Dong Phayayen Khao Yai Forest Complex

Dong Phayayen

spans 230 km across 6 provinces of Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, Srakaew and Burinun between Ta Phraya National Park on the Cambodian border in the east, and Khao Yai National Park in the west. Second largest in Thailand the site covers an area of 6,155 square kilometers, including evergreen forests and grasslands 400-1000 m above sea level. It is home to 2500 species of fauna 16 of which world exclusive; 392 birds like red jungle fowl and green peafowl; 112 mammals including Asiatic black bears, Asian elephants, gaurs, tigers, gibbons, Indian sambar deer, crab-eating macaque, Indian muntjac, dholes, and wild pigs. Its waterfalls include the 80 m Heo Narok and Heo Suwat made famous from the film The Beach. The area contains substantial  and important tropical forest ecosystems, which can provide a viable habitat for the long-term survival of these species.

Dong phayayen

Khao Yai along the Sankambeng Mountain Range or Phanom Dong Rak was a deep jungle infested with wild animals and malaria fever, causing only death to passers-by; it was called Dong Phaya Fai, Infernal Jungle. The Second King to HM Rama V renamed the site to a more auspicious appellation of Dong Phaya Yen, Cool Jungle.

Around 1922 a small settlement was built with cultivated land by people migrated from Nakhon Nayok. Its remoteness attracted and became a refuge for criminals and fugitives. Plad Jang, a retired Adjutant General of the Eastern Army, was assigned to bring the settlement into order. Succeed he did and was reassigned, Dong Phayayen

governor of the area, relocated the settlement 30 km into plains, and much later, at 75, died of malaria. For his bravery and benevolence to the villagers a shrine was erected and named the Father of Khao Yai. In 1959 the then Prime Minister Marshal Sarit Thanarat coordinated the ministries of Agriculture and the Interior to establish it as Khao Yai National Park on September 18, 1962. A major role in its establishment was received by Boonsong Lekakul, one of the 20th century’s most famous conservationists in Thailand. In 1984 the park was made an ASEAN Heritage Park, and on July 14, 2005 the park together with other parks in the Dong Phaya Yen Mountains was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name Dong Phaya Yen-Khao Yai Forest Complex.

Dong Phayayen khao yai

White roses bloom on Lan Rong Kla

White roses bloom on Lan Rong Kla.

Phu Hin Rong Kla. Former base for the Communist Party of forest boundaries, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, is the national park are beautiful natural forests and a wide range of plants. Be seen differently in each season. With its unique geological conditions and rock cliffs Lan Lan Hin Taek button and trace the history of the battlefield to fight the remaining thousands of the Phu Hin Rong Kla become popular tourist attractions.Tourists are traveling widely in each year.tourists like White rose bloom.

Even in the winter is at Phu Hin Rong Kla is a natural atmosphere. Most suitable for travel.White roses bloom. But in summer the park is still interesting.Strange and beautiful as well as the White Rose, a local plants that bloom in the courtyard stones. It is best to visit the photography and nature study. Even in time of day, weather is a bit hot.But at night, stay overnight if stay on Phu Hin Rong Kla to find a temperate climate.Through the park.This home offers a reservation, please contact the Internet.And also a place to extend out as different.And restaurant for tourists.

White roses are plants in family ERICACEAE like roses all along.Characteristics from a bush 1-3 m high estimated prevalence based on Phu Sung in the North and Northeast. Especially in an open space courtyard stone Flowering during March to May every year. Flowers look like a bouquet in the late King. At full bloom will look white and started to blossom. White rose in the high-level vision for we can take it easy and brilliant than found at Phu Hin Rong Kla and white rose is also found at Doi Chiang Dao and Phu Luang Kradung also.

Travel Guide White roses bloom on Lan Rong Kla.

Take number 12 from Phitsanulok (Phitsanulok – Lom Sak) at Ban Yang km turn left into Highway No. 68 in 2013 another 28 kilometers to Amphoe Nakhon. Turn right along the highway number 2331 to Phu Hin Rong Kla another 31 kilometers of the journey by bus.You can travel to Phu Hin Rong Kla by charter minibus Nakhon district. To comfort may rent from the city Van Phu to Phitsanulok.Hin Rong Kla directly.enjoy White roses bloom.

