Nam Nao National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Nam Nao National Park

Nam Nao is one of Thailand's most beautiful parks. It covers an area within Lom Sak and Lom Kow districts in Phetchabun province, and Kornsan district within Chaiyaphum province.

The park covers a total area of about 966 square kilometers. The park was designated on the 26 September 1982.

Tourist attractions

hu Kor view point: In the cold season this is a good place to watch the sunrise, and from here you can see Phukradung national park and also Phu Pa Jit mountain within Nam Nao national park. There is a trail from the visitor center to this view point.

Tam Par Hong view point: From the road walk 300 meters to the view point where you will be rewarded with a good view. Walk a further 200 meters to a spot which is particularly good for watching the sunset.

Suan Son Ban park: This area has a large pine forest and grassland. There is a nature trail in the area.

Suan Son Phu Goom Kow: This area of tall pine trees as tall as 30 to 40 meters, covers an area of about 10 square kilometers.

Phu Goom Kow: A hill pleateu of about 880 meters above sea level. From this hill people can see Chulabhorn reservoir formed by the dam.

Tham Pha Thai National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Tham Pha Thai National Park

he 1284 square kilometers park comprises of rugged mountans in the north-eastern Lam Pang province, covering 9 forest reserves in Ngao, Lam Pang, Mae Moh and Chae Hom districts. The north-south limestone hills run down until they reach Lam Pang city district, the elevations being in the range of 280 to 1253 meters above the sea. The highest peak is Yod Doi Mae Khwan at 1253 meters located in the north of the park close to the border with Phayao province.

Average year round temperature has been 25º C, and that of January is 5º C. May to October is rainy season followed by cold months from November to January. Then comes the dry summer season.

Interesting places in the parks
Tham Pha Thai cave is in the walking distance from the park headquaretrs. The cave goes under ground more than one kilometer from its entrance. A lot of stalactites and stalagmites are found inside.

In Ngao district, around 6 km from the Ban On village, people can hike up to Lhom Phu Kaew which has a crater that makes the mountain looks like a volcano.

Kiw Lom dam lake on Vang river offers boat excursion, and raft houses to stay. The lake is around 34 km north of Lam Pang city.

In adition, there are several more waterfalls, caves, and places where pre-historic artifacts have been found in the park. The park is welknown among local people.

How to get there
From Lam Pang take highway 1 to the north for about 65 km to the left turn-off road to the park headquarters.

The park maintain a couple of bungalow houses and a camp yard.

Ko Samet - Thailand Travel Guide

Ko Samet

Ko Samet (Thai: เกาะเสม็ด) [1], is one of the Eastern Seaboard Islands of Thailand. It is located in the Gulf of Thailand off the coastline of the Thai province of Rayong, approximately 220 km southeast of Bangkok. Ko Samet is part of the Phe (Thai: เพ) District of the Amphoe Mueang Rayong (Thai: เมืองระยอง, the capital district, or Amphoe Mueang), of Rayong province. Ko Samet is the largest and westernmost of a cluster of islands not far from the coast.[2]

The island derives its name from the cajeput tree found throughout the island, as the Thai language word for cajeput is samet (the cajeput tree is formally known in Thai ต้นเสม็ดขาว). In the past, this island has also been referred to by its colloquial name, Ko Kaew Phitsadan (Thai: เกาะแก้วพิศดาร), or the "Magic Crystal Island".

Travel to and from Ko Samet is typically via the small local port at Ban Phe (Thai: บ้านเพ) on the coast. Travelers from Bangkok frequently travel by bus, with departures to Ban Phe from Bangkok's Eastern Bus terminal, the Ekamai bus station, and travel time from Bangkok to Ban Phe of approximately 3-1/2 hours. Owing to the island's close proximity to the coast, just 7 km offshore, boats travel casually from Ban Phe to Ko Samet in approximately 30 minutes.

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is a national park located in the Phitsanulok and Phetchabun Provinces of Thailand. It encompasses substantial portions of Amphoe Wang Thong and Amphoe Lom Sak.

The park consists of limestone hills, slate and hardpan at altitudes ranging from 300 to 1,028 meters.[2] Thung Salaeng Luang is inlaid with meadows, especially in the southern portions of the park.[2] The park is also the source of numerous streams. [2] There are large salt licks at Pong Sai in the north-west and Pong Thung Phaya in the south-west.[2] the Wang Thong River flows through the park.

