Thailand international balloon festival

 

Thailand balloon festival in Khao Yai

Balloon festival

Earth, Wind & Fire are the principal organizers of Hot Air Balloon events and this year will  stage the fourth of the Thailand International Balloon Festival, the largest outdoor event in Thailand, hosting audiences of between 150,000 and 300,000 on site and watched by millions on Thailand’s TV channels.  Foreign media companies also feature the events.
A week of sport, excitement, fresh air and fun in the beautiful surroundings of Nakorn Nayok

Groups of enthusiasts are getting together to share their common interest in a particular sport, to display their talents, enroll others into their group and teach newcomers how to succeed in doing new sports or skills.
All the activities take place in one of the 4 elements, Earth, Water, Wind and Fire.
Held at Khao Yai (War Dog Battalion, Pak Chong), the event is expected to attract over 300,000 spectators to witness a colorful showcase of hot air balloons from all over the world, including the USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and Malaysia.

The first Festival, held in 2007, attracted over 150,000 Thai and foreign spectators and received wide coverage in all media.
Admission is free. Next event should be held 1st week of December.

More infos on Thailand balloon festival website

Khao Yai gallery

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Khao Yai Climate

Khao Yai  has three main seasons, with an annual mean temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, though this varies greatly with the seasons.

Rainy Season Is from May to October. During this season most days have high rates of precipitation. The atmosphere is humid with average temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius during the day dropping to 13 degrees Celsius at night. Good waterfalls for travelers.
Cold season Is from November to February. Clear skies, sunny and cool. Average temperatures of 22 degrees Celsius during the day and 10 degrees Celsius at night. Good time for hiking.
Hot Season Is from March to April. Humid with day temperatures of 20-30 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius at night.

Check Weather on Thai Meteorological Department

Phimai Boat races festival

Phimai Thai boat race festival in Nakhon ratchassima province

Boat race festival

Phimai Festival and Boat Races is held during Loy Kratong festivities.
The Dragon Boat racing festival has been taking place in Nakhon Ratchasima for over 100 years.

The festival features cultural performances, a procession depicting life in the Khmer period, a light-and-sound khmer show, traditional arts and craft stalls and exciting boat races.

These longboat races take place on the Mun River, a tributary of the Mekong, and are held at the same time as the Prasat Hin Phimai Festival and the national festival of Loy Kratong, usually in late October or early November.

Historical sites nearby

Phimai temple in korat, nakon ratchassima

Phimai Temple in Isan. photo@BillBradley

Phrasat Hin Phimai Temple

The Phimai historical park protects one of the most important Khmer temples of Thailand. It is located in the town of Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province, about 60 km from Khorat city.

The temple marks one end of the Ancient Khmer Highway from Angkor. As the enclosed area of 1020x580m is comparable with that of Angkor Wat, Phimai must have been an important city in the Khmer empire. Most buildings are from the late 11th to the late 12th century, built in the Baphuon, Bayon and Angkor Wat style. However, even though the Khmer at that time were Hindu, the temple was built as a Buddhist temple, as Buddhism in the Khorat area dated back to the 7th century. Inscriptions name the site Vimayapura (which means city of Vimaya), which developed into the Thai name Phimai

 

Phrasat Hin Phra Nom Rung

Phanumrung temple historical site in nakon ratchassima province

Phanumrung historical site

Prasat Hin Phanom Rung (Phanom Rung Stone Castle), is a Khmer temple complex set on the rim of an extinct volcano at 1,320 feet above sea level, in Buriram province in the Isan region of Thailand, about 120 km from Khorat city. It was built in sandstone and laterite in the 10th to 13th centuries. It was a Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva, and symbolises Mount Kailash, his heavenly dwelling. (Phanum Rung complex map)

Khao Chan Ngam Cave paintings

Located 44 km from Khorat, the cave is located on a back yard of  Wat Khao Chan Ngam. The cave paintings are dated from 3000 years ago. We can found there, paintings of men, women, children in various actions, such as sitting, dancing, standing with a dog, and firing arrow with bows.
The bodies themselves are clear to see with the calf section distinctively large.

Khao Yai National Park Map

Khao Yai national park orientation map

Khao Yai national park orientation map

Khao Yai Unesco World Heritage Forest Program

Animal & Birds watching in Khao Yai park


pictures@khao YaiNews.com News & Wildlife photography Khao Yai


Animal Observing

Khao Yai park is home for 112 species of mammals, 392 species of birds and 200 reptiles and amphibians. It is internationally important for the conservation of globally threatened and endangered mammal, bird and reptile species, among them 19 that are vulnerable, four that are endangered, and one that is critically endangered. The area contains substantial and important tropical forest ecosystems, which can provide a viable habitat for the long-term survival of these species.

