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AMPHOE MUANG
City Pillar Shrine
The most honored Shrine in the city, the San Lak Mueang has been
reconstructed and renovated several times. Situated near the Old
City, it was once an old Shrine housing a 1-metre wooden column
with a carving of a lotus at the top. In 1910, the City Pillar was
enshrined at the Red Building of the Sri Nakhon Nayok School where
a new four-cornered pavilion situated along Maenam Nakhon Nayok
was established to house the Pillar. Inside the Shrine visitors
will see one corner dedicated to Narai, a Hindu God, and another
corner to a Buddhist image from the Ayutthaya period.
Namtok Lan Rak or Namtok Tat Hin Kong
Situated in Phramani Sub-district on the way to Namtok Sarika and
Namtok Nang Rong, this is a unique waterfall originating from a
small stream which flows through a large rocky formation at the
foot of a small hill. The best time to visit the waterfall is during
the rainy season. To get there, take a left turn at Prachakasem
intersection (about 8 kilometers on the route to the Saithong Reservoir),
and then proceed for another 5 kilometers.
Namtok Nang Rong
Located in Hin Tang Sub-district, part of the Khao Yai National
Park, this multi-tiered waterfall flows down to several rock formations
below and then to the lush forests. A small pool at each level makes
the waterfall a perfect place for visitors to literally immerse
themselves in the natural beauty.
Namtok Nang Rong is located some 20 kilometers on Route No. 3049.
Visitors should proceed for 7 kilometers from the Km. 12 marker
of the same Highway in order to reach the waterfall. Accommodations,
toilets and restaurants are available. The waterfall attracts numerous
visitors during the festive seasons and long holidays.
Namtok Sarika
The most famous waterfall in Nakhon Nayok is located in Sarika Sub-district,
approximately 15 kilometers east of the city along Highway No. 3050.
The nine-tiered waterfall cascading down the cliff to a forested
hillside has a large natural pool on each level which is sometimes
is perfect for swimming. Accommodations, restaurants and souvenir
shops are available. Local products including brooms and artificial
flowers made from wild pine are sold in shops around the waterfall.
Luang Pu Man, the famous and revered monk, had resided in nearby
Sarika Cave for his religious meditation from 1917-1920. Other than
Luang Pu Mans meditation place inside the cave there is also a chapel
located at the top-end of the cave. In addition, there are residences
of monks and nuns who pursue inner-path meditation.
Getting to this picturesque waterfall is very convenient. Drive
along Highway No. 3049 for about 12 kilometers, then take a left
turn to Highway No. 3050 and proceed for another 3 kilometers.
Phra Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
A training center for Thai military cadets, the Academy is located
at the foot of Khao Cha Ngok, 14 kilometers west of the town. Apart
from providing the best educational services, the compound also
offers a wide range of attractions and activities. Attractions open
to the public include a museum, a golf course, and a shooting range.
Recently, the Boot Camp Program which allows the public to explore
and experience some parts of the military exercises was initiated.
Touring the Academy, which covers an area of some 3,000 rai of land,
by car, is the best option. However, bicycles can be rented from
the tourist centre in the Academy's compound.
Attractions in the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy include:
King Rama V Monument
Built to honor His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V)
the founder of the Academy, the Monument is situated at the headquarters.
The Monument depicts King Chulalongkorn seated in full Army regalia,
bearing the Royal Insignia of the Supreme Commander of the Thai
Forces.
Circular Pavilion
Built as a recreation area for military cadets, the Pavilion
was constructed under the command of Field Marshall Crown Prince
Phitsanulok Prachanat. It is also a place where a sculpture of King
Rama V is enshrined.
The 100-Year Royal Military Academy Museum
A perfect place to learn about the history of war and its consequences,
the museum displays biographies of famous graduates, history of
wars, weapons of war and uniforms of soldiers of neighboring nations,
as well as a wax sculpture of King Rama V. Open daily from 8.30
a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Admission fee is 10 baht.
Shrine of Chao Pho Khun Dan
Khun Dan was Nakhon Nayoks supreme administrative leader during
the reign of King Naresuan the Great of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. During
the war between the Kingdom and the Burmese, the Khmers took the
opportunity to invade Nakhon Nayok and claim the city under its
sovereignty. It was here that Khun Dan set up a camp to mobilize
the people and fought back. He defeated the Khmers in 1587. The
Shrine is one of the most highly respected shrines by local residents.
