Attractions
::
Amphoe Banphot Phisai Khao No-Khao Kaeo Khao No-Khao Kaeo
is a limestone mountain that has Wat Khao Lo at its foot. A stairway leads to
the cave at the peak where a large Buddha image sits in front. When King Rama
V visited here via the Ping River, he stayed overnight on the mountain. The province
later built a monument to commemorate the occasion. There are numerous monkeys
at the foot of the mountain and you can see plenty of bats that live in the cave
flying out to feed in the evening, making a long black line in the night sky.
Khao Kaeo nearby also has a number of bats flying out at night.Getting
There : The mountain is beside the Asian Highway along the Nakhon Sawan-Kamphaeng
Phet section in Tambon Ban Khaen. It is around 45 kilometers from the city and
about 18 kilometers from the district center. :: Amphoe Krok Phra
Khao Tham Phra Khao Tham Phra is at Mu 8 in Tambon Noen Sala.
Inside are stalactites, stalagmites and Buddha images. During Songkran Festival
locals will take flowers, candles and incense sticks up the 100 steps from the
foot of the hill to pay homage to the images. A great view of Amphoe Krok Phra
can be seen from the peak. Getting
There:Take the Nakhon Sawan-Krok Phra road for about 16 kilometers, then turn
right onto the Krok Phra-Thapthan road for about 10 kilometers and a left into
the cave for about 4 kilometers. The road is a laterite road. The total distance
from the city is approximately 30 kilometers. Wat Bang Mafo Wat
Bang Mafo is an old temple built in the late Ayutthaya period. The most striking
aspect is the main hall that has unique doors and windows designed by the monk
Luang Pho Sun. Inside is an image of Rachathipok that was given by the king. The
inner walls have murals of a Buddhist tale, while the hall directly opposite has
murals of the life of Lord Buddha. They are the works of ancient artisans. The
main Buddha image in the Man Wichai posture is strange in that it also holds a
palm-leaf fan. Under the multi-tiered roof is a lovely replica of Lord Buddhas
Footprint. An annual temple fair is held on the 9th and 10th crescent-moon nights
of October. Getting
There: Use the Nakhon Sawan-Krok Phra route. It is about 3 kilometers from the
district office. The route goes past Ban Hua Hat, which is a handicrafts village
that makes basketry of Tambon Dong Chaphlu. Basketry items are made of bamboo
because it is easy to find in the area. Wat
Bang Pramung Floating Market Wat Bang Pramung Floating Market is on the
bank of Bang Pramung Canal in front of Wat Bang Pramung, about 14 kilometers from
the city on the Nakhon Sawan-Krok Phra road. Locals will paddle to the market
to sell goods and agricultural produce every weekend during 07.00-16.00 hrs. In
addition, there are other services like traditional Thai massage, boat tours of
Bang Pramung Canal, tours of orchid farms, and boats and water bicycles for hire.
For more information, please contact Krok Phra District Office at tel. 0-5629-1006. Getting
There: Take the Nakhon Sawan-Krok Phra road for around 9 kilometers, then turn
right for about 7 kilometers into Wat Bang Pramung. The total distance from the
city is around 16 kilometers.
:: Amphoe Mae Wong Mae Wong National Park Mae Wong National
Park is on the Thanon Thong Chai Mountain Range. The area consists of winding
mountains and is the source of several waterways, including the Mae Wong River
and some parts of Khlung Canal. The waterways flow into the Ping River and the
Chao Phraya River. Mae Wong National Park is in Amphoe Pang Sila Thong in
Kamphaeng Phet (446.4 square kilometers) and in Amphoe Mae Wong-Mae Poen in Nakhon
Sawan (446.48 square kilometers), totaling 892.88 square kilometers. The north
borders Khlong Lan National Park of Kamphaeng Phet, the south borders Huai Kha
Khaeng Wildlife Reserve of Uthai Thani, the east borders villages in Kamphaeng
Phet and Nakhon Sawan, and the west borders Um Phang Wildlife Reserve in Tak.
The area was proclaimed a national park on 14 September 1987 and was the 55th
national park of Thailand. The park headquarters are at No. 65, Khlong Lan-Um
Phang Road, Amphoe Pang Sila Thong, Kamphaeng Phet. Attractions
in Mae Wong National Park : Kaeng
Pha Khoi Nang-Kaeng Nam Bon Kaeo Hin is on the Khlong Lan-Um Phang road and 1.4
kilometers from the park headquarters and another 400 meters on a secondary road.
