Khao Laem Ya Moo Marine National Park

Khao Laem Ya-Moo Koh Samed National Marine Park is located in the east of The Gulf of Thailand, a popular Thailand destination. The topography is mainly mountainous consisting of granite. Beaches lie continuously from bay to bay all around the island. The area in the middle of the island is hilly and People settle in the plain near the coast. Most villagers live in the north and the east of the island. Three more small islands are located at the southern tip of the island. They are Koh Chan (moon island), Koh San Chalarm (shark fin island) and Hin Khao (White rock).

Another 8 islands near the shore boarders the park. They are Koh Plai Teen (foot tip island), Koh Kred Chalarm (Shark scale island), Koh Ma Kham (Tamarind island), Koh Kruai (Cone island), Koh Ku Dhi (Monk’s Chamber island), Koh Tai Kang Kao (Bat bottom island), Koh Ta Lu (Hole island) and Koh Yung Klua (Salt silo island).

Normally, Cool and dry weather starts from mid October to February. The average temperature all year is 28 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures average 24 degrees Celsius in December. Maximum temperatures average 33 degrees Celsius in April. The Average rainfall per annum is approximately 1,339.4 mm. Minimum average rainfall in December is 3.8 mm and maximum rainfall in September is 255 mm. Average relative humidity all year is 76.7%. During December to January average wind speed is 5.3 knots and maximum wind velocity is 50 knots.

Plant distribution in Khao Laem Ya-Koh Samed National Park varies depending on the topography and can mainly be classified as dry evergreen forest which make up the majority of the vegetation. Flora found here include Cansjera rheedei, Cleistanthus helferi, Memecylon cyaneum and Wrightia arborea etc. Beach Forest is home to some wild flora thriving on the beach. Plant and tree species generally found here are dwarf, branched and has short twigs and thick leaves such as Thespesia populneoides, Streblus asper, Xylocarpus rumphii and Terminalia catappa etc.

Wildlife found here are mainly mammals such as Treeshrew, Flying Fox, Crab-eating Macaque. At least 118 bird species were recorded from a survey in the national park. Some species found here are Black-winged Stilt, Plover, Sandpiper. The survey has confirmed at least 15 species of reptiles such as Spiny-tailed House Gecko, Flat-tailed Gecko, Tockay, Butterfly Lizard. Only 4 species of amphibians are confirmed in the park such as Toad, House Tree Frog, Painted Bullfrog.