[ 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. [ Khao Yai National Park ] The park can be visited by motorized vehicles through-out 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. 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 Haeow 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. [ 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: [ Luang Pho Siannakhon ] a highly - revered Buddha statue, stands at Bunnak Rakkhitaram Temple in Muang district. It is believed to have been built in the ancient Phra Ruang era. [ Heo Na Rok Waterfall ] a three - layer large warerfall, where strong currents eddy up from the first layer to the lower layers at a 90 degree angle before disappearing into the deep valley. Take Highway 3077. [ Wang Takhrai ] a well-known recreational destination, is beautiful because of its numerous flowers and a small rocky creek which is a good spot for swimming. It stands close to Sarika Waterfall. [ Route 1 ] Beginning at the Nang Rong Waterfall, this route passes Khao Ta Mon, Nang Non Waterfall, Tad Ta Mong 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 kilometer trek takes 3 days/2 nights to complete. [ Route 2 ] Beginning at the Nang Rong Waterfall, this route passes beside Khlong Wang Takhrai, Klong Sompong Yai, following hillocks and animal trails to the Mae Plong Waterfall which consists of 7 rapids feeding large and natural pools. This 10-kilometre trek takes 2 day/1 night to complete. [ Route 3 ] Beginning at the Nang Rong Waterfall, this route follows the waterfall downstream to the Khao Chom Long Waterfall. This 10-kilometre trek also takes 2 days/1 night to complete. □ Applications for such treks should be made at least 7 days in advance at the office of the Governor, Nakhon Nayok Tel: (037) 311-273, or the Tourism Authority of Thailand Nakhon Nayok Office (Tel: (037)312-284), which can provide details regarding current fees and service charges [ Trekking ] Trekking is also available Guide, handlers as well as equipment such as tents, sleeping bags are also available for a small fee. for further information contact Nakhon Nayok provincial reservation office at (037) 311-273 [ Rafting in Nakhon Nayok River ] Canoe rafting trips leaving from Wang Ta Krai canal next to Wang Ta Krai bridge along Nang Rong Canal, following 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 segment of the trip is 2-5 kilometers. Canoe rafting trip is an exciting water sport, challenging, yet quite safe. Sarika Canoe Association provides canoe and related equipment such as life-vest and helmet as well as trainers for tourists. The center is located at Wang Ta Krai bridge (on the right hand side) The best time for rafting trips starts from June-October. □ For further detail please contact TAT's Central region 8 (Nakhon Nayok) at (037) 312-282, 312-284 and Sea Sport Co.,Ltd., Bangkok at (02) 316-9150, 316-9382 and Salika Canoe club (01) 451-8830. |