Sai Yok National Park
The park covers approximately 300-square-kilometers
and contains several interesting caves and the nations famous Sai
Yok Yai waterfall. The park has dense forests, including majestic
teak trees and an abundance of small mammals such as squirrels, bats
and deer, as well as numerous bird species. IN addition, the park
is home to what is probably the smallest mammal in the world, the
two-grammed Kittis Hog-nosed Bat, which was first discovered in 1973
by a Thai naturalist. The park is 104 kilometers from Kanchanaburi
via Highway No. 323 and can also be reached by chartered boat from
the Pak Saeng Pier. The park is very popular during the weekends.
Bungalow accommodations, river rafts, camping facilities, and a daytime
food market are available.
Sai Yok Yai Waterfall (Namtok Sai Yok Yai), which is located 104 kilometers
from the town, flows directly into Khwae Noi River. Its idyllic beauty
has been repeatedly celebrated in Thai poetry and songs. A rope bridge
enables people to cross the river to view the waterfall. Rafts are
available for a river trip along the riverbank but advance booking
is recommended.
Lawa Cave and Daowadung Cave are two caves, which house numerous stalactites
and stalagmites. Of the two caves, the Daowadueng Cave, which entails
a river trip and 1-kilometer walk, is the more popular cave.
Sai Yok Noi Waterfall (Namtok Sai Yok Noi) is also dubbed as Khao
Phang Waterfall. It is situated 60 kilometers from town via Highway
No. 323. The place is best visited between July and September.
To get to Sai Yok Noi Waterfall:non air-conditioned buses leave
Kanchanaburi Bus Station every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. until 6.30
p.m. The journey takes 2 hours and costs 25 baht.
Alternatively, visitors can take a train from Kanchanaburi to Namtok
Station and continue on foot or by local transport to the waterfall,
which is 2 kilometers away. Trains depart from Kanchanaburi at 6.11
a.m., 11 a.m. and 4.37 p.m. and return from Namtok Station at 5.25
a.m. 1 p.m. and 3.15 p.m. The one-way rail trip takes about 2 hours
and costs 17 baht. (Please check the current schedule from TAT Kanchanaburi
or the railway station before departure.)
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