I love living in Bangkok these days. There’s a sweaty vibrancy to the city quite unlike anywhere else. However, I’m a country girl at heart and there are times when I just need to get away from my never-ending fast-paced life. I’m looking to reconnect with Mother Earth, be at one with nature, and to get off the beaten track.
If you too, are yearning for an escape to the Thai countryside, chances are you’ve been tempted by the Khao Yai National Park region. It’s a popular choice as Thailand’s biggest and longest established National Park. The park covers 11 districts of 4 provinces and its forest complex is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
You will not be alone, Thai national parks are attractive crowd-pleasers. Think walking, waterfalls and if you are lucky some wonderful wildlife encounters – who’s seen a sleepy sloth? I’ve come back from this recent trip with so many delightful wanderlust memories, I hardly know where to start.
The area surrounding the Khai Yai National Park is developing quickly and is promoted through The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as part of their Open to the New Shades campaign. I am happy to share with you some of the hidden treasures we found as winners of the TAT Newsroom Blogger Thailand 2019 Competition.
Khun Dan Prakarn Chon Dam
In the coming posts, you’ll find five different itineraries, all within an easy commute by car from Bangkok. Feel free to combine a couple together once you’ve identified what truly makes your heart sing.
But first I need to know what sort of weekend wanderer are you? I have designed these weekend wanders to suit the following. Are you one of these wanderers?
1. Fit, Fun, and Fabulous weekenders:
are fitness enthusiasts who like to walk, even with a dodgy knee, hip or back! They are happiest at one with nature and not averse to a little adventure. They are looking for authentic Thai meals and not afraid to get a little grubby or sweaty or use a bush bathroom along the way.
2. New Latitudes, New Experience weekenders:
are cultured, creatives. Their idea of a good weekend is to have their minds challenged, their Black, White & Max bags stocked with local organic produce and to have enjoyed a ’Farm to Table’ fine dining, preferably with a good bottle of Thai red wine. Yes, we will be at a vineyard.
3. Nourishing, Nurturing, Prachin Buri Weekenders:
are looking for a uniquely Thai experience with a gastronomic twist. They never follow the pack, different is their middle name, and they are all about getting off the beaten track to nourish their mind, body, and soul. Interested? Then skip this way, my friends.
4. Does this float your boat weekenders?
Are you like a fish out of water in Bangkok city yearning for a countryside ‘away from it all’ experience with wide-open spaces, fresh air, boating and hiking to remote waterfalls? Are you impressed by BIG construction, want to learn more about King Rama IX’s work and enjoy Mother Nature at her watery best? Then this way, please. I’d like to show you the impressive Khun Dan Prakarn Chon Dam!
Khun Dan Prakarn Chon Dam
5. Desperately Seeking Zen Bliss weekenders:
Are you a caffeine loving photography buff, desperately seeking central Thailand’s dramatic settings? If the words serene, peaceful and enchanting send you into a euphoric state of zen bliss, do then calmly join this queue.
There are so many treasures of Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri and Khao Yai provinces. I hope you have found travel planning ideas to enjoy. So whether you are ready to pack your bag, or looking for a virtual tour of Thailand to brighten your day, there really is something for everyone in this part of amazing Thailand.
So which of the above would make your heart sing? Could you see yourself enjoying one of the above, or perhaps you would you like me to devise a tour especially for you and your loved ones?
Let me know in the comments section. I can’t wait to hear from you.
Happy wanderings!
19 comments
It certainly looks a beautiful place.x
Oh, thank you, Karen, yes the scenery is stunning here in the Land of Smiles! I can’t wait to show you around some more!
Wren x
Hello, The countryside is pretty. I am not a city girl, I do not like crowds of people. The countryside looks more peaceful and relaxing. Lovely scenes and yummy food. Wishing you a happy day!
Oh, Eileen, if you ever get to Bangkok I’m taking you to this region for sure – you’d absolutely love the birdlife. We would need a guidebook there are nearly 300 birds here and most of them would be new to me! Oh and I would make sure we had some yummy food too!
Wishing you a happy day too
Wren x
So many wonderful ways to spend your weekend in the country – I’d want to try several.
I would certainly be heading for Number One, that park looks incredible! I think I would truly enjoy the food over there. I’ve only had the chance to sample a bit of Thai cuisine, and that was in Calgary, AB. so I’m not sure how good a representation it was.
Happy Trails,
Andrea
Looks like a great getaway.
Oh Liz, it was! Thanks for stopping by!
Wren x
Looks absolutely fabulous!
This looks like the kind of countryside I would like to visit. The views are breathtaking and what a unique experience.
What a wonderful adventure. Thank you!!
Thanks for all the photographs, I would prefer country to city 🙂
All the best Jan
…my son before he settled down lived in Cambodia and Korea and traveled to Thailand and India. I needed an atlas to keep track of him. Thanks for sharing these exotic scenes.
Wren – I would go for 1, 2 or 4, or all of them! As you know, I love the outdoors and these pictures caught my imagination. And then, after a workout, you’re hungry and it’s time to try out new culinary delights! Sign me up! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday.
I don’t know if I’m quite fit enough but I sure love the sound of the first group that loves to walk and seek adventure! What fun to get out in the countryside there! I’ll save a place for you in the shade! heehee! Enjoy your week!
It’s always restful to get out into the countryside. One sleeps so well with the fresh air and exercise. I’d be tempted by any one of these itineraries!
All of the above, please!
Gosh! I’m totally taken with your post. I’ve been to Khao Yai, but it appears to be another world altogether, in the manner you beguile me with your descriptions. We’ll definitely be heading out again, and again. Love the way you’ve brought into relief each aspect of this wonderful region. Enjoyed the read very much.
Hello Kay – you are just the sweetest person to find commenting on my blog! You too can find all these treasures not far from our Bangkok homes. Let me know if you need any more help or information.
Wren x