Nakhon Nayok Province

Nakhon Nayok Province

General Information

Nakhon Nayok is a destination which is often taken for granted by many tourists. The fact that it is located just 106 kilometers from Bangkok and its attractions may be visited as a day trip makes it just a stop over spot for travelers. But this is not always the case. Nakhon Nayok is famous for its refreshing natural beauty including waterfalls and parks, renowned historical sites, soft adventure activities, and its variety of fruits.

Nakhon Nayok is one of Thailand's central provinces. Covering some 2,130 square kilometres, it borders Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima Provinces on the north, Prachin Buri Province on the east, Chachoengsao Province on the south and Pathum Thani Province on the west.

The northern part of Nakhon Nayok is located in the Dong Phaya Yen mountain range an area covered by the Khao Yai National Park. Yod Khao Kiew, its highest peak, is 1,292 meters above sea level. The central part of the province is on a contrary, a rather flat river plain formed by the Maenam Nakhon Nayok. The southern part of the province has relatively unfertile acidic soil.

The provincial seal says a lot about Nakhon Nayok. It is a picture of a circle indicating the unity of Nakhon Nayok people. An elephant raising an ear of rice in the circle represents fertile forests with numerous elephants. An ear of rice refers to farming which is fruitful. The background with a pile of straw, trees and clouds depicts fertility and the natural beauty of the province.

Nakhon Nayok is a province with a history of over 900 years. It was believed to have been established in the Dvaravati period as indicated by some remains found in Ban Dong Lakhon, a village to the south of the town. During the Ayutthaya period and the reign of King U-Thong, the town which was an eastern garrison was only a forested but infertile highland called Ban Na (village of the rice field). Jungle fever, unfruitful and unproductive agriculture forced the settlers to migrate elsewhere. It was not until the King granted an exemption of paddy field tax that people began to move in and settle down as a community. It was then named Muang Nayok which literally means the town that the paddy tax was lifted.

In 1894, under the royal command of King Rama V, Nakhon Nayok was designated as part of Prachin Buri province. Eventually, it became a province in its own right.

How To Get There

By Bus From Bangkok:
Buses leave the Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet Road (Tel: 02 936-3660 and 02 936-3666) every 30 minutes from 5.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. daily. Air-conditioned buses cost 70 bahts/single journey. Regular (non air-conditioned) buses cost 37 bahts.
There are two other routes operated by transport companies: Bangkok-Hin Kong-Nakhon Nayok and Bangkok-Rangsit-Ongkharak-Nakhon Nayok. For more information, contact Tel: 0 2537 8055 and 0 2936 2841. In addition, there are also second-class air-conditioned buses operating from Bangkok-Ongkharak-Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (by-passing the Nakhon Nayok town).
By Car From Bangkok:
For the shorter route, take Highway No. 305 (along Rangsit canal) passing Ongkharak district. The total distance is 106 kilometers.
For the longer route, take Highway No. 1, turn right at Hin Kong and then drive towards Suwannason Road (Highway No. 33). The total distance is 137 kilometers.
Traveling from Nakhon Nayok to neighboring provinces
Buses to Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Saraburi, and Chanthaburi Provinces are available. For more information, contact the Transport Co. Ltd. Tel. 0 3731 1932.

Festivals
Ongkharak Ornamental Plants and Flowers Fair
Ongkharak Ornamental Plants and Flowers Fair is annually held in April at Khlong 15, Tambon Bang Pla Kot, Amphoe Ongkharak. The contests of ornamental plants and flowers, mini-garden arrangement contests, and an academic exhibition regarding plants and flowers.
Sweet Plum Mango and Nakhon Nayok Products Fair
Sweet Plum Mango and Nakhon Nayok Products Fair takes place annually during February-April in front of the City Hall. It is held to promote Ma-prang (sweet plum mangoes), and other agricultural products and handicrafts. The fair features a procession of agricultural products, sweet plum mangoes contests, agricultural products contests, sweet plum mango beauty pageants, student performances, goods stalls of the public and private sectors as well as selling of inexpensive goods.
Tak Bat Thewo Rohana Fair
Tak Bat Thewo Rohana Fair, a festivity where offerings are made to monks. The festivity is held annually on the 1st day of the waning moon of the 11th month of the lunar calendar or the end of the Buddhist lent. During the festivity, 109 monks descend from Wat Khao Nang Buat to accept offerings from the townspeople.