Contact Us TAT Phitsanulok Tel: 0 5525 2742-3 and Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park Tel 0 5523 3527

Hot springs in Ranong

Ranong Province in the upper South of the country is endowed with hot springs and 2 km east of Ranong town is Raksawarin Park Arboretum, mineral water coming from the springs maintains a year-round temperature of 65 degrees Celsius. hot springs ,The waters have proven healing qualities and often prescribed by doctors in the locale as a form of treatment.The hot springs, There are three main spring pools: the Father Pool, the Mother Pool and the Child Pool. Other hot spring with varied surroundings with fish in the same bath is Porn Rung.

Hot Springs and Raksawarin Arboretum

Located about 2 kilometres east of the provincial office, the hot springs have been a popular tourist spot ever since King Rama V visited Ranong in 1890, and named the road to the hot springs ‘Chon Ra-u’, meaning ‘hot water’. There are three natural spring pools. The temperature of the water in the pools remains constant at about 65 ωC. The water is both potable and suitable for bathing. Doctors routinely prescribe bathing in the pools for both medical treatments and as a relaxing way to ease stress and tension. Surrounding the hot springs is a deep shaded forest called ‘Raksawarin’, where resting pavilions and wash rooms have been provided for the visitor’s comfort. Nearby Wat Tapo Tharam also provides bathing rooms for visitors who want to enjoy the healthy mineral water from the thermal springs. Enjoy hot springs

Laem Son National Park with 20 islands is on the Andaman Coast with coastal environment, the seaaroundthe islands and offshore is rich in marine life with many habitats present including; coral reefs, open water, sea grass beds, mangrove swamp, estuarine and beach. The park includes some very important nursery grounds for economically important species. Island attractions are Koh Kong Kao and Kam Archipelago with Had Prapas, Had Bang Ben and Laem Son of camping ground, and Koh Phayam 33 km off the Ranong estuary or a few hours boat cruise, The unspoilt land and climate here grows cashew nut of Ranong and resorts and guest houses are available.

There are still many other ecotourism destinations in the area waiting for tourists, Thai and foreign alike, to visit and enjoy for their life fulfillment.

Enjoy Hot springs in Thailand, hot springs south of Thailand.

MAE LAMAO

The Mae Sot District is 87 kilometers from downtown.

During the rainy season, many people enjoy

traveling through the emerald forest.

At the beginning of summer the leaves slowly

change color until they finally become brown.

There are two alluring sites on this route:

The Taksin Maharat and the Lansang National Park.

Difficulty level: 1-2

Total distance: 7 km

Length of time: 1.30-2 hr

The right time: All year round

It is easy to find a place to raft in the Tak Province; among the more popular are the Thilosu, Thilole and Mae Tuen. Each of these is an excellent place to start your adventure. However, it is important to be physically fit to attempt these journeys.

If you are looking for something more relaxing, rafting at Kaeng Mae Lamao is your best bet. The rapids here have a rating between one and two, meaning that people of all ages can navigate the water.

Something about Mae Lamao

Originating from border between Phop Phra and Um Phang District, the Mae Lamao flows down the mountain valley to Ban Mae Lamao (Mae Sot District) and merges with the Mae Krasa Waterway. It then continues to flow into the Moei River at Ban Wang Pha in the Mae Ramat District.

The 57th km on Highway No. 105 (Tak-Mae Sot) is the starting point for your rafting trip down the Mae Lamao. The river is calm and the current slow, ensuring a safe journey for you and your family. As you drift peacefully down the river, you will be treated to seven kilometers of scenic beauty.

Facilities: Mae Sot Tourism is the tour operator that provides services for tourism-rafting, trekking, elephant riding, mountain biking and waterfall exploring.

For additional details Contact: Mae Sot Tourism 415/7 Tang Kim Chaing Road, Mae Sot District, Tak Province. Tel: 0-5553-2818

**Mae La Mao is the place to go for water rafting and sightseeing. On both sides of the river you will see lovely birds and nature at its finest. It takes one and a half to two hours to pass through the seven kilometers long reef-site. The lack of technical rapids makes this the best bet for family holidays.

Doi Tung

Doi Tung is located in Mae Fa Luang District and can be reached by taking Highway No.110 for about 48 kilometers and turning left onto Highway No. 1149, an asphalt road leading directly to Doi Tung. The route winds through beautiful scenery with many interesting sites including the Doi Tung Palace (Pra Tamnak Doi tung), the Mae Fa Luang Garden and Akha and Muser tribal villages. IN addition to scenic lookouts, the most notable attraction is the Phra That Doi Tung Holy Relic, an old religious site atop the mountain.

