KHAO YAI

KHAO YAI.. Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's second largest, covering 2,168 sq km, encompassing 11 districts and 4 provinces; Sara Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachin Buri, and Nakhon Nayok. It was Thailand's first National Park, and was established on September 18, 1962. The park encompasses a wide variety of habitats, including evergreen forests and grasslands. There are also several mountains as tall as a 1,000 m inculuding Khao Khieo. It is host to almost 2,500 plant species, 67 different kinds of mammals and over 300 species of birds. The abundant wildlife includes many endangered mammals such as elephants, gibbons, tigers, leopards and Malaysian Sun bears. The entire area is criss-crossed by hiking trails, ranging in length from one and a half to eight km In addition, there are many waterfalls, the tallest and most spectacular of which is Haew Narok at 80 m Another waterfall, Haeo Suwat, is located along the upper reaches of the Lam Takhong River.