Thai Merit Making (Sat Thai) & Long boat Racing Festival
Thai Merit Making (Sat Thai) & Long boat Racing Festival is annually held in October along Khlong 29 at Wat Thawiphon Rangsan, Amphoe Ongkharak. The fair showcases a variety of long boats racing, making Krayasat contest (Krayasat is a sticky paste made from rice, bean, sesame, and sugar, usually eaten during Sat Thai Festival), merit making on Sat Thai day, and local entertainment at night.
Local Products
Bamboo Products
Bamboo Products Bamboo products are produced in Tambon Sarika, Amphoe Muang. Products include a miniature sail boat, a peacock, and human faces. These products are sold around Sarika, Nang Rong waterfalls as well as Wang Takhrai.
Brooms
Brooms Manufactured in Tambon Sarika, Amphoe Muang, Tambon Na Hin Lat, Tambon Khok Kruat, Tambon Nong Saeng, Amphoe Pak Phli. The brooms are made with indigenous grass and the broomstick is made from a piece of wood from a tree of the Apocynaceae family or made of bamboo. It can be found throughout the province.
Dala
Dala is a flower of Etlingera or Jack Jr. Rosemary. Along Highway Number 3049 as well as the route to Wang Ri Resort, a number of Dala orchards can be found. For your own try at flower cutting and a direct purchase of flowers from the orchards is possible at Suan Dala Saeng Thong (off Highway 3049, take a left turn for 12 kilometres). The Dalas blooming season is from November to May.
Doormats made from scrap cloth
Doormats made from scrap cloth is produced in Tambon Khao Phoem, Amphoe Ban Na. The scrap cloth, also made into bed covers, are sold in various sizes at furniture stalls of Ban Na market and Amphoe Mueang.
Khanom PiaKhanom
Pia is made at Amphoe Ban Na. It was so good that it received the Shell Chuan Chim mark, a guarantee of a good taste. It is available throughout Nakhon Nayok.
Marble
Products Marble Products A marble quarry is located near Nakhon Nayok hospital, Amphoe Mueang, and at the intersection to Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. There are several products including vases, kettles, watches, bracelets, lampshades, and nameplates available.
Preserved Fruits
Preserved Fruits such as star apples, tamarinds, mangos, santol, and lime. They are sold at the Ban Yai intersection, Amphoe Muang or Dong Chok Di Housewife Association at Ban Dong, Tambon Sarika, Amphoe Muang. The supply of fruits come from fruit orchards of the members; some of the cultivated fruits are sold fresh while others are converted into various products. Fruits such as mangoes, jackfruits, pineapples, star apples, tamarinds, and garcianias, which are preserved, are available seasonally.
Sugared Banana Chips (Kluai Chap)
Sugared Banana Chips (Kluai Chap) and sugared sweet potato and sugared taro chips are produced in Tambon Sarika, Amphoe Muang. They are sold around the Sarika and Nang Rong waterfalls.

Sweet Plum Mango (Ma-prang)
Sweet Plum Mango (Ma-prang) is the most well known fruit of Nakhon Nayok (it is a sweet fruit and is similar to Ma-yong-chit - a fruit of sour taste). The harvesting season of Ma-prang is during February to March. They are grown in a number of orchards located on Nakhon Nayok-Namtok Sarika route. If you should be travelling to this area during the harvest season, you can buy Ma-prang at the orchards.

