Mae Wong National Park, Sukhothai

Nearly 900 square kilometers of verdant jungles, rich in flora and fauna, make up the Mae Wong National Park. The park lies adjacent to the Khlong Lan National Park and the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani. Rare elephants, gaurs, tigers and birds like the hornbill and kingfisher have staked their claim on the park’s lands. Visitors can relax at Chong Yen, a scenic spot atop a cliff, perfect for enjoying a constant breeze and a sunset, though note that access is restricted to certain hours. Along the Khlong Lan-Umphang route passing through the park are also several viewing points between Km. 81 and 115. For trekkers and climbers, a five-day trip will take visitors to the Mo Ko Chu summit, a dizzying 1,964 meters high. Waterfalls and many other attractions await visitors, but most require a long trek. To get there from Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 and turn left at Km. 338 onto Highway No. 1117, Khlong Lan-Umphang Route. At the intersection to Khlong Lan, go straight for 19 kilometers to the National Park Office. Those taking a bus from Bangkok can disembark at Khlong Lan’s Talat Khlong Lan (a market), and hire a taxi to the national park. The national park is open 24 hours a day, every day. More information is available at 0 5576 6027, 09 0457 9291. Admission fee is 200 bath for adults and 100 bath for children.