Weekend Wanders: Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri & Khao Yai provinces

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.

Khao Yai Art Museum

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!