Thung Salaeng Luang Phetchabun

Seventeen mammal species, including elephant, yellow-throated marten and masked palm civet, are confirmed as park dwellers. A significant number of others are possible residents. These include tiger, barking deer, wild dog, wild pig, languor and slow lorries. A 1987 study estimated that between five and 20 elephants survived in the park. The best places to see wildlife are on the park's meadows and, during the dry season, around ponds and salt licks. there is a large salt lick at Pong Sai in the northwest and Pong Thung Phya in the southwest. More than 190 bird species have been confirmed, among them species of heron, eagle, partridge, pheasant, pigeon, owl, swift,, barbet, woodpecker, bulbul, babbler, warbler, flycatcher and flowerpecker. A prominent resident is the Siamese fireback pheasant, a leading candidate for Thailand's national bird because it was once so common and frequently referred to in classical Thai literature. it also once helped to advertise the country. A pair was sent to Napoleon III of France in 1862 along with diplomatic envoys, eliciting interest in both the exotic animal and its place of origin. The sleek, handsome male has a red face, long, narrow tail, gray upper plumage and a black underside. the he is chestnut-reddish and lacks head and tail adamants. 

Three outstanding meadows are embedded within park boundaries. 
Thung Salaeng Luang is a 10 square kilometer sea of savanna grass in the southeast surrounded by forests and hills. Some of the meadow was turned into rice paddies by the Communist guerrillas. First-time visitors are often surprised to suddenly come upon such a great expanse of open space hemmed in by dense forests. the meadow's 800 meter elevation makes it comfortable for trekking even in the summer when temperatures average an agreeable 18 Celcius. But the ideal time for hiking to and exploring the meadows is during the early part of the cool season. Thung Salaeng Luang is reached by two routes. there is 40 kilometer long trail running south from park headquarters to the meadow but it can only be negotiated by 4-Wheel drive vehicles and then only during the dry season. The other option is arriving via the Khao Kor-Phetchabun road which runs southeast of the park and turning off at Nong Mae Na. A gravel road leads to the park boundary and meadow.

Thung Nang Phaya, in the southwest, is a favorite camping site, known for its stunning combination of meadow and pine trees. It can most easily be reached from the Nong Mae Na entry to the park, with 4-Wheel drive cars recommended, especially during the rainy season. Thung Non son is situated on a plateau deep in the park's center, its more tan 11,000 hectares resplendent with large clusters of flowers which bloom September to November. this meadow is best explored with guides since reaching it requires a difficult effort by 4-Wheel drive vehicle and facilities are non-existent at the site. From park headquarters, drive along the same road as leads to Thung Salaeng Luang for 15 kilometers until reaching a turn-off to the right. From there it is an 18 kilometer trek along a mountain ridge to Thung Non son. Among the many lovely flowers found on the park's meadows is the "Bang meowing", a small, frail orchid with sept-back petals which is literally translated as running horse orchid. Others are the "Phung Chomphu", or pink garland, a purple flower with three large petals. Kradum Ngern, silver button, a white flower the size of the small finger, Yad Nam Khang, dripper of dew, a small, light brown flower which thrives on morning dew, and Mokhaw Mokaeng Ling, a greenish ground flower which loosely translates as monkey's pots and pans. Standard English names do not exist for a number of flowers found in Thailand. 

Dubbed the "Niagara Falls of Thailand," Kaeng Sopha is one of the country's most beautiful. the three-tiered waterfall, shaped like a stairway, is found very near kilometer 68 of the Phitsanuloke-Lomsak Highway. Food stalls, rest rooms and a tourist information center are located at the waterfall. Three kilometers from the park office an 80 meter long cable stayed bridge spanning the Khek Yai River. the river banks are pleasant for picnics and the Khek Yai is ideal for dips in the dry season although dangerous during the rains when the current flows too rapidly. 

Accommodations
Six guest houses and a simple dormitory are located within the park headquarters compound. there are two bungalows along the Khek River near the cable stayed bridge and two at Thung Salaeng Luang geared for larger parties. A typical bungalow will cost 300 Baht a night and can be share by six people. Four camping sites are also available, with two-person tents available for 30 Baht a night. Those who bring their own tent are charged 10 Baht a night. there is a headquarters service and information center for visitors, who numbered 93,300 in 1990. A park substation is located at Nong Mae Na off the Khao Kor-Phetchabun road from which trips to Thung Salaeng Luang and Thung Nang Phaya can be launched. 

How to Get There
FOR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT: Interpretation and Recreation National Park Division Natural Resources Conservation Office Royal Forest Department Jatujak, Bangkok 10900n (Tel: 579-0529, 579-4842, or 579-5269) or contact the park directly: Thung Salaeng Luang National Park P.O. Box 64n Muang, Phitsanuloke 65000
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