Dok Kra Jiew, the Child of the Earthy Paradise, Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Do you know why the park is called that name? Pa Hin Ngam means the forest of spectacle rocks. Geographically, in the area, there are many rocks with different spectacle shapes, upon the seers’ imagination. Pa Hin Ngam National Park covers an area of 70,000 rai or 112 square kilometers. Most of the area is of the dense natural forest.

Remarkably, the national park is the bed for wild flower called Dok Kra Jiew, locally called Bua Sawan, and curcuma, for scientific name. The flowers grow and bloom only in the autumn, from June to August. Thus, it is the highlight of the national park, especially during its blossoming time from the late June to the middle of August. On June 26, 2004, the opening of the festival was held and this festival is happening throughout June to July. Pa Hin Ngam National Park every year becomes the host of number of visitors from various places visiting the park to admire the intoxicating beauty of the “Child of Nature”, Dok Kra Jiew when fully blossoming. The sprouts with mixed color between pink and purple amazes the sight of nature- lovers with its contrast with the greenery earth and millions of years- rock beds.

Well, let go inside the national park. If you drive yourself, you may park the car at the parking area, and take a mini bus, which is available only during the festival, with only 10 bath, to Dok Kra Jiew field. Walking? It can be. Is it too tiring? A bit, but it is worth walking to appreciate nature along the way leading to the field, (which is the climax!) especially in Do you know why the park is called that name? Pa Hin Ngam means the forest of spectacle rocks. Geographically, in the area, there are many rocks with different spectacle shapes, upon the seers’ imagination. Pa Hin Ngam National Park covers an area of 70,000 rai or 112 square kilometers. Most of the area is of the dense natural forest.

Remarkably, the national park is the bed for wild flower called Dok Kra Jiew, locally called Bua Sawan, and curcuma, for scientific name. The flowers grow and bloom only in the autumn, from June to August. Thus, it is the highlight of the national park, especially during its blossoming time from the late June to the middle of August. On June 26, 2004, the opening of the festival was held and this festival is happening throughout June to July. Pa Hin Ngam National Park every year becomes the host of number of visitors from various places visiting the park to admire the intoxicating beauty of the “Child of Nature”, Dok Kra Jiew when fully blossoming. The sprouts with mixed color between pink and purple amazes the sight of nature- lovers with its contrast with the greenery earth and millions of years- rock beds.

Well, let go inside the national park. If you drive yourself, you may park the car at the parking area, and take a mini bus, which is available only during the festival, with only 10 bath, to Dok Kra Jiew field. Walking? It can be. Is it too tiring? A bit, but it is worth walking to appreciate nature along the way leading to the field, (which is the climax!) especially in the morning. It is about 3.5 kilometers far in order to reach the end of the land bordering Central and Northeastern parts of Thailand, called Sood Pandin viewpoint, situated at an altitude of 846 meters above sea level, and it is only 2 kilometers away from the park’s headquarters. This is the first view stop that you should not miss.

Walking another 800 meters, you will meet the path to the Dok Kra Jiew field stretching far and wild in front of your eyesight. Mist of the early morning appears to be a mosquito net protecting the Child of Nature when they are to spring themselves to greet their guests. Along the way, signposts are available for visitors to read the information about the site, its attractions, and about Dok Kra Jiew nature The field can be seen from the Hin Ngam Rock Ground to the Sood Pandin viewpoint. Trailing, or taking photo for this fascinating seasonal spectacle is a real treat.

Being just a small part of tourism sector, Pa Hin Ngam National Park seems to serve for eco- tourists who quest for the truth of nature, or just want to study the nature of “Nature”. What you can expect is the color of forest, wildlife, and misty surrounding.

When your eyes are met with and your feet are stamping on strong strange- shaped earth- made rocks, just linger your eyes even more to the soft side of nature, like Dok Kra Jiew field, and you would see that on the solid side of things, soft and gentility appear.

More Information Travel Guide

Accommodations : In the park, camping sites are provided. For further information, please contact the Pa Hin Ngam National Park, PO Box 2, Por Tor Jor Tepsatit, Chaiyaphum, 36230, Tel: 01-930-7581.

[Source : thaiparks123.com]