This Is Thailand

Ramkhamhaeng National Park (Khao Luang Sukhothai)

This exquisite national park with a combined natural and historical background covers an area of 341 square kilometres, and was declared to be a national park on October 27, 1980.

High hills and steep cliffs some over 1,200 metres above sea level, together with fascinating falls, different species to plants and wildlife are some of the major attractions available in this park offered to nature loving tourists or visitors. Furthermore, the archaeological and historical sites with ancient remains and relics make the park even more attractive, especially for critics and theologians.

To reach the park by road, take Highway No.1 from Bangkok, then at km.414 (20 kilometres to Sukhothai) take the left turn along the laterite road for another 16 kilometres till arriving at the parks office. For accommodation, reservations for bungalows and tents can be made through the National Park Section, the Royal Forest Department by Tel: 0 2562 0760 or P.O.Box 1 Amphoe Khiri Mat, Sukhothai 64160 www.dnp.go.th

Visitors have to start trekking before 3.30 a.m. everyday and bring food and essential equipment with them. Bungalows and tents are available. Admission: Adult 100 baht  Child 50 baht

Khao Kho Wildlife Captive Breeding Centre, Phetchabun (Khao Kho Open Zoo)

Khao Kho Wildlife Captive Breeding Centre, Phetchabun (Khao Kho Open Zoo) is a research centre on the breeding of wildlife in Khao Kho (a project under the Royal Initiative), which is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Office, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Flora in accordance with the Royal Initiative of Their Majesties the King and the Queen influenced by their royal visit to Khao Kho. Moreover, the Wildlife Conservation Division has established a Wildlife Breeding Centre, as well as, the Khao Kho Open Zoo, covering an area of 20 square kilometres in Khao Kho Sub-district, Sado Phong Sub-district and Nong Mae Na Sub-district in Khao Kho District.

Wildlife bred and propagated at the centre can be categorised into 3 types; namely, mammals, birds, as well as, reptiles and amphibians.

There are 3 bungalows provided for tourists at the centre. Each is for 10 persons. For a group visit, a letter requesting a lecturer should be submitted in advance to the Chief, Khao Kho Wildlife Captive Breeding Centre, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun 67270, Tel. 08 6887 7393. For further information, please contact the Wildlife Breeding Centre, Wildlife Conservation Division, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Flora, Bangkok, Tel. 0 2561 4292 ext: 713, 0 2579 9630. To get there: Take the similar route to Si Dit Waterfall. At Km. 7, turn left and go further for approximately 3.5 kilometres.