Thursday, June 10, 2010

Khlong Lan Waterfall, Kampang Phet

http://gotoknow.org/file/papatsaracom52/img6919_1.jpg

Location : In Klong Lan Nationalj Park, Kamphaeng Phet province.

KAMPAENG PHET IS FAMOUS NOT ONLY AS AN ANCIENT CITY THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE BY THE UNESCO, but it is also well-know from its countless national parks and abundant waterfalls. One of the good example is Klong Lan National Park, which is a piece of the vast forest in the west of Thailand and covers many sub-districts in Klong Lan district of Kamphaeng Phet. In the area of this rich forest, there are ranges of mountains that originate countless rivers and brooks, for example Klong Lan, Klong Suan Mak, Klong Klung, as well as a number of beautiful waterfalls. In fact, the forest in this area used to be the last piece of pristine forest of the southern North. They were Deciduous dipterocarp forest, Seasonal rain forest, and Mixed deciduous forest, and there used to be a number of wildlife living here. However, right now more people has invaded the area for agriculture, and more wild animals have been immigrating to Huai Kha Kaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Um Phang district instead.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KLONG LAN NATIONAL PARK


The mkost famous attraction of all in this region is Namtok Klong Lan Waterfall, which is a very large waterfall that runs all year round. The stream that forms this fabulous site actually originates from 5 tri butaries from three mountains, Khao Klong Lan, Khao Klong Klung, and Khao Klong Suan Mak. This great waterfall is about 100m high and 40m wide, and if will be full of water especially in rainy season. At the bottom of this fall is a grand rocky ground. If the water is not too deep, ones can safely get soaked at this area. Moreover, since this waterfall is not very far from the national park office, it is suitable for vistors of all age.

TRAVELLING SEASON


The best time to visit this fall is from June to january; while the prime time for rafting here is from March to April. In rainy season the water is fullest and most beautiful, and in early cold season, from November to January, the wild flowers bloom most wonderfully.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Klong Nam Lai Waterafall
: Klong Nam Lai Waterfall is a medium size waterfall with that runs down for 9 steps to the pool below. It is approximately 25km away from the national park office.

Phet Jakor Waterfall
: Phet Jakor Waterfall is an average size waterfall approximately 100m high. It is located about 1.5km from the national park office, and you can get there pretty easily on foot.

Kaeng Koh Roi
: Kaeng Koh Roi is a stream that jis suitable for an easy-medium rafting activity. This river is the canal named Klong Suan Mak. You can get there by the road Klong Lan-Um Pang, turn right into Ban Pong Nam Ron for 15km, and then make another turn to kaeng Koh Roi Ranger Unit for 4kkm.


KAMPAENG PHET HISTORICAL PARK


More than 700 years ago, kampaeng Phet used to be a major town that had played a major role as strategic front-line frontiers since Sukhothai was the kingdom's capital down through the times of Ayudthaya and early Rattanakosin eras.

Located around 18km southward of Kampaeng Phet town, Kampaeng Phet Historical Park features archaeological remains of ancient sites such as Muang Chakangrao to the west of the Ping River, and Muang nakhon Chum to the east. You can start travelling from either side of the river, and followings are intersting attractions inside this park.


REMAINGS OF THE ANCIENT SITES WITHIN THE CITY WALLS


City Walls and Old Fortifications mark the boundary of the rectangular town area, measuring 300 - 700 metres wide and 2,200 metres long.

Phra Kaeo Temple or Wat Phra Kaeo is the most important sacred site of all. Located in the middle of the city, the large royal temple is believed to have been a palace. Surrounded by laterite walls, the temple features the principal chedi with lion-adorned base and a round chedi with elephant-adorned base. There are also other chedis of different bases and remains of several chapels.

Phra That Temple is situated to the east of Wat Phra Kaeo. The principal pagoda of this temple has a 15m square base surrounded by passages called Rabing Khod.

City Wall mark the boundary of the rectangular town area. It is a very strong single-level wall made of dirt at the base and laterite at the upper part, with holes used to watch enemy as old fortifications.

Wat Phra Barom That is located in the middle of Muang Nakhon Chum. It is a serie of three Myanmar style pagodsa on the same base Phra Isuan Shrine is located at the back of the city hall. Bult since 1510 in the reign of King Racha Thirat, the shrine is made mainly of laterite and houses the statues of Phra Isuan (Shiva) and Phra Uma Thewi.

Wat Sum Kor is located toward the west of Muang Nakhon Chum. It is a small temple with the principal pagoda in bell shape in Ceylonese style on octagonal base, as well as many ancient Buddha images. Wat Chedi Klang Thoong is an important temple inside Muand Nakhon Chum. Although the roof of the temple is dilapidated, the four walls with lime decorations in Ceylonese style are still in very good condition.


ANCIENT SITES WITHIN ARANYIK AREA

Phra Non Temple
(Wat Phra Non) is fenced in by laterite walls on four sides. At the front of the temple are a square-shaped pond, bathrooms and an ancient  floating pavilion which is supported by a large laterite colunm. The lion sculpture and Sema stones (boundary stones) are believed to be constructed in Ayudthaya era.

Phra Si Iriyabot Temple
or Wat Phra Yeun (meaning standing Buddha Temple) is  located to the north of Wat Phra Non and has similar pond and bathroom facilities as its neighbour. A main hall or Mondop houses Buddha statues in four postures, walking, sitting, standing and reclining in the Sukhothai style. However, today only the status in standing posture remains.

Phra Sing Temple
(Wat Phra Sing) is believed to have been constructed during the Sukhothai and Ayudthaya periods. Located approximately 100m northward of Phra Si Lriyabot Temple, it has a square-shaped principal Chedi with arches on four sides. In front of the Ubosot are ornamental lion and Naga figurines.

Chang Rop Temple
(Wat Chang Rop) is a large temple situated on a mound. Its main chedi of Ceylonese style is accessed by four-side staircases, but its pinnacle has been broken down. The base is adorned with 68 half-elephants, foliages, demons, and angels figures.

Wat Arwat Yai
is another ancient site on the east bank of the Ping river. The principal pagoda with high octagonal base is surrounded with minor pagodas. On the outer side of the wall there is also a pond called Bo Sam Saen, which is said to be full of water all year round.

Wat chang
unlike other temples, is surrounded by a water channel. Its principal pagoda is in bell shape, with rechangular base adorned with 16 elephants.


FACILITIES


Near the national park office are 7 lodging houses for tourists. Each can accommodate from 3-9 persons and costs from 300-1,000 baht per night. There are also four tent grounds that could accept approximately 400 visitors. Tent for rent, restaurant,  souvenir shop, restrooms, parking lot, nature trails, and camp fire grounds are all available within the area.


TO GET THERE


From Kamphaeng Phet town, take highway 1 (Kamphaeng Phet Nakhon Sawan route). When you reach the km marker 338, turn right into highway 1117 (to Klong Lan district) for 41 km. then, turn left  again for 4km to get to the national park office. The toal distance is 54km. The waterfall is situated around 800m from the national park office.


CONTACT


Klong Lan National Park : 0 5571 9304












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