The second round of the Khao San Nok Wua trip for the Norkamin group has begun again. Because it's fun and good for the heart.

December 4-5, 1959

We have no idea how long it will last.

A life filled with choices.

Life is full of decisions.

We have no idea what lies ahead.

Life still has many forks in the road to choose from...

Embrace your choices and find joy in the journey.

Embrace the freedom to shape your own destiny!

This trip was initiated by a friend of Che's, Lolah (French), who was planning to visit Thailand on December 2, 2016. Lolah had seen Che's frequent hiking photos and expressed interest in experiencing it firsthand. Che sought a short, affordable trip with stunning views, and Mount Sanknokwa fit the bill perfectly. November is known for its sea of fog, and the hike is beginner-friendly. Che invited others to join, and the group grew to 13 members (Che, Non, Tawan, Phi Ten, Phi Jay, Ilah (Lolah), Phi Tor, Phi Emmy, View, Pearl, Pom, Max, and Phi Wut). They agreed to meet at the Pom Pee Viewpoint (Pom Pee Viewpoint, Khao Laem National Park, Camping, Birdwatching, and Enjoying the Fresh Air on the Green Grass by the Vachiralongkorn Dam Reservoir) on the evening of December 3, 2016.

The Phee Viewpoint, located within the Khao Laem National Park, is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views. Often described as one of the most romantic and scenic sunset spots in Western Thailand, it offers a tranquil escape without the need for strenuous hiking. The serene atmosphere is complemented by the picturesque vista of the Vajiralongkorn Dam reservoir, with distant mountains framing the horizon. During the winter months, a mesmerizing mist descends upon the water's surface, creating an ethereal spectacle.

Announcement: The Sano Nok Wua Nature Study Trail will open on October 28, 2016. Bookings will be accepted from October 26, 2016 onwards.

Hiking Regulations for the San Nok Wua Nature Study Trail, 2016

1. Khao Laem National Park is now accepting reservations for the "Walking in the Woods: Exploring the Nature of the Cow's Spine" activity. Bookings can only be made by phone at 034-510-431 during office hours (08:30 - 16:00). If you are unable to reach the main number, please call the backup number at 089-228-7612.

2. Khao Laem National Park will open the ascent to San Nok Wua four days a week: Friday, Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. The number of tourists is limited to no more than 8 groups per day, with no more than 7 people per group. Reservations cannot be made more than one month in advance.

Tourists who have booked a trip to climb San Nok Wua Ridge must send a copy of their ID card to Line ID 089-228-7612 or Line ID 084-754-8857 within 3 days as proof of booking. They must also call to confirm their trip 2 days before departure. If they do not send a copy of their ID card and do not call to confirm their trip, the park will assume that they do not wish to hike San Nok Wua Ridge and will cancel their booking without prior notice.

4. Tourists who wish to visit in a group are limited to a maximum of 7 people per group. The group leader must collect copies of the identity cards of all group members and send them via LINE in one message for the convenience of the staff in preparing documents. (Only one group/team per person can be booked).

5. On the day of the hike to Khao San Nok Wua, tourists must register and present their original ID card at the Khao Laem National Park office. Registration is available from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Tourists who have not booked in advance are not allowed to participate in the Khao Laem National Park's "Sarn Nok Wua" Nature Study Trail hiking activity.

The cost of the nature study trail at San Nok Wua is as follows:

1. Entrance Fee: Thai Nationals - Adults 40 Baht, Children 20 Baht.

Foreigners: Adults 200 baht, Children 100 baht.

2. Bicycle 10 baht each, Motorcycle 20 baht each.

3. Sedan, 30 baht each.

4. Camping fee: 30 baht/person/night

5. Guide allowance: 1000 Baht/trip

6. Porter fee: 1400 baht per person, with a maximum carrying weight of 30 kg.

7. Transportation fee to the trailhead: 1000 Baht

Park Superintendent: Mr. Thewin Meesap

Position: Senior Forest Officer

After driving to the campsite and finding a suitable location, we pitched our tents, leaving an open space in the center for a communal seating area.

Tourist attractions in the park area

Camping ground

The park offers three houses for accommodation, each with a view of the reservoir. Each house can accommodate three people and is equipped with a ceiling fan (no air conditioning), beds, bedding, a water heater, towels, and drinking water. The price is 900 baht per night.

Recommendations

- The Pi Fort area has a restaurant for tourists, open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, there may be times when the restaurant is closed, so tourists may need to bring their own food. They can drive to find food in Sangkhla Buri, which is about 34 kilometers away.

• For those who want to swim in the dam, if you are not a strong swimmer, you should wear a life jacket.

- The park provides lighting in specific areas only. Visitors are advised to bring their own flashlights.

- The park offers tent rentals. Please contact park staff for more information.

