Other Attractions

Nakon Nayok is best known for its rivers and waterfalls but there are a few other attractions.

Trekking

Day treks around the foothills of Khao Yai

There are some good day treks around the foothills of Khao Yai National Park. They start from the bases of Sarika Waterfall and Nang Rong Waterfall. You should always get permission from the park rangers before commencing a trek.

Alternatively, you could take a 2 or 3 day trek into the center of Khao Yai. Note that you need to book the overnight trekking trips in advance with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Nakhon Nayok Office, tel: 037 312 282 or 037 312 284.



Golf

Great golf around the foothills of Khao YaiRoyal Hills Golf Club is a beautiful championship standard golf course at the foothills of Khao Yai. You will need to navigate your way around the hills while avoiding the streams and lakes that punctuate the course. There are bargain green fees with weekday rounds available from as little as 750-baht.

The club also has excellent facilities with a fabulous clubhouse that includes a restaurant, lovely swimming pool, karaoke rooms and children's playroom. It all makes for a golfer's dream.

The club is on the road to Nang Rong Waterfall, approx 14km out of town.

There are several other less plush golf courses around the Nakhon Nayok province, including the 18-hole course at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.

ATV (All Terrain Vehicles)

ATVs are a fun way to bobble across some of the rougher local terrain. You can hire ATVs for a small fee. From as little as 100-baht, you can have a fun drive around local dirt track circuits.

From around 500-baht, you can go for a guided tour around the local forest trails.

Paintball

If you want to take a break from the water, there are two paintball parks. Get a little group together and go to war. Afterwards you can jump back in the water to cool off.

Nayok Paintball is on the way to Nang Rong Waterfall. BB Paintball is near the base of Khlong Tha Dan Dam. Go across the bridge and take the next right hand turn. Both parks are well signposted.

Huai Prue Reservoir

Nice views at Huai Prue ReservoirIt is a nice drive out to the reservoir and there are several interesting temples on the way. The reservoir is shallow but covers a wide area. It is a beautiful location, surrounded by hills. A dirt road runs all the way around the reservoir.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has plans to develop the area into a water sports center with rowing, sailing and other activities. However, generally there is nothing going on here apart from a little fishing and the odd walker.

You reach the reservoir by taking route 3049 out of Nakhon Nayok town towards Sarika Waterfall. 1km out of town, take a left onto Khao Thurian Road and follow it for 11km.

Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy

This is a large Thai military cadet training centre but visitors are welcome. Entrance is free but there are small charges for some of the attractions inside. There is a tourism office at the entrance gate. There are several attractions in the grounds. The grounds are large so you will need transport. You can drive around in your car or you can rent bikes at the tourist center. The attractions include:

weapons exhibit at the 100-year Military Museum100 Year Royal Military Academy Museum: This military museum contains exhibits of various weapons, uniforms and other military artifacts. There are many exhibits from Thai military history and some international exhibits. Unfortunately, the museum is very much directed at the local tourists and most of the explanatory texts are only written in Thai. It is still worth visiting. Entrance is 20-baht.

King Rama V Monument: This monument is at the general headquarters of the academy. The circular pavilion is a recreation area for the military cadets. It was built in honour of His Majesty King Rama V who was the founder of the academy. In the center is a sculpture of King Rama V.

Shrine of Khun Dan at Chulachomklao Royal Military AcademyShrine of Khun Dan: A lovely little shrine perched on a small rock outcrop. The shrine is over 300-years old and is dedicated to a Nakhon Nayok army general and war hero. There is a small souvenir shop and you can climb the steps at the back of the rock to reach the shrine.

Golf Course: The academy includes an 18-hole golf course and driving range. It is open to the public and there is a golf-shop and retaurant.

cable slide at Chulachomklao Royal Military AcademyOthers: You can have a go at a parachute drill by jumping down a cable slide - 50-baht. There is also a sports stadium and 25-meter swimming pool. There is a small waterfall at the back of the grounds.

 

 

Ban Dong Lakhon Archeological Site

This archeological site is located 9km south of Nakon Nayok town. It is the site of an old Thai town from the Khmer period. It was declared a national historical site in 1935. It is surrounded by earthen walls and culverts with canals all around. Historians believe the town's people abandoned it in the 14th century AD, when they migrated to live along Nakon Nayok's waterways.

Lord Buddha's Footprint Replica

This is in a nice little pagoda at the top of Nang Buat Hill. The hill is 100m high and affords good views of the surrounding countryside. Inside is a replica of the Lord Buddha's Footprint. The original is housed in Saraburi. It is a natural impression in limestone rock that resembles a very large footprint. In 1620 a group of Thai monks on pilgrimage in Sri Lanka were told that the Lord Buddha's Footprint could be found in Thailand. When this rock was discovered in Saraburi it was declared a Buddhist shrine.

Ongkharak Plant Market

Ongkharak district is on highway 305 between Nakhon Nayok and Rangsit. It is home to Thailand's largest plant market. There is a 4.5 kilometer stretch of plant nurseries. You will find an amazing range of plants and flowers at absolute bargain prices.

Local Fruit

You will see vendors selling a wide array of locally grown fruit. Some of the local specialities include:

Sweet Plum Mango (Maprang): This is the most well known fruit of Nakhon Nayok. It is a sweet fruit with a texture like apricot. The peel is sour and can be removed if preferred. The fruit is in season from February to Apirl.

Pomello (Som-o): These are similar to grapefruit in appearance but drier and sweeter.

Jack Fruit (ka-noon): These big ugly brutes are the largest tree borne fruit in the world. They are rather smelly and unattractive but once the fruits have been extracted, they are crisp and fresh tasting.

Sweet Plum Mango and Nakhon Nayok Products Fair

This annual fair is timed to coincide with the harvesting season of Nakhon Nayok's speciality fruit, the sweet plum mango. It is held from February to April on Suwannason Road in front of the city hall. It is held to promote the fruit and other local products and handicrafts.