Hat Wanakon National Park () is a sand beach and marine national park in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, western Thailand. It overlaps two districts of Prachuap Khiri Khan: Mueang Prachuap Khriri Khan and Thap Sakae, with an area of 23,750 rai ~ . The beach is on Petchkasem Road (Highway 4) about 23 km (14 mi) from Prachuap Khiri Khan town towards Thap Sakae, about 300 km (186 mi) from Bangkok.

History and geography This area was originally a forest park. Later it was upgraded to a national park in 1992, the 76th national park and the 18th marine national park in Thailand. The landscape here is sparse wooded with various species such as Indian thorny bamboo, Burmese rosewood, crape myrtle, Queen's flower and teak.

The twin islands, Ko Chan (เกาะจาน) and Ko Tai-si (เกาะท้ายทรีย์), are about seven kilometres (four miles) offshore. Surrounding them is the most abundant coral reef in the Gulf of Thailand. It contains many species of corals, soft corals and other aquatic creatures for a distance of approximately two kilometres (one mile) and a depth of approximately 8–10 m (26.25-32.8 ft). The rare species Acropora cytherea can be found here. Fishing boats are not allowed to enter the area.

Location Hat Wanakon National Park in overview PARO 3 (Phetchaburi branch)  National park  1 Ao Siam  2 Hat Wanakon  3 Kaeng Krachan  4 Khao Sam Roi Yot   5 Kui Buri  6 Namtok Huai Yang  Wildlife sanctuary  7 Prince Chumphon North Park (upper) Non-hunting area  8 Cha-am  9 Khao Chaiyarat10 Khao Krapuk–Khao Tao Mo  Forest park11 Cha-am12 Huai Nam Sap13 Khao Nang Phanthurat14 Khao Ta Mong Lai15 Klang Ao16 Mae Ramphueng17 Pran Buri18 Thao Kosa

See also List of national parks in Thailand DNP - Hat Wanakon National Park List of islands of Thailand List of Protected Areas Regional Offices of Thailand

References