This is a large brook that Khlung Canal flows through. From here, you can walk
around 350 meters to Pha Khoi Nang Waterfall that has 4 levels. Viewpoint
is on the Khlong Lan-Um Phang road at Km. 81, around 16 kilometers from the park
headquarters. At Km. 93 about 28 kilometers from the headquarters is the area
between mountains that is perpetually breezy with an average temperature below
20 degrees Celsius. It is 1.34 kilometers above sea level. Nang
Nuan Waterfall can be reached by getting to Km. 93 and going on foot for about
6.4 kilometers. The waterfall is located amidst the lush jungle. It has 4 levels.
It takes about 1 day to make a return trip to the waterfall. Mae
Krasa Waterfall is a large 9-level waterfall about 900 meters high. The waterfall
is formed by streams from high-altitude jungles on the Thanon Thong Chai Mountain
Range. It is about 18 kilometers from the park headquarters. The trip on foot
takes 3-4 days. Mae
Riwa Waterfall is around 21 kilometers from the headquarters. It is a large waterfall
that has 5 levels and takes about 3 days for a return trip on foot. Mokochu
Peak is the highest peak in the park. It is 1.964 kilometers above sea level and
is 50 kilometers from the headquarters. The return trip on foot takes 5-7 days. Kaeng
Lan Nok Yung is a brook with a wide rock plateau. Mae Wong River, which originates
in Mae Wong Forest flows through it. It is about 800 meters from Mae Rewa Forest
Protection Unit. The area is suitable for training programs and group camping.
The distance from the unit to the brook is about 1.5 kilometers and it is accessible
by car. Moreover,
there is accommodation in the park. For information, please contact Mae Wong National
Park, Khlong Lan-Um Phang Road, Km. 65, Amphoe Khlong Lan, Kamphaeng Phet, tel.
0-5671-9010-1 or the National Parks Division, National Resources Conservation
Office, Royal Forest Department, Bang Khen, Bangkok 10900, tel. 0-2579-0529, 0-2579-4843. Getting
There : There are 2 main routes: 1.
Bangkok-Nakhon Sawan-Lat Yao-Khlong Lan route into the park on Highway No. 1117
(Khlong Lan-Um Phang) at Km. 65. 2.
Bangkok-Nakhon Sawan-Khong Wilai-Khlong Lan route into the park on Highway No.
1117 (Khlong Lan-Um Phang). The total distance from Bangkok to the park is about
386 kilometers.
::
Amphoe Mueang
Bo Ya Cave
Bo Ya Cave is Hin Kon Village in
Tambon Nong Krot, around 30 kilometers from the city on the San Nakhon Sawan-Lat
Yao road. Another 6-kilometer road leads to Wat Tham Bo Ya (Wat Thep Nimit Song
Tham). A stairway at the foot of the hill leads up to the cave. The cave itself
has 3 sections. The first has a large main Buddha image, the second further in
is a dead end with a pond called Bo Nam Thip that is believed by locals to be
sacred and the third section is an exit out the other way. Apart from the sacred
pond, the cave has beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.
Getting
There :Use Highway No. 32 (Asian Highway) from Nakhon Sawan to Kamphaeng Phet
for about 15 kilometers, then turn left at the intersection into Road No. 1072
(Nong Ben-Lat Yao) for about 1 kilometer. From there, take a left turn at the
sign into Wat Si Uthumphon for about 6 kilometers and turn right at the sign into
Wat Thep Nimit Song Tham (Wat Tham Bo Ya). The road is a laterite road. It is
altogether about 22 kilometers from the city. Bung
Boraphet Bung Boraphet is the largest freshwater swamp in Thailand. It
has an area of around 212 square kilometers. It covers parts of Amphoe Muang,
Amphoe Tha Tako and Amphoe Chum Saeng. In the past Bung Boraphet was called the
northern sea or Chom Bung as there was an abundance of aquatic animals and plants.
According to surveys, there are still some 148 species of animals and 44 species
of plants here. Rare animals include white-eyed river-martin and tiger perch.
During
November to March a large number of waterfowls migrate here. Some parts of the
swamp have been declared the Bung Boraphet Non-Hunting Area under the care of
the Wildlife Conservation Division. Bung Boraphet is also a fish breeding ground
where the Department of Fisheries has set up the Bung Boraphet Fishery Development
Station. Getting
There: Bung Boraphet can be reached by many ways.