Grasslands areas of the park are  covered in elephant and lalang grasses, which provide  opportunities to observe sambar and barking deer. There are also civets, pig-tailed macaques, the vulnerable Pileated Gibbon, white-handed gibbons, shrews, bats, Asiatic black bears,  wild dogs, fishing cats, hog badgers, binturong, Malayan sun bears, slow loris, mouse deer, gaur, serow, giant black squirrels, giant porcupines, hares, reticulated pythons, Siamese cobras, green tree vipers, monitor lizards, skinks, flying Draco lizards, clouded leopards, regular run-of-the-mill leopards, marbled cats and apparently even tigers, and one of Thailand’s largest herds of wild elephants roams the jungle and crosses its roads.

In the park guides can help visitors in sighting animals,  animal watching with parks staff at night is also possible.

Animal Observing Tower

Observing Tower is a place for travelers hiding themselves for observing animals. There are two towers enable from 06.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m. as follows
Nong Phug She Tower Locating near Nong Phug Shee pond which is the source of water for many kinds of animal, and walking about one kilometer from Km. 35-36 Thanarat Road, Nong Phug She Tower has vastly cogon grass field and salt lick for animal.
Mo Sing To Tower Locating near Mo Sing To pond which is the source of water for many kinds of animal, opposite reservoir up the hill from the headquarters and restaurants between 500 metre.

Birding Trail

Khao Yai is one of the best birding places. You can found over 390 species of resident and migratory birds, including: the endangered Spot-billed Pelican and critically endangered Greater Adjutant. Great and Wreathed hornbills, Barbets, Scarlet Minivet, Trogons, Broadbills, Pitas, Pigeons, Mountain scops-Owl, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Collared Owlet, Blue-winged leaf bird, Asian Fairy bluebird, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Green Magpie, 3 species of laughing thrush and many types of Bulbuls. In Khao Yai there is also  Silver Pheasants, Scaly breasted Partridges, Red Junglefowl and Siamese Fierback. Near the rivers and ponds we may find White-throated Kingfisher, Prinia, Zitting cisticola and many more.

You can found many of those around the park headquarters. Bird watching can also be done on the sides of the road and around the old golf course. Head out for Trail # 2 toward Khao Khiew mountain, where you will find evergreen forest above 1,000 m.

Observation towers at Nong Pak Chee or Mo Sing. Early morning is the best time to view the Great Hornbills, guar, and sometimes elephants. Gibbons are most active in the early morning.

At about 5:30 at night thousands of wrinkled lipped bats emerge from a cave 3 km outside the northern gate to begin night time feeding. The bats fly in a ribbon pattern across the sky.

Patience is needed,good binoculars and a bird guide help is best.

(source Department of national parks)

Links:
Check fantastic pics of Khao Yai wildlife  in Khao Yai news.com, a great website about wildlife photography by a group of nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
http://www.khaoyainews.com/

Treks & Hikings

our resort is located in khao yai, khao yai national park is listed as unesco world heritage site

Khao Yai view@kawpodmd

Remember if you walk a relatively long trail  inform the office ahead. For all overnight treks in the jungle you must inform the park office, and walk with a park’s ranger. Check the local weather forecasts and conditions before heading to a trek or hike in a park.

Trekking is the best way to enjoy parks in Asia such as Khao Yai to really spot wildlife and enjoy tropical forest.

Rainy season is one the best time to enjoy trekking in Thai national parks as well, nature is awake, and waterfalls runs fully as most of them would be very dry other parts of the year.

“Rainy season in Thailand runs between May to October, trekking through the forest during this time doesn’t drain much energy since the weather is not sweltering. But many people are unwilling to explore the jungle during the rainy time since the entire area is rather slippery and wet.  In evergreen forest it is fraught with blood-sucking leeches eagerly waiting ofr their victims. But all of these natural difficulties make the journey a memorable experience. Certainly obstacles scatter in every nook and cranny, but they will also bring them a challenging experiences. For a part of you enjoyable episode you should follow these recommendations.

1. To prevent water, always take a fly sheet that can serve as a temporary roof. Also bring a light-weight raincoat that can serve as the fly sheet in case of urgency. Cloths and other stuff should be put into plastic bags first before packing then in your backpack. Shoes made of Gore-tex material are suitable for trekking since they are 100% waterproof, hence making the shoes dry and ventilated well.

2. comfortable and lightweight clothes made from synthetic fiber are recommended. Cotton textile is unsuitable since it absorbs water and dries so slowly.

3. Search for perfect and safe location to make camp. do not make camp in a water course or under the canopy of big tree since broken twigs and branches might fall down. Beside fly sheet should be stretched out. Drainage ditches should be dug around the camping area.

4. Be careful of poisonous creatures like scorpions, centipedes and snakes. These animals always seek refuge in dry areas such as in the tents, sleeping bags and shoes. Please check thoroughly before using these stuff. sprinkling insecticides ( DDT is available in Thailand and work best) or lime powder around the tent setting might help.

All tourist should bear in mind that they all are responsible for keeping the natural world be just like before we step in.

Be careful while playing or swimming in a fall. Be accompanied while strolling around the area. Inform the officials if wanting to go trekking since getting lost in the jungle, falling down, being attacked by wild animals and hitting by swift rapids can occur at all time.”

