Phu Laen Kha National Park

With nearly 37,000 acres of land covering four districts (Mueang, Ban Khwao, Nong Bua Daeng and Kaset Sombun), this national park has a variety of terrain. There is a mountain range with both dense jungles and timber forests which serve as the watershed of streams that run into the Chi River. Cliffs, mountain ridges, stone terraces, and strange rock formations are fascinating sights, and visits between May and December are especially recommended for nature studies. Within the forest are nature trails such as those passing through: Pa Hin Ngam Chan Daeng (an expansive stone terrace with rare rock formations), Phu Khi (a high=altitude mountain summit that is cool year-round), Pa Hin Ngam Thung Khlong Chang flower field (where Dok Krachiao blooms crop up between May and July), Pa HinPrasat Viewpoint, and cliffs such as Pha Phae (with colorful rock layers.) To get there, from the center of Chaiyaphum town, take Highway No. 2051 for approximately 6 kilometres and turn left into Highway No. 2159 toward Nong Bua Daeng for 26 kilometres. The Office of the National Park is on the left side of the road. There are Chaiyaphum-Nong Bua Daeng minibuses passing in front of the Office of the National Park. Admission fee is 100 bath for adults and 50 bath for children. For more information, please contact the Phu Laen Kha National Park, Tambon Huain Ton, Amphoe Mueang, Chaiyaphum, at 0 4481 0902-3, or the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Departmentat 0 2562 0760, or at www.dnp.go.th.