By Boat From
the Nakhon Sawan Municipal Pier Market, go north along Nan River for about 6 kilometers
to the mouth of Bung Boraphet that is called Khlong Nong Duk. Go under the train
bridge into the swamp. By
Car Bung
Boraphet Fishery Development Station Take the Nakhon Sawan-Chum Saeng route (Highway
No. 225) for about 9 kilometers, then turn right for 2 kilometers to Bung Boraphet
Fishery Development Station. Inside is a crocodile breeding pond and a freshwater
aquarium. There are boats that you can charter on tours in the area at 400 baht
per hour. The capacity is 15 persons per boat Bung
Boraphet Non-Hunting Area or Waterfowls Park Take the Nakhon Sawan-Tha Tako route
(Highway No. 3001) for about 20 kilometers and turn left for 4 kilometers to the
park. The park has an exhibition in the form of a nature study center, a garden
and accommodation. For more details, please contact the Bung Boraphet Non-Hunting
Area or the Bung Boraphet Wildlife Conservation Promotion and Development Station,
tel. (056) 227874. In addition, there are long-tail boats to take visitors around
Bung Boraphet at 200 per boat. Chao
Pho Thepharak-Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine Chao Pho Thepharak-Chao Mae Thapthim
Shrine is in the area of Pak Nam Pho Community on the right bank of the Chao Phraya
River. The shrine is revered by locals and is the spiritual magnet of the people
in the area as well as passersby using the river. The shrine also offers the best
view of the beginning of the river. Getting
There :Take the Nakhon Sawan-Chum Saeng road (No. 225). It is about 3 kilometers
from the city on the left. Nakhon
Sawan Provincial Cultural Building Nakhon Sawan Provincial Cultural Building
is in the Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat Institute. This two-story building is in the contemporary
Thai style and has a beautiful front porch. It is the center of historical, archaeological
and cultural information of the province. The building has an exhibition room
displaying cultural development and various archaeological sites. It was completed
in June 1992 and was opened by H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 17 August
1992. Sawan Park Sawan Park is in Nakhon Sawan Municipality
beside the Asian Highway. It was originally a large swamp with an area of 502,400
square meters called Nong Som Bun. It was later made into a sizable public park
with 2 ring roads encircling it. The middle of the park is an island with an area
of 6,400 square meters. The park has a garden, lawn, fountain, outdoor stage,
waterfall, and rose garden. The Origin of the Chao Phraya River
The Origin of the Chao Phraya River is the point where the Ping and Nan rivers
converge at Tambon Pak Nam Pho in front of the dam in the city. Here, one can
clearly distinguish the difference between the two rivers. The Nan River is reddish
in color while the Ping River is somewhat green. They flow to form the Chao Phraya
River, the most important waterway of the country. The Chao Phraya flows past
several provinces before going through Bangkok and ending into the Gulf of Thailand
in Samut Prakan. It is about 370 kilometers long. The best place to view its origin
is at the Chao Pho Thepharak-Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine. Tourists
can take boat rides to view the scenery on both banks and pay homage to Luang
Pho To Buddha image at Wat Pak Nam Pho (Wat Thong Thammachat Nua). Boats can be
hired from Chao Phraya Pier.
Wat Chom Khiri Nat Phrot
Wat Chom Khiri Nat Phrot is on the peak of Khao Buat Nak between the foot of Dechatiwong
Bridge and Chiraprawat Fort. Legend says that when Burmese troops sacked Ayutthaya
for the second time, they built this temple to show that they also hold the Buddhism
faith. The most interesting objects here are the replica of Lord Buddhas Footprint
and a convocation hall that locals call Bot Thewada Sang. There is a fair to pay
homage and attach gold leaves to the footprint in November. Boat races are held
in conjunction with the fair. Getting
There :Take Highway No. 32 (Asian Highway) to before the foot of Dechatiwong Bridge
and turn left into the temple. It is about 1 kilometer from the city.
Wat Krieng Krai
Klang Wat Krieng Krai Klang is at Mu 5, Tambon Kriang Krai, on the bank
of Nan River. Inside is a Sukhothai-style bronze Buddha image in the Man Wichai
posture and an old hall over a hundred years old. There is also a replica of Lord
Buddhas Footprint and a mural of Lord Buddhas life. The area in front of the temple
is inhabited by many monkeys and it is where a crocodile farm can be found. Getting
There :Take the Nakhon Sawan-Chum Saeng road (Highway No. 225) for around 10 kilometers.
Then turn left at the direction sign for about 2 kilometers into the temple. It
is approximately 12 kilometers from the city. Alternatively, you can charter a
boat from Chao Phraya Pier along the Nan River and disembark at Wat Kriang Krai
Klang Pier. Wat Si Sawan Sangkharam Wat Si Sawan Sangkharam
(Wat Thu Nam) is at Tambon Nakhon Sawan. It is an old temple that was used as
the site for government officials to pledge allegiance to the king. Evidence from
the period remains in the form of spear blades, oars, knives and swords, a gold
Buddha image in the Pathom Thetsana posture, and a silver Buddha image. The main
image in the old convocation hall is over 100 years old. In 1976, His Majesty
the King, Her Majesty the Queen and their 2 princesses came here to open the new
hall. Now there is also the pagoda built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of
His Majesty. Wat Si Sawan Sangkharam is regarded as an old temple with immense
historical value. Getting
There :Take Highway No. 32 (Asian Highway) then turn left towards Chiraprawat
Fort (Highway No. 3001) for around 2 kilometers. Signs along the way point to
Wat Thu Nam. The total distance from the city is about 3 kilometers.
