The W Trail in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

A petite young woman with delicate features, carrying a large backpack, walks alone through the valley. She is on a hiking trail considered one of the most beautiful in the world, with her destination being the other side of the park, a 60-kilometer trek.

Before embarking on her journey, she was plagued by anxieties and fears, as anyone would be when stepping outside their comfort zone. But she had come further than half the world, too far to turn back. And each step she took was a grand adventure that captivated me and drew me into the story of her book, 'Trekking Through South America.'

'น้องมิ้น,' the extraordinary young woman who reignited my passion for travel. Now, I have a burning desire to find a place to go trekking! But a trip to South America is not feasible for my current lifestyle. I'll have to settle for a quick day trip for now.

With that thought in mind, the name "Seven Bends Nature Study Trail at Pong Koan Sao" immediately popped into my head. This location is conveniently situated near Bangkok in Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi Province.

Two days later, Amorn and I found ourselves amidst the lush greenery and refreshing atmosphere of the Sap Pa Wan Reservoir.

We were at the Chet Khot Pong Kon Sao Nature Study and Ecotourism Center, and it had all happened quite impulsively.

We had simply decided on a whim to go on a trip, and Amorn, being the adventurous soul he is, was all for it!

We headed to the visitor center to register our intention to hike the Chet Khot Waterfall Nature Trail.

There were three main trail options: the short loop (1.2 kilometers), the medium loop (covering the Upper, Middle, and Lower Chet Khot Waterfalls), and the long loop (covering all four waterfalls) taking approximately 3 and 4 hours respectively.

There was also a special trail for the more intrepid hikers, leading to the Krok E-Daek and Krok Fa Phanang Waterfalls, requiring a minimum of 7-8 hours of trekking.

However, due to time constraints and our physical limitations, we opted for the medium loop.

We were fortunate to have Uncle Phong as our guide for the day.

The uncle led the way out the back of the service center, with us carrying backpacks and camera tripods, following closely behind.

Before the path cut into the dense forest, it followed a small, muddy dirt path that was still damp from the rain that must have fallen the previous night.

After walking for a while, the uncle stopped and pointed to a group of small, reddish-orange mushrooms that were growing around the roots of a tree.

Their shape resembled champagne glasses, hence their nickname "champagne mushrooms".

These mushrooms are a popular target for photographers who visit the area, but they were smaller than expected.

The photographer had seen pictures online where the mushrooms were zoomed in to appear much larger and more impressive. However, he was unable to capture such images himself. He decided to move on.

The deeper the path, the steeper it becomes, and most importantly, the ground is slippery. Every step requires extra caution.

Until we reached a point where we had to cross a small stream along the rocky ridge.

Uncle jumped ahead with agility, followed by Amunito, while I brought up the rear.

"Hey! Hey!" Amunito shouted as he was in a position where his front was about to fall, his wheels spinning freely, running in place like in a cartoon, without a doubt.

Before his body slammed into the rock with a thud! He held the camera tightly in his hand, refusing to let go.

At that moment, I understood what it meant to love your camera more than your life!

And we both knew that this path was not a basic, easy walk like we had read in the reviews!

From the depths of the jungle, a hidden gem emerges: The Seven Bends Waterfall

Leaving our cameras behind, we followed our guide deeper into the verdant embrace of the jungle. The path, once a treacherous scramble, now led us to a sight that would forever be etched in our memories: the Seven Bends Waterfall.

Cascading down three tiers, the waterfall's 40-meter descent was a symphony of water and rock. While not as grand as some of its counterparts, it held a profound significance. It was a testament to our perseverance, a reward for the arduous journey we had undertaken.

Each bend in the waterfall's path mirrored the twists and turns of our own journey. The challenges we faced, the moments of doubt, and the unwavering determination that propelled us forward - all culminated in this breathtaking spectacle.

The Seven Bends Waterfall was more than just a natural wonder; it was a symbol of our resilience, a reminder that even the most arduous paths lead to moments of unparalleled beauty and profound meaning.

A Hike Through Seven Bends Waterfall: A Journey of Natural Beauty and Unexpected Turns

We spent a considerable amount of time immersing ourselves in the beauty of the lower Seven Bends Waterfall. Our guide, a friendly local man, then led us on a hike to the middle and upper sections of the waterfall, each approximately 150-200 meters apart.

To our surprise, we found ourselves at the upper waterfall without encountering the middle section. "Where did the middle waterfall go?" we inquired, puzzled by the unexpected turn of events.

Note: As instructed, I have not translated the original text and have only provided the HTML structure.

From the top of the seven-tiered waterfall, the trail winds its way back to the reservoir at the visitor center, marking the end of the Seven-tiered Waterfall Loop Trail.

Although the trek did not cover all the waterfalls as planned, it served as a reminder that life is rarely perfect.

Just like the unpredictable terrain, life throws unexpected challenges our way.

But just as we persevere through the physical demands of the trek, we must continue to push forward in life, embracing the joys and challenges along the way.

Route to the Natural Study and Ecotourism Center of Sap Kwai Yai and Pong Kon Sao

From Bangkok:

• Take Phahonyothin Road (Highway 1) towards Saraburi Province.
• Before reaching Saraburi city, turn left onto the bypass (Highway 362) and follow the signs for Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
• Continue on Mittraphap Road (Highway 2) towards Kaeng Khoi District for approximately 14 kilometers.
• Near Thap Kwang Subdistrict, in front of the cement factory, you will see the entrance to Sap Kwai Yai on the right. Make a U-turn.
• After making the U-turn, turn left onto Thasaban 3 Road. The entrance will be marked by a pedestrian overpass.

Drive approximately 15 kilometers and turn left at the three-way intersection, following the signs for another 3 kilometers.

The destination is the Chet Khot Pong Kon Sao Nature Study and Ecotourism Center.

Visitors must inform the staff at the service center before embarking on the nature trail.

The trail requires a guide, except for the small loop, which can be walked independently.

The guide fee for the medium loop is approximately 300 baht.

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