Hiking the Western Ridge "Sarn Nok Wua": Climbing for the King

Sann Nok Wua: A Challenging Peak for Hikers

Sann Nok Wua, located in the western region of Thailand within the Khao Laem National Park in Sangkhla Buri district, Kanchanaburi province, is a must-visit destination for experienced hikers. This mountain peak, standing at an impressive 1,767 meters above sea level, boasts the title of the highest peak in Kanchanaburi.

Sann Nok Wua is characterized by its relatively untouched and dense primary forest, providing a habitat for various wildlife species. Due to the steep and challenging terrain, the ideal time to conquer this peak is during the dry season (winter) to avoid slippery conditions.

Travel information + total budget for the entire trip >> December 5-6, 2015 (2 days 1 night)

On the fourth day (renting a van, leaving Bangkok at 11 pm), the distance from Bangkok to Khao Laem National Park is approximately 300-350 kilometers.

**Total trip cost**

Cost Breakdown for the Trip

Transportation:

• Van rental: 7,500 THB
• Park entrance fees: 2,000 THB (1,000 THB per vehicle)

Personnel:

• Staff: 1,000 THB (500 THB per day for 2 days)
• Porters: 1,400 THB (700 THB per day for 2 days)

Other Expenses:

• Staff and porter tips: 500 THB
• Food and meals: 1,600 THB (including a meal at Sangkhla Buri on the return trip)

Total Cost: 13,950 THB

Cost per Person: 1,550 THB (for a group of 9 people)

For those who do not have tents and sleeping equipment, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and other items are available for rent from the park. The price is expected to be around 200-300 baht per night.

Upon arriving at the park in the early morning (around 5:30 AM), we completed our personal tasks and enjoyed breakfast and various snacks available for purchase at the park.

08.00 AM: Items for Porters

Please note that porters at this location can only carry a limited amount of items due to the use of a single fertilizer sack on their backs. Unlike at Phu Kradueng, where porters can carry a variety of items, it is recommended to provide them with smaller items such as food supplies, tents, and other essentials.

A single porter can carry 30 kilograms for 700 baht per day (round trip 1 night) = 700 x 2 = 1,400 baht.

09:00 AM: Start the journey (distance from the park to the starting point of the hike is approximately 6-7 kilometers).

The starting point of the trail can only be reached by park pickup truck. The cost is 1,000 baht per vehicle for a round trip (500 baht for the first day and 500 baht for the return trip). The maximum number of passengers is 9, including the driver and porters who will ride with us.

Due to the size of our team (9 people), we had to split into two cars. This resulted in a total cost of 2,000 baht for the two cars.

Upon reaching the starting point, the group prepared for their journey. The trekking distance was approximately 9-10 kilometers.

The initial phase of the journey takes place within a forest, surrounded by trees, providing a relatively cool environment.

Walk on, rest when tired.

The hiking trail involves a series of ascents and descents over approximately 4-5 small hills. The terrain is expected to be challenging during uphill sections and more manageable during downhill sections.

After a long walk, you will start to feel hungry. There are 3-4 large rest stops along the way where you can sit and eat. Don't forget to bring a large bottle of water per person, as the porters will collect water from the stream (as they say) once you reach the campsite. They will bring 4-6 gallons of water, which is 100% safe to drink.

Take a break to take some photos.

This trip was led by Professor Thaweechai, a senior member of the Khao Lom Hat community.

After walking for more than 60-70% of the distance, you will start to see some scenic views. The trail in the latter part will start to be a narrow ridge walk along the side of the mountain, and you will be walking along a cliff. Be very careful at this point.

The radar station is in sight. Hooray, we're almost there!

Our hilarious guide, P'Diew, kept us entertained throughout the journey with his constant jokes and humor.

After a journey of approximately 5-6 hours, around 2 pm, we arrived at the campsite and took a break. We then prepared to hike to the scenic viewpoint at the ridge of the small cow (Sanoi Nok).

Here it is! The small hump of a cow.

This trip's concept on December 5th is "Climbing for the King" - Long Live the King.

We have arrived at the "Khao Nok Wua" conqueror sign, which is 1,767 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, the large ridge is barely visible due to the thick fog that almost completely obscures the map.

As the fog began to clear, the large ridge of the mountain became visible. It was possible to walk to the large ridge, which was quite high. However, I did not walk there, so I do not have any views from that point to share.

Due to the heavy fog, we missed the sunset. We decided to sleep in the tent and watch the stars instead. However, we were unlucky again because it rained from around 6 pm that day until late at night (it stopped after midnight). When I woke up again, it was around 3 or 4 am because I heard a chirping sound from the tent next door. I opened the tent and saw that the sky was clear and the stars were beautiful. "The sky after the rain is always beautiful." I didn't hesitate to set up my camera and take some pictures!

The weather is quite cold, around 10 degrees Celsius. Sitting by the fire is really enjoyable.

I am a Jedi.

Million Star, take a picture of yourself.

Around 5 am, I prepared to watch the sunrise at the same spot on the small ridge of the cow's hump.

The yolk has risen!

Wow, the eyes are so blurry! @#$%^$!

Lesser tubercle

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

In the late morning, we hiked up to the small ridge for a breathtaking view. The cool, refreshing air made us never want to leave.

One member of the trip team was absent (due to oversleeping, haha).

Stich, the Conqueror

Jumper !! Hard-working team

The radar station is shrouded in a sea of fog.

Translation:

Silhouette of a leaf

The sunrise was breathtakingly beautiful, rivaling any other sunrise I've ever seen.

After enjoying the sunrise, prepare for the return journey. On the way back, there is another scenic spot called Pha Kratin, about a kilometer away from the campsite. If you want to visit, ask the park ranger to guide you, as it is on the way back.

Translation:

For those who have descended from the Khao Laem National Park and are looking to relax, you can continue your journey to Sangkhla Buri, which is only 30 kilometers away.
Farewell with a picture of a popular place : ))