Thung Salaeng Luang
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is a source of pride for the people of Song Kwae. Its scenic 789,000 rai of land bridges Phitsanulolk and Phetchabun provinces, and its abundance of rolling hills and grassy fields has made the park a popular spot among trekkers and adventurers.
How to get there
From Bangkok, Phitsanulok is a 377kilometre drive along the main highway. Follow the Phitsanulok-Lomsak route to Highway 12. The National Park Office is at km 80.
Where to visit - When to visit
Tung Salaeng Luang, a wide savanna-like field 60 kilometres from the park office, is an ideal site for camping, as is Noen Son Field slightly further on. The fertile palm forest of Tung Phaya, 12 kilometres past Tung Salaeng Luang, is also a popular attraction. Nearby is Kaeng Sopha Waterfall. This 3-tiered waterfall surrounded by wild flowers has been dubbed Thailand's Niagara Falls. Food, parking, and toilet facilities are available at km. 71-72 on Phitsanulok-Lomsak Road. The best time to visit is between November and February as the weather is cool and wild flowers, such as little silver stars, are in full bloom.
Where to stay - Where to eat
Bungalows and tents are available within the national park. For more information, please contact the National Parks Division, tel. 5 7 9 0529. The fee for camping is 10 baht per person. A camp fire service is also provided for 100 baht per camp fire. Electricity is available between 8.30 - 22.00 hours. In the city, there are several comfortable hotels on both Phaya Lithai Road and Phaong Dam Road. More luxurious hotels are available on Pha-ong Road, Chao Phaya Road, and Sri Dham Triphidok Road, and many resorts are located along Phitsanulok-Lomsak Road. The city night market near the river offers tasty stir-fried morning glory. For a memorable atmosphere, Song Kwae's floating restaurant is located off Phuttabucha Road. Tien Thong Moo Jun Restaurant on Phitsanulok-Lomsak Road beside Borom Trailokanat Campus prepares a delicious moo jum kor moo yang (grilled pork with spicy soup). Also recommended is the spicy mushroom salad at Rainforest Resort, 44 kilometres down the main highway.
Souvenirs
Kruay Tak Bang Kratum, honey-preserved bananas from Bang Kratum, is a must when visiting Phitsanulok. Other local treats include naem, a preserved pork sausage stuffed with rice, pork, garlic and chilli, and authentic nam pla (fish sauce) from Bang Rakam. Mai kwad, colourful blooms made from local grass flowers, are available from Ban Najan in Chart Trakan District.
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