National Parks Near Chaiyaphun

[Sunny10]

I've travelled through Chaiyaphun several times on my way to Nong Khai for the visa run, taking the 225 mountain road from Phetchabun, I've noticed several signs for national parks but never stopped because its always been too late in the day and all I can see from the road is baron farm land.

Anyone been to the parks and are they worth a visit? Its a good 100km drive from my home so wouldn't like to go and be dissapointed.

[Korat Correct]

Sunny10

The obvious thing to do is to stop in Chaiyaphum overnight. There are some nice hotels and a Tesco.

The hilly terrain is a pleasant change from the flat Issan lands and well worth a visit. There are waterfalls, some free to view and hilltop views worth a walk for.

I think the place has alot going for it.

[Sunny10]

Thanks, yes I have been through Chaiyaphum and it looks like a nice little city, more to see than whats in Phetchabun city.

[lopburi3]

I am sure we did not see the best of Chaiyaphum but the one night we stayed there the large open air restaurant we chose was subject to a sand storm so the food was not that great - we also seemed to be the only customers which is not a good sign but didn't notice any customers anywhere else in a short drive around. Upon return to hotel in city center heard several local gangsters about to go at it for some reason or other (only about 8PM but obviously late enough to be drunk) just below us. Did get the police to allow us to park in no parking area earlier where they will pulling over cycles so we could pay respects to city father. Did not notice the Lotus but was not looking for it. Morning ABF at hotel was really not very good and a waitress that said items on menu were not available there, were, and proceeded to get all five orders wrong. We really were not expecting much and I would say that is what we found. But I also know there are probably many positive points, places and people there. We just didn't find them in our short visit.

[koratsteve]

Sunny10

The obvious thing to do is to stop in Chaiyaphum overnight. There are some nice hotels and a Tesco.

The hilly terrain is a pleasant change from the flat Issan lands and well worth a visit. There are waterfalls, some free to view and hilltop views worth a walk for.

I think the place has alot going for it.

Having a Tesco would be a good reason not to visit a place in my book.

That said I have been to the National park that is about 15 km north of the city, I think it is called Taton or something like that, It is very nice and quite, there is a very nice waterfall which has food stalls near buy which will rent you a large mats and ice buckets etc so you can hike to the waterfall and have a picnic, there are also some bungalows inside the park by the river that you can rent, well worth a look.

[Neeranam]

Pu Kieow is beautiful, near Jiriporn Dam, with a great golf course.

Pu Krading is also very nice.