Ban Nong Mae na in Khao Kho district of Phetchabun province is surrounded by natural forest, rivers and small rapids. Amongst these rapids, the Bangrachan rapid is the largest streching 300 meters from the Kek River next to Tung Lasang Laang National Park.
Bangrachan rapid is the only place in Thailand, and one of the only six places in the world where freshwater jelly fish can be found. There is also a butterfly sanctuary of more than 300 species where rare butterflies such as the Great Nawab or the Common Cruiser butterflies can be spotted easily!
Boating along the rapid, one can also spend time appreciating the rich natural vegetation of large trees, herbs, orchids, ferns, etc. It indeed offers an unforgetable experience of the nature of Thailand rarely seen in sure lush and serene environment.
And there is even and orange plantation along our cruise which our kind guide stop us at for savouring the fruit. An of course we did buy some back, fresh off the trees!
And finally of course is the higlight of this tour, catching a view of the fresh water jelly fishes. Luckily the weather was ideal for the jelly fishes to surface, usually from late morning through the afternoon with good sunshine. They are pretty small though, about the size of a penny or slightly larger and being transparent, is actually a hard sight to catch. But with the expert eyes of our guide, we were able to be directed to see many of these at a small little pier of a monastary along the rapid where we stop at for this activity.
This 2 hour long tour (about 4 km to and fro) was indeed a new and special experience of Thailand which we had never embraced before and both of us were very delighted that we were able to embark of this journey. Costing at 200 THB each, it was really well worth the price, we thought.
For those who would like to embrace a greater experience of this nature reserve, you may choose another 3 packages of a 7km tour or a full day tour, or one which includes a hike, or even a 2 days 1 night stay in the conservation with tents and meals included. However the prices of these will range from 350 to 1000 THB each for a minimum of 4 pax.