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is home to the Kaeng Song Waterfall, (or Namtok Kaeng Sopha) which is a three-tiered waterfall of the Wang Thong River.[2] Shaped like a stairway, Kaeng Sopha is the largest waterfall in Phitsanulok, and it has been dubbed the Niagara Falls of Thailand. The torrents are very strong in the rainy season. The vapor rising in the area creates a vast rain-like curtain. Kaeng Sopha is the subject of a June, 2007 postage stamp in Thailand in the Thailand Waterfall series.

Hat Chao Mai National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Hat Chao Mai National Park

It is located in Tambon Ko Libong, Amphoe Kantang, on the route Trang-Sikao, pass through Banna, Muang Phet and Bo Nam Ron, 50 kms. from Trang township area. The National Park comprises Hat Chao Mai and Hat Chang Lang and the office of the national park is in the area of Hat Chang Lang. Accommodation is available by contacting National Park Division Tel: 5790529, 5794842.

Namtok Kaeng Sopha - Thailand Travel Guide

Namtok Kaeng Sopha (Thai: น้ำตกแก่งโสภา) is a waterfall and tourist attraction in Wang Thong district of Phitsanulok Province in Thailand. Situated in Thung Salaeng Luang National Park on the Wang Thong River off of Lomsak Road (Highway 12), between kilometers 71 and 72, it is the largest waterfall in Phitsanulok. Kaeng Sopha is a tiered waterfall, shaped like a stairway, and it has been dubbed the Niagara Falls of Thailand. The torrents are very strong in the rainy season. The vapor rising in the area creates a vast rain-like curtain. There are no concessions sold in the park. Kaeng Sopha is the subject of a June, 2007 postage stamp in Thailand in the Thailand Waterfall series.

Dubbed the " Niagara Falls of Thailand," Kaeng Sopha is one of the country's most beautiful. The trees - tiered waterfall, shaped like a stairway, is found very hear kilometre 68 of the Phitsanulok - Lomsak Highway. Food stalls, rest rooms and a tourist nformation centre are located at the waterfall.

Three kilometres from the park office is an 80 metre long cable stayed bridge spanning the Khek Yai River. The riverbanks are pleasant for picnics and the Khek Yai is ideal for dips in the dry season although dangerous during the rains when the current flows too rapidly.

Koh Chang National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Koh Chang National Park

Koh Chang Marine National Park is new and virtually unknown to the outside world. Few people know of its secret wonders. Some even boldly call it “the last paradise islands in South-East Asia”. A paradise it is, Koh Chang Marine National Park has been a heaven to the locals who need to replenish their mind and energy, to recharge.

Koh Chang is the largest of the 52-island Marine National Park, all of which are untouched by modernization with their natural resources kept intact. Thus, qualifying the park as a dream escape, a true hideaway, far from the bustling city-life. But in fact, Koh Chang is only 330 kilometers east of Bangkok or approximately 4 hours by road plus another 30 to 45 minutes by boat or ferry.

It is surprising even to the Thais that Koh Chang is actually the second largest island in the whole of Thailand, behind Phuket. Despite its size and close proximity to the capital, Koh Chang is least known, undeveloped, untouched, forgotten, and left idle for decades. No doubt, all these are a blessing in disguise.

Koh Chang Marine National Park is a secret retreat yet to be explored. Nearly 75% of the Marine Park is protected by law, under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department of Thailand. This explains how it remains a virtual virgin wonderland shielded from devastating and vigorous developments. Hence, the lack of infrastructure and population.There are few thoughts of modernization.

The locals as well as their regular patrons are pleased the way it is. So, slow and gentle, tranquil and romantic, Koh Chang Marine National Park continues at its own pace, and still, a paradise for those who appreciate nature at its basics more than the sophisticated luxury of modernity.

The coastlines of the Koh Chang Marine National Park is a spectacular work of nature’s art and there are beautiful beaches, coves and bays around the islands. Koh Chang Marine National Park is indeed a wonderland of fertile virgin rainforests, untrekked jungles, high peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful beaches, spectacular coastlines, colourful coral reefs, clear blue sea of warm waters, idyllic islands, fascinating wildlife and an abundance of healthy marine life. All waiting to be discovered.

Realising the rich tourism resources and the economic potential of the Koh Chang Marine National Park, plans are being carefully mapped out to open up more doors and windows to welcome environmentally-conscious visitors who can appreciate this forgotten paradise of leisure islands. Koh Chang Marine National Park is set to be the new holiday destination within an old natural Marine National Park. Soon it will be a secret no more.

Be the first to discover the secret wonders of Koh Chang Marine National Park

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park has an area of 307 square kilometers. It lies in Dansai disteict of Loei province and Nakhon Thai district of Phitsanulok province. Phu Hin Rong Kla is blessed with natural beauty and historical significance. Unfortunately, the fighting there during communist years did priceless damage to the forest. The geologied features landscape and natural beauty in the area have been restored and protected after the communist insurgents loss.

From 1968 to 1972, the mountains of Phu Hin Rong Kla were the major strongholds for the communists, who were threatening the political stability of the nation. In 1982, government forces began the battle in Phu Khang, and attempt to drive out the insurgents. Forces from the First, Second and Third Army of the Regional Army Commend joined together with the Aviation Divison, Special Force center, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, and Civilian Thai Forces in trying vanquish the communists. The government forces were unsuccessful, primarily because of the unforgiving terrain, set high up in the mountains in mostly dense forest.

The Army changed its battle plan after initial setbacks and eventually rousted the communests. The Third Army and various military forces, the police and Civilian Forces and the Civilian-Police Military 33, (P.T.T.33) led by Major Pairot Chanurai defeated the communists wihtout bloodshed. Villagers in the area. Mostly Hmong, who had initially sided with the communists, eventually decided to abandon their allies. The communists were forced to give up their territory. After that, the P.T.T.33 began to develop the area by building a road. The paperwork was also begun to establish a national park. The Third Army and the Royal Forest Department begun the discussion about turning the area to be park.

In February 1983, the National Park Division sent officials to survey the area and concluded that it had fantastic natural beauty, served as an important watershed, and had many historical points such as Lan Hin Taek and Lan Hin Pum. It was deemed on agreement that Phu Hin Rong Kla had ability to be national park. The Royal Forest Department proposed the park and the assembly on March 15, 1983. A decree made areas of Nakhon Thai district in Phitsanulok as well as Dansai district of Loei into national park in 1984. Phu Hin Rong Kla officially became Thailand’s 48th national park.

Khao Sok National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is located on the mountain ridge separating the east and west coasts of the Thai peninsula, just south of the Isthmus of Kra. Monsoon rains sweep into these mountains from the Gulf of Thailand in the east and The Andaman Sea in the west, making this Thailand's wettest area. Rainfall is heaviest from May to November, the dry season is from December to April.

Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand is an amazing place. It is covered by the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, huge limestone mountains shooting straight up in the air, deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, exciting caves, wild animals and much more. .

Khao Sok is a fantastic place to go on vacation. Elephant trekking, trekking on foot, canoeing and jeep safaris are all possible activities, which will give you the experience of a lifetime. Khao Sok is perfectly situated on the mainland between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Samui, the most popular destinations in southern Thailand.

Phu Hin Rongkla National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park has an area of 307 square kilometers (191,875 rai). It lies in Dansai District of Loei Province and Nakorn Thai District of Phitsanuloke Province. Phu Hin Rong Kla is blessed with natural beauty and historical significance. Unfortunately, fighting there during the communist years did untold damage to the forest. The geology, landscape and natural beauty of the park was recognized and protected after the communist insurgents left.

CLIMATE:
Phu Hin Rong Kla's climate is similar to that of Phu Kra Dung and Phu Luang. Because of its high altitude, the park is cool all year round, especially, of course, in the cool season, when temperatures can occasionally drop to freezing point. Mist can cover the whole area at times. In the hot season, conditions are cool and pleasant; the temperature does not rise much above 25 Celcius.

