Siam Society is organising a journey to experience the harmony of art and nature in Khao Yai, Thailand's first National Park, from Nov 26-28.
Situated in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range and covering 11 districts in four provinces -- Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachin Buri and Nakhon Nayok -- Khao Yai National Park is a part of the 6,152km² of land that forms the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, which became Unesco's 184th Natural World Heritage site in 2005.
Khao Yai's location in the mountains on the edge of Thailand's northeastern plateau lends itself to significant watershed as it receives rainfall from the monsoon winds coming from both the Andaman and the South China Sea. Many waterways in the region trace their origin to Khao Yai, including the Nakhon Nayok and Mun rivers.
Visitors will be captivated by its botanical and topographical diversity. Most of its 2,000km² forest area consists of expansive grasslands and many types of primary rainforest, such as dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, mountain rainforest and tropical rainforest -- each of which is the habitat of a large variety of flora, fauna and wildlife.
In terms of topography, the area is a complex of mountains, formed by water-eroded volcanic and sedimentary rocks.
The three-day trip will take participants to PB Valley Khao Yai Winery for wine tasting and to Khao Yai National Park for trekking through nature trails and areas of forest. The last day will include a drive through the national park with a stopover at Haew Narok Waterfall.
The fee is 22,500 baht (21,000 baht for members). Email supanut@thesiamsociety.org or call 02-661-6470--3 ext 504 and 506.
