Namtok Pha Charoen National Park

Namtok Pha Charoen National Park

General Information
Nam Tok Pacharoen National Park is situated in an approximate area of 855 square kilometers or 534,375 rai, covering the areas of Mae-sod National Conserved Forest in Tambol Daan Mae-lamoh, Tambol Pa-oar, Tambol Pratad Pah-daeng, Tambol Mae-ku, Tambol Mae-tao, Tambol Mahawan of Mae-sod District, Tambol Chong-kaeb, Tambol Phob-phra, Tambol Kirirat of Phob-phra District, Tak Province. The geographical features of the National Park consist of high mountains and virgin forests, which are regarded as sources of rivers, gullies, and Huai Mae-lamoh.
Topography
The geographical features of the National Park consist of high mountains, extending northwards, and small plains along the rivers. The towering mountaintops within the area of the National Park include Doi Pah-tan, Doi Den-krating, Doi Luang, Doi Mhak-muen, Khao Lom-pudyen, which are parts of Thanon Thongchai Mountains. The highest mountaintop (1,765 meters above the sea level) is situated in the south of the National Park. Since the area of the National Park is affected by the southwestern monsoon and there are heavy rains throughout the year, the area consequently becomes the source of major gullies including Huai Mae-lamoh, Huai Mae-piam, Huai Mae-sod, Huai Mae-tao, Huai Pakkood, etc., flowing northwards into the agricultural areas of Mae-sod District and Phob-phra District.
Climate
Since the area of the National Park is affected by the southwestern monsoon, the weather at the National Park is considerably cool and can be divided into 3 seasons including summer (March-May), when the weather is not extremely hot because of the altitude and breezy condition of the area; the rainy season (June-October), when there are heavy and continuous rains throughout the season; and winter (November-February) when the weather is not much cold with the lowest temperature of 6ฐC. The rainfall within the area of the National Park is between 1,500-2,000 mm/year.
Flora and Fauna
There are various kinds of forests within the areas of the National Park, including mixed forests and pinery. Major plants include teaks, rubber trees, Leguminosae (Pradoo), pines, Mangifera Caloneura Kurz (wild mango), Shorea Obtusa Wall., Dipterocarpus Intricatus (Hiang), Anogeissus Acuminata Wall. (Takien Noo), Ironwood, Afzelia Xylocarpa Roxb., Sindora Siamensis Teijsm. Ex Miq. (Maka-tae), Xylia Xylocarpa (redwood plants), Indian Mahogany, Chukrasia Venlutina (Yom-hin), etc.; and lower plants include ferns, Colocasia Esculenta, Curcuma Sparganifolia Gagnep., etc.Wild animals found in the National Park include gaur, deer, Muntiacus Muntjak, birds, tigers, wild boars, red jungle fowls, pheasants, snakes, porcupines, masked palm civets, gibbons, monkeys, mouse deer, wolves, etc., thus, because the southern part of the National Park is close to Klong Wangjao National Park, Oumphang Sanctuary, and the Union of Myanmar.

Lan Sang National Park

Lan Sang National Park

General Information
Lan Sang National Park is an important natural site within Tak District. It became the Thailand’s 15th National Park on the 14th May 1978 and covers an area of 104 Km2. Lan Sang is also a historical National park, as King Taksin the Great once rested his army in this area during their long march to Chiang Mai.
Topography
Steep rugged mountains, covered in fertile natural forests are the prominent features of the Park. Khao Luang Mountain divides the Park into two, its highest peak, Oomyod, reaches 1,065m. from sea level.
Climate
Lan Sang National Park has 3 seasons as follows : Raining : May - October Winter : November - January Summer : February - April Highest temperature is 43 degrees celsius and lowest at 7 degrees celsius.
Flora and Fauna
Higher slopes and mountain watersheds are covered with hill evergreen and hill pine forest. Lower down, the main forest types are mixed deciduous, dry evergreen and dipterocarp forest. The variety of forest habitats provides homes for a rich diversity of wildlife such as barking deer, sambar deer, wild pig, monkey, languar, flying lizard and the rare serow (a mountain goat) and golden cat.

HOTEL

Centara Mae Sot Hill Resort Tak

Centara Mae Sot Hill Resort Tak InfoCentral Mae Sot Hill Hotel, in Tak Province, is nestled in the cool northern mountains along the Thai-Myanmar border. 500 kilometers from Bangkok and easily accessible by air or by land, the Central Mae Sot Hill Hotel is only 10 minutes' drive from Mae Sot Airport. Set amid the remoteness and solitude of pristine jungle hills, this property evokes a spirit of pure adventure. The 120 well-appointed rooms and suites at the provide modern-day comfort in an enchanting blend of nature and old-world service. The River Moei Coffee Shop at the Central Mae Sot Hill Hotel serves Thai and International specialties in a relaxing ambience. For your reservation at the Central Mae Sot Hill Hotel, please select the dates of your stay and complete our secure online booking form.

