Khao Luang National Park
Location: Amphoe Lan Saka
Having a land area of 597 square kilometres, it was declared a national park on December 18, 1974.
The park has a winding mountain range, with the Khao Luang peak the highest of the peaks in
southern Thailand at 1,835 metres above sea level. It is the watershed of more than 15 streams and rivers.
The parks rainforest is home to a multitude of tropical flora and fauna. There is a route
that takes visitors around the park to see unspoiled natural scenery,
the variety of wildlife and rare animal and plant species, some of which can only be found in the park.
The beauty and completeness of the park, its fascinating nature,
the parks efforts to encourage the local community and tourists to be aware of the importance of nature,
and its excellent tourist service system have all combined to help the park win the 1998 Thailand Tourism Award
in the natural destination category. For more information and accommodation bookings,
please contact Khao Luang National Park at Karom waterfall,
Tambon Khao Kaeo, P.O. Box 51, Amphoe Muang, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80000, tel. 0- 7530-9047.
Location: Amphoe Lan Saka
Features a trekking activity to enjoy
nature on the Ban Khiri Wong-Khao Luang peak route. The normal
trekking time is 2 nights and 3 days. Permission can be obtained
from Khao Luang National Park and Kamlon Administration Office.
They will facilitate the trek and provide eco-tourism services by
the community. Treks are in groups of 10. The best time
for this is from January to June.
Sunantha Waterfall
The parks main attraction is the small but lovely Sunantha Waterfall. Water drops down a steep cliff
to the pool below before flowing into Khlong Klai, the main waterway of Tha Sala.
Rafting can be done in the canal during the rainy season, when the water level is high.
Location: Amphoe Lan Saka
is 9 kilometers from the city on Highway No. 4016 and then onto Highway
No. 4015 on the left for 20 kilometers. The entrance to the
waterfall is on the right. The waterfall originated in the
Nakhon Si Thammarat mountain range and cascades down 19. Kings and
royal family members have visited this waterfall as evidenced by
the initials of King Rama V and King Rama VI carved there.
Location: Amphoe Khanom
is a beautiful, long curved beach.
This beach is between Hat Na Dan and Hat Nai Phlao and is rocky
in some areas. This popular beach’s natural ambience has been
impressing visitors for years.
Location: Amphoe Khanom
is a beach that is very suitable for
camping because of its complete natural surroundings. Ao Thong
Yi is encompassed by Khao Phlao and Khao Klang, making it peaceful
and removed from the outside world. To get there, take a laterite
road for 2.5 kilometers from Hat Nai Phlao near Khanap Nam Resort.
is a long, palm-fringed white beach.
Location: Amphoe Khanom
From this quiet beach, one can see the beautiful aquamarine water
of the Gulf of Thailand.
Location: Amphoe Khanom
is 77 kilometers from the city
and is one of the most awesome caves of the province. The
cave has many large and small chambers, each with stalagmites and
stalactites of odd sizes and shapes, like pagodas, dinosaurs, custard
apples, and fried eggs. Some chambers can only be accessed
by crawling or climbing, making it fun for visitors. To get
there, start from Khanom district office, turn right at the intersection
to Don Sak and take a left turn. The entrance has a bus stop
called Sala Tansakun which is easily noticeable. Drive for
6 kilometers until you reach the cave. Visitors must first
obtain the cave key from the keeper at the cave entrance.
Location: Amphoe Khanom
is Khanom’s largest beach and the most popular tourist attraction.
The beach curves along a mountain range. The overall scenery
is one that features perfect nature, including a clean, white beach
conducive to a day in the sun. Accommodation and restaurant
facilities are available.
Location: Amphoe Khanom
is the largest bay in Khanom. It
is 1.5 kilometers from the district office and can be reached by
taking Highway No.4014. Khanom beach is a long beach that connects
to other beaches, as follows:
Location: Amphoe Khanom
has its headquarters
on the Khanom-Rong Faifa Road. It is 100 meters from the road
to the left. The park incorporates islands, mountains and
coastal areas of Amphoe Khanom and some parts of Surat Thani.
