Khao Pu - Khao Ya
National Park is in Ban Nai Wang,
Tambon Khao Pu, about 37 kilometres from the city. Take Highway No. 41
to Amphoe Khuan Khanun, then turn left onto Highway No. 4164 to Amphoe
Si Banphot. Drive for 17 kilometres, and then turn left for 4 kilometres
to the park headquarters. The area is still a dense jungle. Flora here
includes hardwood trees and animals are rhinoceros, tapir, monkey, and
birds. The total area is 694 square kilometres. The park has the following places of
interest:
Tham Matcha Pla Won is a cave near the
park headquarters. Inside the cave are beautiful curtain-like
stalactites and stalagmites. A pond of 400 square metres is full of
fish. This pond was formed from water that flows through Khao Nai
Wang. The cave entrance is black rock and covered with shady trees.
Namtok Riang Thong is around 3
kilometres from Talat Khao Pu community. The source originates from
the Banthat and Nakhon Si Thammarat mountain ranges. The waterfall
is called the Hundred-level Waterfall. The loveliest level is
the 13th level where visitors can see Thale Noi and Khao
Pu-Khao Ya.
Pha Phung Viewpoint is
about 250 metres from the park headquarters. The outstanding feature
of the cliff is that during February-April of every year, bees will
make hives here numbering in the hundreds. When the rainy season
comes, the bees will abandon the hives. The observation point gives
a good view of the park and its flora
Nature trails
are near the park headquarters. There are 2
trails that are ideal for studying flora.
Moreover, in the area of
the headquarters is a tourist service centre that is a small exhibition
place for publicizing useful information for tourists. The park has set
up a good exhibition of pictures with captions, plus a park official to
help explain and answer questions. A meeting room is available for
conferences and seminars. It can hold up to 30 people. In addition,
there are about 50 tent sites around the park.
For information on
overnighting, please contact the park headquarters at Mu 9, Tambon Khao
Pu, Amphoe Si Banphot,
tel: 0-7461-9654.
