Archive for the ‘Mountains & Hills in Thailand’ Category
Khoa Soidao Tai Mountain in Chantaburi, the greenery destination that brings us back to nature, there lays a brilliantly interesting mountain peak called Hin Koob.
We got together at Thoongpel Forest Protection Unit in Khao Soidao Wildlife Sanctuary to prepare ourselves before our long journey. The trail to Hin Koob peak is 7 Kilometers that takes 5-6 hours walk. Khao Soi Dao is a tropical rainforest that is full of remarkable plants including Iron Wood and Burma Padauk. There are many rivers and various kinds of wild animals including wild elephants, leopards, deer, monkeys, and so on. A rare type of wild chicken called Lophara nycthemera lewisis sub-category of Lewis’s Silver Pheasant can only be found here. Also, Oriolus traillii and Orilous ทาellainus which are rare birds are found here as well.
On this 2 days and 1 night trip, we started our adventure late in the morning. Although it was raining, we enjoyec trekking pass fruit plantation and beautiful landscape. We stopped at a moistly fresh octagon rock for lunch. After lunch we continued our journey. We reached bamboo forest where soil is picturesquely covered by bamboo leaves. After that we got to the location where rocks leaned on each other for over million years. The trail was slippery and nerve wrecking
After a tough trail, we finally reached Hin Koob. Hin Koob is located 1,200 Meters above sea level. It is a rock curt with a rock tower stands elegantly on top of the mountain peak. The best view of sunrise and sunset can be seen ‘วกท here. We slept on hammocks under big sparkling sky.
Early in the morning, we were gently woken up by the sound of various kinds of birds. We woke up and saw the •cture of stunningly amazing cloud sea right in front of us. We could literally see Meedum cliff from up here. The perfect ombinatlon of nature at Hin Koob is extremely fascinating that swept away all the stress we had from the present chaotic orld. As the รนท got high, we packed our bags and planted banana trees for the sake of wild animal.
Although climbing up the mountain peak was very tough, it was not too difficult for those who love rock climbing •3 us. All the nature created treasures are remained in Khoa Soidao Mountain rainforest for people to admire and reserve them.
There are 2 routes to travel to Thoongpel Forest Protection Unit in Khao Soidao Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Bangkok — Chantaburi route: Follow the route Chantaburi — Pongnaron to kilometer 22 and then turn left to Thoongpel Temple and you will find a sign says 11 kilometers to Thoongpel Unit. When you reach a tri-junction, follow the asphalt road to the end of dirt road.
2. From Srakeaw province: Follow highway number 317 to Chantaburi. Turn right at kilometer 22 Thoongpel Temple before reaching Raiya Mountain. You will find a sign says 11 kilometers to Thoongpel Unit. When you reach a tri-junction, follow the asphalt road to the end of dirt road.
source : Weekend Guide Magazine (By: Plykaew)
SraKeaw is a small city that embraces gorgeous greenery natural landscapes and the house of charming way of life. The journey from Bangkok takes around 3 hours to SraKeaw. Our first stop was Pang Seeda National Park. A lot of butterflies flew gracefully in fresh air. After taking shots of rare butterflies, we headed to Pang Seeda Waterfall which is a medium size waterfall. After that, we went to the view spot to see the view of endless forest area. We left the national park to pay respect to the City Pillar Shrine. We had dinner at a restaurant opposite to the shrine called Ban Sabieang restaurant where loads of herbal dishes are served. We stayed at PP Hotel and Sport Club.
Early in the morning, we headed to Khao Chagun Mountain where monkeys are furious; therefore, we had to lure them away by food so that we can enter the area. It is a long way up to the top but it’s worth coming up here. We went to Phra Prong Reservoir at noon. The reservoir is surrounded by mountain in relaxing atmosphere. It is also a small aquatic animal nursery. There is water bird watching along snake bird trail festival that is held annually during June – August. Our next destination was Lalu which is an incredibly charming traditional village. It is located in Amphur Takphraya. Lalu means through; it was named after natural made attractive site that soil was holed through as a result of water erosion. There is a locally set up tourist center that provides tractor riding tour. A handmade color stone accessory is one of the most popular occupations.
We visited Sadokkoktom Castle historical site. It has been estimated that the site has been constructed in Buddhist Era 15. The place is exceptionally beautiful with rock structure. We had a nice meal at Meakmai restaurant that is located along the route to Aranyaprathed. We reached Indo-China Hotel after the meal.
On the next day, we started our day at Khao Noi See Chompoo Castle historical site which is located around 1 2 kilometers away from Aranyaprathed. It has been estimated that the site has been constructed in Buddhist Era 1 2 and has been renovated in Buddhist Era 15. The last stop was Rong Klue market, the unofficial symbol of Srakeaw province. A wide range of products can be found here from bags, shoes, clothes, and pirate brand-named products.
Leech bites and swallow feet are the marks that remind us of our tough but happy moment on White Elephant Mountain. The elephant -shape mountain named White Elephant Mountain is located เท Thong Phaphume National Park in Kanchanaburi.
It took about 5 hours from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. To go up to the mountain, private car is the best choice but the park staff also provides transportation with appropriate charges. The park entrance fee is 50 Baht per person and the fee to visit the mountain is 500 Baht per roundtrip and the carrier fee is another 50 Baht. The best time to visit White Elephant Mountain is in late rainy season to early winter. To climb up the mountain requires quite a strong physical skill as the trails are rough and rocky as well as slippery. Also, there are loads of leeches.
The staff told us that the mountain has unique view themes in each season. The mountain is full of green grass เท rainy season and it turns golden brown เท early winter. I used wide lens with zoom lens when taking photo here to get overall atmosphere. Climbing the mountain took 5 — 7 hours and finally we reached the camping site.
As the sun went down, we went up to the view spot. We walked along 2 feet wide mountain ridge with extremely deep chasm on each side. The best position when crossing-this skinny narrow ridge is to crawl. Our destination was “Top Lift Flag” mountain top which is located 1,249 meters above sea level. From up here, we saw extensive widen view of mountain ranges. I used wide lens and zoom lens to make the object seems closer than usual and also, I applied grey half ND filter to lessen light tension. Sometimes, I used low speed shutter to catch the picture of grass เท the wind.
On the way back to our camp, we tied flashlights on our heads so that we could see the way back. After setting up the tents and cooking, we gathered around bonfire under big shiny sky. We left our camp at 4 in the morning and walked back through the fog to the spot that was recommended as a place to see the best view of elephant head-shape of the mountain. We witnessed breathtaking scene of sunrise. I used wide lens and adjusted aperture to f8 to f16 and set white balance to รนท symbol and I took backlight view of the รนท and got fabulous photos before heading back to our campsite.
Although climbing up White Elephant Mountain is difficult, it’s totally worth visiting and although it is tough, I believe that where there’s a will, there’s a way.