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Chet Khot-Pong Konsao Ecological Tourism And Nature Study Centre

Chet Khot-Pong Konsao Ecological Tourism And Nature Study Centre

Chet Khot-Pong Kon Sao Nature and Ecotourism Study Centre covers an area of 13,750 rai and is situated in Tha Maprang Sub-district. It is abundant with a biodiversity of both plants and animals. It is next to the west part of Khao Yai national park and comprises many kinds of forests such as dry evergreen forest, moist evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest and savanna that together create a variety of plants. It is also an origin of many waterfalls in the area. Plants in this area are herbs such as Phaya Mi Rit, Ma Krathuep Rong, Kwao Khruea, medicinal plants, as well as, various kinds of mushrooms such as cup fungi. Animals living in this compound are wild elephants, gaurs, bears, deer, barking deer, loris, mouse deer, wild boar and approximately 158 kinds of birds such as barbets, woodpeckers, red-wattled lapwings, bulbuls, blue magpies, etc. flying across between the centre and Khao Yai. From the office, there are trekking routes to waterfalls which can be divided into rounds. For example, Small Round (Namtok Chet Khot Nuea), being a distance of 12 kilometres and taking approximately 1 hour. The fee is 150 Baht/ 1 guide/ 10 tourists. Medium Round (Namtok Chet Khot Nuea, Klang, Tai) Namtok Chet Khot Nuea is a 4-tiered waterfall, surrounded by a bamboo forest. In December, there are flowers blooming along the path of the brook to the waterfall. Trekking southward along Chet Khot Brook for 150 metres, Namtok Chet Khot Klang will be discovered. It is a 1-tiered waterfall with a large basin in which visitors can swim. Go further for approximately 150 metres visitors will arrive at Namtok Chet Khot Tai. It is a beautiful 1-tiered waterfall with a height of 40 metres. The water from this waterfall will drop vertically to the Chet Khot Brook, on which both sides lie various kinds of plants such as Ueang Mai Na, Phanom Sawan, Khrai Nam, ferns like Foen Kan Dam and Kratae Tai Mai, etc. as well as, a variety of animals such as spiny rock crabs, dragon flies, and butterflies in many colours. The distance is 3 kilometres and takes approximately 2.5 hours to get there. The fee is 200 Baht. Big Round (Namtok Chet Khot Nuea, Klang, Tai and Namtok Chet Khot Yai) is the most beautiful route. Namtok Chet Khot Yai will be full of water all year round, while others will have water only during the rainy season. This route is a 4-kilometre walk and takes approximately 4 hours. The fee is 300 Baht. There are routes connecting to other waterfalls such as Namtok Khao Raet which can be stayed overnight. The distance to get there is 6 kilometres with a 400-Baht fee. Namtok Krok I Dok is a very beautiful waterfall with 7 tiers or more than 350 metres high. It is appropriate for adventure lovers because they will have to walk to the waterfall and the accessible path is quite rough. It takes 7-8 hours to get there. Tourists have to prepare the necessary equipment and be healthy. However, it is worth the walk because Namtok Krok I Dok, especially the 6th and 7th tiers are very beautiful. The starting point of this route is at Ban Tako Dan, approximately 20 kilometres from the centre. Visitors have to arrive at the centre before 7 o’clock in order to stay overnight. The fee is 400 Baht. Nature Study Routes, there are 3 overall. The first route is from the sightseeing spot located 12 kilometres from the centre. It is a place where the scenery of the sunset can be admired. From the spot to Sap Pa Wan Reservoir is 1.5 kilometres and takes 1.5 hours. The second route is from Sap Pa Wan Reservoir to Hin Dat Waterfall which is one tier but wide and surrounded with beautiful flowers such as orchids like Lin Mangkon (Habenaria rhodocheila), Dok Thian (Balsamina), etc. Then, continue to Namtok Khlong Phak Nam and return to the reservoir. The overall distance is 4 kilometres and takes 4 hours. The third route is from Sap Pa Wan Reservoir to Namtok Chet Khot Nuea, Klang and Tai and return to Sap Pa Wan Reservoir. The overall distance is 4 kilometres and takes 4 hours. Other waterfalls found in the area and nearby are differently splendid. Significant ones are as follows: Namtok Khao Khaep, a 7-tiered waterfall with a height of 30 metres. It is very attractive. The water passage is small, therefore, the water falls in line and hits the stones below, creating splashes. The basin for the waterfall is big and deep containing emerald-green water. Namtok Krok Fa Phanang is near Namtok Krok I Dok with a height of 20 metres. It is a steep cliff appropriate for those who admire adventure. Namtok Sap Pa Wan is not too high. Its water originates from the reservoir of the project. It is appropriate to travel during the rainy season or the period when there is a lot of water because the water passage is safe from the mountain torrent and the trail is a plain and easy walk. At each tier of the waterfall, there is a relaxing rock terrace. Besides trekking, the centre also prepares an animal watching activity for 1 kilometre. Accommodation and Facilities: There are 21 houses and tents for rent for 200-300 Baht/ person/ night and sleeping bags for 50 Baht/ person/ night. Tourists have to prepare their own provisions –Starting a fire is prohibited but a picnic or charcoal stove is allowed. To get there: From Saraburi town, take Highway No. 2 – Mittraphap Road. Turn into the entrance of the centre which will be on the right side, opposite the Furukawa Co., Ltd. for 17 kilometres. There is a clear direction sign. For more information, please contact Chet Khot-Pong Kon Sao Natural and Ecotourism Study Centre, Mu 5, Tha Maprang Sub-district, Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi, at Tel. 08 5968 3520, 08 9237 8659 or Saraburi Provincial Forest Office, Na Phra Lan Sub-district, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Saraburi, at Tel. 0 3634 7105-6 Ext: 400, 501 during office hours.