Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BUS
Ordinary buses to Bangkok leave from the bus terminal (mostly in the afternoon or even-
ing), but a couple of private buses leave from booking offices on Th Jamroenwithi, where
you can also buy tickets. The journey takes 12 hours and costs 454B to 1142B depending
on the class of bus.
When looking for minivan stops to leave Nakhon, keep an eye out for small desks
along the side of the downtown roads (minivans and waiting passengers may or may not
be present nearby). It's best to ask around as each destination has a different departure
point. Krabi and Don Sak minivans are grouped together - just make sure you don't get
on the wrong one. Stops are scattered around Th Jamroenwithi, Th Wakhit and Th Yom-
marat.
TRAIN
There are two daily train departures to/from Bangkok to Nakhon (133B to 652B; stopping
at Hua Hin, Chumphon and Surat Thani along the way). All are 12-hour night trains.
These trains continue on to Hat Yai and Sungai Kolok.
Getting Around
Sŏrng·tăa·ou
run north-south along Th Ratchadamnoen and Th Si Thammasok for 10B (a
bit more at night). Motorcycle-taxi rides start at 30B and cost up to 50B for longer dis-
tances.
DON'T MISS
KHAO LUANG NATIONAL PARK
Known for its beautiful mountain and forest walks, cool streams, waterfalls and orchards,
Khao Luang National
Park
( 0 7530 0494;
www.dnp.go.th;
adult/child 400/200B) surrounds the 1835m peak of Khao Luang. This
soaring mountain range is covered in virgin forest. An ideal source for streams and rivers, the mountains show off
impressive waterfalls and provide a habitat for a plethora of bird species - this place is a good spot for any bud-
ding ornithologist. Fans of flora will also get their kicks here; there are over 300 species of orchid in the park,
some of which are found nowhere else on earth.
It's possible to rent
park bungalows
(per night 600-2000B) , sleeping six to 12 people. There's a
restaurant
at
park headquarters.
Camping
is permitted along the trail to the summit. To reach the park, take a
sŏrng·tăa·ou
(around 35B) from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Lan Saka; drivers will usually take you the extra way to park
headquarters. The entrance to the park and the offices of the Royal Forest Department are 33km from the centre
of Nakhon on Rte 4015, an asphalt road that climbs almost 400m in 2.5km to the office and a further 450m to the
car park. Plenty of up-to-date details are available on the park's website.
