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

Royal Hills Golf Club is a beautiful championship standard golf course at the foothills of Khao Yai. Great facilities, bargain green fees and quality accommodation make this club a golfers dream. The club is on the road to Nang Rong Waterfall, approx 14km out of town.

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

This reservoir is shallow but covers a wide area. It is in a beautiful location, surrounded by hills. A dirt road runs all the way around the reservoir. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is developing the area into a water sports center with rowing, sailing and other activities.

You reach the reservoir by taking route 3049 out of Nakon 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 Thai military cadet training centre but visitors are welcome. There are several attractions in the large grounds. You can drive around it in your car or you can rent bikes at the tourist center. The attractions include:

Circular Pavilion: The circular pavilion is a recreation area for the military cadets. In the center is a sculpture of King Rama V.

100 Year Royal Military Academy Museum: This military museum contains exhibits of varius weapons and uniforms from Thai military history and historical details about the wars Thailand has fought.

King Rama V Monument: This monument is at the general headquarters of the academy. It was built in honour of His Majesty King Rama V who was the founder of the academy.

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 Nakon 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.