Also located on Doi Tung Mountain is a beautiful royal residence known as Phra Tamnak Doi Tung. The royal villa, situated on the slopes of the adjacent Pa Kluay Reservoir, was to serve as a royal winter retreat for the Princess Mother, who passed away in 1995 and was originally built on the theory that the local hill tribes would be honored by the royal presence and thereby cease their opium cultivation.
The main attraction for visitors to Phra Tamnak Doi Tung is ‘Suan Mae Fa Luang’, the beautiful landscaped gardens filled with hundreds of different kinds of plants and flowers, named in honor of the Princess Mother and the Doi Tung Development Project established by the late Princess Mother in 1987.

About halfway between Mae Chan and Mae Sal on Rte 110 is the turn-off west for Doi Tung. The name means ‘Flag Peak’, from the northern Thai word for flag (tung). King Achutarat of Chiang Saen ordered a giant flag to be flown from the peak to mark the spot where two chedi were constructed in AD 911; the chedi are still there, a pil-grimage site for Thai, Shan and Chinese Buddhists. But the main attraction at Doi Tung is getting there. The ‘easy’ way is via Rte 1149, which is mostly paved to the peak of Doi Tung. But it’s winding, steep and narrow, so if you’re driving or riding a motorcycle, take it slowly. Along the way are Shan, Akha and Musoe (Lahu) villages. Travelling after 4pm – when traffic thins out — is not advised ex¬cept along the main routes. It is not safe to trek in this area without a Thai or hill-tribe guide simply because you could be mis¬taken for a United States Drug Enforcement Agency agent (by the drug traders) or drug dealer (by the Thai army rangers who patrol the area). You may hear gunfire from time to time, which might indicate that the rangers are in pursuit of the Mong Thai Army (MTA) or Karen rebels or others who have been caught between two hostile governments.
On the theory that local hill tribes would be so honoured by a royal presence that they will stop cultivating opium, the late Princess Mother (the king’s mother) built the Doi Tung Royal Villa, a summer palace, on the slopes of Doi Tung near Pa Kluay Reser¬voir. The beautifully landscaped Mae Fah Luang Garden is open to the public, and the royal villa itself has been converted into a museum that preserves everything in the house almost exactly as it was before the I’rtncess Mother’s death in 1995.

Another royal project nearby, Doi TungZoo, covers an open space of over 32 hectares. The zoo was first established as a wildlife breeding and animal conservation nation, to help reintroduce many species to a reforested Doi Tung. These include Siam¬ene fireback pheasants, peacocks, bears, rnmhar deer, barking deer and hog deer.
At the peak. 1800m above sea level, Wat Phra That Doi Tung is built around the twin I.unna-style chedi. The chedi were reno¬vated by famous Chiang Mai monk Khruba Siwichai early in the 20th century.
Pilgrims bang on the usual row of temple hells to gain merit. Although the wat isn’t that impressive, the high, forested setting will make the trip worthwhile. From the walled edge of the temple you can get an aerial view of the snaky road you’ve just climbed.
A walking path next to the wat leads to a spring and there are other short walking trails in the vicinity. A hit below the peak is the smaller Wat Noi Doi Tung, where food and beverages are available from vendors.
Places to Stay & Eat

If you want to spend the night. Baan Ton Nam (0 5376 7003, fax 0 5376 7077; Doi lung Development Project, Mae Fah Luang District; singles/doubles Jan-Sept 1800/2300B;
Oct-Dec 2000/2500B) opened in 2000 and offers 45 deluxe twin rooms with attached hot-water shower, air-con, refrigerators and satellite TV. A semi-outdoor restaurant (open 7am-9pm) offers excellent meals made with local produce, including lots of fresh mushrooms.
Getting There & Away