POINTS OF NATURAL BEAUTY:
Lan Hin Tak: 300 meters to the west of the Thai army headquarters (Than Pacharin) is Lan Hin Tak (Broken Rock Field). Along the path, growing in rock crevices are various plant species, including mosses, ferns and ground orchids. The crevices, arranged in rough rows, seem to have come from the earth splitting. Peering into their depths can be eerie. Some crevices are narrow enough to jump across; other are wider. From several can be heard loud echoing of running water. The crevices were perhaps important to the communists, as they could have been used for hiding.
Lan Hin Pum: About four kilometers from the park headquarters, near the cliffs, is a field of modulated stone. Whose lumps are roughly equal in size. It is believed that this formation resulted from physical and chemical erosion. Patients from the hospital suffering from fever would used the area as a rest spot, as a cool breeze blows over the area almost continuously.
Flag-pole Cliff: As steep cliff overlooking a magnificent view of the valley to the west. The communists used this cliff to fly their red flag after each victory over the government forces.
Romglao and Paradon Waterfalls: Romglao Waterfall is about five kilometers from park headquarters. As you approach the road to the School of Military Politics, the path to the waterfall is on the left and leads about one kilometer off the road to the waterfall. The forest in this area s in good condition, with many large trees. A side trail leads to Paradon Waterfall, which is downstream of Romglao Waterfall.
Sripacharin Waterfall: This medium-sized waterfall is about 600 meters off the road, near Huay Namsai Village. The trail leads past some fields of Hmong villagers and into a small valley. It then runs with a stream about 150 meters until reaching the falls. Sripacharin Waterfall is the most accessible waterfall in the park.
Ganglad and Tadfa Waterfalls: Set at the foot of Phu Hin Rong Kla, Ganglad is about two kilometers from Huay Namsai. At the base of the falls is a small hydro-electric generator. If you climb three or four kilometers further up the mountain, you will reach Tadfa Waterfall (also known as Tan Gawsahng Waterfall), an impressive, towering waterfall.
In addition to these spots there are many others to visit, including Lan Anekprasong, Ganghannam and Pratuwua (Sappanmarana)

GETTING THERE:
From Phitsanuloke, take a public bus 68 kilometers towards Lomsak. At Ban Yang, take a left and travel 29 kilometers to Nakorn Thai District. From Nakorn Thai, take a song-taew the remaining 28 kilometers to the park.

Ob Luang National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Ob Luang National Park

Ob Luang National Park is an amazing attraction comprising both splendid natural charms as well as mysterious scenery. Under a bridge connecting the two sides of the narrow, steep gorge, a zigzagging river flows, framed by teak forests and mountains. During the rainy season, the flowing rapids crashing on the boulders and through the ravine are a dramatic picture of nature's strength. Subject to erosion by the strong currents of the river, the rocks and cliffs form the canyon and strangely shaped rock formations. The water has to force its way over rocks and boulders that obstruct the course making a magnificent sight.

The National Park covers a total area of 553 square kilometers of steep forested granite hills, adjoining the much higher mountains of Doi Inthanon Park to the northwest. The elevation ranges from 200 meters to 1,656 meters along the Mae Jaem River to the northeast. The national park forms the watershed of Mae Jaem River the main water tributary of the Mae Ping River. The area is full of high, steep cliffs with a narrow passage creating strong currents and powerful echoes. The mountain ranges were all formed by the same folding winds in the Cretaceous and Triassic periods yielding granite, granodiorite and mitmatile granite.

The river rushes through the dramatic Ob Luang Gorge, the National Park's central feature. In English, "ob" and "Luang" in northern Thai language means canyon and grand respectively. The narrow ravine with sheer sides and a raging torrent at the bottom is a good reason a visit. The informative exhibition of the nature trail in the national park office offers a fantastic introduction to the uses of northern Thailand's forest by humans during the stone age to the present day as well as vertigo-inducing views of the gorge.

The mountain (or Doi) of Pa Chang has soaring brownish black cliffs of mitmatile granite that resemble a sleeping elephant. Here is a view point from which can be seen beautiful Mae Bua-Come Waterfall below. The cave was the home of prehistoric people who painted their daily life style as well as the elephant in different colors on the rocks.

