The Khek River offers a fitting way to explore Wang Thong: a rafting route follows it from the area around Ban Sap Phrai Wan to the area above Kaeng Song Waterfall. At the same time, the river shapes the landscape of Wang Nok Aen Subdistrict, while the arboretum, waterfalls and temples reveal other sides of the district. The names of the places and subdistricts are useful for planning your trip: they help you find your way as you discover nature and cultural attractions in different parts of Wang Thong.
Khek River: Scenery and Rafting
The Khek River, also known as the Wang Thong River, flows for about 38 kilometers through Wang Nok Aen and carries water year-round. A rafting route begins in the area of Ban Sap Phrai Wan in Kaeng Sopha Subdistrict and continues to the area above Kaeng Song Waterfall. There is also a starting point for rafting on the Khek River in Ban Tha Kham, Moo 5, in Wang Nok Aen Subdistrict. The information thus locates rafting at named places in two subdistricts of the district.
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park also extends across parts of Wang Thong District. It is Thailand’s third national park. In the broader destination of Phitsanulok, trekking is one of the activities at Thung Salaeng Luang National Park; the grassland changes color with the seasons. This lets you distinguish Wang Thong’s river landscape from its wider natural setting without conflating regional experiences with individual places in the district.
Waterfalls and Forest History
The waterfalls each have their own character. Poi Waterfall blocks the course of the Khek River; it is almost 200 meters wide and about 10 meters high. Tham Phra Waterfall is a natural waterfall with a source in the mountains. Lan Nam Khek Waterfall is considered an important waterfall and is located in Moo 3, Ban Huai Phlu, in Kaeng Sopha Subdistrict. These places therefore bring together a specific connection to the river, a mountain source and a precise village and subdistrict location.
Sakunothayan Arboretum combines a connection to the landscape with a story behind its name: it lies on the right bank of the Khek, or Wang Thong, River and was originally established as Wang Nok Aen Forest Park. In 1958, it was given the name Sakunothayan. Sakunothayan Waterfall and the arboretum are located in Moo 2 of Ban Wang Nok Aen, in Wang Nok Aen Subdistrict, on Highway 12 between Phitsanulok and Lom Sak.
Kaeng Song Waterfall is located in Ban Kaeng Song, Moo 9, in Kaeng Sopha Subdistrict. Ban Kaeng Song is also an OTOP community tourism destination. A report dated November 13, 2025, described repair and improvement work in the area of Phai Si Thong Waterfall, as well as signposts installed there. The initiative at the time was intended to promote the site as a beautiful and safe natural attraction for residents and tourists.
Cultural Sites and Practical Directions
Wat Kok Mai Daeng is in Dinthong. Visitors can walk beneath a Guanyin figure and a large reclining Buddha to make merit. This offers a different way to experience Wang Thong from its river and waterfall landscape: here, religious practice takes center stage. Along with the history of Sakunothayan Arboretum, it shows that discoveries in the district are not limited to natural attractions.
For road directions, Highway 12 is a specific reference point: it runs between Phitsanulok and Lom Sak and is the stated location of Sakunothayan Waterfall and the arboretum. Wang Nok Aen is also served by an intercity bus on the Phitsanulok–Nakhon Thai–Chat Trakan–Lom Sak–Chum Phae–Khon Kaen–Udon Thani route. Check the route before traveling.
Discover more destinations: Nakhon Thai District, Chat Trakan District, Wat Bot District
Return to the main travel overview: Phitsanulok.