Location: Amphoe Phrom Khiri
was built to receive His
Majesty the King and H.R.H. Crown Princess Maha Chakri when they
visited the city. It is located in an old fruit orchard of the Thongsamak
family which built the house for the royal family on behalf of the
city’s people. The area is covered with varied kinds of native fruit
trees and has been decorated with beautiful and shady plants. The
house is open to the public daily except Wednesday and when the
royal family is there.
Location: Amphoe Phrom Khiri
Namtok Phrom Lok is in Tambon Phrom Lok. It can be reached via Highway No. 4016 (Nakhon Si Thammarat-Phrom Khiri)
to the 20-km marker, then turn left onto Highway No. 4132 for 5 kilometres. This is a large waterfall with wide and
lovely rock platforms. It originates from the Nakhon Si Thammarat mountain range and flows down 4 levels,
which are Nan Bo Nam Won, Nan Wang Mai Pak, Nan Wang Hua Bua, and Nan Wang Ai Le.
The water flows past many kinds of flora before going to
Khlong Tha Phae and ending in the Gulf of Thailand in Tambon Pak Phun.
Location: Amphoe Phrom Khiri
Namtok Ai Khiao, or Nai Khiao Waterfall, is in Tambon Thon Hong. It is 30 kilometres
from the city on Highway No. 4016, on the same route as Phrom Lok waterfall.
At the 26-km marker, turn left onto the road and continue for another 3 kilometres.
Originating from Khao Luang, this waterfall has 9 levels, which are Nan Chong Sai,
Nan Bang Bai, Nan Mai Phai, Nan Sua Phan, Nan Buppha Sawan, Nan Hin Kong, Nan Hua Chang,
Nan Sai Kwat Lan, and Nan Fa Faet. The surrounding area is still a dense jungle.
Both sides of the falls are covered with betel gardens. The locals call the betel
Phlu Pak Sai because of its hot flavor and sweet scent. The view of Khao Luang is best viewed from here.
Location: Amphoe Phrom Khiri
in Mu 5, Tambon Phrom Lok is at the foot
of Khao Luang near Phrom Lok waterfall. Most residents tend fruit
orchards. The Nature Conservation for Jungle Trekking Club is located
here. One can trek 5 kilometers from the village to Phiman Mek waterfall
which is 1,505 meters above sea level. Along the way there are interesting
flora, fauna, caves, streams, and the gigantic red palm of the genus
Caryota which is a plant with very unique features. For more information,
please contact the Ban Plai Uan Nature Conservation Club, tel. (075)
338633.
Location: Amphoe Sichon
Hua Hin Sichon as known to locals, is
a well-known destination of the district. Rocks line the beach all
the way to a curved sandy stretch where people can swim. There is
accommodation and restaurants for tourists.
Location: Amphoe Sichon
Hat Hin Ngam has a unique characteristic in that it is littered with round rocks of various striking colors, hence its name. There are no services here.
Location: Amphoe Sichon
is a popular beach that
connects to Hin Ngam beach. There are accommodation and restaurant
facilities for tourists. To get to these beaches, take Highway No.
401 from Amphoe Muang for 70 kilometers to Amphoe Sichon. Turn right
to Ban Pak Nam for 3 kilometers to Sichon beach (Hua Hin Sichon)
and from there it is 1.5 kilometers to Hin Ngam and Kho Khao (Piti)
beaches. Piti beach is 2 kilometers from Hin Ngam beach.
Location: Amphoe Tha Sala
Khao Nan National Park is 30 kilometres from Amphoe Tha Sala. The park covers areas in Amphoe Tha Sala,
Amphoe Sichon and King Amphoe Nop Phitam. In addition, the park has areas in Pa Khao Nan National Forest Reserve
and Pa Krung Ching National Forest Reserve. The total area of the park is 436 square kilometres.
The main topography is a high mountain range extending from Khao Luang National Park.
The park itself is a watershed of many waterways. From the city, travel by Highway No. 401 across Khlong Klai,
and past Ban Sa Kaeo in Amphoe Tha Sala. Upon reaching the 110-km marker,
turn left into Ban Pak Chao and drive 15 kilometres to the park office.