Approximately 4,000 - 5,000 years ago, a group of gatherers and hunters, "Hoabinhians", camped under a rocky overhang on the side of a narrow valley. Filled with dense tropical rain forest and teeming with wildlife, this valley area became feeding ground because animals kept migrating between the rainy season and dry season. Meanwhile, during this Stone Age the hunters most likely sat under the rock shelter and used their unpolished stone - flaked axes to craft the wooden weapons needed for killing and butchering the carcasses. They brought the meat back to their shelter for cooking over open fires. With plenty of food to eat, in their leisure time they depicted their hunting activities in red and white paint on the cliff wall. These paintings with faint and fragmented remains can still be seen today. Carbon testing showed that the findings are about 28,000 years old.

Thousands and thousands of years later, was the Bronze Age and the first period humans used bronze tools, jewelry and pottery. They left behind signs of a more advanced civilization. Their tools were used for clearing the forests and establishing agriculture.

Nam Nao National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Nam Nao National Park

Nam Nao is one of Thailand's most beautiful parks. It covers an area within Lom Sak and Lom Kow districts in Phetchabun province, and Kornsan district within Chaiyaphum province.

The park covers a total area of about 966 square kilometers. The park was designated on the 26 September 1982.

Topography
It is part of the Phtchabun mountain range running through Chaiyaphum and Phetchabun provinces. Phu Phachit mountain is the tallest in the park and topography is comprised of evergreen forest and streams. The park is in an unusual and fascinating landscape with deciduous forest dominated by tall pine trees.

Climate
The daytime temperature are very pleasant with an average annual temperature of 25ºC. Cold season can be very cold, sometimes near 0ºC at night time during December - January.

Flora and fauna
The forest of Nam Nao contains many different forest types including dry dipterocarp, deciduous, evergreen, hill evergreen and pine forest. The open, dry deciduous forest of Nam Nao has a lush ground cover of grasses which, together with the park's perennial streams, salt licks and patches of evergreen forest, provide a rich and diverse habitat for the wildlife.

Wildlife that are believed to be surviving are tiger, leopard , banteng, deer, barking deer, a siatic black bear, malaysian sun bear, fox, porcupine, wild pig, guar, mouse deer and rabbits. There are over 130 species of birds in the park.

Tourist attractions

Phu Kor view point: In the cold season this is a good place to watch the sunrise, and from here you can see Phukradung national park and also Phu Pa Jit mountain within Nam Nao national park. There is a trail from the visitor center to this view point.

Tam Par Hong view point: From the road walk 300 meters to the view point where you will be rewarded with a good view. Walk a further 200 meters to a spot which is particularly good for watching the sunset.

Suan Son Ban park: This area has a large pine forest and grassland. There is a nature trail in the area.

Suan Son Phu Goom Kow: This area of tall pine trees as tall as 30 to 40 meters, covers an area of about 10 square kilometers.

Phu Goom Kow: A hill pleateu of about 880 meters above sea level. From this hill people can see Chulabhorn reservoir formed by the dam.

Heaw Sai waterfall: A 20 meters high fall. The water comes from Sa Nam sai stream. This forms a natural border between Nam Nao and Khonsan districts.

Phu Pha Jit: The 1,271 meters high flat top mountain needs 6 to 7 hours hike to reach. The trail from the highway no. 12 (km mark 67) to the peak is a steep 7 km path.

There are limestone hills with good view points, caves and waterfalls in the park.

How to get there
Park's headquarters is located 55 km east of Lomsak and 103 km west of Khon Kaen, on highway no. 12. There are buses from both Lomsak and Khon Kaen for the park.

Facilities
The Park has 10 bungalows ranging in size from 8 to 30 people. Tents are available for rent. There is a park restaurant.

Contact address
Nam Nao National Park,
Lom Sak district,
Phetchabun 67110
Tell: 056-729 002

Phu Phan Kham National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Phu Phan Kham National Park
Khon Kaen

Covering an area of 320 square kilometres and taking in parts of Nong Bua Lamphu and Khon Kaen provinces, Phu Phan Kham National Park is located in the Phu Phan Mountains encompassing two major ranges: Phu Khlao and Phu Phan Kham. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, monkeys and a few elephants and tigers. The mountains are thick with forests and the park’s trails take you past a number of good waterfalls including Tat Ton, Hew Sin Chai and Kham Hom. Phu Phan Kham National Park has a number of other attractions including Tham Seri Thai cave where the Seri Thai fought alongside the allies during the Japanese administration of Thailand. There are other caves with prehistoric wall paintings. In addition, the Ubonrat reservoir offers boating and fishing activities. The camp has guesthouses and camp sites (although visitors must bring their own tents). This is a good park to visit for hiking, picnics and general relaxation, but a visit is probably going to take up an entire day.

