Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Amphoe Khlong Thom


Emerald Pool
This hot spring originates from a warm stream in the lowland forest of Khao Nor Juji which is supposedly Thailand’s last piece of virgin and fertile forest. The intensity of the pool’s turquoise colored water varies according to the light and time of the day so visitors determined to see the real emerald color should plan to visit at dawn or early in the morning. The pool, which can be visited all year round, charges and entrance fee of 20 bahts. To get there, take Highway No. 4 to Khlong Thom District, then turn left to Route No. 4038 to Lam Hap Sub-district. The Emerald pool is located along the way, with clear signs posted.


Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary
Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Ban Bang Tiao, 18 kilometers from Amphoe Khlong Thom. Major attractions in this Sanctuary include a 2.7-kilometer nature trail through lowland forests, the Emerald Pool and a variety of natural habitats. The forest is home to rare birds like Gurney's Pitta, Rufus-colored Kingfisher, Black Hornbill, and various kinds of plants. Visitors are allowed to stay overnight but they have to bring their own tents.


Namtok Hin Phoeng
In order to see this 3-level waterfall, which drops from a height of 800 meters, visitors have to take a 400-meter walk along the mountainside after arriving at the lower basin. The waterfall is situated 25 kilometers from Khlong Thom District and can be reached by driving along Highway No. 4 (Krabi-Trang), turning left at Khlong Phon Market and proceeding for another 8 kilometers.


Namtok Ron Khlong Thom (Hot shower waterfall)
The waterfall, located quite near to the Emerald pool, is in a shady forest area with numerous hot springs. The hot springs and cool streams converge on a slope to form lovely cascades of warm water with a temperature of 40-50 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit is from 7.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. To reach the waterfall visitors should travel 45 kilometers from town to Amphoe Khlong Thom, then take Sukhaphiban 2 Road for another 12 kilometers. The admission fee is 10 bahts per person.


Wat Khlong Thom Museum
The Museum exhibits various artifacts discovered during excavations of an area called "Khuan Luk Pat" or a bead mound behind Wat Khlong Thom. Unearthed artifacts include stone tools, bronze implements, metal coins, pottery shards, ceramic and stone decorative art and colored beads that are over 5,000 years old. This Museum is situated within the compound of Wat Khlong Thom between Kilometer marker 69-70 on Phetchakasem Highway, one kilometer from the District office.

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