Facts
- Elevation: 1,780 m (5,840 ft)
- Prominence: 1,714 m
- Ribu category:
Kurang Tinggi - Region:
Southern Thailand - Coordinates: 8.4942, 99.7300
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Loading... - Other names: ยอดเขาหลวง
- World Ribus ID: 68519
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Khao Luang is the highest peak in southern Thailand, located in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, within the Khao Luang National Park in the southern Tenasserim (Nakhon Si Thammarat) Range. The mountain’s granite massif dominates the park and supports ancient evergreen forests, highland climes and countless waterfalls and streams.
A multi‑day trek follows a forested trail from Ban Khiri Wong (only 60m above sea level) which is to the south-east of the peak. Trekkers typically camp beneath the tree line before summiting early the next morning to view mist‑shrouded forest canopies and distant ridgelines. The route includes steep, muddy sections, stream crossings and occasional scrambling in rainforest terrain. Most guided groups complete the climb over 2 nights (3 days), though experienced hikers sometimes opt for a long, single push if guides are willing to assist.
There are two points of similar elevation at the top around a kilometre apart, and it not definitively known whether western or eastern top is the highest of the two. The eastern top is likely more often visited due to being more accessible.
The trail is known among birders and botanists for harbouring rare orchids and hornbills.
Practicalities
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- Getting there: From Nakhon Si Thammarat city (approx 30 km east), drive west into Khao Luang National Park to reach Ban Khiri Wong in the south. The park HQ provides basic visitor facilities including camping areas and visitor centre.
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- Permits: Park entry is required at the Khao Luang National Park office. Current fees are approximately 200 THB for foreign visitors, with Thai nationals paying a lower rate (approx 50 THB). A guide is required for the summit trail – local rangers or licensed guides must accompany trekkers and are usually arranged via villages like Khiri Wong.
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- Water sources: Water is available from streams at lower elevations or during the first day of ascent. Trekkers should carry filtration or purification tools.
Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Krabi) 
Location
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Origins and Meaning
In Thai, “Khao Luang” (เขาหลวง) literally translates to “Royal Mountain” or “Great Mountain.” The peak gives its name to the national park and serves as the symbolic “roof” of southern Thailand, though there are several other Thai mountains with the same name.