About Nakhon Nayok
Nakhon Nayok lies about 116 km northeast of Bangkok, at the foot of the Khao Yai highlands. The provincial capital is small and quiet, but the surroundings are popular with Thai families at weekends. The area is known for its waterfalls, such as Sarika and Nang Rong, and for its fruit orchards. The Nakhon Nayok River meanders through the lowlands and invites rafting and kayaking in the rainy season. There is culture too: the museum at the Royal Military Academy tells of graduates who served the country. In the Khao Teen Kai valley you can go walking. The region is most attractive as a green escape from Bangkok or as a lead-in to Khao Yai. It is quiet on weekdays and busier at weekends and during holidays.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: dry and relatively cool. March to May is hot; June to October is the rainy season with the most rain around September. Ruins and markets are most pleasant early in the morning. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by bus or car (about 2 hours); the waterfalls outside town are best reached with your own transport. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Nakhon Nayok
- Waterfalls Sarika and Nang Rong are the best known; they carry the most water in the rainy season.
- Khao Teen Kai valley A mountain valley with walking options, reached via a local road.
- Military Academy museum The museum tells the history of the Royal Military Academy.
- Fruit tasting In season, stalls and orchards sell local fruit.
Nakhon Nayok on the map
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