Viang Tak 2 Hotel (Riverside Wing) Tak InfoIncluded in all rooms are telephone, air conditioning, television, desk, minibar. Featuring cocktail lounge, conference rooms, room service, restaurants, this Tak hotel is sure to make each guest's trip an enjoyable one. Facilities for recreation and leisure available include outdoor pool. This charming property has long been a favorite in Tak for both business and leisure travelers. Viang Tak 2 Hotel (Riverside Wing) Tak is easy to book - just enter your travel dates on our secure online booking form.

The Highway 1090 (Mae Sot-Umphang)

The Highway 1090 (Mae Sot-Umphang) is the only road linking Umphang to other parts of Thailand. Another highway, Highway 1167, connect Umphang town to Myanmar border. Highway 1090, 164 km in total, has two lanes during much of the way and contains 1,219 curves, a number proudly displayed at numerous places in Umphang. It is one of the toughest roads for those who suffer from motion sickness. The journey through this highway takes about 3 to 4 hours.
There was a Highway 1117 (Khlong Lan-Umphang) project that would have provided a connection from Amphoe Khlong Lan, Kamphaeng Phet Province but the project was shelved in 1987 pending on environmental study. About 115 km of the highway beginning from Khlong Lan was already constructed, leaving the last 28 km on the Umphang side where it stopped in Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary in 1990. Suggestion to finish this project surfaced a few time but was eventually rejected due to the virgin forest the last 28 km section must cut through. Another project linking Umphang to Amphoe Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi Province was proposed in 2004 but was immediately rejected.
Beside the highway 1090, there is a municipal airport in Umphang.

Thi Lo Su Waterfall

Thi Lo Su Waterfall is one main reason people travel to Umphang. It is the largest waterfall of Thailand, containing many smaller drops combined together for a magnificent view. Its height is about 200 meters and total width is about 400 meters. It is most beautiful during rainy season from June to November because of the larger water flow. However during this period, the road access to the waterfall is closed for safety reason and trekking is required. The peak season for tourism is in December and January where the water level is still high and the road to waterfall (25 km) is open for public. Only cars with four wheel drive can pass this steep and slipperly road. An alternative way to reach the waterfall is by whitewater rafting downstream along the calm section of Klong River and then continue journey either by trekking or by car for another about 12 km. Travelling this way, two waterfalls dropping into Klong River will be seen: Thi Lo Jo Waterfall (น้ำตกทีลอจ่อ), and Sai Rung Waterfall (น้ำตกสายรุ้ง). The name Thi Lo Su, in Karen language, means giant waterfall or black waterfall.
It is only recently that Thi Lo Le Waterfall (น้ำตกทีลอเล) is promoted as an attraction for those who prefer adventure. It is a waterfall dropping directly into Klong River located deep in Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary with no road access. Only traveling with tour companies is possible. The journey to the waterfall typically involves white water rafting along Klong River of about 40 km through rapids of Class 4 or 5 while the journey back is usually by riding elephants. The trip takes 2 or 3 days.
Some other places of interests are Ta Ko Bi Cave (ถ้ำตะโค๊ะบิ), a cave formerly used by Communist Party of Thailand; Doi Hua Mot (ดอยหัวหมด), view point above cloud attitude; Ban Pa La Ta (บ้านปะละทะ), a Karen village dated back to over 250 years ago.

Festivals

Festivals

Loi Krathong SaiLoi Krathong Sai ,Thailand’s lovely annual “Festival of Lights” on the full moon night in November, is celebrated in a unique manner in Tak. Local people thread together their krathongs which are launched simultaneously and appear as lighted necklaces on the Ping River.

Taksin Maharachanuson FairTaksin Maharachanuson Fair Celebrated annually from December 28-January 3 at the Taksin Shrine and provincial sports field, the fair features religious ceremonial and processions, displays and nightly folk entertainment.

The Bhumibol Dam

The Bhumibol Dam (named after king Bhumibol Adulyadej, the old name was Yanhee Dam) stops the river Ping, one of the two sources of the Chao Phraya river. The artificial lake created covers an area of 300 km² and is the largest in Thailand. The Taksin Maharat and the Lan Sang National parks are also located in the province. Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary share half of the lake front with Kanchanaburi and Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary at the border with Uthai Thani and are declared as a World Heritage site.