Nakhon Nayok Attractions and Travel Guide

Attractions

Khao Yai National Park
 
Thailand’s second largest National Park, Khao Yai National Park covers an area of 2,168 square kilometers, of which some 25% is in Nakhon Nayok Province. The remaining areas are in parts of the neighboring provinces of Saraburi, Prachin Buri and Nakhon Ratchasima. Khao Yai was listed as the first National Park in Thailand on September 18, 1962. The highest peak in Khao Yai is Yod Khao Laem, which is 1,292 meters above sea level. Khao Yai is famous for its distinct landscape dense, virgin forests, streams, waterfalls and high-altitude plains, which are a safe haven for wildlife including several mammal species such as elephants, tigers, gibbons and deer, and over 300 bird species such as giant hornbills and silver pheasants. In addition, the flora and fauna are impressive, with more than 2,500 kinds of trees, plants and flowers.

Attractions in the Park include beautiful waterfalls, and jungle treks, which start in Nakhon Nayok.

Ongkharak Plant Market 

The Ongkharak District is well known for its ornamental plants and cut flowers. On Highway No. 305 (the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok route), at Khlong 15, there are plenty of plant nurseries selling several kinds of plants ranging from miniature Bonsai plants to large species. Visitors to Thailand's largest plant and flower center can purchase high-quality plants and flowers at reasonable or even wholesale prices. The market extends from Khlong 15 and down to Santi Dhamma Raj Bumrung Temple (approximately 4.5 kilometers). Alternatively, visitors are welcome to shop around at the Center, which is located nearby.

Wat Phrammani

The Military Memorial is located in this temple, Sarika Sub-district, approximately 5 kilometers on the way to Namtok Sarika-Nang Rong (Highway No. 3050). During World War II, the 37th Quartermaster Infantry of the Japanese Military located their camp at the temple. In 1992, the Friend of Asian Alliance War Association built the memorial to honor the 7,920 Thai soldiers who were recruited to work in the camp and died in the war. Their ashes which were once placed in the temple are now put in the altar of the memorial.

An additional attraction is an elaborate Buddha image which was brought here during the war from Vientiane by migrating Laotians. The Buddha image is commonly called Phra Phuttarup Pak Daeng (the red-lipped Buddha image). Please ask the abbot to see the Buddha image.

Namtok Heo Narok

Located to the south of the Park, this beautiful 3-tiered waterfall cascades from a 200-meter cliff through forested mountains onto the plains below. Its first tier is 60 meters high. The scene is breathtaking, particularly when watching the strong currents flowing from the first layer to the lower layers at a 90-degree angle before disappearing into the deep valley. The waterfall is truly spectacular and equally dangerous claiming at least one elephant death per year as wild elephants jungle path is through the waterfall.

The waterfall is accessible via Route No. 3077 (Prachin Buri-Khao Yai Route). Traveling by car from the city, drive along Suwannason Road, take a left turn to Highway Number 3077 at Noen Hom intersection or Naresuan roundabout in Prachin Buri Province, and proceed to the Km. 24 marker.
From Bangkok, take the Don Muang-Hin Kong route; turn left on to Highway No. 33, which leads to Noen Hom Intersection. Alternatively, use the Rangsit Road and drive towards Nakhon Nayok-Noen Hom Intersection, then switch to Highway No.3077 to Namtok Haeow Narok.

Phra Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy 

A training center for Thai military cadets, the Academy is located at the foot of Khao Cha Ngok, 14 kilometers west of the town. Apart from providing the best educational services, the compound also offers a wide range of attractions and activities. Attractions open to the public include a museum, a golf course, and a shooting range. Recently, the Boot Camp Program which allows the public to explore and experience some parts of the military exercises was initiated.
Touring the Academy, which covers an area of some 3,000 rai of land, by car, is the best option. However, bicycles can be rented from the tourist centre in the Academy's compound.

Namtok Sarika

The most famous waterfall in Nakhon Nayok is located in Sarika Sub-district, approximately 15 kilometers east of the city along Highway No. 3050. The nine-tiered waterfall cascading down the cliff to a forested hillside has a large natural pool on each level which is sometimes is perfect for swimming. Accommodations, restaurants and souvenir shops are available. Local products including brooms and artificial flowers made from wild pine are sold in shops around the waterfall.

Luang Pu Man, the famous and revered monk, had resided in nearby Sarika Cave for his religious meditation from 1917-1920. Other than Luang Pu Mans meditation place inside the cave there is also a chapel located at the top-end of the cave. In addition, there are residences of monks and nuns who pursue inner-path meditation.

Getting to this picturesque waterfall is very convenient. Drive along Highway No. 3049 for about 12 kilometers, then take a left turn to Highway No. 3050 and proceed for another 3 kilometers.

Namtok Nang Rong 

Located in Hin Tang Sub-district, part of the Khao Yai National Park, this multi-tiered waterfall flows down to several rock formations below and then to the lush forests. A small pool at each level makes the waterfall a perfect place for visitors to literally immerse themselves in the natural beauty.

Namtok Nang Rong is located some 20 kilometers on Route No. 3049. Visitors should proceed for 7 kilometers from the Km. 12 marker of the same Highway in order to reach the waterfall. Accommodations, toilets and restaurants are available. The waterfall attracts numerous visitors during the festive seasons and long holidays.

Namtok Lan Rak or Namtok Tat Hin Kong 

Situated in Phramani Sub-district on the way to Namtok Sarika and Namtok Nang Rong, this is a unique waterfall originating from a small stream which flows through a large rocky formation at the foot of a small hill. The best time to visit the waterfall is during the rainy season. To get there, take a left turn at Prachakasem intersection (about 8 kilometers on the route to the Saithong Reservoir), and then proceed for another 5 kilometers.

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