:: Khlong Lan


The Mae Wong National Park forms the border between Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Sawan, and covers an area of about 894 square kilometres. Most of the land is rich in various types of plants. Along the Khlong Lan -Umphang route passing through the park's area, which leads up to the mountains, are several viewing points between Kms. 81 to 115. At Km. 102 there is a beautiful road-side waterfall. Other falls within the park include the Mae Krasa , Mae Liwa and others. To visit these attractions, tourists need to go on foot and stay overnight in the jungle.

The Khlong Lan National Park covers an area of some 300 square kilometres over mountain ranges to the west of the province. The highest peak is about 1,400 metres. Of mainly virgin jungles, it is the source of several streams, which flow into the Ping River.

The park headquarters is near the Khlong Lan waterfall about 60 kilometres from town on the route to Khlong Lan district (highway no.1117). Attractions within the park include the 95-metre high Khlong Lan Fall with scenic surroundings, and the Khlong Nam Lai Fall , a 9-level cascade, located off Highway no.1117 at Km. 35 (10 kilometres further on). The Kaeng Ko Roi (off Highway No.1117 at Pong Nam Ron intersection) features a group of rock formations jutting out of the stream, looking somewhat like small islands. Visitors can camp overnight within the park.

:: Festival

The Nop Phra Len Phleng Fair  is held during the celebrations of Makha Bucha (around February). A tradition since the times of Sukhothai, it is described on the inscription stone found at Nakhon Chum, of how processions were organised to pay homage to the town's major religious sites. The fair today consists of colorfully decorated parades of participants, dressed in ancient attire crossing the Ping to pay homage to the Holy Relic on the Nakhon Chum side of the river.

The Kluai Khai Fair is held in September each year to promote the local banana for which the province is famous. There are banana contests and competitions on the making of Krayasat (a local sweet), as well as many entertainment performances.

:: Hotels and accommodation


Chakangrao
:: 123/1 Thasa Road Amphoe Mueang [Tel: 0 5571 1325-6, 0 5571 1315 Fax: 0 55711326 Bangkok Tel: 0 2279 5322] :: :: 520-2,000 baht

Ko Chokchai :: 7/31 Soi Ratchadarmnoen Road Amphoe Mueang [ Tel: 0 5571 1531, 0 5571 1247] :: :: 210-310 baht

Navarat :: 2 Soi Prapanthesa Road Amphoe Mueang [Tel: 0 5571 1106, 0 5571 1211 Fax: 0 5571 1961] :: :: 600-1,800 baht

Phet Hotel :: 90 Wichit Road Amphoe Mueang [Tel: 0 5571 2810-5 Fax: 0 5571 2927] :: :: 500-2,500 baht

Ratchadamnoen :: 114 Ratchadamnoen Road Amphoe Mueang [Tel: 0 5571 1029] :: :: 160-310 baht

:: Restaurants

Local Cuisine

ChanTong :: Sai Kamphaeng Phet-Nakhon Sawan Rd.

Kamphaeng Phet Pochana :: Ping River Bridge

Kitti Pochana :: 2 Wichit Kamphaeng Phet Rd., Tel: 0-5571-1229

Klong Lan Cafe :: Petch Hotel, Tel: 0-5571-2810-4

Kuay Kai Muang Kamphaeng Phet :: Tesa Rd.

Pilin :: Nawarat Hotel, Tesa Rd.

Prayao :: Tesa 1 Rd., Tel: 0-5571-2174

Pruek Mai :: Opposite Ratchadamnoen Hotel

Ruan Pae Mae Ping :: Soi 1, Tesa 2 Rd., Tel: 0-5571-2767

Safety Cafe :: Tesa 1 Rd., Tel: 0-5571-2594

:: How to get there

:: By Car

From Bangkok, take Highway No. 32 to Nakhon Sawan via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong and Sing Buri and then proceed along Highway No. 1 to Kamphaeng Phet, a total distance of 358 kilometres.

:: By Bus

Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Mochit 2 Bus Terminal every day. Call 0 2936 2852-66 for more information.