Source: Department of national parks

And don’t forget to buy the trek and trails guidebook at the park headquarters for more informations about trails and options.

Trekking Trail
These trails involve one to three days trekking and camping around Khao Yai. For more information, refer to ‘Khao Yai National Park Trekking Trails and Adventure activities in and around Khao Yai’ guidebook. [Ask at the parks office to purchase a copy].

Hiking trail
There are 6 Hiking Trails which are about 2-8 kilometers and 1-5 hours of walking. Travelers have to ask for permission from the park’s officer before taking a trip.

Natural Trail
This trail, leading to Kong Kaeo Waterfall, includes interpretative information for those wishing to understand more about the forest they are visiting.
The Kong Kaew Nature Trail, which begins behind the Visitor’s Centre, introduces the hiker to the flora of Khao Yai. It can be walked comfortably
in a half hour along a trail that crosses a swinging bridge, runs along the riverbank and passes Kong Kaew Waterfall.

(source: Thai Department of Natural Parks)

Places of interest in the park, waterfalls

Watefalls in Khao Yai

Haeo Suwat watefall

This travel blog photo’s source is TravelPod page: I will jump from the falls like Leonardo

Khao Yai has 44 waterfalls that flow abundantly in the rainy season. Heo Narok (Heu Waterfall), the largest, drops 150 metres in three stages, the tallest being 60 metres.

Heo Suwat Waterfall (Namtok Heo Suwat)

This is a famous waterfall that cascades from a 20-meters high cliff. It was made world famous for being used as film location for the movie The Beach with Leonardo Di Caprio. The waterfall, which is located at the end of Thanarat Road and being accessible by car, is only 100 meters by foot from the parking lot or a 3-kilometer walk from Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall. Visitors can view the falls from a distant viewpoint that offers a high-angle view of the waterfall through the trees or from the waterfall itself. However, please note that in the rainy season the water flows rapidly and caution should be taken.
The Beach,  film locations

Kong Kaeol Waterfall (Namtok Kong Kaeol)

This is a low waterfall, which is especially lovely in the rainy season originated from Huay Lam Takhong that divides Nakhon Nayok and Nakhon Ratchasima Provinces. The waterfall can be reached by a walking distance of 100 meters from the tourist service center. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the waterfall or taking short nature trips on nearby nature trails.

Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall (Namtok Pha Kluai Mai)

This is a medium-sized waterfall in Huay Lam Takhong with two separate bodies of water flowing down rock levels to merge at the bottom. In the area visitors can find the Red Dendrobium orchid that is the symbol of the waterfall. The waterfall is about 7 kilometers from the park office and can be reached by car and on foot. In addition, there is a trail from the waterfall that leads to Heo Suwat Waterfall.


Heo Narok Waterfall (Namtok Heo Narok)

This is the largest and highest waterfall in the park with 3 levels. The first level is about 60 meters high and water from this level flows straight down to the second and third levels, with a total drop of at least 150 meters. The water has considerable strength in the rainy season and is quite dangerous, but refreshing, when it comes splashing down on rocks at the bottom. The area around the waterfall is the usual feeding grounds of wild elephants. There have been occasional accidents when elephants drop from the cliff and die. For a beautiful view of the waterfall, visitors can walk 1 kilometer from the main road to a viewpoint. The waterfall itself is located to the south of the Park Office on the way to Prachin Buri.

There are also other lesser waterfalls in the park like Namtok Mai Plon, Namtok Heo Sai and Namtok Heo Prathul.

Khao Yai Forest Complex, a Unesco World Heritage Site

Haeo Suwat waterfall in khao yai national park, nakkhon rachassima, Thailand

Haeo Suwat waterfall

Haeo Suwat waterfall in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand@Chris Huh

The Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex contains more than 800 fauna species, including 112 species of mammals, 392 species of birds and 200 reptiles and amphibians. It is internationally important for the conservation of globally threatened and endangered mammal, bird and reptile species that are recognized as being of outstanding universal value. This includes 1 critically endangered, 4 endangered and 19 vulnerable species.

The area contains the last substantial area of globally important tropical forest ecosystems of the Thailandian Monsoon Forest biogeographic province in northeast Thailand, which in turn can provide a viable area for long-term survival of endangered, globally important species, including tiger, elephant, leopard cat and banteng. The unique overlap of the range of two species of gibbon, including the vulnerable Pileated Gibbon, further adds to the global value of the complex.

In addition to the resident species the complex plays an important role for the conservation of migratory species, including the endangered Spot-billed Pelican and critically endangered Greater Adjutant.

National Park Admission fee :
Adult fee is  400 baht and Child  fee is 200 baht for foreigners, one car fee is 50 baht.

Useful Links:
Unesco- Khao Yai forest world heritage complex
World heritage forest program
1001wonders.org : visit this site in panophotographies – 360 x 180 degree images
View photos from OUR PLACE the world heritage collection