04 July,2009 (Sat)  


 

 
Nakhon Nayok

Nakhon Nayok is an ancient town believed to he 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 garrlson town of Ayutthaya during the reign. of King U-Thong, who founded Ayutthaya as the new Thai capital in l350. Nakhon Nayok is 106 kilometres north of Bangkok hy the highway fOllowing Khlong Rangsit. It is l37 kilometres hy Highway No. 33 (Suwannason Road). Nakhon Nayok province covers some 2,l30 square kilometres, much of which is forested hillsides - some form parts of national parks, laced with waterfalls, and others are lavishly landscaped hotanical gardens.

Major Attractions

  • Wat Phramani

    • This temple, some 5 kilometres 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 temp1e complex.

  • Dong Lakhon Ancient City

    • Located some 9 kilometres from Nakhon Nayok, this ancient, ovular walled settlement dating from the Davaravati Period (6th-l3th centuries) measures 600 metres at its broadest point, and 700 metres at its longest. Religious artifacts, including Buddha heads, seals and jewellery, excavated from the area, are exhibited in the Prachin Buri National Museum.

  • Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy

    • Located at Khao Cha Ngok, Phramanee District, Amphoe Muang, 14 kilometres from the township along Highway No. 305, covering an area of 33.6 square kilometres. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn presided over the foundation stone laying ceremony on Augllst 5, 1981, and the opening ceremony on August 5, 1986. Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy has been established for l9 years.

  • Sarika Waterfall

    • Located some l5 kilometres 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 kilometres from the Km. 12 marker on Route 3049, this multilevelled 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. Further details on Wang Takhrars facilities may be obtained by phoning (037) 312-275.

  • Khao Yai National Park

    • Thailand's second largest national park, covers an area of 2,168 square kilometres, some 25% of which falls within Nakhon Nayok province. (The remainder covers parts of the neighbouring 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 Yars dense forests and sprawling high-altitude plains support a broad spectrum of mammal specles, 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. The park can be visited by motorised vehicles throughout the year, 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 NayokKhao Yai Jungle Treks

    • Such treks were begufl in 1992, and have proved to be popular with tourists who wish to appreciate Khao Yars natural attractions to the best possible advantage. The Trekking Season lasts from December to June, and is suspeflded during the Rains Season.

    There are 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 l0-kilometre trek takes 2 days/1 night to complete.

  • Route 3

    • Beginning at the Nang Rong waterfall, walking along the bank of Nang Rong stream to Sai YOng Hin Falls and Bat Cave. The total distance back and forth is 5 kms. This route takes one day to walk. Applications for such treks should be made at least 7 days in advance at the office of the Governor, Nakhon Navok Tel: (037) 311-273, 313-546 or the Tourism Authority of Thailand Nakhon Nayok Office (Tel: (037) 312-284), which can provide details regarding current fees and service charges.

  • 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. Vsitors 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. Complete and up-to-date details, regarding current prices and water conditions, may be obtained from the TAT office in Nakhon Nayok (Tel. (037) 312-282 and 312-284).

    How to Get There
    By Bus
    Buses leave the Northern Bus Termina1 (Tel: 936-3659) on Phaholyothin Road every 30 minutes, commencing at 5.30 AM until 8.30 PM, throughout the day. Airconditioned coaches cost 75 baht per single journey. Regular (airconditioned) buses cost 60 baht.

    By Private Car
    The shorter route, fOllowing the Rangsit irrigation canal, is 106 kilometres. The longer route, via HighwaV 33 (Suwannason Road), is 137 kilometres. Souvenirs Nakhon Nayok is best known for decorative marhle products such as lampstands, candle holders and figurines. Accommodation An up-to-date list of alrconditioned and non-alrconditioned accommodation in Nakhon Nayok is availahle from the local TAT office (Tel: (037) 312-284). TAT Central Region offce: Region 8 182/88 Mu 1 Suwannason Road, Nakhon Nayok 26000 Tel (037) 312-282, 312-284 Fax: (037) 3l2-286