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Your Complete Guide to Nakhon Nayok for a Time You Can’t Forget—Ever

Your Complete Guide to Nakhon Nayok for a Time You Can’t Forget—Ever! 

| Last Updated: June 2024

You could say I was born under the sign of water. When I saw Sarika, the nine-tiered waterfalls in Nakhon Nayok, my heart leaped in an instant—perhaps the sound of the waves cascading over rocks or the roaring waters overwhelmed me.

But our Sarika Waterfalls trip was just the start of our adrenaline-pumping water adventures. For one, everyone went gaga water rafting and kayaking in the Nakhon Nayok River, now a year-long possibility with the mighty dam in place. 

And those are just some of the many reasons why Nakhon Nayok is fast becoming a tourist magnet. But don’t worry as in this complete guide, we’ll spill the beans on everything that made our time in the province as unforgettable as can be. Read on. 

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai), Burmese, Chinese, Karen

Calling Code: (+66)

Location: Nakhon Nayok, Thailand

Nearest Airport: Don Mueang International Airport (68.9 km)

Best Time to Visit Nakhon Nayok

The best time to visit Nakhon Nayok is during the high season from November to February. These months bring cooler temperatures and lush greeneries which are ideal for the numerous outdoor activities you can enjoy in the province.

This way, you can explore Nakhon Nayok to the fullest at any time of the day. The only reason to visit it during the low or monsoon season is if you want to see stronger streams in Sarika Waterfall.

How to Get to Nakhon Nayok

Rental Car: Nakhon Nayok is approximately 89 kilometers from Bangkok so it’s only a 1 hour and 30-minute drive. That makes rental cars a convenient option to get there.

From Bangkok, drive east via Chaturathit Road and Sirat Expressway, switch to Rama IX Road, turn left to Pradit Manutham Road, and switch to Chalong Rat Expressway.

Continue on this expressway, switch to Motorway 9, and turn left to Highway 305.

Keep driving on this highway until you reach the curve to Highway 3001. From Highway 3001, drive to Highway 3051, Highway 4031, and Highway 5032 until you reach Nakhon Nayok’s town center.

Private Taxi: If you can’t submit a driver’s license and International Driving Permit to rent a car in Bangkok, hiring a private taxi is a solid alternative. It’s expensive, but the travel duration is the same and you don’t have to study the route to Nakhon Nayok. 

Bus: Riding a bus from Bangkok’s Ekkamai Bus Terminal is the cheapest way to get to Nakhon Nayok. However, this is also the slowest since you’ll have to make stops or transfers at Chachoengsao and Prachinburi.

This can take up to 5 hours, so it’s best for travelers with plenty of time to spare.

Where to Stay in Nakhon Nayok

Royal Hills Golf Resort & Spa

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Address: Village 2, 100/3 Sarika, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in), 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 37 385 210

Website: http://www.royalhillsresort.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

Royal Hills Golf Resort & Spa is arguably the most luxurious hotel in Nakhon Nayok, and it’s certainly the top pick if you want comfortable accommodation with a scenic view. It has diverse room options allowing you to get the most bang for your buck.

Also, the hotel’s 18-hole golf course is a massive hit among our team’s golf fans. The course is surrounded by lush hills and greeneries which makes it great for tourists who want a relaxing play session.

Moreover, they have an outdoor kiddie play area, horseback riding, and cycling spaces, so guests have plenty of activities to enjoy.

Reindeer Park Resort

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Address: DPT. Alley, Khao Phra, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in), 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 98 264 9296

Website: http://www.reindeerresort.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

This hotel is one of the best accommodations for families vacationing in Nakhon Nayok. It’s particularly great for families with small kids since Reindeer Park Resort has a dedicated kiddie playground and outdoor water slide pool.

Plus, they have upgraded rooms with sizable living areas which are perfect for small families. Other amenities you can enjoy here include a laid-back cafe, vineyard, orchid garden, and sports court for basketball, tennis, and volleyball.

Villa Panalai

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Address: 52/2, Group 11, Khao Phra, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in), 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Website: https://book-directonline.com/properties/villapanalairesortdirect

Pricing: ฿฿

Villa Panalai is a peaceful hideaway in a forestry neighborhood in Nakhon Nayok, so it’s great for travelers who want to escape the province’s touristy spots. It offers functional rooms with minimalist and space-saving interiors, perfect for lone travelers and couples.

If you book a pricier room, you can even get a sofa bed, private garden, and balcony with a hammock for relaxation. Or you can go for a cabin with a kitchen and terrace, which is ideal if you’re vacationing as a family.

The villa also has communal kitchens and BBQ grills, so you can make friends with other guests and share food.

Where to Eat in Nakhon Nayok

Bee’s

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Address: 135, Banyai, 16, Nakhon Nayok, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District

Operating Hours: 11 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Friday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 89 887 9224

Website: https://www.facebook.com/beescafe

Pricing: ฿฿ – ฿฿฿

Bee’s is the place to go for wood-fired pizza in Nakhon Nayok. They even import European ingredients, so this place is your best option for a local pizzeria that serves authentic Western-style pizza.

In fact, they make fresh dough and let it rise for 3 to 5 days to capture the perfect taste and texture Italian pizza is known for. That’s why the pizza fanatics on our staff swear by their pizza Margherita and signature Chef’s Special pizza.

The Chef’s Special, in particular, was a savory meaty pizza with homemade meatballs, ham, smoked bacon, and pepperoni. Moreover, Bee’s makes excellent Swedish pastries, so be sure to check out their dessert options.

