Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Ban Thi Po Chi

Another Karen village situated in the middle of a scenic forest. The houses in Thi Po Chi are made of natural materials such as logs and leaves within the serene natural environment. For more information, call the TAT Office in Tak Province at 05 551 4341-3.

Namtok Sepla

This medium-size waterfall is located in the area of Ban Sepla, Tambon Mae Lamung. The unique feature of the waterfall which has a width of about 10 meters and a length of about 50 meters lies in its cascading tiers with water flowing over a limestone cliff down several tiers.

Namtok Thi Lo Cho (Falling Rain Waterfall)

Located approximately 3 kilometers from Umphang along the Umphang-Ban Palatha route, Thi Lo Cho is an 80-meter high medium-sized waterfall. Its first tier, located on a high cliff, has a stream of water that flows to the second tier which then flows down to Maenam Mae Klong. The name Thi Lo Cho is derived from the fact thath the stream, when flowing down to the rocks below, sprinkles like rain all year round. The surrounding areas of Namtok Thi Lo Cho are covered with green moss and ferns.

Namtok Thi Lo Re

A newly-developed tourist attraction, Namtok Thi Lo Re is also situated in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary (declared by the UNESCO as a world heritage in 1999). Thi Lo Rae differs from other Thi Lo waterfalls in that it is the only waterfall that runs down to the rock.

To get there from Mae Sot, take a left turn to enter Highway No. 1090 (Mae Sot-Umphang) and proceed for 164 kilometers. The trip takes approximately 4-5 hours.

Namtok Thi Lo Rae is accessible by rafting along Maenam Mae Klong. Visitors can choose to travel from Umphang to the Karen village either by car or raft, then staying overnight there and continuing the journey by raft. For those who consider rafting a relaxing activity, please note that it's a 2-day rafting trip. Although it's highly recommended to travel during November-January, please call the TAT Office in Tak Province (Tel: 05 5

Tham Takhobi

A spacious cave naturally and beautifully decorated with stalagmites and stalactites is located in Ban Mae Klong Mai, approximately 3 kilometers from Umphang. The cave itself is 3 kilometers deep with a large chamber inside the cave with a walkway connecting to Ban Mae Klong Mai.

Shrine of King Taksin the Great

Located near the Tak TAT office, at the intersection of Charojwithithong Road and Mahatthai Bamrung Road, the Shrine houses Tak's most famous statue of King Taksin the Great. The Shrine was established in 1947 to honor King Taksin the Great who, as a designated ruler of Tak, successfully defeated the Burmese invasion of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. During his reign, he moved the capital from Phra Nakon Si Ayutthaya to the bank side of Maenam Chao Praya and named it Krung Thonburi. That is why his statue, which is in the sitting position with a sword lying across his lap, has the following inscription at the base Phra Chao Taksin of Krung Thonburi. The site is also a center of an annual celebration during December 28 January 3.

Taksin Maharat National Park

This national park is located at tambon Mae Tor and Pa Wor, 2 kilometers off of the km. 26 marker on the Tak-Mae Sot Highway No. 105. The Park was previously known as Krabak Yai National Park, after the name of Thailand's record-holding tree which has a height of 50 meters and a circumference of 16 meters. With an area of 37,250 acres comprised mostly of high-altitude mountains, the park features several stunning attractions including the nine-tiered Nam Tok Mae Ya Pa, a natural stone bridge and giant Kabak trees. The stone bridge is a 25-meter high stone strip that bridges two cliffs with a brook flowing below the bridge. Approximately 78.5 meters further from the cliff is a cave with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Bird lovers, should not miss the opportunity to see both resident and migratory birds in the park.