Just 60 kilometres south of Hua Hin lies Thailand’s largest freshwater marsh: the Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh. You can explore part of this vast area by boat, but there’s another (and perhaps even more beautiful) way to experience it: by walking the Bueng Bua Boardwalk. This wooden pathway winds right through the wetlands and offers stunning views over the water, with dramatic karst mountains rising in the background.
Read this article in DutchThung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh
The Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh is part of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Covering an area of 4,300 hectares, this expansive wetland is a complex ecosystem of lakes, ponds, reed beds and aquatic plants. It’s a vital habitat for countless species of birds, fish and other wildlife. The area is so unique that it has been designated a Ramsar site, meaning it’s internationally protected because of its exceptional ecological value. With hundreds of plant species and an incredible diversity of birdlife, this is a true paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.
Bueng Bua Boardwalk
The dramatic limestone cliffs in the background make this wetland one of the most photogenic spots in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. And there’s no better way to experience it than by walking along the Bueng Bua Boardwalk, a wooden pathway that winds through the heart of the marsh. The boardwalk stretches for about 1.2 kilometres and features several covered rest areas with benches, perfect for taking a break in the shade while soaking in the beauty of this unique landscape. For an even more spectacular view, climb the eight-metre-high observation tower. From up here, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas over the wetlands, the boardwalk stretching across the water and the towering limestone peaks in the distance. It almost feels like taking drone shots, but with your own eyes.
A paradise for birdwatchers
More than 300 bird species have been recorded in and around the wetlands, making this area a true paradise for bird lovers. You can spot a variety of herons here, including the little egret and the purple heron, as well as storks, ducks and several species of kingfishers. During the winter months, many rare migratory birds make their way to the marsh, including the elusive Greater Spotted Eagle and the Oriental Darter, also known as the “snakebird” because, while hunting underwater, only its long, slender neck appears above the surface.
Best time to visit the Bueng Bua Boardwalk
The best time to visit the Bueng Bua Boardwalk is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These are the moments when birds are most active, giving you a much better chance to spot them. We visited in the middle of the day, not the best time for photography because of the harsh sunlight and strong shadows, but there was one big advantage: it was wonderfully quiet and we had almost the entire boardwalk to ourselves! If your goal is to take beautiful photos, plan your visit early or late in the day when the light is soft and warm, perfect for capturing the landscape at its best.
Entrance fees for Bueng Bua Boardwalk
When you first arrive at a paid location within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, you’ll need to purchase a general entrance ticket for 200 THB per person. With this ticket, you can then access many other spots in the park for free, including beaches, viewpoints and hiking trails. However, some popular highlights require an additional fee. For the Bueng Bua Boardwalk specifically, we paid an extra 200 THB per person for entry.
How to get to the Bueng Bua Boardwalk
The Bueng Bua Boardwalk is located in the northern part of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and is easily accessible by rental car. Driving in Thailand is generally straightforward, but it’s important to make sure you have comprehensive all-risk insurance for peace of mind. A rental car also gives you the freedom to explore different parts of the park at your own pace.
Prefer not to drive yourself? You can hire a driver for a day, which can usually be arranged directly through your accommodation. Alternatively, you can book a driver for a half or full day via apps like Grab or Bolt. It’s a convenient option, giving you reliable transport for the entire day and allowing you to move between locations stress-free.
More to see in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
A visit to the Bueng Bua Boardwalk can easily be combined with other highlights in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Just a short drive away, you’ll find the beautiful beaches of Laem Sala and Sam Phraya, perfect for a relaxing walk along the shore. Nearby, you’ll also discover the famous Phraya Nakhon Cave, renowned for its royal pavilion that’s magically illuminated by a beam of sunlight streaming through an opening in the cave’s ceiling. For something a little more off the beaten path, you can take a boat to the Kissing Cave, a hidden gem worth exploring. Around the park, you’ll find several viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas of the limestone mountains and coastline, such as the Khao Daeng Viewpoint. If you’d like to add a touch of culture to your trip, visit Wat Khao Daeng, a beautiful temple set dramatically against towering limestone cliffs. And lastly, don’t miss driving along Road 1021: it offers some of the most stunning views of the iconic ridges and peaks that make Sam Roi Yot so unique.
