The Route Around Nakhon Sawan Kamphaeng Phet and Uthai Thani

Starting on Highway No.1 from Bangkok, head north to Nakhon Sawan, and make the first stop at Boraphet Marsh, the largest freshwater marsh of the country, covering a vast area of over 53,094 acres. It is known otherwise as “The Northern Sea” or “The Great Marsh”. There are as many as 44 plant species and 148 animal species in the area, including the rare bird such as Gurney Pitta “Princess Sirindhorn” and the rare fish. tiger perch. From November to March, the bird population increases with migratory birds, making the great marsh a prime bird-watching site.
To reach Boraphet Marsh, hire a boat from the boat-landing of Nakhon Sawan Municipality, and cruise along the Nan River for about 6 kilometers to the mouth of the canal leading to the marsh. Two routes can be used for the travel by car, take Highway 225, Nakhon Sawan-Chum Saeng, for about 9 kilometers, and turn right to Nakhon Sawan Fresh Water Fishery Development Center, about 2 kilometers further. Within the area, there are fish and crocodile breeding pits, freshwater fish museum and boats for visitors to tour the marsh, or take Nakhon Sawan – Tha Tako route for about 20 kilometers and turn left at the signboard indicating Water Bird Park. About 4 kilometers further lies the Boraphet Marsh Wildlife No-Hunting Area, with lodges on the waterfront as accommodations for tourists, and several famous restaurants specialized in fish-based dishes. Apart from bird- watching, boating through water lilies and other flowering weeds in Boraphet Marsh is a favored activity for visitors.

From Boraphet Marsh, return to the city area, and enjoy various delicacies there, with restaurants on the Chao Phraya River, such as Li Fishball and Na Pha Pia That Man Shop. Coming back to Highway No.1, head north towards Kamphaeng Phet Province. About 10 kilometers prior to reaching the city, turn left on Highway 117, the starting point of the route along the edge of the Western Forest.
About 28 kilometers from the intersection, turn right and continue for over 10 kilometers to Khlong Nam Lai Waterfall, a 9-tier fall cascading down sparkling rocks, with large expanse of black rock on the third step as the highlight. The jet water here is forced into two streams, the one on the right tumbling into a large pool. 20 kilometers further on Highway 1117 is Khlong Lan District, with the right turn near Khlong Lan Market leading into Khlong Lan Public Park, the location of Khlong Lan Waterfall, plummeting about 100 meters over the cliff, ceiling over a large expanse of rock of 40 meters. The waterfall is a favorite spot for photography. There are accommodations and a camping ground in the lush green park. Highway 1117 leads to Mae Wong Forest, ending at Chong Yen-Cold Channel, through an ascending mountain road. To drive further to Chong Yen, a permission has to be obtained at Mae Wong National Park headquarters at kilometer 19. To the back of the park, headquarters is Khlong Khlung, a well·known bird-watching site. There are 4 nature study trails, the legendary one is Mogoju Top Trail, trekking through an evergreen forest to an elevation of 1,964 meters, with Mae Riwa Waterfall as a diversion on the way. The trek lasts 5 days, with the chance to come across the hornbill and an ultimate reward of viewing rare flora on top.

Turning back from Mae Wong National Park, follow the same route up to the intersection formed with Highway 1072, turn right towards Mae Wong District. From there, use Highway 3504 up to the intersection at Chum Ta Bong Sub- District, turn right towards Mae Poen Sub-District to cross into Uthai Thani Province. On Highway 3438, before reaching Lan Sak District, spot the signboard of Huai Kha Khaeng Game Reserve on the right, turn into a dirt road of about 15 kilometers to the reserve office, the command center for the protection of the Western Forest, with the monument to Sueb Nagasathien, the legendary warden who sacrificed his life for the cause of conservation. The reserve is the largest conservation forest of the country and in Southeast Asia, covering 6 provinces, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Suphanburi, and Kanchanaburi. Huai Kha Khaeng-Thung Yai Naresuan area has been registered as the World Heritage Site. It encompasses 17 game reserves and national parks, with an entire area of 11.7 million rai, or over 4 million acres. Visitors have access to 3 spots, at the reserve office, representing deciduous dipterocarp forest, Cyber Station, with Cyber Waterfall representing evergreen forest, and at Huai Medi Station, all with accommodations and camping grounds, with prior permission obtained at least 20 days in advance.
Backing off to Highway 3438 towards Lan Sak District, several caves can be explored, including Tham Khao Khong Chai, a haunt of thousands of bats, Tham Khao Phraya Phai Ruea with a large reclining Buddha, and Tham Khao Pathawi, comprising over 30 chambers, with the discovery of Stone Age tools and prehistoric skeletons. Not to be missed is Hup Pa Tat a deep valley surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides, with ancient palms called Tat grew in abundance. Opposite to Hup Pa Tat is Khao Pia Ra, with traces of cliff paintings of over 3,000 years to the west, over 9 meters in length. From here, turn back towards Lan Sak District and turn left into Highway 3282 to Ban Rai District, lined with attractions such as Tham Nam Phu Khao Kwang Thong, with spring in the limestone cave, Sarno Thong Hot Spring, and Cyber Waterfall. Ban Rai is a charming border town, with a few sites such as Wat Tham Khao Wong, in Thai architectural style, Pha Rom Yen Waterfall, the most beautiful waterfall in Uthai Thani, and attractions such as Ban Rai Hand-Woven Textile, and simple lifestyle of forest people. Accommodations include Huai Kha Khaeng Country Home Resort and Teacher Camp, with restaurants such as Khrua Anant.

From Ban Rai, use Highway 333 towards Sakae Krang River Basin, the site of ancient Uthai Thani town, with fascinating riverside communities and delicacies from the river and the rich surroundings. Rice barges now take tourists on river cruise. Ancient temples abound in the area, including Wat Uposatharam or Wat Bot Manorom, with murals from early Bangkok Period. Wat Tha Sung with Crystal Hall and Golden Hall. Ko Thepho, a major river island is also full of old Thai-style mansions. Bicycle tours can be arranged with Uthai Thani Bicycle Club for Health, on Tha Chang Road. Famous fish – based dishes are offered at Auntie Samran’s Shop. Rafl·house accommodations can be found at River Marina Resort on Ko Thepho. In the evening, take the road up Khao Sakae Krang, to the highest point in the city, paying respect to the model footprint of the Lord Buddha and the monument to the father of King Rama I, the founder of the royal House of Chakri. The site is a perfect lookout for sunset over the Sakae Krang River.
The route leads back to Nakhon Sawan, your starting point. This route probably takes you back to several more times. due to the inexhaustible attractions

Category: Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani