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Home , Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park was established as the first national park of in 1962. The national park covers a total area of 2,165.55 square kilometres in the four provinces of Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, and Saraburi. Consisting of large forested areas, scenic beauty and biological diversity, Khao Yai National Park, together with other protected areas within the Dong Phaya Yen mountain range, are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khao Yai or çBig Mountainé is home to a great diversity of flora and fauna, as well as pure beautiful nature.

Geography A rugged mountain range dominates most areas of the park. Khao Rom is the highest peak towering at 1,351 metres above mean sea level. The region is the source of five main rivers, the Prachin Buri, acuminata, Vatica odorata, Shorea henryana, Hopea Nakhon Nayok, Lam Ta Khong, Lam Phra Phloeng ferrea, Tetrameles nudiflora, Pterocymbium tinctorium and Muak Lek stream. and Nephelium hypoleucum. Such rich wilderness is home to a large amount of Climate wildlife such as , Northern Red Muntjac, The weather is warm all year round with an Sambar, Tiger, Guar, Southwest China Serow, Bears, average temperature of 23 degree Celsius. Porcupines, Gibbons, , and Common Palm Civet. Flora and Fauna There are over 200 bird species, including Great Mixed deciduous forest occupies the northern part Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Tickell's Brown Hornbill, of the park with elevations ranging between 200-600 Hill Myna, Blue Magpie, Scarlet Minivet, Blue Pitta, metres. It is home to Afzelia xylocarpa, Pterocarpus Green-eared Barbet, Bronzed Drongo, Siamese macrocarpus, Lagerstroemia calyculata, Anogeissus Fireback and Grey-capped Emerald Dove.

120 National Parks in Thailand

57-12-106_113-165 Eng New19-05_Y-Coated.indd 120 5/19/15 8:22 PM Attractions A huge watershed forest originates over 30 beautiful waterfalls. ◆ Nang Rong and Sarika Waterfalls. These waterfalls are notable for its beautiful views and lush nature. Both are situated in . ◆ Kong Kaeo Waterfall. The small waterfall is quite beautiful during the rainy season. It is 100 metres only from the park headquarters and visitor center. ◆ Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall. This medium height waterfall can be accessed easily by car. About 7 kilometres from park headquarters. The Renanthera coccinea, a symbol of the waterfall, decorates the compound. ◆ Heo Suwat Waterfall. The distinct flow from the falls is symbolic of the park. The waterfall is 20 metres high. A large pool makes it a nice place to swim. The area can be accessed easily by car. ◆ Heo Narok Waterfall is the largest and highest waterfall in the national park and situated at the south end of the park. A flow falls deep into the valley below. There are three tiers, which combined reach 150 metres in height.

Northeastern 121

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57-12-106_113-165 Eng New19-05_Y-Coated.indd 122 5/19/15 8:23 PM ◆ Nong Phak Chi Watch Tower. The watch tower is located near Phak Chi Pond, next to vast grassland and salt lick. The entrance is at km. 35-36 of Thanarat Road. You can walk 1 kilometre from the main road to reach the tower. ◆ Mo Singto Watch Tower. Located by the Mo Singto Reservoir, grassland and salt lick, the watch makes a nice place to view wildlife. The tower is 500 metres away from the park headquarters. ◆ View Point at km. 30. On Thanarat Road, tourists can see the great forest of Khao Yai. ◆ Khao Khieo or Pha Trom Chai. One of the most beautiful view points in the northeast region. ◆ View Point at km. 9. Located on Thanarat Road, the viewpoint is the highest peak of Khao Khieo. In addition, the national park has many attractions to explore for nature lovers. You can enjoy a night safari, trek along various nature trails and include birdwatching.

Getting There

❚ Khao Yai National Park is a 3-hour drive from Alternative route, you can take the Phahonyothin Bangkok. Motorists can head north via Phahonyothin Highway to Rangsit, turn right onto Highway 305 Highway to Hin Kong, Saraburi. Then, turn right to Nakhon Nayok. Drive to Highway 33 to the onto Highway 305 to Prachin Buri and then left to Noen Hom intersection, then turn left to Khao Yai. Khao Yai. The route is 190 kilometres distance. The route is total of 160 kilometres distance.

to Chaiyaphum to Lop Buri Pak Chong to Phetchabun to Pak Thong Chai Kaeng Khoi to Nakhon Ratchasima Muak Lek

Nong Saeng Headquarters Wang Nam Khiao Saraburi

Chet Khot Heo Suwat to Pha Chi Nang Rong Pha Kluai Mai Khao Khiao Khlong Pla Kang to Nong Khae Sarika Heo Narok Than Thip

Som Poi Ban Na Nakhon Nayok Wang Muang Khao Ta Khro Samo Pun Kaeng Hin Phoeng

Salatdi Pak Phli

Ongkharak Ban Na Di Thanyaburi to Prachantakham Prachin Buri Lam Luk Ka to Sa Kaeo Ban Sang Si Mahosot Si Mahosot Kabin Buri Northeastern 123

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