Khao Yai National Park is the nation’s largest
national park with Nakhon Nayok forming a quarter
of the total park area. The park’s dense forests
and sprawling high
altitude contains a variety of wildlife still in
existence in the wild. Several beautiful waterfalls
are featured here, including the formidable Heo
Narok (Chasm of Hell) which claims at least one
elephant death per year since it runs through the
wild elephants’ natural jungle path. Great
for organized jungle treks.
Dating
from the Davaravati Period (6th-13th century), the
Dong Lakhon Ancient City is an oval-walled settlement
measuring 600 meters at its widest and 700 meters
at its longest. Religious artifacts such as Buddha
heads, seals and jewelry have been excavated from
this site and are now exhibited at the Prachin Buri
National Museum.
The Sarika Waterfall is a popular, picturesque
9-tiered fall cascading down a forested hillside.
Another beautiful fall is the Nang Rong Waterfall
where water flows over large rocks down multi-levels,
with every level containing a pool suitable for
swimming.
The extensive botanical garden of privately owned
Wang Takhrai’s beautiful landscape is decorated
with variety of plants and contains a large stream
flowing right through it. Popular activities include
riding downstream on inflated tire inner tubes,
canoeing, and cycling.
The Phra Chulachomklao Military Academy is a training
center for future military
officers.
Within the vast property are sites of interest opened
to the public, such as a museum, a golf course,
and a shooting range. They’ve recently initiated
a ‘boot camp program’ which allows the
public to experience some of the thrilling military
exercises.
Phra Phuddachai is a painting etched on a cliff
wall near Khao Cha Ngok. The original painting featured
a faint Buddha image was retraced to be more visible
by the military in 1942. The locals regard this
as one of the province’s most sacred sites.
The inside of the city pillar is elaborated decorated
with one corner dedicated to Narai, a Hindu god,
and another corner to a Buddhist image from the
Ayutthaya period.
The Chao Por Khun Dan Shrine is one of the highly
respected shrines by the locals. According to legend,
he led Nakhon Nayok’s local administration
under the Ayutthaya era. In 1587, Khmer invaders
conquered the towns of Nakhon Nayok and Prachin
Buri. Chao Por Khun Dan mobilized the people and
successfully expelled the invaders out.
Because of its proximity to a cemetery for Japanese
soldiers from WWII, a memorial dedicated to the
soldiers is contained within Wat Phramani grounds.
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