belonging to the Japanese Army remain scattered around. Because of its unique abundance of natural beauty and significant historic artifacts, the area was declared Thailand’s 19th national park in 1980.
Geography The limestone mountain range stretches from a north to south direction forming the border of Thailand to Myanmar in the west. The highest peak is Khao Khwae at 1,327 metres above mean sea level. Climate During winter months, the park can be damp from December to February. Rainy season is between One of the parkûs features is the May and October. Summer months become hot and picturesque Sai Yok Waterfall, dry until April. well known for over a century. Flora and Fauna Part of history, King Rama the V Mixed deciduous forest, deciduous dipterocarp once visited the waterfall and forest and tropical rain forest dominate most of the spent the day to relax and swim area. The rest of the park is covered by bamboo among the shady forest. Sai Yok forests, which include Bambusa bambos, Xylia National Park today occupies a xylocarpa, Walsura robusta, Dialium cochinchinense vast area of 500 square kilometres, and Shorea obtusa. including some areas of Thong The park is habitat for a variety of wildlife Pha Phum and Sai Yok of including Asian Elephant, Northern Red Muntjac, Malayan Tapir, Lar Gibbon, Pheasants, Coucals and Kanchanaburi province. Bulbuls. Attractions History ◆ Sai Yok Waterfall. The stream divides before After surveying, the Royal Forest Department it cascades directly into the Khwae Noi River. The found the forests rich in natural beauty. The park stream to the north crosses a large rock 8 metres encompasses many beautiful waterfalls, caves and high. The stream to the south cascades from higher historic evidence from World War II. From 1939 to elevations over many steps into the river. An 1941, the Imperial Japanese Army initiated a railway enjoyable way to admire the waterfall is by walking project to join Thailand and Burma known as Death over the bridge or views from a cruise boat. Railway. Allied POWs were forced to work in the ◆ Sai Yok Noi Waterfall. The famous waterfall area, which included some parts within the park originates from a stream which flows through shady and origin of the Sai Yok Waterfall. Large stoves forests and cascades over limestone rock. 202 National Parks in Thailand
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Khao Laem Reservoir
◆ Khwae Noi River. The Khwae Noi River runs through scenic landscapes unique to the islands, Thong Pha Phum along with deep limestone canyons, rapid waters, and Khwae Noi river sandy beaches. This is an ideal area for rafting. Khao Ruak ◆ Daowadueng Cave. One of the most famous
Daowadueng and beautiful caves in Thailand. The white cave was discovered in 1972 by hunter, Samli Khuha. This 100 Headquarters metres deep cave can be divided into 8 chambers, Mae Nam Noi each named after its appearance such as the Nam Won chandelier chamber and the curtain chamber. Sai Yok Khao Phang ◆ Bongti Noi Lawa Cave. Although a small entrance, the Sai Yok Noi cave surprises visitors with its huge chambers inside. Pong Khai Lawa Naturally beautified with stalagmite and stalactite, the The Republic of the Union of Myanmar large chamber resembles a huge theatre. Situated on Khao Phlu to Kanchanaburi the south side of the park, the cave is 20 kilometres Sai Yok from Sai Yok Waterfall on the water way. ◆ Kitti’s Hog-nosed Bat. Thailand’s smallest bat, it was discovered in 1973 by Thai biologist, Kitti Thonglongya and given the scientific name of Getting There Craseonycteris thonglongyai. The bat is the world’s ❚ By train. A daily train leaves Thonburi Station for smallest mammal and weighs only 1.5-2.0 grams and Namtok Station (Sai Yok Noi). Then, take the 2.5-3.0 centimetres in length with a 10-centimetre minibus for 34 kilometres. The park entrance is wingspan. The Kitti Hog-nosed Bat can be found only located at Km. 97 on the Kanchanaburi-Thong in caves within this park. Pha Phum Road. The waterfall is 3 kilometres off the main road. There are many other caves in the park worth to ❚ By bus. Many buses leave the Southern Bus visit which are rich in natural beauty and historical Terminal in Bangkok for Kanchanaburi. Take a value. Archeological artifacts of human activity from Thong Pha Phum Bus to the park entrance. the last geological era can be seen in Phra Cave, Motorcycle taxis are available to reach the park Lawa Cave and Sai Yok Cave. entrance.
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