How to get there
This region can be reached by rail and road.
By train: Although there are three stations in the vicinity, this is not the most efficient way to get there as a pickup will need to be arranged at the destination.
Trains depart on the north eastern line from Bangkok’s Hua Lumphong Railway Station and stops off at Saraburi which takes two and a half hours to reach, Muak Lek which takes three and a half hours (and has a very limited service) and Pak Chong which takes over four hours.
For further information regarding train services contact Hua Lumphong Railway Station, Tel. +66 (0)2 223 7010.
By road: A relatively easy 90-minute drive from Bangkok.
Local transport
As well as getting to and from Bangkok, limousines and taxis best serve as local transport for exploring the region and getting to and from the golf courses; they can be arranged through most of the local hotels.
Self drive car hire: Local car hire is available from hotels and guest houses but there are no internationally recognized agencies in the area; the nearest are located in Bangkok.
Hertz: Bangkok office, Sathorn Road, Tel. +66 (0)2 266 4666
Avis (Thailand): Bangkok office in Wireless Road Tel. +66 (0)2 255 5300-4.
Budget (Thailand): Bangkok office in Royal City Avenue Tel. +66 (0)2 203 0250
Where to eat
This region is renowned for its beef and dairy farming. The best known farm is the Choke Chai Ranch, where visitors can act out their fantasies as cowboys and join in the activities of a working ranch before tucking into a hearty meal of the ranch's own produce, right down to delicious home made ice cream!
GranMonte Vineyard has a shop purveying fine wine, homemade biscuits and snacks, as well as a superb Italian restaurant, Vin Cotto, serving some of the best steak in Thailand. Nearby PB Valley Winery also has a good restaurant, the Great Hornbill Grill, overlooking the vineyards, offering daily cooking demonstrations. There’s also an onsite shop selling fruit juices, wines and preserves.
For best information and insight on where and what to eat, see Pocket Guide FOOD Thailand − launching during 2011 − and its online version, www.foodguidethailand.com
Hospitals
Although there are hospitals in the towns of Muak Lek, Nakorn Ratchasima and Saraburi the facilities are basic. It is better to seek attention at the hospitals in Bangkok.
Other courses
There are several other courses in the general vicinity that warrant a mention. In the Nakhon Ratchasima area are Voyage Panorama Resort & Golf Club, Bonanza Golf & Country Club and Friendship Meadows Country Club.
Vachiratharn waterfall in the Doi Inthanon National Park,
Chiang mai
The National Parks of Thailand
Thailand’s National Parks form part of the country’s heritage. There are presently 103 of these protected areas, evenly distributed throughout the Kingdom covering an area of more than 38,695 sq km.
The Parks encompass every type of topography found in Thailand, from mountain scenery in the north to coastal mangroves in the south. They are ideal places for the visitor to enjoy, and learn about, a vast variety of protected Thai flora and fauna: Everything from wild orchids and waterfalls to butterflies and tigers.
Many of the Parks have travelling service centres, usually located near the Park’s office. Officials there provide visitors with useful information and tips about the local area and how to best enjoy it. This includes specific points of interest such as beaches, caves, nature trails, waterfalls, where the best viewpoints are and how to get to them.
For more information on the National Parks of Thailand visit their website: www.dnp.go.th
