speleo

When new airport opens (providing roads are not jammed up!) is this going to cut journey time to pattaya if so by how much? anyone know?

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Yes, considerably; It's SE of BKK. I don't know about time but would guess max. 45/60 mins.

LaoPo

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Drove from Pattaya to Don Muang airport a few weeks back, going past the new airport. You will save about 45 mins on your the journey time to Pattaya when the airport opens. If you drive through the construction site beware as the road layout is &lt;deleted&gt; lethal with flyovers, junctions and lanes appearing and disappearing without warning i.e it is like all other Thai roadworks.

I'm trying to locate an elephant camp or reserve, in the Phetchabun or Phichit areas, where elephants are trained and cared for, and where people may be able to pay for an elephant ride.

Several friends and family have indicated they may be coming over for a visit, and I want to give them an unique, interesting and enjoyable central Thailand experience. I thought this might be one option.

Any thoughts or ideas ???

PS. Has anyone been to any of the national parks on the north side of Phetchabun. I heard there was a lot of interesting things to see there, but any first hand knowledge would be helpful.

TIA!

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Ok, let's try that again with some text.........

Just back from 4 weeks in Lom Sak, northern Phetchabun.

As far as I know there aren't any elephant trekking outfits in the Phetchabun area. The national parks I have visited are:

Nam Nao National Park: main HQ off highway 12 between Lom Sak and Chumphae. Didn't charge the 200 baht farang tax for entry, only Thai entry fee. Some waymarked nature trails and walks from the HQ. At the northern edge of the park is Tham Yai Nam Nao, a 9. 5km long cave with the first 500m open to the public. There are Park rangers to give guided tours. If you are feeling adventurous the rangers will take you past the end of the showcave, but you will get a bit muddy (couple of short crawls). This northern end of the park is home to wild elephants - came across lots of evidence while trekking in the area and a couple of elephants were seen.

Khao Kho National Park: very popular with the Thais. Deforested hills with a couple of waterfalls, royal palace, etc.

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park: drive up from the Lom Sak side is great fun. Gentler drive up from the west. 200 baht entry charged. Old commie controlled area. Museum, displays, etc. Quite a bit of jungle.

Thung Salaeng National Park: Haven't visited the main part of the park reached from highway 12 between Lom Sak and Phitsanulok, only the western edge near Ban Chomphu. Main HQ looks to be quite a big place with the usual foodstalls, etc.

I'm trying to locate an elephant camp or reserve, in the Phetchabun or Phichit areas, where elephants are trained and cared for, and where people may be able to pay for an elephant ride.

Several friends and family have indicated they may be coming over for a visit, and I want to give them an unique, interesting and enjoyable central Thailand experience. I thought this might be one option.

Any thoughts or ideas ???

PS. Has anyone been to any of the national parks on the north side of Phetchabun. I heard there was a lot of interesting things to see there, but any first hand knowledge would be helpful.

TIA!

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