Buses to the turn-oft for Doi lung arc I5B from either Mae Chan or Mae Sai. From Ban Huay Khrai, at the Doi Tung turn-off, a siawngthaew to Ban Pakha is 30B (30 minutes), or 60B all the way to Doi Tung, 18km away (one hour).  Road conditions to Doi Tung vary from year to year depending on the state of repair; during bad spells, the section above Baa Pakha can be quite a challenge to climb, whether you’re in a truck, 4WD or motorcycle.
You can also travel by motorcycle between Doi Tung and Mae Sai along an even more challenging, 16km, unevenly sealed road that starts in the Akha village of Ban Phame, 8km south of Mae Sai (4kn, south along Rte 110, then 4km west), and joins the main road about two-thirds of the way up Doi Tung — about 11km from the latter. You can also pick up this road by following the dirt road that starts in front of Mae Sai’s Wat Phra That Doi Wao. West of Ban Phame the road has lots of tight curves, mud, rocks, precipitous drops, passing lor¬ries and occasional road repair equipment – figure on at least an hour by motorcycle or 4WD from Mae Sai. Although now paved, this is a route for experienced bikers only.
The road also runs high in the mountains  along the Myanmar border and should not be travelled alone or after 4pm. Ask first in Mae Sai about border conditions. If you want to do a full loop from Mae Sai, ride/ drive to Doi Tung via Rte 110 south of Mae Sai, then Rte 1149 up to Doi Tung. Once you’ve had a look around the summit, re¬turn to Mae Sai via the Bang Phame afore¬mentioned roads; this means you’ll be running downhill much of the way.
Cross-Border Trips to Tachileik & Beyond
Foreigners are ordinarily permitted to cross the bridge over the Nam Ruak into Tachileik. On occasion the border may close temporarily for security reasons, so be pre¬pared for possible disappointment if the political situation between Bangkok and Yangon deteriorates again.
For now you can enter Myanmar at Tachileik and travel to Kengtung or Mengla for two weeks upon payment of a US$10 fee and the exchange of US$100 for 100 FEC (foreign exchange certificates), the phoney money Myanmar’s government uses to dampen black-market currency exchange. You can use the FEC to pay for hotel rooms and plane tickets, but that’s about all. Or change them for Myanmar kyat at the going black-market rate. Your two-week tourist visa can be extended for another two weeks at the immigration office in Kengtung.
If you only want to cross the border into Tachileik for the day, the cost is US$5 or 250B. There is no FEC exchange require ment for day trips. Besides shopping Ian Shan handicrafts (about the same pen c n, on the Thai side, and everyone accept. b,,ht ) and eating Shan/Burmese food. ihr’~ tittle
to do in Tachileik. About 4000 people cross the bridge to Tachileik daily, most of them Thais shopping for dried mushrooms, herbal medicines, cigarettes and other cheap im¬ports from China. Be wary of cheap cartons of Marlboros and other Western-brand cig¬arettes, as many are filled with Burmese cigarettes instead of the real thing.
Three-night, four-day excursions to the town of Kengtung (called Chiang Tung by the Thais and usually spelt Kyinetong by the Burmese), 163km north. may be arranged on your own as described earlier.
Kengtung is a sleepy but historic capital for the Shan State’s Khiin culture — the Khun speak a northern Thai language re-lated to Shan and Thai Lii and use a writing script similar to the ancient Lanna script. It’s a bit more than halfway between the Thai and Chinese borders — eventually the road will be open all the way to China but for now Kengtung is the limit. Built around a small lake and dotted with ageing Bud¬dhist temples and crumbling British colo¬nial architecture, it’s a much more scenic town than Tachileik. and one of the most in¬teresting towns in Myanmar’s entire Shan State. About 70% of all foreign visitors to Kengtung are Thais seeking a glimpse of ancient Lanna. Few westerners are seen around town save for contract employees working for the United Nations Drug Con¬trol Project (UNDCP).
Harry’s Guest House & Trekking ( 01012 1418; 132 Mai Yang Lan) in Kengtung rents out basic rooms in a large house for US$5 per person. Harry is an English-speaking Kengtung native who spent many years as a trekking guide in Chiang Mai. Noi Yee Hotel (rooms per person US$8-15), near the centre of town, has large multibed rooms.
For a complete description of Kengtung and the surrounding area, see Lonely Planet’s Mr’anmar guidebook.
Beyond Kengtung Eighty-five kilometres north of Kengtung lies the Sino-Burmese border district of Mengla (or Mong La as it’s sometimes spelt). Although Mengla is mainly a Thai Lu district, in a deal worked out with the Myanmar military it’s currently controlled by ethnic Wa. who once fought against Yangon troops but who now enjoy peaceful relations with Yangon (in return for a sizable share in the Wa’s thriving amphetamine and opium trade, it is suspected). A Drug Free Museum contains an exhibit on how to refine heroin from opium. The district receives lots of Chinese tourists, who come to peruse Mengla’s well-known wildlife market and to gamble in the dis¬trict’s several casinos. The largest and plushest, the Myanmar Royal Casino, is an Australian-Chinese joint venture. There are also plenty of karaoke bars, discos and other staples of modern Chinese entertainment life. The main currency used in town is the Chinese yuan. In order to proceed to Mengla from Kengtung, you must first register at the Kengtung immigration office. The staff at Harry’s Guest House can help you accomplish this. The obvious question is, can you cross the border from Mengla into Daluo, China? The simple answer is we haven’t tried, and we don’t know anyone who has.
Getting There & Away

