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.
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 Buddha’s 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 Buddha’s Footprint
and a mural of Lord Buddha’s 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
Buddha’s Footprint and a pagoda encasing the relic of Lord
Buddha built when Sukhothai was the country’s 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.
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 Buddha’s 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.
Phayaha 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.
Banphot Phisai
Khao No-Khao Kaeo Khao No
Khao No-Khao Kaeo Khao No 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.
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 cave’s 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.
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.
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.
