1 Day Trip to Nakhon Nayok, a Dream City Near Bangkok

I have 3 days off, but I'm swamped with freelance work and paperwork. I've decided to work instead. Everyone keeps asking me if I'm going anywhere. The urge to travel suddenly arises again. I have 3 days off, I've worked in the room for 1 day, I still have 2 days left.

After finishing cleaning my room on the first day of my break, I sat down to think around midnight. I decided to take a one-day road trip, but I couldn't go too far because of the long weekend crowds. I didn't want to fight for attractions and accommodations, and I didn't want to be surrounded by people while taking pictures. Nearby provinces around Bangkok came to mind. This time, I decided on a one-day trip on Saturday and rest on Sunday. It's the perfect balance.

I'm not very familiar with tourist attractions near Bangkok. I've been looking for information for a long time.

Jack's challenge was to find a beautiful view to capture in a photograph, preferably in a mountainous forest. The reason for this was...

My kind brother lent me his wide Canon 10-22 lens, so I wanted to go out and take some scenic photos.

Wherever you go, the seven maidens waterfall in Saraburi is interesting. It's risky with a lot of people because taking pictures of the waterfall with people around doesn't look good, right? In Nakhon Nayok, there is the Phra Phikanes Park, which houses the world's largest Phra Phikanes statue in the posture of enjoying happiness!

There are many waterfalls, such as Sarika, Wang Takrai, and Nang Rong, but we won't go there. It's sure to be crowded. The Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam is also interesting.

We decided to go and pray to Ganesha and then enjoy the view of the dam ridge. From the information I found, it seems interesting. The view is beautiful.

2 is enough. Leaving Bangkok in the late morning, our destination is only 2 places. Relax, no need to rush. Along the way, stop by the pump to buy snacks, eat rice, drive very chill. Because in the end, I want to go to the dam in the late afternoon. Wait to watch the sunset.

Driving out with a heavy heart, the sky is gray 5555

The Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok route (Highway 305) is straightforward. Just follow the signs for Sarika Waterfall and Nang Rong Waterfall. There is some traffic, but it's manageable. Drive along the route, passing Khlong Thom Market and Indochina Market.

Sure, here is the translation:

Let's just keep going.

After passing the Indochina Market, you will find a fork in the road with signs for Wat Khao Daeng and Phra Phikanes Park. Turn left at the sign and drive a little further. You will arrive at the destination. There is convenient parking available. Upon arrival, the sky is clear.

Upon entering, you will be greeted by the image of Ganesha in his Kanipadi form.

Let's pay respect and ask for blessings first. Incense, flowers, and offerings are available.

Light incense and make a wish in front of the statue. Then, hold the garland and offerings and walk around the statue three times.

In front of the temple, there is a statue of a mouse. It is believed that the mouse is a servant of Ganesha. We can whisper our wishes into the mouse's ear, as if to remind Ganesha of our requests.

There is also forehead anointing. There are a lot of people queuing.

Behind the reclining Ganesha statue, granting blessings.

Lots of pictures, hehe.

There are shops selling food and souvenirs as well.

Let's take a break first. It's soooo hot.

Jack has been here for a long time, as I said. I want to go to the dam in the late afternoon so I can take pictures of the sunset.

After capturing the beauty of the Phra Phikanes Park, we continued our journey. Exiting the park, we turned left onto the main road, following the signs. No need to worry about getting lost, as there were signs guiding us all the way.

The road up to the dam is congested. There are a lot of people going up. It's normal on a long weekend. Everyone is going out to travel.

It takes a while to reach the top of the dam. The view from above is stunning. There is a boat service that takes you to see the waterfall inside the dam. There will be a lot of pictures, so I'll let the pictures tell the story.

Information: Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam

The Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, formerly known as the Khlong Tha Dan Dam, is located in Ban Tha Dan, Hin Tang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Nayok Province. It was built according to the royal initiative of His Majesty the King to store water during the rainy season for use during the dry season and to control flooding of houses, rice fields, and agricultural areas during the rainy season. It was built over the original Tha Dan Weir.

The Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam consists of a main dam and a secondary dam built with compacted concrete. Currently, it is the longest compacted concrete dam in the world, with a total length of 2,720 meters and a height of

(Maximum) 93 meters, receiving water flowing from Khao Yai National Park through Haew Narok Waterfall into the reservoir, with a capacity of 224 million cubic meters, providing water for agriculture, consumption, and use.

The acidic soil problem has been solved by turning it into a fish breeding ground and flood mitigation area. It has also become a new tourist attraction in Nakhon Nayok, where tourists can enjoy the view of Khao Yai National Park from the dam crest.

The front view of the dam and the view of Nakhon Nayok city behind the dam can be seen. In the future, there is a project to build artificial rapids for tourism and sports. And it is an international slalom course.

This will be the only one in the region. If the artificial rapids are completed, it will create tourism activities and generate more income for tourism operators in Nakhon Nayok province.

Tourists can enjoy the view from the top of the dam, where they can see the city of Nakhon Nayok and Khao Yai National Park.

You can also rent a long-tailed boat to see the waterfalls deep inside the dam's reservoir.

Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khun_Dan_Prakarnchon_Dam

This side is Khao Yai.

Boat service fee. It's a bit dark, I took it on the way back.

Photo from a 50mm f/1.8 lens, blurring the blades of grass.

Walk to the end of the long dam, but we cannot walk all the way. There will be a barrier. If we want to see the long dam, there is a car service here.

The sky is on our side.

Sit and enjoy the breeze and the view for a while, waiting to watch the sunset.

This side is behind the dam, you can see the view of Nakhon Nayok city.

Watching with pleasure.

After the sun sets, the moon begins to rise.

The light is gone, let's go back.

Jack's day was well-organized, with a perfect balance of work, leisure, and capturing beautiful photos during the long weekend.

You don't have to go far, hehe. Or if you have limited time, are tired of the capital, and want to relax and experience nature with fresh air, Nakhon Nayok is another interesting province.

Please also visit Jack's photography page to get to know him better. https://www.facebook.com/jackrockerphotographer