Getting to know about Nakhon Nayok
One of the central provinces of Thailand, Nakhon Nayok is renowned for its refreshing waterfalls and abundant varieties of fruits. It's Located just approximately 106 Kilometers from Bangkok up to the north.
One of the central provinces of Thailand, Nakhon Nayok is renowned for its refreshing waterfalls and abundant varieties of fruits. It's Located just approximately 106 Kilometers from Bangkok up to the north.
Nakhon Nayok features refreshing lots natural beauty, including waterfalls and parks, renowned historical sites, a number of soft adventure activities, and a variety of delectable fruits.
The northern part of Nakhon Nayok is located in the Dong Phaya Yen mountain range, an area covered by the Khao Yai National Park; Yod Khao Kiew, its highest peak, is 1,292 meters above sea level. In contrast, the central part of the province is a rather flat river plain formed by the 'Maenam Nakhon Nayok', a river popular with white water rafting and canoeing senthusiasts (The routes are as below). The provincial seal says a lot about Nakhon Nayok. It features a circle indicating the unity of the people of Nakhon Nayok, an elephant raising an ear of rice that represents the fertile forests where numerous elephants dwell and the ear of rice referring to the fruitful farming in the region, and a pile of straw, a stand of trees and billowy clouds in the background depicting the natural beauty of the province that includes portions of Khao Yai National Park and contains the Nakhon Nayok River, a popular destination for rafting.
The northern part of Nakhon Nayok is located in the Dong Phaya Yen mountain range, an area covered by the Khao Yai National Park; Yod Khao Kiew, its highest peak, is 1,292 meters above sea level. In contrast, the central part of the province is a rather flat river plain formed by the 'Maenam Nakhon Nayok', a river popular with white water rafting and canoeing senthusiasts (The routes are as below). The provincial seal says a lot about Nakhon Nayok. It features a circle indicating the unity of the people of Nakhon Nayok, an elephant raising an ear of rice that represents the fertile forests where numerous elephants dwell and the ear of rice referring to the fruitful farming in the region, and a pile of straw, a stand of trees and billowy clouds in the background depicting the natural beauty of the province that includes portions of Khao Yai National Park and contains the Nakhon Nayok River, a popular destination for rafting.
As one of the premier day trip destinations from Bangkok, Nakhon Nayok has a wide variety of attractions, as one of the visitors so I've tried and make sure that something worth to visit.
Below are some of the most popular attractions and activities in Nakhon Nayok;
Namtok Sarika;
(น้ำตกสาริกา) is the most famous waterfall of Nakhon Nayok. The waterfall cascades down in 9 levels of which the top level about 200 metres up. Each level of the falls has a large basin which could hold a large amount of water in the rainy season, but it is pretty dried up in dry season. Nearby the the waterfall, there is a cave called "Sarika" where the revered monk "Luang Pu Man" has resided on his religious missions in the former time.
Rafting along the River;
As known as Nakorn Nayok is a province features refreshing lots of natural beauty, including waterfalls and parks, a number of soft adventure activities, hence we're finally have made it to the National Park where we will get started canoeing and rafting. 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 about 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 Activities;
Nakhon Nayok - Khao Yai Jungle Treks;
The treks were initiated in 1992 for nature lovers wishing to trek along Khao Yais 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, once you're here, you 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 and 2 nights to complete it.
- 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 and 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 and 1 night to complete.
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 24 Hour
Contact Details
Amphoe Pak Phli, Nakhon NayokTel. 0 3731 2284
Other attractions in Nakhon Nayok:
Namtok Lan Rak or Namtok Tat Hin Kong;
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.
Namtok Nang Rong;
Located in Hin Tang Sub-district, part of the Khao Yai National Park, this multi-tiered waterfall flows down to several rock formations below and then to the lush forests. A small pool at each level makes the waterfall a perfect place for visitors to literally immerse themselves in the natural beauty.Namtok Nang Rong is located some 20 kilometers on Route No. 3049. Tourists should proceed for 7 kilometers from the Km. 12 marker of the same highway in order to reach the waterfall. Accommodations, toilets and restaurants are available. The waterfall attracts numerous visitors during the festive seasons and long holidays.
Ongkharak Plant Market;
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 (บอนไซ) to large species. Visitors to Thailand's largest plant and flower centre 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 Centre which is located nearby.
The 100-Year Royal Military Academy Museum;
This is 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. - 4.30 p.m. Admission fee is 10 Baht.
