Tung Prong Thong

Tung Prong Thong means the golden meadow field, and the name refers to what the mangrove looks like at certain times: the dominant species here is Ceriops, whose leaves take on a yellow-gold cast, and across a large flat expanse at low tide the effect from the observation tower is a field of gold rather than the usual dark green tangle. A boardwalk of several hundred metres runs out across the mudflats through the trees with interpretation panels, and a tower gives the overview. It is a well-managed community and conservation project on the Prasae river estuary, free to enter, and it takes an hour or two. Fiddler crabs, mudskippers and wading birds are visible from the walkway at low water. Timing matters twice: the gold is clearest in the dry months, and the mudflat life needs low tide. Mosquitoes are present and there is limited shade despite the trees.

What you actually see

• The golden mangrove - Ceriops leaves giving the field its colour.
• The boardwalk - several hundred metres out across the mudflats.
• The observation tower - the overview that makes the colour visible.
• The mudflat life - fiddler crabs, mudskippers and waders at low tide.

When to go

November to April for the strongest colour, and at low tide for the crabs and birds. Early morning and late afternoon avoid the heat and the worst light.

Honest expectations

The gold effect is seasonal and weather-dependent - green rather than gold at times. Mosquitoes on the boardwalk. Little shade. It is short; an hour or two covers it.

Nearby

Prasae fishing village is at the river mouth; Ko Samet is reached from Ban Phe to the west.