Wat Woranat Banphot
Wat Woranat Banphot (Khao Kop) is an old temple of the province on the peak
of Khao Kop 185.5 meters above sea level. There are 2 ways up; a stairway of 439
steps and an asphalt road 3 meters wide. The peak has a replica of Lord Buddhas
Footprint and a pagoda encasing the relic of Lord Buddha built when Sukhothai
was the countrys capital. The temple was praised by the Department of Religious
Affairs as the best development temple of 1966. A nearby hill is the site of some
television relay stations. Getting
There : Use Highway No. 32 (Asian Highway) and turn right onto Highway No.
117, then another right onto Highway No. 1 (old highway) into Nakhon Sawan Municipality.
Turn left before reaching the municipality up Khao Kop. It is about 1 kilometer
from the city. ::
Amphoe Phayuha Khiri
Khok Mai Den Ancient City
Khok Mai Den
Ancient City is in Tambon Tha Nam Oi. The city is quite expansive. Traces of the
old city wall remain and an artifact in the form of a sculpture of the elephant
Phaya Chatthan was discovered here. It is over 1,000 years old. The word Khok
Mai Den refers to a kind of tree. People in the old days called Ban Khok Mai Den
Muang Bon. The city was founded in the Thawarawadi period around 11th-16th Buddhist
centuries (457-957 AD). The city is similar to Nakhon Pathom and is around 250
meters long and 600 meters wide. It is very much alike the city wall of Nakhon
Pathom, Muang Sema of Nakhon Ratchasima and Muang Phaya Rae of Chon Buri.
Getting
There : The city is 32 kilometers from the city on the Nakhon Sawan-Bangkok route
(Asian Highway), then turn left into Khok Mai Den for 3 kilometers.
:: Amphoe Ta Khli
Chan Sen Ancient City and Chan Sen Museum Chan Sen Ancient
City and Chan Sen Museum is in Mu 2 in Tambon Chan Sen. It is believed that in
the Thawarawadi period, the city was surrounded by a moat with an earth mound.
The city had a square shape but with rounded corners almost like a circle. The
moat was about 20 meters wide. The area is now a waterlogged valley but traces
of the moat can still be seen. The city is about 800 meters long and 700 meters
wide with an area of about 480,000 square meters. As the part within the moat
is higher than that outside, locals call it Khok Chan Sen. A
number of artifacts have been discovered in the ancient city; earthenware items
like amulets, dolls, lamps; stone items like pedestals, Buddhism wheels, and axes;
metal objects like earrings made of lead or tin, spearheads, and iron; and bronze
objects like Buddha images in the Man Wichai posture. All of the objects are now
kept at Chan Sen Museum in Chan Sen Temple. It is open on weekends. Those wishing
to visit the site on weekdays can request permission from the temple. Youth volunteers
from Chan Sen School can guide you around the city and take you on a tour of the
museum. For more details, please contact tel. 66 5633 9116. Getting
There : There are several routes, as follows: From
Bangkok, use the Asian Highway and turn left into In Buri (Highway No. 11), then
turn right into Road No. 3196. From there, turn left at the Wat Chan Sen sign
for about 1 kilometer, go across the railroad and turn left into Wat Chan Sen.
Chan Sen Museum can be seen inside the temple compound. From
Nakhon Sawan, take Highway No. 32 (Asian Highway) to Chai Nat for about 52 kilometers
and turn left onto Highway No. 1 to Amphoe Takhli for 7 more kilometers. Then
turn right into Road No. 3196 for about 28 kilometers and turn right at the Wat
Chan Sen sign for about 1 kilometer and go across the railroad into Wat Chan Sen. :: Amphoe
Tak Fa
Wat Tham Phon Sawan
Wat Tham Phon Sawan is in Tambon
Lamphayon. An asphalt road of 105 kilometers from the city leads to the temple.
It is around 10 kilometers from Tak Fa District Office on the Tak Fa-Khok Samrong
road. The temple has a modern three-story pavilion. At the rear of the temple
is Phon Sawan Cave that is divided into 2 sections. The first section is a small
room while the second section is a larger room with Buddha images and various
structures like a replica waterfall with a stream in the caves center. The cave
is cool and cozy and has electricity and waterworks.
Getting
There: From Nakhon Sawan, take the Asian Highway to Chai Nat for about 52
kilometers and turn left into Highway No. 1 past Amphoe Tak Fa for about 46 kilometers.
Then turn left into Wat Tham Phon Sawan. It is around 98 kilometers from the city.
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