Sirinat National Park

Posted on January 20, 2009 - Filed Under Travel

As one of the most famous tourist desintations in the world, Phuket is known for its exciting blend of sun, sand, and sea as well as its vibrant nightlife and incredible restaurants. Every year the beaches of Phuket are invaded by tourists seeking the ultimate in relaxation and fun. However, this Thai island is also proud of its unique history and cultural heritage. A former rubber and tin capital in Asia, the island still houses numerous rubber plantations, but it is the gorgeous beaches and stunning forests that attract visitors and tourism has become Phuket’s main industry.

One of natural wonders of Phuket is Sirinat National Park. Established in 1981 to protect ninety square kilomters of marine area, Sirinat is located on the island’s northwest coast. The Park encompasses the former Nai Yang Nationa Park, the beaches of Mai Kao, Nai Yang, and Nai Thon as well as the wildlife preserve that is at Mai Kao. The park also extends five kilometers into the ocean. The diverse coral reefs off the Nai Yang shore are popular spots for snokelling and scuba diving as the protected waters offer stunning views of underwater life.

The Park’s forests can be divided into two major types: Beach and Mangrove. The beach forests consist mainly of Casurina pines and are moderately rich with a variety of bird species. These areas are popular picnic sites. The Mangrove forests exist in sheltered areas where seawater and freshwater mix, such as the mouths of rivers and streams. A relatively small area of the Park is Mangrove forest, but it provides habitats for many protected bird species, snakes, and fish, reptiles, and shellfish.

The Mai Kao beaches at Sirinat National Park are famous for the annual migration of sea turtles. Every year between November and February, four endagered leatherback turtle species make their way to the beach to lay their eggs. There is a local festival in March and April that celebrates the turtles return. Schedules for the various events can be found at beach resorts and five star Phuket hotels as well as other hotels and tourist centers.

Originally known as Had Nai Yang, the park was renamed Sirinath Marine National Park to commemorate the Queen’s 60th birthday in 1992. It’s location on the Andaman Sea provides year round rainfall.

Comments

Leave a Reply

LostHawk