The cheapest form of transport to Kengtung is the siawngthaew that leave each morning from Tachileik, but reports say Myanmar authorities aren’t al¬lowing foreigners to board these. Give it a try anyway, as this sort of situation tends to change. You can rent 4WDs on either side of the border, but Thai vehicles with a ca¬pacity of five or fewer passengers are charged a flat US$50 entry fee. US$100 for vehicles with a capacity of over five. Burmese ve¬hicle hire is more expensive and requires the use of a driver. Whatever the form of trans¬port, count on at least six to 10 gruelling hours (depending on road conditions) to cover the 163km stretch between the border and Kengtung.
The road trip allows glimpses of Shan, Akha. Wa and Lahu villages along the way.

Around Chiang Mai

DOI SUTHEP

Sixteen kilometres northwest of Chiang Mai is Doi Suthep, a 1676m town and is 3,520 feet above sea level , who lived on the mountain’s ‘dupes for many years. Near its summit is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: first established in 131(3 under King Keu Naone, it is one of the north’s most sacred temples. A staircase of 300 steps leads to the wat at the end of the winding road up the mountain. To get there, drive along Huay Kaew Road up the mountain. Alternatively, there are song thaew services available at the foot of the mountain. It costs 30 baht/head to go up to Doi Suthep and approximately 50 baht/head to go further to Doi Pui and Phu Phing Palace. Note that these are one-way fares  At the top, weather permitting, there are some fine views of Chiang Mai. Inside the cloister is an exquisite, Lanna-style, copper-plated chedi topped by a five-tiered gold um­brella — one of the holiest chedi in Thailand.

About 4km beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Phra Tamnak Phu. a winter palace for the royal family with palace gardens (admission free; open 8.30am-(2.30pm & fpm-4pm Sat, Sun & holidays). The road that passes the palace splits off to the left, stop­ping at the peak of Doi Pui. From there, a dirt road proceeds for a couple of kilometres to a nearby Hmong hill-tribe village. If you won’t have an opportunity to visit remote villages, it’s worth visiting this one, even though it is well touristed. You can buy Hmong handicrafts here and see traditional homes and costumes, although these are mostly posed situations.

If you’re cycling or driving to the sum­mit, you can stop off along the way at the waterfalls, Nam Tok Monthathon (admis­sion 2008), 2.5km of l the paved road to Doi Suthep. The trail is well marked; if you’re interested in checking the falls out, have the sAwngthhew driver drop you off on the way up the mountain. Pools beneath the falls hold water year-round, although swimming is best during or just after the annual mon­soon. The falls can be a little crowded on weekends. The 200B fee allows you to visit other waterfalls on the road to Suthep.

Doi Suthep &

Doi Pui National Park

Most visitors do a quick tour of the temple, the Hmong village and perhaps the winter palace grounds, altogether missing the surrounding park. This 261-sq-km reserve (adult/child under 14 yrs 200/1008) is home to more than 300 bird species and nearly 2000 species of ferns and flowering plants. Because of its proximity to urban Chiang Mai, development of the park has become a very sensitive issue. The western side of the park has been severely disturbed by poach­ers and land encroachers, including around 500 hill-tribe families.

There are extensive hiking trails in the park, including one that climbs 1685m Doi I’ui; the summit is a favourite picnic spot Other trails pass Hmong villages that rarely get_,fardng visitors. Bungalow and dormi­tory accommodation is available near the park headquarters (past the temple car park on the right). Depending on who’s on duty at the park headquarters, there are also maps available here. Mountain bikers will find lots of fat-tyre fun.

