A one-and-half hour drive on either the motorway or elevated expressway heading east of Bangkok brings you to Khao Kheow and Khao Chompou wildlife sanctuary. Originally classified as a national forest reserve, Khao Kheow was later established additional as a wildlife reserve under the supervision of the Wildlife Management Section of the Department of Forestry of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in 1974. Khao Kheow forest and wildlife reserve spreads over an area of 144.7 sq.km comprising mountainous terrain covered by dense rain forest, inhabited by various indigenous wildlife species. The highest peak soars at 789 meter above sea level, providing an incredible view from the top, overlooking the expanse province of Chonburi sprawling into the sea of Gulf of Thailand.

In general, the forest is divided into three types: 1) Mixed deciduous forest in the lower terrain with varying conditions depending on season, 2) Dry evergreen forest can be found near the creeks, 3) Moist evergreen or rain forest densely occupy 80% of Khao Kheow forest and wildlife reserve. Since there is vast forest with abundant varieties of plants, vegetation and water, Khao Kheow is inhabited by a relatively dense population of wild animals. Notable species include deer, langur, rabbit, squirrel, boar, guinea fowl, palm civet, mouse deer, civet, porcupine and wild birds. Plus reptiles, such snakes, lizards; as well as amphibians, such as frogs, turtles. In the marsh areas, there are various types of fresh water fishes.