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Amphoe Lan Saka
Ban Khiri Wong
Ban Khiri Wong is an ancient community that settled at the
foot of Khao Luang in Tambon Kamlon, near a path that goes up the
mountain. This peaceful village is like one big, happy family. The
main occupation is growing fruits, such as mangosteen, rambutan,
durian, and Sato. The village was faced with catastrophe on November
21, 1988 when a flash flood swept away some 100 houses. The local
monastery and villagers still maintain the damaged convocation hall
and houses as monuments to those who perished. Ban Khiri Wong is
considered a prototype of eco-tourism management and the place won
the 1998 Thailand Tourism Award in the city and community category.
The village is a good example of local people living in co-existence
with nature. Residents have developed tourism services to be a new
business for the area through the Eco-tourism Club, a central organization
that delegates responsibilities to groups in the community to create
cooperation. The services include trekking tours, porters and homestay
programs. Tourists can appreciate the way of life here all year
round, with the most attractive time during July to September when
fruits are on sale. Trekking up Khao Luang must start at Ban Khiri
Wong. One can get to the village by taking a mini-bus from Talat
Yao. Buses depart from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. The fare is 17 baht. Alternatively,
one can drive on the Amphoe Mueang-Lan Saka route for 26 kilometres.
The sign pointing to the village is at the 20-km marker on the right.
For more information, contact the Tambon Kamlon Administration Office
at tel. 0-7530-9010.
Karom waterfall
Karom waterfall is 9 kilometres from the city. Take Highway
No. 4016, then turn left onto Highway No. 4015 for 20 kilometres,
and the entrance to the waterfall will be on the right. The waterfall
originated in the Nakhon Si Thammarat mountain range and cascades
down 19 levels, with names like Nan Phung, Nan Nam Ruang, Nan Dat
Fa, and Nan Soi Dao (the highest level at 1,300-1,400 metres). Kings
and royal family members have visited this waterfall, as evidenced
by the initials of King Rama V and King Rama VI carved there.
Khao Luang National Park
 Khao
Luang National Park covers Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Phipun, Amphoe Phrom
Khiri, Amphoe Lan Saka, Amphoe Chawang, King Amphoe Chang Klang,
and King Amphoe Nop Phitam. Having a land area of 597 square kilometres,
it was declared a national park on December 18, 1974. The park has
a winding mountain range, with the Khao Luang peak the highest of
the peaks in southern Thailand at 1,835 metres above sea level.
It is the watershed of more than 15 streams and rivers. The park’s
rainforest is home to a multitude of tropical flora and fauna. There
is a route that takes visitors around the park to see unspoiled
natural scenery, the variety of wildlife and rare animal and plant
species, some of which can only be found in the park. The beauty
and completeness of the park, its fascinating nature, the park’s
efforts to encourage the local community and tourists to be aware
of the importance of nature, and its excellent tourist service system
have all combined to help the park win the 1998 Thailand Tourism
Award in the natural destination category. For more information
and accommodation bookings, please contact Khao Luang National Park
at Karom waterfall, Tambon Khao Kaeo, P.O. Box 51, Amphoe Muang,
Nakhon Si Thammarat 80000, tel. 0- 7530-9047.
Khao Luang peak
Khao Luang peak features a trekking activity to enjoy nature
on the Ban Khiri Wong-Khao Luang peak route. The normal trekking
time is 2 nights and 3 days. Permission can be obtained from Khao
Luang National Park and Tambon Kamlon Administration Office, who
facilitates the trek and provide coordinating activities with the
communities who provide the eco-tourism services. Treks are normally
organized for groups of 10. The best time for this is from January
to June.
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