Phra Phutthachai or Wat Phra Chai
Initially, the only painting featuring several Buddha motifs in
different postures on a cliff wall facing a small hill near Khao
Cha Ngok was found in a place formally called Wat Khao Cha-Ngok.
In 1942, the Map Department of the Royal Thai Army decided to build
a marble quarry at the foot of the hill and began restoring the
paintings.
Namtok Phra Chai
This small waterfall cascading some 30 meters from a cliff into
a basin is situated behind Wat Khao Cha-Ngok.
Activities in the Academy
Several sporting activities are available for the public. This include
shooting (at a standard shooting range), canoeing, ridding on a
rescue sledge (in the Academy's reservoir), and golfing in an 18-hole
golf course. Group activities available are trekking, camping, and
climbing either a real or an artificial cliff. Advance booking (of
at least 7 days) is highly recommended. Accommodation and restaurants
are available. For more information, contact the Tourist Information
Centre, located in the Military Housewife Association Building,
Royal Military Academy branch, from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., tel:
0 3739 3010-5 ext. 62961-2.
Getting to the Academy from Bangkok is easy. It is located in Phrommani
Sub-district, just 75 kilometers from Bangkok via the Bangkok-Ongkharak
route.
Rafting along Nakhon Nayok River
Originating from Khao Yai National Park, the Nakhon Nayok River
branches out at Wang Takhrai Canal. Canoe rafting trips leave from
Wang Ta Krai Canal (next to Wang Ta Krai Bridge) and proceeds along
Nang Rong Canal to the Nakhon Nayok River. There are many exit points
along the river bank such as at Ban dong, Kaeng Sam Chan, Wang Kutapha
and Wang Yao. The distance for each section is 2-5 kilometers. The
river is quite smooth without rapids, but may have many unexpected
(but thrilling) twists and turns.
The canoeing routes as follows
Wang Takhrai Bridge - Sam Chan Rapids: distance - 3 kms.
Wang Takhrai Bridge - Wang Kutapha: distance - 4 kms.
Tha Dan Bridge - Sam Chan Rapids: distance - 3 kms.
Tha Dan Bridge - Wang Kutapha: distance - 4.5 kms.
Wang Takhrai Bridge - Wang Yao: distance - 6.5 kms.
Tha Dan Bridge - Wang Yao: distance - 6.5 kms.
More complete and up-to-date information, regarding current prices
and water (current) conditions, can be obtained from the TAT office
in Nakhon Nayok tel: 037 312-282 and 312-284.
* Trekking, please refer to section in Khao Yai National Park.
Wang Takhrai
Wang Takhrai, which is located quite close to Namtok Sarika, is
a resort and a botanical garden belonging to the Chumphot - Phanthip
Foundation. Wang Takhrai encompasses a total area of 1,500 rai (about
600 acres) and is renowned for its scenic landscape, small rocky
creek and wide variety of plants. In addition, there is a wide range
of activities awaiting visitors including swimming, riding downstream
on inflated tire inner tubes, canoeing, or cycling. Camp sites and
bungalow facilities are also available.
Wang Takhrai is located in Hing Tang Sub-district, approximately
16 kilometers from Nakhon Nayok town. A fun, one-day trip is possible,
as visitors may drive to all the attractions within the compound.
Wat Phrammani
The Military Memorial is located in this temple, Sarika Sub-district,
approximately 5 kilometers on the way to Namtok Sarika-Nang Rong
(Highway No. 3050). During World War II, the 37th Quartermaster
Infantry of the Japanese Military located their camp at the temple.
In 1992, the Friend of Asian Alliance War Association built the
memorial to honor the 7,920 Thai soldiers who were recruited to
work in the camp and died in the war. Their ashes which were once
placed in the temple are now put in the altar of the memorial.
An additional attraction is an elaborate Buddha image which was
brought here during the war from Vientiane by migrating Laotians.
The Buddha image is commonly called Phra Phuttarup Pak Daeng (the
red-lipped Buddha image). Please ask the abbot to see the Buddha
image.
AMPHOE ONGKHARAK
Ongkharak Plant Market
The Ongkharak District is well known for its ornamental plants and
cut flowers. On Highway No. 305 (the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok route),
at Khlong 15, there are plenty of plant nurseries selling several
kinds of plants ranging from miniature Bonsai plants to large species.