Attractions

City Pillar Shrine
The most honored Shrine in the city, the San Lak Mueang has been reconstructed and renovated several times. Situated near the Old City, it was once an old Shrine housing a 1-metre wooden column with a carving of a lotus at the top. In 1910, the City Pillar was enshrined at the Red Building of the Sri Nakhon Nayok School where a new four-cornered pavilion situated along Maenam Nakhon Nayok was established to house the Pillar. Inside the Shrine visitors will see one corner dedicated to Narai, a Hindu God, and another corner to a Buddhist image from the Ayutthaya period.
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.
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 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.
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.
Attractions in the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy include:
King Rama V Monument
Built to honor His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) the founder of the Academy, the Monument is situated at the headquarters. The Monument depicts King Chulalongkorn seated in full Army regalia, bearing the Royal Insignia of the Supreme Commander of the Thai Forces.
Circular Pavilion
Built as a recreation area for military cadets, the Pavilion was constructed under the command of Field Marshall Crown Prince Phitsanulok Prachanat. It is also a place where a sculpture of King Rama V is enshrined.
The 100-Year Royal Military Academy Museum
A perfect place to learn about the history of war and its consequences, the museum displays biographies of famous graduates, history of wars, weapons of war and uniforms of soldiers of neighboring nations, as well as a wax sculpture of King Rama V. Open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Admission fee is 10 baht.
Shrine of Chao Pho Khun Dan
Khun Dan was Nakhon Nayoks supreme administrative leader during the reign of King Naresuan the Great of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. During the war between the Kingdom and the Burmese, the Khmers took the opportunity to invade Nakhon Nayok and claim the city under its sovereignty. It was here that Khun Dan set up a camp to mobilize the people and fought back. He defeated the Khmers in 1587. The Shrine is one of the most highly respected shrines by local residents.
Phra Phutthachai or Wat Phra Chai
Initially, the only painting featuring several Buddha motifs in different postures on a cliff wall facing a small hill near Khao Cha Ngok was found in a place formally called Wat Khao Cha-Ngok. In 1942, the Map Department of the Royal Thai Army decided to build a marble quarry at the foot of the hill and began restoring the paintings.
Namtok Phra Chai
This small waterfall cascading some 30 meters from a cliff into a basin is situated behind Wat Khao Cha-Ngok.
Activities in the Academy
Several sporting activities are available for the public. This include shooting (at a standard shooting range), canoeing, ridding on a rescue sledge (in the Academy's reservoir), and golfing in an 18-hole golf course. Group activities available are trekking, camping, and climbing either a real or an artificial cliff. Advance booking (of at least 7 days) is highly recommended. Accommodation and restaurants are available. For more information, contact the Tourist Information Centre, located in the Military Housewife Association Building, Royal Military Academy branch, from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., tel: 0 3739 3010-5 ext. 62961-2.
Getting to the Academy from Bangkok is easy. It is located in Phrommani Sub-district, just 75 kilometers from Bangkok via the Bangkok-Ongkharak route.
Rafting along Nakhon Nayok River
Originating from Khao Yai National Park, the Nakhon Nayok River branches out at Wang Takhrai Canal. Canoe rafting trips leave from Wang Ta Krai Canal (next to Wang Ta Krai Bridge) and proceeds along Nang Rong Canal to the Nakhon Nayok River. There are many exit points along the river bank such as at Ban dong, Kaeng Sam Chan, Wang Kutapha and Wang Yao. The distance for each section is 2-5 kilometers. The river is quite smooth without rapids, but may have many unexpected (but thrilling) twists and turns.
The canoeing routes as follows
Wang Takhrai Bridge - Sam Chan Rapids: distance - 3 kms.
Wang Takhrai Bridge - Wang Kutapha: distance - 4 kms.
Tha Dan Bridge - Sam Chan Rapids: distance - 3 kms.
Tha Dan Bridge - Wang Kutapha: distance - 4.5 kms.
Wang Takhrai Bridge - Wang Yao: distance - 6.5 kms.
Tha Dan Bridge - Wang Yao: distance - 6.5 kms.
More complete and up-to-date information, regarding current prices and water (current) conditions, can be obtained from the TAT office in Nakhon Nayok tel: 037 312-282 and 312-284.
* Trekking, please refer to section in Khao Yai National Park.
Wang Takhrai
Wang Takhrai, which is located quite close to Namtok Sarika, is a resort and a botanical garden belonging to the Chumphot - Phanthip Foundation. Wang Takhrai encompasses a total area of 1,500 rai (about 600 acres) and is renowned for its scenic landscape, small rocky creek and wide variety of plants. In addition, there is a wide range of activities awaiting visitors including swimming, riding downstream on inflated tire inner tubes, canoeing, or cycling. Camp sites and bungalow facilities are also available.
Wang Takhrai is located in Hing Tang Sub-district, approximately 16 kilometers from Nakhon Nayok town. A fun, one-day trip is possible, as visitors may drive to all the attractions within the compound.
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.

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.

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.
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.
By Bus: From Bangkok. There are several bus companies operating on the Bangkok-Prachin Buri route. Buses depart from the Northern Bus Terminal on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. Get off the bus at Naresuan Intersection and then hire a song taew to Khao Yai National Park.
Nakhon Nayok-Khao Yai Jungle Treks
The treks were initiated in 1992 for nature lovers wishing to trek along Khao Yais natural attractions. The most popular time to trek is from December to June. (Not recommend during the rainy season)
3 major treks are provided including:
Route 1
Starting at Namtok Nang Rong, the route passes Khao Ta Mon, Namtok Nang Non, Namtok Tad Ta Mong, Namtok Tad Ta Kong, Namtok Tad Ta Phu, and Namtok Ma Now, then shifts to the Khao Yai plateau. Along the route, visitors will discover the hidden beauty of waterfalls, exotic wild orchids and forest residents such as deer, birds and monkeys. This route covers a total distance of 25 kilometers and takes 3 days/2nights to complete.
Route 2
Starting from Namtok Nang Rong, the route passes Khlong Wang Takhrai, Khlong Sompong Yai, proceeding along amazing hillocks and animal trails to Namtok Mae Plong. This 10-kilometer trek takes 2 days/1 night to complete.
Route 3
Starting from Namtok Nang Rong, the route follows the waterfall downstream to Namtok Khao Chom Long. The total distance is 10 kilometers and takes 2 days/1 night to complete.
Please note that trekking reservations should be made at least a week in advance at the Tourism Authority of Thailand Nakhon Nayok Office tel: 0 3731 2284.
How to get to Khao Yai
From Bangkok, take Don Muang-Hin Kong route, then 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. From Noen Hom Intersection, proceed 41 kilometers to reach the Office of the National Park.
From Nakhon Ratchasima, use the Mitraphap Road along Pakchong District. The total distance to the park is 81 kilometers.

Continue reading here: Loei Province

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