GeographySituated on Phu Laenkha Range, the park features

plateau nestling in the embrace of mountains. These mountains such as Khao Phu Khiao, Phu Klang and Phu Laenkha are blanketed by dry evergreen forest and deciduous dipterocarp forest. The big forests originate streams as well as Lam Pathao, Huai Nam Sap, Huai Khro and Huai Tat Ton Noi, which further nourish the Chiayaphum province.

ClimateSummer is from February to May. Rainy season

is from June to September. The rains always fill up the stream and make the waterfall runs at its highest level. Winter is from October to January. December is the coldest month with mean temperature at 13 degree Celsius.

Flora and FaunaDry evergreen forest can be found by the stream,

valley and mountain summit. Its significant plants include Calophyllum polyanthum, Irvingia malayana, Barringtonia sp., Shorea roxburghii, Garcinia speciosa and Memecyon ovatum. Deciduous dipterocarp forest occupies the mountain range. Its major plants include Shorea obtusa, S. siamensis, Dipterocarpus tuberculatus, Xylia xylocarpa, Dalbergia oliveri, Sindora siamensis and Vietnamosasa pusilla.

The national park is home to small animals such as Squirrels, Treeshrews and various birds as Red Junglefowl and Bulbuls.

Tat Ton National Park

Tat Ton National park comprises beautiful waterfalls which are main attractions surrounded by lush forests. Eatablished in 1980 as Thailandûs 23rd national park, the park covers an area of 217.18 square kilometres in Mueang district, Chaiyaphum province.

162 National Parks in Thailand

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Getting There

❚ From Chiyaphum, use Highway 2051 which leads directly to Tat Ton Waterfall for 21 kilometres. Chartered vehicle or private car is recommended.

Attractions◆ Tat Ton Waterfall. The major tourist attraction

is a 6 metres high waterfall that runs on 50 metres wide rock terrace that stretches 300 metres long. There are pools scattering around, allowing you to enjoy. In rainy season, from June to September, is the ideal period to visit the lively waterfall. It is 21 kilometres north of Chaiyaphum.

◆ Chaopho Tat Ton Shrine. Located in the waterfall compound, the shrine is built to honour Pu Duang, a solitaire who loved to travel around and cured the people.

◆ Tat Fa Waterfall. The small waterfall is situated at the eastern part of the park.

◆ Pha Koeng. The cliff is the highest point on Chaiyaphum-Nong Bua Daeng Road. At km. 27, the viewpoint offers scenery of Nong Bua Daeng, mountain range and Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary.

◆ Pha Iang Waterfall. The waterfall is situated amidst lush dry evergreen forest. It can be accessed through Chilong Nuea village, 3 kilometres off Highway 2159. Tourist requires to trek for 3 kms.

◆ Pha Song Chan Waterfall. The 2 tiers waterfall is around 5 metres high. It is situated upstream of Pha Iang Waterfall.

to Prathai

to Chatturat

to Bueng Sam Phan

to Mancha Khiri

to Kaeng Khro

Tat Ton

Phu Khong

Phu KlangHeadquarters

Pha Song Chan

Chilong Nuea

Pha Iang

Pha Nit

Chilong Nuea

to Nong Bua Daeng

Tat FaKhok Pho Chai

163Northeastern

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