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NAKHON NAYOK
Nakhon Nayok is an ancient town believed to be some 900
years old. It was established during the Davaravati Period
(6th-13th centuries AD). The name Nakhon Nayok was the
designation given to an eastern garrison town of Ayutthaya
during the reign of King UThong, who founded Ayutthaya as the
new Thai capital in 1350. Nakhon Nayok is 106 kilometers north
of Bangkok by the highway following Khlong Rangsit. It is 137
kilometers by Highway No. 33 (Suwannason Road). Nakhon Nayok
province covers some 2,130 square kilometers, much of which is
forested hillsides -- some form parts of national parks, laced
with waterfalls and others are lavishly landscaped botanical
gardens.
Tourism Attractions
Wat Phramani
5 kilometers from Nakhon Nayok, on the Sarika
Waterfall Road (Route 3049), is located near a cemetery for
Japanese soldiers dating from the Second World War. A memorial
to the soldiers is contained within the temple complex.
Dong Lakhon Ancient City
Located some 9 kilometers from Nakhon Nayok, this ancient,
ovular walled settlement dating from the Davaravati Period
(6th-13th centuries) measures 600 meters at its broadest point,
and 700 meters at its longest. Religious artifacts, including
Buddha heads, seals and jewelry, excavated from the area, are
exhibited in the Prachin Buri National Museum.
Sarika Waterfall
Located some 15 kilometers east of Nakhon Nayok, along Route
3050, this picturesque nine-level cascade flows down a forested
hillside, and is a popular destination.
Nang Rong Waterfall
Located some 7 kilometers from the Km. 12 marker on Route
3049, this multi-leveled waterfall flows over large rocks and
has a reservoir suitable for swimming.
Wang Takhrai
This extensive botanical garden, covering several hundred
acres, is artfully landscaped with decorative plants, contains
waterways, camping areas and bungalows. The waterways are
popular with canoeists and people who enjoy riding downstream
employing truck tyre inner tubes.
Khao Yai National Park
Thailand's second largest national park covers an area of
2,168 square kilometers, some 25% of which falls within Nakhon
Nayok province. (The remainder covers parts of the neighboring
provinces of Saraburi, Prachin Buri and Nakhon Ratchasima.) The
park contains several beautiful waterfalls, including, within
Nakhon Nayok province, the fearsome Heo Narok (Chasm of Hell),
which cascades in spectacular descent through forested mountains
onto the plains below. Khao Yai's dense forests and sprawling
high-altitude plains support a broad spectrum of mammal species,
including elephants, tigers, gibbons and deer, more than 300
bird species, including giant hornbills and silver pheasants,
and more than 2,500 kinds of trees, plants and flowers.
Motorized vehicles throughout the year can visit the park,
though by far the best way to enjoy local flora and fauna is to
join one of the jungle treks originating in Nakhon Nayok.
Nakhon Nayok-Khao Yai Jungle Treks
Such treks were begun in 1992, and have proved to be popular
with tourists who wish to appreciate Khao Yai's natural
attractions to the best possible advantage. The Trekking Season
lasts from December to June, and is suspended during the Rains
Season. There are 3 major treks:
Route 1
Beginning at the Nang Rong Waterfall, this route
passes Khao Tha Mon, Nang Non Waterfall, Tat Ta Mong Waterfall,
Tat Ta Khong Waterfall, Tat Ta Phu Waterfall, Ma Nao Waterfall,
and emerges onto the Khao Yai plateau. The route illustrates the
beauty of waterfalls, lovely wild orchids and forest, forest
denizens, such as deer, birds and monkeys. This 25-kilometre
trek takes 3 days/2 nights to complete.
Route 2
Beginning at the Nang Rong Waterfall, this route
passes beside Khlong Wang Takhrai, Klong Somphung Yai, following
hillocks and animal trails to the Mae Plong Waterfall, which
consists of 7 rapids feeding large and natural pools. This
10-kilometer trek takes 2-days/1 nights to complete.
Route 3
Beginning at the Nang Rong Waterfall, this route
follows the waterfall downstream to the Khao Chong Lom
Waterfall. This 10-kilometer trek also takes 2-days/1 nights to
complete.
Canoeing
In recent years, canoeing has become a popular and
environmentally friendly weekend past time, usually from May
through October, at Nakhon Nayok. The Sarika Canoe Club, located
on the opposite side of the road, beside the bridge near the
entrance to Wang Takhrai, comprises local enthusiasts who
negotiate waters passing downstream from Wang Takhrai and Tha
Dan in kayaks. Visitors are welcome to participate. Expert
tuition is available. Within two hours, neophyte canoeists can
negotiate the scenically picturesque waters flowing towards the
Nakhon Nayok River.
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