Haew Suwat Waterfall @ Khao Yao National Park
Khao Yai National Park (KYNP) was established on August 18th, 1962 as the first national park of Thailand and was named a World Heritage Site on July 14th 2005 because of its rich variety of flora (> 2500 species) and fauna. It covers an area of 2,168 sq. km. in the Dong Rak mountain range and spreads over four provinces; Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi and Prachin Buri, forming a divide between the Central and the Northeast regions. The main access is via Pak Chong, 87 km. southwest of Nakhon Ratchasima’s provincial capital.
Visitor Centre @ Khao Yai National Park
Due to high altitude with dense forest, the weather is moderately comfortable cool by the mean temperature at 23 degree Celsius. There are 3 seasons in a year. The best time to visit is during the Winter season from November to January with plenty of sunshine and clear blue sky.
A Tiger specimen @ Visitor Centre ( Khao Yai National Park)
Animal dropping @ Visitor Centre
Plant ecosystem diversity comprised of 6 forest types and the habitats of Khao Yai range from mixed forests to rainforests and grassland. The significant species is Aloewood (Equilaria crassna), the pricely wood for perfume and medicine. There are several mountains with peaks between 800 and 3,000 metres above sea level, as well as many splendid waterfalls. Part of the movie ” The Beach” was filmed at Haew Suwat Waterfall. The park elevation ranging from 30 metres above mean sea level (msl.) at the southern border up to 1,351 m at the highest peak of Khao Rom on the middle part. Lower peaks are Khao Laem (1326 m) and khao Khiew (1292 m). It is the head water area of 4 major watersheds namely Prachin Buri river, Nakorn Nayok river, Mun river and Pa Sak river.
A paranoma view of the park
Microflora - Ganoderma Fungi @ Khao Yai National Park
In addition to a wealth of flora, the park is home to at least 70 species of larger mammals, including elephants, tigers, leopard, Asiatic black bears, Malayan sunbears, barking deer and sambar deer.At Khao Luk Chang near northern gate, millions of bats flying from limestones mountain cave at dusk. Phenomenon like black ribbon flapping on the sky. More than 300 species of birds have been spotted including 4 significant species of hornbill namely Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Brown Hornbill and Pied Hornbill as well as Siamese fireback, Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo, Broadbill etc, while butterflies are numerous. To experience nature close up, there is a score of trekking trails and night safari tour for wildlife obervation.
Bungalow @ Khao Yai National Park
Accomodation:
Accomodation booking is available at the office near the Visitor Centre or book through Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant, Bangkok (Tel: 02-2562-0760)
website: www.dnp.go.th
Leeches @ Khao Yai National Park
Things To Do:
Camping, Wildlife Observation, Nature Walking, Bird Watching, Bat Cave Exploration, Rafting, Canoeing and Bicycling
Local Tansport ( Song Taew) @ Khao Yai National Park
Getting There:
By bus: From Bangkok bus terminal (Mor Chit) to Pak Chong district, then take local bus (Song Taew) to Khao Yai National Park (about 3 hours)
By train: From Bangkok train trminal (Hualampong) to Pak Chong station, then take local bus (Song Taew) to Khao Yai National Park (about 4 hours)
By car:
Route 1: Take the Bangkok-Rangsit-Saraburi-Pak Chong route and turn right to Khao Yai National Park, totally 210km long.
Roure 2: Take the Bangkok-Rangsit-Ongkharak-Nakhon Nayok-Naraesuan Roundabout (Prachinburi) route and turn left to Khao Yai National Park, totally 202 km long.
Nature Walking @ Khao Yai National Park
For more information, please contact:
Khao Yai National Park
P.O. Box 9, Amphoe Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
Tel: 08-1877-3127 or 08-6092-6531
Singapore Travel Agents and Media Group Photo (10/10/2008)
