Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Daen Maha Mongkol
Meditation Centre
If you have ever wondered what your world would be like without an iPad or smartphone,
step right up. This
meditation retreat
( 8-11am & 1-5pm)
is so keen on promoting serenity that a
charming old chap runs a metal detector over visitors at the entrance to ensure they
haven't got an i-something tucked away.
Women may stay within the main compound; there are rooms for men outside. Because
of the strict adherence to calm, you cannot phone or email the centre to make a booking.
However, unless you turn up on a public holiday, free rooms will be available (donations
are welcomed). Day visitors can drop in from 8am to 11am and 1pm to 5pm - everyone
here wears white and appropriate clothes can be hired to the left of the entrance. The im-
pressive stupa at the top of the nearby hill can be climbed in 30 minutes, but is only open
at weekends and on holy days.
Entry to the centre, founded in 1986, is via a teak bridge that straddles the Mae Nam
Khwae Noi. Inside, the grassy grounds are vast, tranquil and well-kept. About 300 people
stay at the centre, most of them permanently. Some staff speak English.
The centre is off Hwy 323, and is well signposted. By train, get off at Maha Mongkol
station.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Khao Laem National Park
With the mighty Khao Laem Reservoir at its heart, the 1497-sq-km
Khao Laem National Park
(
0 3453 2099)
is a particularly picturesque place.
Ornithologists flock to
Kroeng Kravia Swamp
to see the birdlife, which includes the Asian
fairy bluebird and green-billed malkoha. To reach the swamp, go to the Kroeng Kravia
substation 45km south of Sangkhlaburi.
More than 260 species of wildlife have been recorded at the park, including gibbons,
deer and wild boar. The dam is surrounded by several waterfalls and huge limestone
mountains.
Kra Teng Jeng
waterfall begins 400m from the park entrance and has a 4km shaded trail
leading towards the main falls. A guide is required.
