Located 9 kilometers south of town in Dong Lakhon Sub-district, Ban Dong Lakhon is a site where religious artifacts including fragments of Buddha images, seals, jewelry and ornaments were found. They are now on displayed at the Prachin Buri National Museum.

The findings from the excavation can be dated back to the Dvaravati Period. The settlement that was discovered was oval in shape, 600 meters wide and 700 meters long, with double city walls and culverts, a common Dvaravati style in Thailand’s central region.

The site was initially called "Mueang Lap Lae" which literally means mysterious town. Legend has it that Mueang Lup Lae was a town where the Queen of Cambodia resided. The town was hidden from the outside world by dense tall trees which usually prevented visitors from entering or exiting. Local people were able to hear royal classical Thai music played during the night. Thus they called the area “Dong Lakhon”. (Lakhon in Thai means a classical play) The Fine Arts Department registered Dong Lakhon as a national historical site on March 8, 1935.

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.
 

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.

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 bahts.

Shrine of Chao Pho Khun Dan

Khun Dan was Nakhon Nayok’s 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.

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.

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.
 

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 elephant’s 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 Yai’s 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.

Khao Yai National Park Admission Fee:

Entrance Fees for Vehicles are:

* No Entry for 4 ton trucks or trucks with more than 6-wheels
 

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.

  ::: City or Town

::: City
::: Pak Phli
::: Ongkharak

::: How to get there

::: Map

::: Festival

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