Nakhon Nayok
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Nakhon Nayok 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.
Nakhon Nayok Festival Information
- 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.
Nakhon Nayok Attactions Information
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
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