Visitors to Thailand's largest plant and flower center can purchase
high-quality plants and flowers at reasonable or even wholesale
prices. The market extends from Khlong 15 and down to Santi Dhamma
Raj Bumrung Temple (approximately 4.5 kilometers). Alternatively,
visitors are welcome to shop around at the Center, which is located
nearby.
AMPHOE PAK PHLI
Khao Yai National Park
Thailand's second largest National Park, Khao Yai National Park
covers an area of 2,168 square kilometers, of which some 25% is
in Nakhon Nayok Province. The remaining areas are in parts of the
neighboring provinces of Saraburi, Prachin Buri and Nakhon Ratchasima.
Khao Yai was listed as the first National Park in Thailand on September
18, 1962. The highest peak in Khao Yai is Yod Khao Laem, which is
1,292 meters above sea level. Khao Yai is famous for its distinct
landscape dense, virgin forests, streams, waterfalls and high-altitude
plains, which are a safe haven for wildlife including several mammal
species such as elephants, tigers, gibbons and deer, and over 300
bird species such as giant hornbills and silver pheasants. In addition,
the flora and fauna are impressive, with more than 2,500 kinds of
trees, plants and flowers.
Attractions in the Park include beautiful waterfalls, and jungle
treks, which start in Nakhon Nayok.
Namtok Heo Narok
Located to the south of the Park, this beautiful 3-tiered waterfall
cascades from a 200-meter cliff through forested mountains onto
the plains below. Its first tier is 60 meters high. The scene is
breathtaking, particularly when watching the strong currents flowing
from the first layer to the lower layers at a 90-degree angle before
disappearing into the deep valley. The waterfall is truly spectacular
and equally dangerous claiming at least one elephant death per year
as wild elephants jungle path is through the waterfall.
The waterfall is accessible via Route No. 3077 (Prachin Buri-Khao
Yai Route). Traveling by car from the city, drive along Suwannason
Road, take a left turn to Highway Number 3077 at Noen Hom intersection
or Naresuan roundabout in Prachin Buri Province, and proceed to
the Km. 24 marker.
From Bangkok, take the Don Muang-Hin Kong route; turn left on to
Highway No. 33, which leads to Noen Hom Intersection. Alternatively,
use the Rangsit Road and drive towards Nakhon Nayok-Noen Hom Intersection,
then switch to Highway No.3077 to Namtok Haeow Narok.
By Bus: From Bangkok. There are several bus companies operating
on the Bangkok-Prachin Buri route. Buses depart from the Northern
Bus Terminal on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. Get off the bus at Naresuan
Intersection and then hire a song taew to Khao Yai National Park.
Nakhon Nayok-Khao Yai Jungle Treks
The treks were initiated in 1992 for nature lovers wishing to
trek along Khao Yais natural attractions. The most popular time
to trek is from December to June. (Not recommend during the rainy
season)
3 major treks are provided including:
Route 1
Starting at Namtok Nang Rong, the route passes Khao Ta Mon, Namtok
Nang Non, Namtok Tad Ta Mong, Namtok Tad Ta Kong, Namtok Tad Ta
Phu, and Namtok Ma Now, then shifts to the Khao Yai plateau. Along
the route, visitors will discover the hidden beauty of waterfalls,
exotic wild orchids and forest residents such as deer, birds and
monkeys. This route covers a total distance of 25 kilometers and
takes 3 days/2nights to complete.
Route 2
Starting from Namtok Nang Rong, the route passes Khlong Wang Takhrai,
Khlong Sompong Yai, proceeding along amazing hillocks and animal
trails to Namtok Mae Plong. This 10-kilometer trek takes 2 days/1
night to complete.
Route 3
Starting from Namtok Nang Rong, the route follows the waterfall
downstream to Namtok Khao Chom Long. The total distance is 10 kilometers
and takes 2 days/1 night to complete.
Please note that trekking reservations should be made at least
a week in advance at the Tourism Authority of Thailand Nakhon Nayok
Office tel: 0 3731 2284.
How to get to Khao Yai
From Bangkok, take Don Muang-Hin Kong route, then turn left on to
Highway No.33, which leads to Noen Hom Intersection. Alternatively,
use the Rangsit Road and drive towards Nakhon Nayok-Noen Hom Intersection.
From Noen Hom Intersection, proceed 41 kilometers to reach the Office
of the National Park.
From Nakhon Ratchasima, use the Mitraphap Road along Pakchong District.
The total distance to the park is 81 kilometers.
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