How to get there: The headquarters of the park are on the Ubonrat-Non Sang Road and songtaews are available to the site from Khon Kaen city.

Phra Nakhon Kriri Historical Park (Khao Wang) - Thailand Travel Guide

Phra Nakhon Kriri Historical Park (Khao Wang)
Phetchaburi

Phra Nakhon Kriri Historical Park (Khao Wang) is located on Khao Khiri, a 92-meter-high hill. The hill was made popular by King Mongkut (Rama IV) who loved the area so much he constructed a palace where he could stay during his numerous trips to the area. The palace was constructed in 1860 and the hill became know locally as Khao Wang (Palace Hill). Built in a mainly European style with Thai and Chinese influence, the palace dominates the three peaks of the hill. On the east peak sits Wat Phra Khew (which bears a strong resemblance to Wat Phra Si Rattana Maha Satsadaram (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in the Grand Palace in Bangkok); on the middle peak sits the stupa of Phra That Chom Phet (which contains relics of the Lord Buddha) and on the west peak the residential Grand Palace. The Grand Palace comprises a myriad of temples, rooms and buildings designed to cater for the various royal staff (royal page hall, bodyguard rooms, etc.). The site contains a museum where some of the more precious royal artifacts are kept, examples being bronze sculptures and European, Chinese and Japanese ceramics. The peaks offer excellent views and are well worth a wander. The park is well kept and the exhibits quite fascinating. Expect this visit to take a least half a day – if not more!
Details: Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park opens daily between 08:30 and 16:30 with admission 40 Baht. You can walk to the palaces on top of the hill peaks or get there by cable car – 30 Baht there and back.

How to get there: The park is 36 kilometres north of Cha-am and a few kilometers west of Petchaburi. Songtaews are available from both places and cost in the region of 30 Baht.

Surin Islands National Marine Park in Phang-Nga - Thailand Travel Guide

Located in the Andaman Sea, 60 kilometres to the west of Phang-Nga and about 100 kilometres to the north of Koh Similan islands, this marine park covers an area of 33,750 acres and is one of Thailand’s best places to visit. In operation since 1981, the park includes some of the kingdom’s best islands and beaches and offers the visitor a very broad and rewarding experience.

Key features of the park include the Surin Islands, a group of five wonderfully tranquil islands. The area is also home to a number of tribes whose have for many generations made their living from the sea. A visit to any of these tribes provides a genuine insight into a traditional lifestyle. Alongside numerous nature trails are also a number of sites of cultural interest, but the area is most renowned for its diving and snorkelling opportunities. The coral in this area is some of the richest in the entire kingdom and there are plenty of opportunities to see marine life such as turtles. The park has Thailand’s first underwater nature trail established to offer an insight into marine ecosystems.

A visit to the Surin Islands National Marine Park requires a significant investment in time, but it is time well spent. It is a true delight.

Details: The best time to visit the park is from December to March. There are several bungalows in the National Park as well as camping facilities. All must be booked in advance. As with all national Parks there is a 200-Baht entrance fee. The National Park headquarters is on Koh Surin Nua where accommodation is available at a modest price.

How to get there: There is ferry to the islands that leaves the dock on highway 4 (6 kilometres north of Kuraburi town between Takua Pa and Kapoe). The ferry takes around 4 hours to get to the islands. Travelling by boat Phang-Nga town takes around 13 hours and is therefore not recommended! There are a number of private agencies in the area where people can hire transportation for larger groups.

Contact: Tel: (076) 491-378 to book accommodation. Information about the weather can be obtained from the park office (076) 419-028-9.

Huai Nam Dang National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Huai Nam Dang National Park



Huai Nam Dang National Park is a large park which is part of four districts over an area of approximately 1,300 square kilometres. The park is situated on top of a ridge of hills and highest peaks source streams that feed the Pai, Ping, and Taeng Rivers. The park offers excellent views of the mist and fog common to the area in the early morning, and is also abundant with a number of different types of flower and wildlife. The area is also home to the Lisu tribe.