A 4km trail also leads to the scenic and more isolated Nam Tok Sai Yai waterfalls, and connects with a trail that leads to Nam Tok Monthathon.

Getting There & Away

Sawngthaew to Doi Suthep leave Chiang Mai throughout the day from the western end of Th Huay Kaew in front of Chiang Mai University. Doi Suthep sawngthBew fares are 40B up and 30B back per person. SAwngthaew depart from Pratu Chang Pheuak and the Chiang Mai Zoo. To Phra Tamnak Phu Phing and Doi Pui add 50 B in each direction.

Khao Yai National ParkThailand’s oldest  and third-largest national park,is considered one of the best in the world in terms of its wildlife and the scope of its protection. The famous waterfall in the film The Beach is Khao Yai’s  Haew Suwat waterfall. This  Asean National Heritage Site’s 2172-sq-km area encompasses one of the largest intact monsoon forests in Southeast  Asia,and is home to a sizable herd of wild elephants, and in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, stretches cover 4 provinces including Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, and Prachin Buri. Khao Yai became Thailands first national park on 18th September 1962 and is also originally recognized as the National Park Heritage of Asian Group Countries tours.Khao Yai National park is comprised of mixed forests and rainforests with some wide plains and grasslands interspersed with verdant forests. There are many valuable plants, including commercial plants, scented plants and herbs. In addition, there are have several mountains with peaks ranging over the sea from 750 to 3,000 meters above sea level making Khao Yai a cool relax to time in summer. In this time Mostpopula to visit Khao Yai is during the cool season or from October to February. and rainy season, this  area is refresh a green from natural  with beautiful flower around  waterfalls, sending echoes all around area. Most Popular activities in the Khao Yai National park include butterfly and bird watching, animal watching and trekking. The Park has numerous butterflies and birds as surveys indicate that over 293 species of birds use Khao Yai as a feeding ground while Khao Yai is the habitat of over 200 species. In addition, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife. The most frequently spotted animal is the deer that grazes on grass plains and sometimes come to be fed around the park office. Other animals spotted include elephants, sun bears, wild boars, monkeys, tigers, gaurs, and mountain goats. To facilitate animal watching the park built 2 wildlife watchtowers at Lion and Nong Phak Chi. . In addition Visitors are allowed up there between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m, those who want to go on tours  a night safari by car  you must contact the park office of Khao Yai National Park before 6 p.m. More over, Khao Yai has over 20 trekking trails for visitors to choose from, each different in natural beauty. While some trails like the Kong Kaeo trail and the Kilometer 33 trail  take 1-2 hours to complete, other trails like the Nang Rong-Khao Yai trail, Samo Pun trail or Kho Yo 4 Unit-Wang Heo waterfall trail require overnight stays. Information and guides can be obtained from the tourist center service. Attraction Places of  in the Park Kong Kaeol Waterfall This is a low waterfall, which is especially lovely in the rainy season originated from Huay Lam Takhong that divides Nakhon Nayok and Nakhon Ratchasima Provinces. The waterfall can be reached by a walking distance of 100 meters from the tourist service center. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the waterfall or taking short nature trips on real nature Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall This is a medium waterfall in Huay Lam Takhong with two separate bodies of water flowing down rock levels to merge at the bottom. In the area visitors can find the Red Dendrobium orchid that is the symbol of the waterfall. The waterfall is about 7 kilometers from the park office and can be reached by car and on foot. In addition, there is a trail from the waterfall that leads to Heaw Suwat Waterfall. Heo Suwat Waterfall This is a famous waterfall that cascades from a 20-meters high cliff. The waterfall, which is located at the end of Thanarat Road and being accessible by car, is only 100 meters by foot from the parking lot or a 3-kilometer walk from Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall. Visitors can view the falls from a distant viewpoint that offers a high-angle view of the waterfall through the trees or from the waterfall itself. However, please note that in the rainy season the water flows rapidly and caution should be taken. Heo Narok Waterfall This is  largest and highest waterfall in the park with 3 levels. The first level is about 60 meters high and water from this level flows straight down to the second and third levels, with a total drop of at least 150 meters. The water has considerable strength in the rainy season and is quite dangerous, but refreshing, when it comes splashing down on rocks at the bottom. The area around the waterfall is the usual feeding grounds of wild elephants. There have been occasional accidents when elephants drop from the cliff and die. For a beautiful view of the waterfall, visitors can walk 1 kilometer from the main road to a viewpoint. The waterfall itself is located to the south of the Park Office on the way to Prachin Buri Province. There are also other lesser waterfalls in the park like Namtok Mai Plon, Namtok Heo Sai and Namtok Heo Prathul. For more information, contact the Parks tourist service centre. Traveling to the Park Khao Yai National Park is  about 200 kilometers  from Bangkok. There are 2 ways of getting there; from the 56 kilometer marker of Mitraparp Highway, turn onto Thanarat Road and proceed for approximately 23 kilometers or at Hin Kong intersection, turn onto Highway  and proceed to the Noen Hom intersection and take Highway No. 3077 to the park. The second route is rather steep and is more suitable for the return trip. If traveling by bus, get off at Amphoe Pak Chong and continue on a mini-bus up to the gate of Khao Yai National Park. The fare is 15 baht and services are provided between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. From there, visitors should flag a passing car to the park office or rent a car directly from Pak Chong. Notice Due to over capacity and protect the environment of  Khao Yai National Park, Royal Forest Department has announced to limit the number of visitors since July 1,2008 , therefore visitors  should inquire Khao Yai National Park directly before travelling at tel. 08 1877 3127 , 08 6092 6531 which operate 24 hrs. Admission fee Adult 400 baht and Child 200 baht (If only visiting the area from Nern Hom checkpoint to San Chao Pho Check point, the admission fee is  adult  200 baht  and child  100 baht)  and the fee of one car  is 50 baht. Facilities There is a campsite at Pha Kluai Mai that can accommodate up to 1,000 visitors. The fee is 10 baht for children and 20 baht for adults per night. There is a restaurant and tents and sleeping bags for rent. Moreover, there are 2 more service areas at Kong Kaeo and Yaowachon that can accommodate up to 250 tourists. The fee is 30 baht each only, though sleeping gear is not provided. Visitors can obtain permission from the park before 6 p.m. For more information, call the National Parks Division, Royal Forest Department can call Tel. 66+ 2579-7223 and 66+ 2579-5734

Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival
Date : 1 – 4 October 2009
Venue : Sanam Ming Mueang, Suan Somdej Phra Srinagarindra, Sakon Nakhon

One of the biggest events in the Ok Phansa Day (The end of Buddhist Lent), the assemble of the wonderful wax castles which are created from the talent artists in the province. Experience the magnificent Wax Castle Procession and feast your eyes on the wonderful tradition of Sakon Nakhon people.Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival
Date : 1 – 4 October 2009
Venue : Sanam Ming Mueang, Suan Somdej Phra Srinagarindra, Sakon Nakhon

One of the biggest events in the Ok Phansa Day (The end of Buddhist Lent), the assemble of the wonderful wax castles which are created from the talent artists in the province. Experience the magnificent Wax Castle Procession and feast your eyes on the wonderful tradition of Sakon Nakhon people.

           
Contact :
TAT Nakhon Phanom, Tel : 66 (0) 4251 3490-1
Website : www.tourismthailand.org

Contact :
TAT Nakhon Phanom, Tel : 66 (0) 4251 3490-1
Website : www.tourismthailand.org

Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year however, the best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through November while the best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February and for ornithologists is November through March.Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year however, the best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through November while the best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February and for ornithologists is November through March.

This national park which covers an area of 1,005 square kilometers is located on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain which is 2,565 meters above sea level. Located between Mae Chaem and Chom Thong, the park is comprised of the largest tract of upper mountain forest which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends in Northern Thailand. The mountain ranges gave birth to the main tributaries of the Ping river and formed the beautiful waterfalls, namely Siriphum, Wachirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang and Mae Ya. The moist and dense evergreen forest is abundant with lichens and wild orchids. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers.

Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year however, the best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through November while the best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February and for ornithologists is November through March.

This national park which covers an area of 1,005 square kilometers is located on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain which is 2,565 meters above sea level. Located between Mae Chaem and Chom Thong, the park is comprised of the largest tract of upper mountain forest which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends in Northern Thailand. The mountain ranges gave birth to the main tributaries of the Ping river and formed the beautiful waterfalls, namely Siriphum, Wachirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang and Mae Ya. The moist and dense evergreen forest is abundant with lichens and wild orchids. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers.

Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year however, the best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through November while the best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February and for ornithologists is November through March.