NATURAL ATTRACTIONS AND RECREATIONS
Increasing numbers of visitors now come to Thailand in search of nature and assorted
 recreational activities through which to enjoy it. These can be found in
many parts of the kingdom, from the cool mountains of the far north to
the spectacular seacoasts of the south, in such variety as to suit almost
every taste.
National Parks
More than 50 areas throughout the country have been designated as national
parks, most of them ideal for pursuits like camping and wildlife viewing.
Khao Yai National Park,
for instance, is a particular favorite with birdwatchers, who have
identified some 318 migrant and resident species. At least 25 native animals
can also be seen, among them elephants, gibbons, and mouse deer. Khao Yai,
 which sprawls into portions of Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin
Buri, and Saraburi provinces, was recently selected as an ASEAN Natural
Heritage Site.
Doi Inthanon National Park
in Chiang Mai, which includes Thailand's highest mountain (2,565 metres)
is another notable place to spot rare birds. More than 383 species have
been reported along its extensive hiking trails, especially during the
breeding season from February through April.
Phu Kradung,
in the northeastern province of Loci, has long been popular with compers.
The park consists of tableland rising between 1,200 and 1,500 metres, crowned
by a 60-square-kilometre plateau on which grow a wide variety of temperate-zone
plants. A number of wild animals have been spotted, as well as over a hundred
 bird species, including many uncommon winter visitors.
Kaeng Krachan,
in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces, is Thailand’s largest
national park but still relatively unknown. Some 40 kinds of mammals live
in its 2,920 square kilometres, such as the Malayan sun bear and the clouded
leopard, and birdwatchers can look for more than 250 confirmed species,
among them great hombills and grey peacocks.
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
in Uthai Thailand Tak provinces, was added to the list of World
heritage sites in 1991. Its more than 95 kinds of mammals include
several rare species seldom seen elsewhere and it also provides protection
for some 365 bird species. Most of Thailand's national parks have some
sort of accommodation for visitors, generally in the form of a simple lodge
or bungalows ;guides and camping sites are also often available,
 though equipment must usually be hired from a nearby town. Forfrservations
and further information contact the National Park Division of the Royal
Forestry department in Bangkok on Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok , tel (02)579-4842,579-0529,579-5269,561-4292-3,
ext .724 or 725 ; FAX 662 579-2791
Nature Sports and Adventures
Both in its national parks and else where, Thailand offers a wide range
of unforgettable activities for those who want a bit of adventure along
with their discovery of natural beauty . here are some of the most popular;
Trekking
The main trekking centres are Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the
north, where numerous companies have been established to meet the
growing demand. A dozen or so different standard tours are offered at prices
 that vary according to the distance covered and the number of people who
sign up for likes along mountainous trails in the region where Thailand
borders Myanmar and laos and where colourful tribal groups make their home.
Trekkers joining such a tourare advised to shop around before arriving
at a decision , to make sure of sights, services, and accommodations
included. Contact TATs Chiang Mai office for recommended trekking forms
(Tel :(053)248604,248607)
The far south also offers hiking opportunities at places like
Khao Sak National Park in Surat thani province, a nature reserve that includes
waterfalls, cavers, and a huge reservoir dotted with over 100 is lands,
Thoung some national parks like Khao yai and Phu Kradung have marked trails
for hikers, most do not and therefore hiring a guide is a dvisable
even for experienced trekkers. Contact the National Park division of the
Royal Forestry Department (address above)for information on this
 Elephant Riding
The Thai Government has called a halt to once-extensive
logging, but elephants trained to work in the industry are still
very much a part of the scenery, especially in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai,
and Kanchanaburi. Exciting elephant rides through the jugle, supervised
by skilled attenddants, are available in such places for varying lengths
of time, froma few hours to a full day.
Bird Watching
Birdwatching has become a popular activity among
nature lovers who visit Thailand, thanks to the presence of some 915 species.
These include both resident species and rare migrants which are particularly
widespread during the winter months. Wat Phai Lom on the Chao Phraya River
in Pathum Thani province near Bangkok , for example , is a nesting
spot for the Asian Openbill Stork (Anas-tomus oscitous) between November
 and April. Tther good places for spotting a wide variety of species
are located near Chiang Mai in the north , Khao Yai National Park on the
edge of the Northeastern plateau, and in the southern region.
There are several bird-watching groups led
by Thai experts, For further information, contact Friends of Nature-Ecotours(670/437
Soi Royal River Hotel, Charansanitwong Road , Bangkok. Tel:(662)433-4166,
433-6448 , Fax:(622) 433-6448)
Rafting
Cruising along one of the several rivers that wind through the far
north on a bamboo raft is a memorable way of enjoying the region's natural
scenery . Particularly popular for this form of recreation are the Mae
Nam Taeng , a aTributary of the Ping River in Chiang Mai; the Pai river
in Mae Hong Son , near the Burmese border; and Chiang Rai's Kok River,
which eventually empties into the mighty Mekong.
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