Khao
Yai National Park - Mountain Biking
This
national park, created in 1961, is by far the most noteworthy
natural attraction in the region and perhaps all of Thailand.
Recently named as an ASEAN National Heritage site, this park
is widely considered to be amongst the world's best national
parks and has been recognized as such by the United Nations.
Covering
over 2176 square km, this park extends into 4 provinces and
offers one of the largest monsoon forests anywhere. Additionally,
the diversity of the terrain provides for several different
types of vegetation. There are sections of evergreen rainforest,
semi-evergreen rainforest, hill-evergreen forest and deciduous
forest. In addition to this wide variety of vegetation, Khao
Yai boasts an impressive abundance of wildlife, including
wild elephants, bears, tigers and leopards, just to name a
few. Birds are also plentiful and some particularly rare species,
such as the great hornbill, thrive in Khao Yai. In addition,
over 50 km of hiking trails, most formed by animal movement,
make Khao Yai an extremely accessible park and guides are
available at the park ranger station.
Recently,
one of the more popular ways to enjoy the splendors of this
magnificent national park is on a mountain bike, which can
be rented at any of the following places.
Bonanza
Ranch - 236 Moo 5, Thanarat Rd., Pak Chong (01) 210-1252-3
Juldis
Khao Yai Resort - 59 Moo 4, Thanarat Rd. (044) 297-297
Mountain
View Resort - 219 Moo 5, Thanarat Rd. (01) 239-0298
Accommodations at Khao Yai are basic, but available. In the
past commercial accommodations were available to visitors,
but as of 1992 all these facilities were removed. The forest
service has dormitory-type accommodations for 20 baht, and
two-person tents can be rented for 80 baht per night. Bedding
is not included, and a sleeping bag is necessary during the
cold months. For those looking for more comfortable lodgings,
there are several guest houses in close proximity to the park.
Transportation
to Khao Yai is available from Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima.
From Bangkok take the bus to Pak Chong, which leaves from
the Northern Bus Terminal. An air-conditioned bus is usually
around 65 baht to Pak Chong. From Pak Chong there will be
songthaews to the park for around 10 baht. From Nakhon Ratchasima,
take the Bangkok-bound bus to Pak Chong.
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