Traveling to Khao Laem National Park

Bangkok - Khao Laem National Park Approximately 310 kilometers

Kanchanaburi City - Khao Laem National Park 180 kilometers

Thong Pha Phum District Office - Khao Laem National Park 41 kilometers

Edited 24 minutes ago

Aerial drone view

Stroll and take pictures

Hiking recommendations for the San Nok Wua Nature Study Trail

1. Prepare your body for a 6-hour, 12 km uphill hike.

2. Hiking attire should be close-fitting and cover the body as much as possible to prevent bites from leeches and insects. Clothing should be comfortable, flexible, and blend in with the natural surroundings. Clothing should be divided into two sets: hiking clothes and sleepwear. A jacket and socks are also recommended as the temperature can be quite cool at night. Footwear should be sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots that fit well.

3. It is recommended to hire porters to help carry luggage for all groups.

4. Essential hiking equipment to bring includes a lightweight tent, a sleeping bag, a flysheet (for protection against fog, dew, and rain), and a camp stove.

5. Food should be easy to prepare, convenient, or ready-to-eat, canned food. For drinking water, it is recommended to prepare drinking water during the trip, both ways, not exceeding 3 liters per person (it is recommended to mix with mineral salts). Because on Khao San Nok Wua, there are natural water sources that are clean and can be used for drinking and cooking.

6. Essential supplies: Common household medicines such as fever reducers, antihistamines, balm, anti-itch cream, insect repellent (for leeches), dry and wet tissues. On Khao San Nok Wua, there are 5 temporary toilets (pit toilets).

7. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should bring their medication and inform the authorities before embarking on their journey.

The evening atmosphere at the fort

We agreed to meet at the auspicious time of 6:78.

Wake up at 6:00 AM, take care of personal needs, pack belongings, eat breakfast, prepare supplies, and then gather at the registration point at 8:00 AM.

This morning, we will prepare to depart for the registration point. Brother ต่อ will be in charge of ordering breakfast and lunch for us to eat in the morning and afternoon (ordered from the shop in Fort Pii).

Contact the officer. Those who will receive the certificate will pay an additional 20 baht per person.

The National Park has camping equipment available for rent, but we brought our own and did not need to rent any.

Registration, filling out various documents. Those who were free had breakfast. Breakfast was fried rice, lunch was stir-fried pork with garlic and boiled egg, 2 dishes for 85 baht.

For dinner on the 4th and breakfast on the 5th, our group prepared the food ourselves.

A photo was taken before the departure to the hiking point (today, the deputy director of the park came to take care of the tourists who will climb the San Nok Wua ridge).

Lala is so cute. I let her borrow a tent, and she set it up, took it down, and carried it all by herself. Her bag is huge, and she has a lot of stuff. I'd say she's doing pretty well.

The starting point is located near the radar hill, approximately 7-10 kilometers from the Pi Fort.

The officers then drove us to the starting point, which was quite a distance away. After many twists and turns, we finally arrived at the starting line.

We distributed two packets of mineral supplements to the hunters.

Che's group started the second group around nine o'clock. Everyone was very excited. We took about three hundred photos before we set off.

The initial section of the trail is relatively flat with some minor inclines. The total distance from the starting point to the summit of Khao San Nok Wua is approximately 9 kilometers, as measured by GPS. The estimated hiking time to the summit varies depending on individual fitness levels, ranging from 3 to 5 hours. The presence of mosquitoes and bees is noted.

The forest is currently lush and green, creating an atmosphere where every step is surrounded by verdant hues.

The first rest stop is located here. There will be a total of 4 rest stops.

The cobra extended its tongue, making it very long.

Let's continue our journey.

We stroll leisurely, taking in the sights at our own pace.

The road ahead slopes downwards.

The path during this period will be lined with large bamboo stalks. Director Non will probably be hanging out in the bamboo grove. It's very tempting.

The first group we encountered was already resting. Why did everyone look so exhausted after just the first hill?

They took photos together.

At this point, there are three large stones.

What did you encounter along the way?

Camera Trap is a camera with an operating system controlled by infrared beams.

The camera installation method involves placing two cameras facing each other at each location, 45 centimeters above the ground. The two cameras will be approximately 6-8 meters apart. The installation sites are primarily located along the banks of streams and mountain ridges where tiger tracks have been previously observed. In areas with a high density of wild elephants, all camera traps are housed in thick, heavy steel boxes to prevent them from becoming playthings or snacks for these large animals.

It's good for the heart, walking and enjoying the scenery.

Checkpoint 2

We encountered a group that had just descended from the mountain. We exchanged greetings and took a quick photo. Who is who, you can see for yourselves.

The third rest stop was where we met a group of people from Kanchanaburi and Suphan Buri, as well as teachers from the Border Patrol Police School located next to the Pi Fort.

1. Kook 2. On 3. Paew 4. Top Ser 5. Em 6. Terk 7. Pong 8. P'Looknam 9. Pok

Reaching the ridge, the next hill ahead is the "Dog Retreat Hill".

