Pak Chong The Land of Fun-filled Activities

Cover story: 25 Jan 07 / Vol. 23 No. 20

Get yourself a hideaway for fun a
few time zones away from the heat
and smoke of the city.

Only a two-hour drive or 165 km from Bangkok, Pak Chong county of Nakhon Ratchasima province has become an increasingly popular and sophisticated weekend destination for city slickers. Thaiways would like to take you to this county where various activities are provided for the best of your enjoyable experience.

Considered the gateway to the northeastern region of Thailand, Pak Chong is best known for the famous Khao Yai National Park, which is the first national park of Thailand. According to the NASA ozone map, this area is ranked no. 7 in the world for its high content of oxygen. Khao Yai National Park became a part of the world heritage when the Dong Phayayen - Khao Yai Forest Complex was granted UNESCO's "World Heritage" status in July 2005.

Spanning 230 km. between Ta Phraya National Park on the Cambodian border in the east and Khao Yai National Park in the west, the Dong Phayayen - Khao Yai Forest Complex is internationally important for the conservation of globally endangered mammal, bird and reptile species that are recognised as being of outstanding universal value.

As for Khao Yai National Park itself, it has an area of about 2,168 sq. km., covering 4 provinces, including Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi and Prachinburi. Due to its altitude and the lush jungle here, Khao Yai has a cool climate, even in summer with an average temperature of 23 degree Celsius, making it ideal to nature enthusiasts to explore the area, especially those who love jungle trekking. There are more than 20 trails to choose from, each is different in natural beauty and distance. Some trails take only 1-2 hours to complete while others require overnight stays. In the rainy season, although trekking is not as convenient, the area is refreshingly green and all the waterfalls are full of water, sending echoes all around and creating a lively atmosphere for visitors.

With the unspoiled nature, together with various species of wild animals, birds and butterflies of Khao Yai National park, Pak Chong was formerly visited by only hardy hikers, campers and field trip researchers. But in recent years, it has turned into a popular getaway for city dwellers stepping off the office treadmills and the number of facilities to cater for them has grown by leaps and bounds.

Many accommodations in Pak Chong provide visitors with a wide range of recreational activities to choose from. Each has a unique concept, emphasising on enjoying activities while staying amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Some places not only have a temporary stay section, but also another section that was built to sell for those who want to have a permanent holiday home here. Whether you are a golf lover, an adventurous or extreme sport lover, or one who would enjoy agricultural activities, accommodations in Pak Chong have all to respond to your taste.

Accommodations with a golf course
For golf lovers, all you need to do on your relaxing holiday is to take time out of your busy schedule and spend the time teeing off on the golf course. You will find maximum enjoyment here as many golf accommodations allow you to step from your room directly onto the green. When you are not playing golf, Pak Chong provides an assortment of places on and off the golf course.