Ramkhamhaeng National Park

Ramkhamhaeng National Park lies in Sukhothai Province in Lower Northern Thailand. It is known as Khao Luang by local people.

Understand
This national park covers 341 km². High hills and steep cliffs soar up to 1,200 metres above sea level. Waterfalls, and different species of plants and wildlife are some of the major attractions in this park. There are also archaeological and historical sites with ancient remains and relics.

History
It is named after Ramkhamhaeng the Great, the famous king of the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom.

Landscape
A mountain range runs from the north to the south over the plain.

Flora and fauna
Wildlife includes Banteng, Barking deer, Bear, Wild Boar, Alcedinidae, and Swallow.

The important plants within the forest include Teakwood, Iron Wood, Sharea obtuse, Ingrin, and herbs (Elephantopus scaber, Black Tulipwood, Cardwell lily, Schefflera leucantha, and Betula alnoides).

Climate
The temperature at Ramkhamhaeng National Park is between 12 – 14 °C on average, and the most pleasant time that you can relax with the climate here is between December to January. At the top of the mountain, it is cold all through the year, while the place is covered with the misty blanket in the winter and the rainy season.

The best period to visit the national park is from September to February.

By bus
Get on a local minivan or Song Thaeo around the Khiri Mat junction in Khiri Mat District. The prices range from 350-400 baht.

By car
If you drive from Bangkok, take the Highway No. 32 through Nakhon Sawan and take a left onto Highway No. 1 to Kamphaeng Phet. Then change to Highway No. 101 to Amphur Khiri Mat. Drive about 20 km. It is located at Km 414 before reaching the municipality.

Fees and permits
Opening hours: daily 08:30-17:00

Admission fee is 200 bath for adults and 100 baht for children (for Thai people, 40/20 baht).

See

 * Khao Luang mountain range. Khao Luang is composed of 4 mountain tops:
 * Narai Peak or also called “Pha Narai” (Narai Cliff) is the prettiest location to witness the sunrise over the Khao Luang. 1,160 meters high.
 * Phra Mae Ya Peak is 1,200 meters above the sea level.
 * Khao Phu Ga is also 1,200 meters above the sea level.
 * Khao Phra Chedi is 1,185 meters above the sea level.
 * Sai Rung Waterfall
 * Suan Lum or Suan Lumpiniwan botanic garden with lots of herbals plant in the foothills of Khao Luang. It is home to the Ramkhamheang National Park Office.
 * A savannah in the high country of the Khao Luang range
 * Sai Ngam (the Beautiful Banyan Tree). This is the largest Banyan tree in the world. It is an amazingly huge tree on the way to climb up to the peak of Khao Luang.

Do

 * A sign-posted nature trail starts from the national park office and passes the herb garden, dry evergreen forest, Sai Ngam (Banyan Tree), soil horizon, and stratum, and ends at Hin Rang Waterfall. The journey is approximately 3 km with about 2 hours for the trip.

Eat
Visitors have to bring food and essential equipment with them.

Sleep
Reservations for bungalows and tents can be made through the [htto:/www.dnp.go.th National Park Section] by. Bungalows and tents are available.