Khao Nang phanturat National Park

Inspired by Thai much-loved folk tales, Khao Nang Phanturat National Park is a living historical site that is dear to the people of Phetchaburi. The park is opened in 1999 as part of the Khao Nang Phanturat Royal Initiative project for natural resourced conservation when their Majesties the King and the Queen traveled on a helicopter and passed over Khao Chao Lai (Khao Nang Phanturat) and saw the unique geography a huge rock that looked like a woman lying down, the soil was much eroded by rainfall. So their Majesties wished the site to be restored and preserved. With the story from Thai folk tale, the park became a popular study site.

The nature study route features many interesting stops inspired by the story of Phra Sang Thong. The first one is called Phanturat crematory field and Phanturat’s mirror which are a few hundred meters away from the main office. People often come to pay respect to the chedi-like location and ask for a son. Next location is Glass Slippers Field and Phra Sang’s Pond of which the walkway is steeper and narrower. Tourists can sis down in the open field full of golden bamboo leaves. The aerial photography shows the hill that looks like glass slippers. Phra Sang’s Pond is a deep abysse believed to be the place where Phra Sang soaks in gold water to camouflage himself from his stepmother Phanturat. The cliff overlooks the houses of villagers and Cha Am beach. Kho Chang, the next stop, is actually a limestone walking path that looks like the Great Wall in China, Ma Yom Cave is full of stalagmite and exotic plants as well as a giant boa tree. It is a place where bats gather so villagers com and take bats’ waste to sell it in the market.

After walking down from Ma Yom Cave, tourists can enjoy a view of wild life including a hog deer and exotic birds.The story of Phra Sang Thong plays a major part in bonding the local to this historical heritage. It helps boost up the spirit of conservation so that the place can live and tell its intriguing story to the younger generation.

Khao Nang Phanturat National Park Phetchaburi ProvinceLocal dining places are located not far away from Cha Am. On the way back to the city, you may want to try Ratchaburi/Nakhon Pathom route where you can find a 24-hour local market that offers a variety of local treats with inexpensive price.