Details: Huai Nam Dang is best visited in winter to fully experience the mist around the mountains. The temperature can go as low as 10 degrees centigrade from October to February but goes up to 25 degrees centigrade from March to April.




How to get there: Huai Nam Dang National Park is about 60 kilometres along the Mae Malai to Pai Highway from Mae Hong Son. Clearly, given the distance and the scale of the park, it might well be worth considering the tours that are available from Mae Hong Son.

Doi Pha Hhom bhog Chiang Mai - Thailand Travel Guide

Doi Pha Hhom bhog, the second highest mountain in Thailand, is about 2,285 meters
above sea level. Lying at the top of the mountain is a plain area which causes by
geological condition; there have thin layer of soil and stratum of granite lays
underground, and heavy blowing wind all the year round. From that place, traveler
can see wonderful sceneries such as Fog Sea and the road on the ridges of mountains
along with Thai-Burmese border. The road is constructed in accordance with adding
national security between the two countries. The forest is rainforest and the source
of water so that makes the place have the best natural environment and different kind
of biological organism, for examples, there are rare species of plants and animals
such as Impatiens jurpioides T. Shimizu, Imperial Butterfly, and Kaiser Butterfly.

Weather Condition
The temperature in this area is approximately 25 degrees Celsius all the year round;
it is about 14 - 19 degrees Celsius on November to February, the highest temperature
is 39 degree Celsius on April and heavy rain on May to September approximately
1,184 mm. of rain all the year round.

Khao Yai National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Khao Yai is Thailand's oldest National Park. It was designated on the 18th September 1962. At 2,168 km it is the largest National Park in Thailand. Located within the Dongrek Mountain Rang, Khao Yai's elevation ranges from 200 to 1351 m a.s.l. (Khao Rom)
History of Khao Yai, in 1902, 30 families from the south if Khao Yai moved into the Khao Yai hills. They farmed rice, hunted wildlife and collected forest products. The present grasslands along the road near the Head Quarters (HO) area are evidence of these villages and farms. In 1932 when Thailand became a Constitutional Monarchy, the government closed Khao Yai because the area had become a hideout for political criminals.In 1959 His Excellency Field Marshall Sarit Thanarat, then Prime Minister, asked the Agriculture and Cooperatives Department and the Department of Interior to look into the setting up of a National Park's System. In 1962 Khao Yai became the 1st National Park under the National Park Act of 1961. It is managed by the Royal Forest Department.



Topography
Khao Yai National Park consists of complicated mountains such as Khao Rom, the highest about 1,351 meters, Khao Lam about 1,326 meters, Khao Keaw about 1,292 meters, Khao Sam Yod about 1,142 meters, Khao Far Pha about 1,078 meters, Khao Kampang about 875 meters, Khao Samor Poon about 805 meters and Khao Kaew about 802 meters above sea level. Moreover, the area has vastly grassy field alternating with productive forest. The north and the east part are smoothly sloping down, while the south and the west part are rising up. The area is the source of five main rivers as follows.
(1) Prachin Buri River and
(2) Nakhon Nayok River situated in the south part and important for local agriculture and economy, meet each other in Chachoengsao District to become Bangpakong River go to the Gulf of Thailand.
(3) Lam Ta Kong River and
(4) Praplerng River, in the north part, go to maintain the agriculture of Korat Plateau and meet Moon River, the main river of Southern Isan that goes to Khong River.
(5) Muag Lek Stream, located in the northwest part and going to Pasak River in Muag Lek District, is valuable for local agriculture and cattle, and has water all the year round.



Climate
It is often cooler up here with an average temperature of 23 C.
Rainy Seson: May - October. Rains most days, the waterfalls are thus stunning. Can get clear cool weather.
Cold Seson: November - February. Gets as cold as 10 C at night you will want blankets. Again clear weather with great sunsets is common.
Hot Season: March - April. Hot and dry, but still cool compared to the plains, reaching the mid 30's!

Khao Yai National Park - Thailand Travel Guide

Khao Yai National Park