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.
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.
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.