Location: Amphoe Tha Sala
can be found 24 kilometers
from the city. Ban Nai Thung is a Muslim Thai village near the sea.
Aside from fishing, villagers use their spare time to make colored
cloth kites in the shape of birds as well as birdcages for sale
on both sides of the road. This village is well worth a visit for
some quality products.
Location: Amphoe Thung Song
Namtok Yong National Park, or locally known as Yong Sai Yai waterfall, has a total area of 49,403.25 acres.
Covering the areas in Thung Song, Na Bon, and Chawang, it was proclaimed a national park on December 10, 1987.
The parks pristine nature includes the Yong Waterfall where streams converge into one giant rope-like waterfall
dropping from a high cliff to the large pool below. There is also the Plieu Waterfall at Pa Praek,
a smaller waterfall measuring 25 metres high. An ascent from Ban Nam Ron to the top takes about 1 hour.
To get to the park, take the Nakhon Si Thammarat-Thung Song Road for 50 kilometres, turn right,
and drive for 3 kilometres to the park. Tents are available for tourists. For more details,
please contact the park at Moo 2, Tambon Tham Yai.
Location: Amphoe Lan Saka
are must things to see and do in this district. The waterfall has 7
tiers and is one of southern Thailand’s most beautiful. The
waterfall originates in Khao Men which is the third highest mountain
after Khao Luang and Khao Nan (Nakhon Si Thammarat mountain range).
The waterfall area is still a verdant forest. Trekking up
the 1,235-meter-high Khao Men is recommended as a cool mist covers
it the year round and it possesses more than 300 exotic plant species.
To get there, take the Nakhon Si Thammarat-Thung Song road to Khuan
Mai Daeng intersection. Turn right towards Na Bon on NS2001
Road for about 11 kilometers to the waterfall. The recommended
time for trekking is 2 days and 1 night and the most suitable period
is December to April.
Please contact the 17th Volunteer
Territorial Defence Company of Na Bon at tel. (075) 491244.
Location: Amphoe Thung Song
is 500 meters from Thung Song district office.
This is a small cave in Chai Chumphon mountain. The cave can be
traversed from one exit to the other. Inside is a huge reclining
Buddha image stretching the length of the cave. This sacred image
is decorated with murals of Lord Buddha’s life drawn by Mr. Naep
Thichinnaphong, a famous artist of Nakhon Si Thammarat. The area
around the cave has been developed into a park.
Location: King Amphoe Nop Phitam
is a beautiful and important waterfall of Khao Luang National Park.
Located in Tambon Krung Ching, the waterfall derived its name from
Ton Ching which is a kind of palm prevalent in the area. The waterfall
has many levels and the most breathtaking level is Nan Fon Saen
Ha where water drops off a sheer cliff 100 meters high, splashing
down creating a mist covering the area like rain unlike other falls.
This waterfall level is depicted on the back of Thailand’s 1,000
Baht currency note. The waterfall is under the responsibility of
the Khao Luang National Park Protection Unit. The waterfall can
be reached by a road 3.8 kilometers long to Nan Fon Saen Ha. The
area has a training center, accommodation and a campground.
To get to the falls, take the Nakhon Si Thammarat-Phrom Khiri
road (4016). Upon reaching Na Reng intersection, turn left to King
Amphoe Nop Phitam and turn right (4186). The total distance is 70
kilometers.
Location: King Amphoe Nop Phitam
can be done on rubber boats provided
by Krung Ching Administration Office in Mu 3, Tambon Krung Ching,
near Krung Ching waterfall. There are 2 ways of the rafting route,
which are Pak Khlong Phitam-Lan Hin Dan which is 2.5 kilometers
and takes 1 hour and Pak Khlong Phitam-Ban Thung Nai which is 6
kilometers and takes 3 hours.
The fee is 250-350 Baht/person.
Please contact tel. (075) 309004 and 01-6773112.
Location: King Amphoe Nop Phitam
is a medium-sized cave with a stream running
through its center before going subterranean to another stream outside.
