Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Si Nakharin National Park
A new road linking Erawan National Park to Si Nakharin means easy access to the seven-
tiered
Huay Mae Khamin
waterfall. The falls, near the
Si Nakharin National Park
( 0 3451 6667)
entrance, are one of Thailand's most beautiful. In addition, the park has hot springs, lime-
stone caves and a hiking route. At the heart of the 1500-sq-km park is the
Si Nakharin Reser-
voir
, which is fed by surrounding streams and tributaries.
Camping
(
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Chaloem Ratanakosin National Park
The area's smallest park,
Chaloem Ratanakosin National Park
( 0 3451 9606)
, manages to pack a
lot into its 59 sq km, including the caves
Tham Than Lot Noi
and
Tham Than Lot Yai
. The
former is unremarkable but leads to a pleasant 2.5km nature trail. At the end of the trail is
Tham Than Lot Yai, an enormous opening with jagged stalactites.
Another option is to stay nearby with a friendly Karen family at the solar-powered
Khao
Lek Homestay
(r 100-300B)
. Contact tour agents in Kanchanaburi for details. Most visitors ar-
rive by private transport along Hwy 3086.
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Thong Pha Phum
Overlooked by mountains - and often tourists - Thong Pha Phum is a tranquil town that
enjoys a slower way of life.
The town, used as a stop-off point on the way to Sangkhlaburi, has its own charm and is
easy to get around as there is only one main street. Mae Nam Khwae Noi runs parallel to
the east of the town. The town lacks any great attractions and therefore tourist facilities
are thin on the ground.
The market, at the epicentre of the town, is a great place for breakfast. Browse the
dozens of stalls and choose from deep-fried banana, traditional coffee or noodles. Behind
