Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The
(3) Hellfire Pass Memorial
has transformed one of the Death Railway's
most difficult cuttings into a walking trail. The forbidding name refers to the glow
from the crew's burning torches, which cast eerie shadows on the inhumane labour,
reminiscent of medieval underworld scenes
.
(4) Erawan National Park
is best known for its seven-tiered waterfall said to re-
semble Erawan, the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology. Walking to the first
three tiers is simple, but the entire 1.5km hike is tough. Most tourist tours stop here
in the morning, but you can make a day of it with your own transport.
AYUTHAYA TO PRASAT MUANG TAM
MONUMENTS &
MOUNTAINS
The fertile central plains have long nurtured monument builders and gave birth to
the powerful city-state of Ayuthaya, which ruled much of modern-day Thailand for
400 years. In the northeast, the far-reaching Khmer empire built temple fortresses
demarcating its imperial power. Sandwiched in between is Thailand's first national
park.
(1) Ayuthaya
is a must-see stop on the culture trail and is easily accessible from
Bangkok via train or bus. Though many of the great monuments have been des-
troyed or stolen, Ayuthaya remains historically important. You can visit the most im-
portant ruins within a day.
Nature enthusiasts can detour to
(2) Khao Yai National Park
, accessible via
train or bus. The park includes a 1351m summit, herds of elephants, troops of mon-
keys and waterfalls.
(3) Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)
provides transit access to the Angkor ruins.
(4) Phimai
is easy to reach and has the best tourist infrastructure. But far-flung
(5)
Phanom Rung
is considered the apex of Khmer architecture. Nearby,
(6) Prasat
Muang Tam
provides a time-worn counterpoint to renovated Phanom Rung.
