Hello there,

I am living in Bangkok and I would like to visit some nearby mountain or forest. I am not looking for something very special or beautiful, just a place with green where I can walk around and feel relaxed.

I've been told about these 2 national parks, and they look pretty nice to me, the question is how can I go there? Where to pick the mini van, and any othe advice is welcomed.

Also, Is there any other green place near the city? I don't need anything like a national park or too big, just a simple small forest would be ok :-)

Since you ask about Bangkok also, why don't we try this in the Bangkok forum? Let's see how that works, OK?

Khao Yai is beautiful....I live there....its only 2 to 2.5 hours from Bkk.

The other place seeing as you said NP not essential...just green....is that spot on the other side of the river....forget the name, but said to be Bkk's lung.......can catch a boat across and hire bikes over there I believe.

Thong Pha Phum is west of Kanchanaburi. You have to go to Kanchanaburi, then board a red, westbound bus at the bus station there, or on the side of the road anywhere on the highway going north, and then west, out of town. I have been to the town, but not to the National Park.

Khao Yai sounds like the place for you but it does take some doing to get there and by all means don't go over the weekend as it get very crowded. I'll assume you don't have a car so take the bus from Morchit to Pak Chong. When you get to Pak Chong you will be able to catch a bus/truck into the park. Once in the park you can procede to the camping area and rent a tent and equipment for the night. Lots of hiking trails. Their are two camp sites but I recommend you go to the second one.

Check this out:

http://gluckman.com/...0Geographic.pdf

Edit: I really like Kanchanaburi. Erawan water falls, several parks, the beautiful river (outside of town), 3 pagoda pass, the huge lake. You could spend a week there and not get bored. I'd rent a car to get around, or hire a driver for the day.

Thanks so much guys. I think I will start with Khao Yai :-)