Montreux Café and Farm

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Address: 77, Bueng San, Ongkharak District

Operating Hours: 

  • 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Wednesday – Friday)
  • 9 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Tuesday, Weekends)

Contact Number: +66 87 979 7341

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Montreuxcafeandfarm/

Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿

Montreux Café and Farm is an excellent option if you prefer organic farm-to-table food. Our favorites are the fresh, spicy Thai salads with seafood, vermicelli, pork, chicken, and grilled beef options.

That makes it ideal if you want to try different kinds of flavors and combinations. Aside from that, they serve hearty rice dishes topped with seafood, pork, beef, chicken, or veggies.

Suan Pa In Coffee Shop

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Address: Ornamental Flower Market Khlong 15, Khlong Yai, Ongkharak District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 61 323 6291

Website: https://www.facebook.com/suanpaincoffee/

Pricing: ฿฿

This lakeside cafe and restaurant is great for tourists who want to enjoy a meal in a relaxed and scenic atmosphere. They even have an alfresco garden dining area with a koi pond which is perfect if you want to feel like you’re eating in nature’s company.

But that’s not all—this place has a massive menu of Thai, Asian, and Western cuisines. That makes it ideal for people who like full-on variety.

Their bestsellers are the Western-style pizza with numerous topping options: seafood, bolognese, spinach, and mushroom. We particularly enjoyed their Korean bingsu, so be sure to get one for dessert.

What to See and Do in Nakhon Nayok

Try numerous activities at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy

Please embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/_yEGsMJNN7/

Media credit: thanakornt

Address: 99 Suwannason Road, Phrommani, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Weekdays)

Contact Number: +66 37 393 062

Website: http://www.crma.ac.th/

Admission Costs: Free

Nakhon Nayok’s Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy is a place for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Here, you’ll find the 100-Year Royal Military Academy Museum, Wat Khao Cha Ngok, Chao Por Khun Dan Shrine, and King Rama V Monument.

That gives you plenty of spots to visit and photo opportunities within the academy grounds. Aside from that, this place is also famous for its numerous outdoor activities and training courses.

Think target practice, archery, jungle trekking, camping, rappel practice, kayaking, horseback riding, and more. That’s why it’s famous among local and tourist groups looking for fun team-building exercises.

Check out Khun Dan Prakarn Chon Dam

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Address: Village 2, Ban Tha Dan, Hin Tung, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. –  5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 37 349 557

Website: http://www.khundan.com/

Admission Costs: Free

This is one of the more scenic spots in Nakhon Nayok, so it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Aside from enjoying the concrete dam’s dramatic view, you can also go on a boat cruise to explore it to the fullest.

But that’s not all because the boat cruise also gives you a chance to hike the lush nature trails along the dam. That’s why it attracts crowds of nature lovers and avid hikers who want to see its grassy, rocky stream banks and hills.

Moreover, river rafting and ATV tours are available at the dam’s ground level, so adventure seekers have plenty of options. There are even vendors selling food and snacks.

Admire Sarika Waterfall’s rocky cascade

Address: Sarika, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Admission Costs: 200 baht

Sarika Waterfall is the most popular cascade in Nakhon Nayok for two reasons: it has a tall, vigorous stream and a rocky jungle trail. That makes it ideal for tourists looking for a relaxing waterfall view and a challenging hiking experience.

This waterfall produces numerous small water pools, so there are plenty of spots where visitors can swim or dip their toes. In fact, there’s a sizable river that forms below the waterfall where many kids go to swim.

That makes it a popular weekend destination for Nakhon Nayok’s local families, especially those who want to go picnicking.

See Wat Maneewong’s massive collection of Buddhist statues

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Address: 75 Village 2, Ban Nong Krapo, Dong Lakhon, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 88 942 5594

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Maneewongtemple/

Admission Costs: Free

If you’re a fan of Thailand’s Buddhist temple structures and sculptures, your trip to Nakhon Nayok won’t be complete without visiting Wat Maneewong. After all, this temple is famous for its massive collection of Buddha images and Naga statues.

In fact, its temple complex is divided into two sections to accommodate all of its sculptures. For instance, the first section is where you can find most of the Buddha images since it’s dedicated to meditation and monk rituals or ceremonies.

Meanwhile, the second section is dedicated to Naga, so it’s where you go to see and pray to the serpent deity’s numerous statues. There’s even a new construction behind the Naga temple, so you have more things to look forward to.

Enjoy fun water activities at Mazecape

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Address: 9 Sisa Krabue, Ongkharak District

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 93 539 9997

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Mazecapebymazeforfun/

Admission Costs: 888 baht (day pass)

If you’re looking for a fun place to take your fur babies, here’s Mazecape. This pet-friendly hideaway is a water park, so it’s where you can enjoy numerous water activities with your animal companion.

Think paddleboarding, kayaking, banana boating, wakeboarding, and motorboating.

Of course, you can also have a picnic along their lotus-filled lake and lush garden if you prefer to relax and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere.

Mazecape is also great for tourists vacationing with their families, especially since the water activities here are a big hit with kids.

Explore the foothills of Khao Yai National Park

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Address: Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 86 092 6529

Website: https://khaoyainationalpark.com/

Admission Costs: 200 baht (Adults), 100 baht (Kids)

Though Khao Yai National Park mostly covers Nakhon Ratchasima, it also extends to Prachinburi, Saraburi, and Nakhon Nayok, so you don’t have to travel far to explore it. 

This gives you a chance to see the park’s diverse flora and fauna.

Its vast foothills, in particular, are accessible from the trailheads in Sarika Waterfall and Nang Rong Waterfall’s base camps. Just know that you must always coordinate with the park rangers on site before embarking on a hiking trip to Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park is particularly famous for its rich wildlife which makes it ideal for animal spotting. Expect to see barking deer, gibbons, civets, black bears, dholes, great hornbills, Chinese water dragons, large-eyed pit vipers, and more.

FAQs about Nakhon Nayok

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