TTNE01 - National Parks of Esaan
During this 6 day program you will visit three of the nicest national parks in Northeast Thailand, aka ‘Esaan’. Stunning scenery, a variety of forest types and natural as well political history make this trip an extraordinary adventure
Fly from Bangkok to Khon Kaen on TG 40 0705-0800 **on own arrangement**Meet your guide at the airport. Drive to Phu Kradung National Park. Phu Kradung is one of the most famous national parks of Thailand. It is typically a Thai destination. Phu Kradung doesn’t get many foreign visitors.
Every year tens of thousands of people, mostly Thai, come to make the climb up this famous mountain. Prepare yourself for a wonderful workout but also for a cultural and interactive experience. You will meet quite a few people on the trail.Phu Kradung was proclaimed a national park in 1959 making it the second national park of Thailand after Khao Yai National Park. Before noon we will arrive at Phu Kradung.
Start trekking to the Phu Kradung plateau. The trail is clearly marked and has been quite developed. There are food stalls at several places along the trail.
After arrival we will check into our accommodations. Dinner will be at one of the local restaurants.
Overnight at national park accommodations on the plateau.
We will spend a full day exploring the plateau of Phu Kradung on foot and by mountainbike.In the morning we will make a hike into the forest and enjoy the many waterfalls. The Phu Kradung Plateau is home to a variety of large mammals, amongst others wild pigs, boar and elephants. Don’t wander off the trails at the end of the afternoon because there is a serious chance you might encounter wild elephants.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant.After lunch we will visit some of the magnificent viewpoints by mountainbike.Dinner will be at one of the local restaurants.
Overnight at national park accommodations on the plateau.
After an early breakfast in one of the park’s restaurants we descend to the park headquarters. Before leaving the park we will have lunch near the park headquarters. After lunch we head for Nam Nao National Park.
Nam Nao is one of Thailand's most beautiful parks and it gets, strange enough, very few visitors. Nam Nao contains many different forest types including dry dipterocarp, deciduous, evergreen, hill evergreen and pine forest. The open, dry deciduous forest of Nam Nao has a lush ground cover of grasses which, together with the park's perennial streams, salt licks and patches of evergreen forest, provide a rich and diverse habitat for the wildlife. After arrival we maken an sunset walk in the park before we have dinner at the park headquarters.
Overnight at national park accommodations near the park headquarters.
We make an early morning sunset hike through the park. It is the best time for bird and wildlife watching. Enjoy breakfast at the park headquarters before we drive to Phu Hin Rongklaa National Park. After arrival visit the visitor centre followed by lunch at one of the restaurants near the park headquarters.Phu Hin Rongklaa was in the seventies a stronghold of communist insurgents and it was only after fierce fighting the Thai army could push the rebels out in 1982.
The historical significance and the natural beauty of Phu Hin Rongklaa gives this national park a special atmosphere.In the afternoon you will make a walk to some of the historical spots and you will see some stunning views (if the weather is clear) and some fantastic rock formations. Phu Hin Rongklaa is at 1700 metres elevation and temperatures are mild year round.Dinner with Thai specialties.
Overnight National Park bungalow, Phu Hin Rongklaa National Park.
Drive to Phitsanulok. Along the way we will stop at Khao Kor. Between 1965-1984, this mountainous area was the scene of an intense battle between Thai communist forces and the Royal Thai Army. We will visit a memorial and a museum, located at a fantastic viewpoint. We will also visit the Kaeng Sopha waterfall, located in Thung Salaeng Luang National Park. “Namtok” Kaeng Sopha is a three-tiered waterfall in the Wang Thong River. It is the largest waterfall in Phitsanulok, and it has been dubbed the Niagara Falls of Thailand. The torrents are very strong in the rainy season. The vapor rising in the area creates a vast rain-like curtain. Continue to Phitsanulok where this tour will end.
Overnight at La Paloma Hotel – Deluxe room
This tour will end after breakfast.
- Transportation by minibus
- Accommodation as mentioned
- Meals as mentioned
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fees
- Insurance
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Price base on 2 persons in double or twin room at La Paloma Hotel. Single supplement will be charged as $17
- Phu Kradung is closed from June 1 until September 30.