After a long walk over the ten-thousand-mile hill, I sat down to rest and gather my thoughts before ascending the Retreating Dog Hill.

Continue.

The path is steep and slippery, but there are ropes to hold onto.

Are you sure? Ask your heart.

Beyond the receding dog hill, the path becomes a smooth cliffside walk, leading to an open plain, exposed to the scorching sun.

The fourth stop was for lunch and conversation. This group had also boarded the train on the same day.

A path resembling an ancient forest

Approaching the accommodation. Excited. The lights are flashing a lot.

The bathroom will have partitions.

Khao Khieo, San Nok Wua, also known as "Khao San Nok Wua," is a popular destination for seasoned hikers, adventure seekers, and nature enthusiasts. This challenging trek requires a high level of fitness and endurance as it involves ascending a steep and rugged mountain path to reach the summit.

Khao San Nok Wua is the highest peak in Kanchanaburi province, standing at 1,767 meters above sea level. Located north of the Khao Laem National Park headquarters in Sangkhla Buri district, it is part of the Khao Khiao mountain range, which forms the western edge of the park and borders the Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. This proximity contributes to the area's rich biodiversity and dense forest cover, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife. The name "San Nok Wua" originates from the mountain's distinctive shape, resembling the hump on a cow's back.

Khao Khiao, San Nok Wua, is open for tourists to hike and experience nature and enjoy the scenery from the top of the mountain. To climb the mountain, you must contact the park officials to guide you to the campsite. The journey begins with the park officials driving you to the starting point of the hike into the forest, near the base of Khao Hua Lon, not far from the park headquarters. From there, you must hike to the top of the mountain, which must be guided by park officials. The distance from the bottom to the campsite is approximately 9 kilometers and takes about 6-7 hours. It is not possible to make a round trip in one day. You must stay overnight and camp on the mountain. When hiking, it is advisable to stay in a group, not to stray too far apart, not to walk alone, and to strictly follow the instructions of the officials. This is because there is no clear path on this hike, and you could get lost or injured. Hiking to San Nok Wua is possible all year round. The period after the rainy season, at the beginning of the cold season, is the best time to hike and see the fog on the mountaintop. During the rainy season, hiking up and down the mountain may be more difficult due to slippery and muddy conditions.

The summit offers panoramic views, resembling a grassy elephant mountain. The unobstructed vista allows for breathtaking scenery, including the vast expanse of the Vajiralongkorn Dam reservoir and the intricate mountain ranges below. From another angle, one can see the Radar Hill, an air force base under the Ministry of Defence, which houses a radar station for air security. Upon reaching the peak, a must-do is to take a picture with the "San Nok Wua" conqueror sign, a memento of conquering the highest peak in Kanchanaburi province.

In addition to enjoying the panoramic views and capturing stunning sunrises and sunsets, visitors can also hike along the mountain ridges and slopes to experience the scenery from different perspectives. Another major attraction is the opportunity to witness the blooming of the rare thousand-year-old roses that grow on the mountaintop. These roses typically bloom between March and April each year. The mountaintop generally enjoys a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year, with frequent morning mist. Tourists prefer visiting during the winter months (December to March) as the ascent is easier compared to the rainy season. This allows them to experience the cool weather and the breathtaking sea of mist blanketing the mountaintop.

We pitched our tent and went out to enjoy the view and take pictures. We met another group who were flying a drone, so we joined them.

Menu: Minced pork salad, Tuna salad, Stir-fried pork crackling with ginger and chili, Spicy stir-fried beans, Omelette, Grilled pork, Fried fermented fish, Fish maw curry, Fried fermented fish sausage, Guava, Fresh vegetable chili dip.

The night was windy, with a strong breeze blowing all night. The air was cold. In the morning, I woke up early to capture the sea of fog on the ridge.

The strong wind blew away all the fog, making it very difficult to find a good moment to take a picture.

Photo from a group of friends encountered on the mountain. Natthanan Wonganan

After taking photos, I had breakfast.

On the way back, I stopped to take a few more photos.

I'm back.

Met up with friends on Facebook, stopped by for a quick photo and drink.

A picture of a person descending from a mountain.

The image below shows the uphill climb.

The group has descended from the mountain. The members' faces have changed. This is the "Erhaeoy" group, which has come down to the last set of the day.

After descending the mountain, a car from the National Park will pick you up. Upon arrival at the National Park, you can shower, change clothes, and then disperse to return home.

This trip was amazing thanks to everyone. Some of you I didn't even know before, and some decided to join on the third day, some even came from overseas. But it felt like we had all known each other for a long time. Most hikers are easygoing and adaptable, which made it easy to get along. Thank you all for the wonderful memories. I hope we can hike together again in the future. If I did anything wrong or offended anyone, I sincerely apologize.

Continue to the Ran Tree River viewpoint.

The Mon Bridge

Evening