Nakhon Nayok Province Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Nakhon Nayok, Thailand

นครนายก

Province

Seal

Map of Thailand highlighting Nakhon Nayok Province

Country

Thailand

Capital

Nakhon Nayok City

Area

• Total

2,122 km² (819 sq mi)

Area rank

Ranked 66th

Population

(2014)

• Total

257,300

• Rank

Ranked 70th

• Density

121.25/km² (314.05/sq mi)

• Density rank

Ranked 41st

Time zone

UTC+7 (ICT)

ISO 3166 code

TH-26

Nakhon Nayok (pronounced Nah-korn Nah-yok) is a province in central Thailand. The word "Nakhon" comes from an old language and means "city".

Geography and Nature
History of Nakhon Nayok
Fun Things to See and Do
Local Products to Try
Culture and Festivals
- Local Celebrations
Images for kids
See also

Geography and Nature

Canal, Nakhon Nayok

Nakhon Nayok province has a beautiful landscape. In the north, you'll find the highest mountain, which is about 1,292 meters (4,239 feet) tall. The main river flowing through the province is called the Nakhon Nayok River.

History of Nakhon Nayok

Wat Khiri Wan

The city of Nakhon Nayok is very old. It was likely founded around the 11th century during the Dvaravati Kingdom. You can still see old ruins from this time south of the modern city.

The city was first called Mueang Lablae. In 1350, it was renamed Nakhon Nayok. It became an important town for the Ayutthaya kingdom, helping to protect its eastern border.

For a short time, from 1943 to 1946, Nakhon Nayok Province was combined with other provinces. But on May 9, 1946, it became a separate province again.

Fun Things to See and Do

Community in Nakhon Nayok

Community in Nakhon Nayok

Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School in Nakhon Nayok

Important Places to Visit

San Lak Mueang (City Pillar Shrine)

This shrine once held a special wooden column. It was about 1 meter tall and had a lotus bud carved on top. It is located near the old city wall.

Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy

This is a special school where future military leaders of Thailand are trained.

Inside the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, you can find:

- King Rama V Monument

This monument honors King Chulachomklao, also known as King Rama V.

- 100 Year Royal Military Academy Museum

This museum tells the stories of famous graduates who served their country. It also shows the history of wars, old weapons, and different military uniforms. There is even a wax statue of King Rama V.

- Phra Phutthachai or Wat Phra Chai

This place was once called "Wat Khao Cha-ngok." In 1942, the army helped to fix up the Buddha images here. Phra Phutthachai is a very important and sacred place for the people of Nakhon Nayok.

Beautiful Waterfalls and Reservoirs

Namtok Sarika

This is the most famous waterfall in Nakhon Nayok. Its water flows down nine different levels.

Lan Rak Falls or Tat Hin Kong Falls

Another beautiful waterfall in the province.

Wang Takhrai

This area is full of huge trees and has a small stream running through it. You can also see many kinds of beautiful flowers and plants here.

Nang Rong Falls or Namtok Nang Rong

This waterfall starts high up in Khao Yai National Park. It flows down many levels over rocks and through green forests.

Huai Prue Reservoir

This is a small reservoir that covers a large area of water.

Sai Thong Reservoir

This small reservoir offers lovely views of the natural mountains.

Namtok Ka-ang

A waterfall where the water cascades down.

Namtok Wang Muang

Another beautiful waterfall.

Namtok Heo Narok

This is a very large waterfall with three levels. The first level is 60 meters (197 feet) high. In the rainy season, the water flows very strongly and drops straight down.

Other Attractions

Thudongkhasathan Thawon Nimit

This is a place for meditation for monks, nuns, and anyone who wants to learn to meditate. There are many shelters for people to stay and worship.

Ornamental Plants and Floral Centre

Here you can find many plant nurseries. They grow a huge variety of beautiful plants and flowers that are sold all over Thailand.

Outdoor Activities

Khao Yai-Nakhon Nayok Jungle Treks

These treks usually happen from December to June. They are a great way to learn about nature and how to protect our environment.

Khao Yai National Park

This was Thailand's very first national park, created on September 18, 1962. It covers parts of four provinces, including Nakhon Nayok. The park is huge, covering about 2,168 square kilometers (837 square miles). It has untouched forests, tropical forests, streams, waterfalls, and lots of wildlife and plants. The best time to visit is during the Thai winter, from October to February, when the nights and mornings are cool. The highest point in the park is Khao Rom Peak, which is 1,351 meters (4,432 feet) above sea level.

Local Products to Try

Sweet Plum Mango (Ma-prang)

This is the most famous fruit from Nakhon Nayok. It's a sweet fruit, a bit like a sour fruit called "ma-yong-chit." You can find sweet plum mangoes from February to March. Many orchards that grow them are along the Nakhon Nayok-Namtok Sarika road.

Bamboo Products

Local craftspeople make many things from bamboo, like small sailboats, peacocks, and even human faces.

Brooms

Brooms are made in several areas of the province. They are crafted from local grass, and the handles are made from special wood or bamboo.

Doormats made from scrap cloth

These doormats are made from leftover fabric. People also make bed covers from scrap cloth. You can find them in different sizes at markets in Ban Na and Amphoe Mueang.