Ban Plai
Uan in Moo 5, Tambon Phrom Lok is at the foot of Khao Luang near
Phrom Lok waterfall. Most residents cultivate fruit orchards. The
Nature Conservation for Jungle Trekking Club is located here. One
can trek 5 kilometres from the village to Phiman Mek waterfall,
which is 1,505 metres above sea level. Along the way are many
interesting flora, fauna, caves, streams, and the gigantic red palm
of the genus Caryota, which is a plant with very unique features.
For more information, please contact the Ban Plai Uan Nature
Conservation Club, tel. 0-7533-8633
Mueang Nakhon Reception House was built to receive His
Majesty the King (Rama IX) and H.R.H. Crown Princess Maha Chakri when
they visited the city. It is located in an old fruit orchard of the
Thongsamak family who built the house for the royal family on behalf of
the city’s people. The area is covered with various kinds of native
fruit trees and has been decorated with beautiful and shady plants. The
house is open to the public daily, except Wednesdays and when the royal
family is there.
Namtok Ai
Khiao, or Nai Khiao Waterfall, is in Tambon Thon Hong. It is 30
kilometres from the city on Highway No. 4016, on the same route as
Phrom Lok waterfall. At the 26-km marker, turn left onto the road
and continue for another 3 kilometres. Originating from Khao Luang,
this waterfall has 9 levels, which are Nan Chong Sai, Nan Bang Bai,
Nan Mai Phai, Nan Sua Phan, Nan Buppha Sawan, Nan Hin Kong, Nan Hua
Chang, Nan Sai Kwat Lan, and Nan Fa Faet. The surrounding area is
still a dense jungle. Both sides of the falls are covered with betel
gardens. The locals call the betel Phlu Pak Sai because of its hot
flavor and sweet scent. The view of Khao Luang is best viewed from
here.
Namtok
Phrom Lok is in Tambon Phrom Lok. It can be reached via Highway No.
4016 (Nakhon Si Thammarat-Phrom Khiri) to the 20-km marker, then
turn left onto Highway No. 4132 for 5 kilometres. This is a large
waterfall with wide and lovely rock platforms. It originates from
the Nakhon Si Thammarat mountain range and flows down 4 levels,
which are Nan Bo Nam Won, Nan Wang Mai Pak, Nan Wang Hua Bua, and
Nan Wang Ai Le. The water flows past many kinds of flora before
going to Khlong Tha Phae and ending in the Gulf of Thailand in
Tambon Pak Phun.
Wat Khao
Khun Phanom and the Khao Khun Phanom Scientific Study Centre is in
Moo 3, Tambon Ban Ko. From the city, use Highway No. 4016 to the
21-km marker, past Phrom Lok market, then take a right-hand road for
2.5 kilometres. Wat Khao Khun Phanom is a temple of historical and
archaeological importance. The temple has a cave lined with a brick
wall and marked with heart-shaped stones marking the limits of the
temple similar to those along the city wall. The front wall has
plaster designs decorated with Chinese porcelain. In the cave are
about 30 bronze Buddha images and a bronze Buddha’s footprint.
Several smaller connecting caves branch out from the main cave like
an elaborate fortress maze. Many believe this is where King Taksin
the Great used to stay. Others say it was the rest stop of Princess
Kesini, daughter of Chao Nara Suriyawong, the lord of Nakhon Si
Thammarat during 1769-1776.
On the way up Khao Khun
Phanom is the Khao Khun Phanom Scientific Study Centre that provides
knowledge on science, technology, the environment, and eco-tourism
to the public. The Khao Khun Phanom community is a cultural
community. There is a training camp activity and a grouping called
the Tourism to Study Fruit Orchards by Bicycle Club. For more
information, call tel. 0-75 34-5154.
