A ‘Cowboy city’ hidden in Asia

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Think Thailand and its pristine beaches, bustling nightlife and lively and hip shopping are among the first things that come to mind.

But tread around 200 km northeast from the capital city of Bangkok, and one can explore nature’s hidden secrets.
The Khao Yai National Park — meaning the big mountain — is one such treasure in the south-western region of the country.
Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2005, Khao Yai has a lot to offer nature lovers. Firstly, there is its antiquity. A set of dinosaur footprints was found in Khao Yai on an isolated slab of red sandstone by the banks of the Sai Yai River some years ago.
Spread over an area of over 2,000 square km on a forest-covered mountain plateau, it comprises two rivers, waterfalls and mountains, and is home to more than 150 different species of mammals and birds, including the endangered Asiatic black bear, leopard and barking deer, and over 3,000 species of plants.
Besides, Thailand’s third largest park is a hub for adventure activities, like kayaking and rafting, which are measures taken by the authorities to attract visitors.
One could feel the difference in air quality as we approached the place, and it was no surprise when one of the officials informed us that Khao Yai was among the top seven places in the world ‘with the purest ozone layers’. Essentially modelled on a Texas Cowboy city, Khao Yai is famous for its dairy farms, a sprawling vinery and of course, the dense forest where one can opt for jungle safaris.
The Park is considered one of the best places to see wild elephants up close during the day or night. These giants can be seen along the road down to Nakhon Nayok checkpost, from the safety of one’s own vehicle.
In the middle of the Park is a tiny marketplace that reflects Thailand’s ancient culture. The decor is half European, half Thai and caters to the needs of the tourists with an interesting mix of things on display.
It is said that in the past, people who visited Khao Yai were above 45 years of age, but trends have changed today. The place is also a paradise for golf lovers and boasts of many beautiful golf courses.
The Khao Yai Golf Course, situated between the two valleys, was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, while the Rancho Charnvee Country Club is another picturesque venue.