closed for extended periods, and a July 2025 government advisory named this park among border-area attractions travellers should avoid. The ceasefire signed in December 2025 has been fragile, with further incidents reported into 2026. Call the park office (0 3755 6667) or check current Department of National Parks and Tourism Authority of Thailand notices before you go — don’t rely on this page alone for access status.

Insider Tip: If the border situation rules out a visit, Prasat Sadok Kok Thom in Sa Kaeo’s Khok Sung district is a larger, more famous Khmer sanctuary with easier access — 50 THB entry, open daily 08:00-17:00.