Description
The Tham Kwang Monk Residence & National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติ ที่พักสงฆ์ถ้ำกวาง) is hidden away in Tambon Phang Khwang, Amphur Meuang, Sakon Nakhon. You won't find it on Google Maps, or mentioned anywhere online. It is a beautiful secluded area suitable to the forest monks who stay there. All I will tell you is that it is located just a little ways past Upper Huai Sai Reservoir Ton Bon #2 if you are coming from the direction of Upper Huai Sai Ton Bon #1.
If you are able to find this lovely park, it would be good to remain quiet while exploring the area, so as to show respect to the forest monks who are residing there. One special place is a tiny cave area the is around the other side of a large rock that looks like a whale. Inside this tiny cave is a Buddha image, several figurines of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the late King of Thailand, and a photograph of the famous Northeastern monk Ajahn Mun.
There are a couple of dogs which patrol the area at times (which you may or may not see). Temple dogs bark loudly but rarely if ever bite, especially if you stay calm and just slowly go about your business. However, if you have a fear of dogs, you may want to grab a stick as you are climbing the ascent to the monk's residential area, which will encourage the dogs to keep their distance. Or do the old mail man's trick and bring a few dog treats with you.
