1. HIGHWAY 12 SCENIC ROUTE
Cutting through the eastern mountain ranges of Phitsanulok , the route offers a series of attractive forested areas and waterfalls within national parks. To visit these places, transport can be hired in town. One of the highlights is Namtok Wang Nok Aen, within the Sakunothayan Arboretum, which is 1 km offf the main highway at KM 22 , with Kaeng Sai Rapids locating nearby. At Km 45 lies Namtok Kaeng Song waterfall, At Km 72 and a further 2 km, off the road is an extensive 3 level waterfall called Namtok Kaeng Sopha, which runs over massive rock formations amongst lush vegetation. The best time to visit all waterfalls is from September when the water flows are at the maximum.
2. THUNG SALAENG LUANG NATIONAL PARK
This protected area of mountain forests and grasslands covers 1262 sq kms. The grasslands are bright with flowers, particularly during the late rainy season ( October) . The mountain ranges are watersheds feeding several streams flowing into the Nan River. a good walking trail starts from the sub office at Ban Nong Mae Na ( Km 100) and leads alternately through forest and savanna. Thung Non Son, a grassy plateau in the heart of the park, abounds with wild flowers in October to December.From Ban Nong Mae Na, it takes 16 km by car and a further 15 kms on foot to get to the park.
3. NAMTOK CHAT TRAKAN NATIONAL PARK
This forest and waterfall park lies some 145 km from town . The water cascedes down 7 tiers to a wide pool with a beach. Some cliff faces carry traces of prehistoric carvings. Camping can be done at the park, but please contact the park officials in advance.
4. PHU HIN RONG KLA NATIONAL PARK
This is an outstanding national park with unique scenic attractions and historical significance. The mountainous area was a communist guerilla base from 1967 to 1982 and many radical students fled here after the 1976 massacre of students in Bangkok. Reminders of the struggle are living quarters , schools , a hospital and other facilities . There are also beautiful waterfalls and strange rock formations with jagged boulders and deep facilities.
Cutting through the eastern mountain ranges of Phitsanulok , the route offers a series of attractive forested areas and waterfalls within national parks. To visit these places, transport can be hired in town. One of the highlights is Namtok Wang Nok Aen, within the Sakunothayan Arboretum, which is 1 km offf the main highway at KM 22 , with Kaeng Sai Rapids locating nearby. At Km 45 lies Namtok Kaeng Song waterfall, At Km 72 and a further 2 km, off the road is an extensive 3 level waterfall called Namtok Kaeng Sopha, which runs over massive rock formations amongst lush vegetation. The best time to visit all waterfalls is from September when the water flows are at the maximum.
2. THUNG SALAENG LUANG NATIONAL PARK
This protected area of mountain forests and grasslands covers 1262 sq kms. The grasslands are bright with flowers, particularly during the late rainy season ( October) . The mountain ranges are watersheds feeding several streams flowing into the Nan River. a good walking trail starts from the sub office at Ban Nong Mae Na ( Km 100) and leads alternately through forest and savanna. Thung Non Son, a grassy plateau in the heart of the park, abounds with wild flowers in October to December.From Ban Nong Mae Na, it takes 16 km by car and a further 15 kms on foot to get to the park.
3. NAMTOK CHAT TRAKAN NATIONAL PARK
This forest and waterfall park lies some 145 km from town . The water cascedes down 7 tiers to a wide pool with a beach. Some cliff faces carry traces of prehistoric carvings. Camping can be done at the park, but please contact the park officials in advance.
4. PHU HIN RONG KLA NATIONAL PARK
This is an outstanding national park with unique scenic attractions and historical significance. The mountainous area was a communist guerilla base from 1967 to 1982 and many radical students fled here after the 1976 massacre of students in Bangkok. Reminders of the struggle are living quarters , schools , a hospital and other facilities . There are also beautiful waterfalls and strange rock formations with jagged boulders and deep facilities.