Stalactites and stalagmites of strange shapes abound in the cave.
The most distinctive characteristic of the cave is a waterfall that
drops down 3 levels. Visitors in the cave must wade through water
before emerging from the exit 300 meters away. The cave is under
the responsibility of the Khao Nanthi National Park Protection Unit
(Khlong Lamphaen). The cave is situated just before Krung Ching
waterfall.
Location: King Amphoe Nop Phitam
or Muang Mai waterfall is to the
south of Krung Ching waterfall in Mu 6, Tambon Na Reng. Swimming
can be enjoyed here at this medium-sized waterfall amidst the coolness
of the jungle. To get to the waterfall, take the Nakhon Si Thammarat-Phrom
Khiri route (4016) for 40 kilometers.
Location: Amphoe Pak Phanang
are the sites of a severe storm in Nakhon Si Thammarat in 1962. The coast
of Pak Phanang is a long beach with the Talumphuk cape to the north
jutting out into the Gulf of Thailand like a crescent moon.
The part where it is connected to Nakhon Si Thammarat bay has some
villagers, while the coast on the gulf has a beautiful, pine-lined
beach. To get to both places, take Highway No. 4013 (Nakhon
Si Thammarat-Pak Phanang) and then 16 kilometers on a road to Pak
Phanang. Both sides of the road are shrimp farms and mangrove
forests.
Location: Amphoe Pak Phanang
Ban Rang Nok is famous for the nests
made by swallows in the town. Several houses and buildings
have been closed because of the immense number of swallows inhabiting
them. These birds make the houses their homes just like living
in caves and mountains. However, the nests are not easily
accessible as they are in private properties.
Pottery Village
Pottery Village is just 50 metres from Wat Mokhlan. The village still adheres to
the old technique of making pottery by hand. The pots made here are large, thick, and have little design.
Wat
Khao Khun Phanom and the Khao Khun Phanom Scientific Study Center
Location: Amphoe Phrom Khiri
is in Mu 3, Tambon Ban Ko. From the city, use Highway No. 4016 to
Km. 21 past Phrom Lok market and take a right-hand road for 2.5
kilometers. Wat Khao Khun Phanom is a temple of historical and archaeological
importance. The temple has a cave which houses about 30 bronze Buddha
images and a bronze Buddha’s footprint. Several smaller connecting
caves branch out from the main cave like an elaborate fortress maze.
Many believe this is where King Taksin the Great used to stay. Others
say it was the rest stop of Princess Kesini, daughter of Chao Nara
Suriyawong, the lord of Nakhon Si Thammarat during 1769-1776. On
the way up Khao Khun Phanom is the Khao Khun Phanom Scientific Study
Center that provides knowledge on science, technology, the environment,
and eco-tourism to the public. The Khao Khun Phanom community is
a cultural community. There is a training camp activity and a grouping
called the Tourism to Study Fruit Orchards by Bicycle Club. Please
call tel. (075) 345154.
Location: Amphoe Lan Saka
Ban Khiri Wong is an ancient community that settled at the foot of Khao Luang in Tambon Kamlon,
near a path that goes up the mountain. This peaceful village is like one big, happy family.
The main occupation is growing fruits, such as mangosteen, rambutan, durian, and Sato.
The village was faced with catastrophe on November 21, 1988 when a flash flood swept away some 100 houses.
The local monastery and villagers still maintain the damaged convocation hall and houses as
monuments to those who perished. Ban Khiri Wong is considered a prototype
of eco-tourism management and the place won the 1998 Thailand Tourism Award in the city and community category.
Location: Amphoe Thung Song
is a large white plaster image.
Its height of 19 meters makes it easily visible from afar. It is
in the benevolence gesture, its left hand holding a vase containing
magic water while its right holds a Lew branch. The image stands
on a large lotus beside a boy and a girl. A big dragon is paying
homage to the image. The image is situated in the middle of a large
pond surrounded by fountains. You can find this spectacular piece
of art at Sam Po Kong foundation (Luang Pho To), Mu Ban Phatthana
Road, Tambon Pak Phraek, approximately 1 kilometer from Thung Song
market.
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