SCRAPBOOK Weekend fix

Two districts not far from the capital are full of fun, nature and culture attractions

Muak Lek district in Saraburi province and the adjacent Pak Chong in Nakhon Ratchasima, well-known for their lush scenery, many attractions and proximity to the capital, make good weekend getaways. Waterfalls, farms, vineyards, dairy products, steakhouses and curry puffs add to the fun and frolics.

Covering 681km², Muak Lek, 139km from Bangkok, is the largest district in Saraburi. It is surrounded by the hills of Phetchabun, which separate the Central Region from the Northeast. To the south of Muak Lek is Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s first national park. Muak Lek is crossed by Mittraphap Road and the Northeastern Railway.

Saraburi is in the Central Region and is 108km from Bangkok. Prince Damrong Rajanuphap, or “The Father of Thai history”, believed Saraburi was established in 1549 during the reign of King Phra Maha Chakkraphat of the Ayutthaya kingdom and was originally located near a swamp in Sao Hai district.

Saraburi is rich in natural and historical attractions, festivals and temples. Its most important temple, Wat Phra Phutthabat, enshrining the Lord Buddha’s footprint, was built in the 17th century and is one of the Kingdom’s most popular pilgrimage sites. For nature lovers, Saraburi boasts two national parks, Chet Sao Noi and Khao Sam Lan, as well as several beautiful streams and waterfalls such as Muak Lek. The 1,825km² Pak Chong is the biggest district in Nakhon Ratchasima by area and the gateway to the Northeast from the Central Region. Pak Chong or “mouth of the channel” was named during the reign of King Rama V when the northeastern railway was being constructed. The Nok Yung and Noi mountains were blasted through to make a hole ( chong in Thai) for the railway. In Muak Lek, along Highway 2224 is the Chet Sao Noi Waterfall and Thai-Danish Dairy Farm, the country’s first dairy farm where visitors can enjoy farm tours and milk cows or feed calves.

About 9km further on the same route is Muak Lek Arboretum, 37km from Saraburi town along Mittraphap Road. Covering an area of 300 rai in what was once part of Dong Phaya Yen Forest, the arboretum serves as one of the country’s key centres for the cultivation and study of rare perennial plants. Visitors can cross Muak Lek stream via two small suspension bridges and see various kinds of plants and flowers.

Adventure seekers may want to test their physical strength and courage at the zip line at Rai Kusuma Resort amid the lush scenery and over a natural stream. If you want to trek and pray, Wat Tham Dao Khao Kaeo in Lam Phaya Klang, about 30km from Muak Lek, is the best place. Walking up 100 stairs, leads to a very large cave where one can explore the mysterious beauty of nature or pray before numerous Buddha statues. Witness the astonishing sight of hundreds of bats flying out of the cave at sundown.

Those wanting to further their trip to Pak Chong and Khao Yai National Park can travel another 30km and stay overnight, as accommodation ranging from 5-star resorts to homestays are abundant.

One can spend the entire day trekking or visiting beautiful waterfalls in Khao Yai National Park, or the more easily accessible natural and cultural attractions. Culture lovers can explore a living museum called Villa Musée, which portrays the Siamese way of life about a century ago in a colonial-style house, antiques and old photographs.

Those wanting excitement can choose from a wide range of outdoor activities — horse-riding to egg-collecting at Farm Mor Por, about 6km from Villa Musée. Soak in fresh spring water and enjoy swimming at Ban Tha Chang Spring, about 4km from the farm. The fun continues at various farms and local shops along Thanarat and Mitraphap roads filled with delicious curry puffs, fresh farm fruit and ice cream.

Some 38km from Muak Lek and 75km from Muang Saraburi, Tham Dao Khao Kaeo is a natural cave and serves as a prayer hall and meditation centre for Wat Tham Khao Kaeo. The cave has several large chambers with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Red,...

Pak Chong Spring, or Ban Tha Chang Spring, in Moo Si is filled with fresh spring water all year round. Filtered by several layers of rocks high in calcium carbonate, the water is crystal clear and turquoise-coloured. Swimming is allowed in the four...

Chet Sao Noi waterfall is in Muak Lek and offers a spacious shady swimming area and has seven levels. The height of each level is between 2-5m. The most beautiful spot is Level 4. The best time to visit is between November and April, since the water is...

Adventure-lovers can try the Canopy Adventure at Rai Kusuma Resort in Muak Lek. The seven bases are walking on the single-sling Tarzan Bridge over a stream, a triangular bridge, a net, a base called the Flying Squirrel, a wooden staircase, a log bridge...

Farm Mor Por in Pak Chong is owned by physician Nopadol Saropala. It is a working farm with 10 breeds of horse. It has more than 70 horses, all from the UK, US, Spain and the Netherlands. Of the 10 breeds, five are ranked among the 10 most beautiful in...

Muak Lek and Pak Chong are accessible by car, bus and train. Call the TAT Contact Centre on 1672.

Located in Moo Si, Pak Chong, Villa Musée compiles colonial and traditional Thai houses, which have been brought from all across Thailand. It was established as a living museum by businessman Athada Khoman, who has a keen interest in traditional...

Located on 2,700 rai on both sides of Mittraphap Road, the Thai-Danish Dairy Farm and training centre is the brainchild of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and King Frederick IX of Denmark after the late king and queen visited Denmark in 1960. The farm...