It is widely known that the most challenging aspect of climbing Khao Chang Puak is not the climb itself, but rather securing a reservation via phone.

He has been calling me over 100 times a day since December 2016, filling up my voicemail every day. He shows no sign of stopping.

In early January, I called and was able to schedule an appointment for January 24, 2017.

The rough plan is as follows:

Day 1: Travel to Thong Pha Phum National Park or to Itong Village (sleep in a tent).
Day 2: Hike up Khao Chang Phuak and stay overnight on the mountain (sleep in a tent).
Day 3: Descend the mountain and return home.

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As a general introduction,

Khao Chang Puak is located in Thong Pha Phum National Park, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province. Each year, the park opens for hiking for approximately 30-50 days, depending on the weather conditions.

As mentioned earlier, the most challenging aspect of climbing Khao Chang Puak is not the climb itself, but rather securing a reservation and making contact.

**Regulations for Booking a Climb to Khao Chang Puak**
1. Bookings can be made up to 7 days in advance.
2. Bookings can be made by phone at 0 3451 0979 or 09 8252 0359.
between 08.00-16.30 hrs.
3. A maximum of 10 people can be booked per officer.
4. The full name and ID card number of each person must be provided immediately and a copy of each person's ID card must be sent via
E-mail: [email protected] within 1 day.
5. Register at the Tourist Service Center between 07.00-08.00 hrs.
6. National Park entrance fees are as follows:
- Entrance fee for Thai nationals: 40 baht (adults)
20 baht (children)
- Entrance fee for foreigners: 200 baht (adults)
100 baht (children)
- Vehicle entrance fees:
Car 30 baht
Motorcycle 20 baht
- Camping site maintenance fee: 30 baht/person/night
7. Safety officer: 1 officer per 10 tourists at 1,800 baht.
Porter: 1 porter will carry a maximum of 30 kg at 1,300 baht.
8. Food should be easy to prepare. A gas picnic stove is recommended.
9. Drinking water: at least 3 liters per person.
10. Toilets are available on the mountain and are pit toilets. Wet wipes are recommended.

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What to prepare before climbing a mountain.

1. Prepare your body. If your body is not ready, you may get cramps.

2. Be prepared mentally.

3. Bring only essential luggage.

4. Carry a small bottle of drinking water with you and sip it gradually. Avoid drinking too much, as it can cause water retention in your feet, leading to cramps and swelling.

5. Take Norgesic muscle relaxant (people with peptic ulcers should take it with food and drink plenty of water) before walking up.

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Travel

1. Private car

2. Bus

- Bus from Bangkok to Dan Chedi Sam Ong, departing at 6:30 AM. Disembark at Thong Pha Phum Market and transfer to a shared taxi to E-tong (last shared taxi departs at 12:30 PM).

- Minivan from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, then connect to a local bus from Kanchanaburi to Thong Pha Phum, and finally take a shared taxi to E-tong (last shared taxi departs at 12:30 PM).

For this trip, I traveled by van from Mo Chit to Kanchanaburi, getting off at the bus terminal. I left Mo Chit at 7 am (waiting for the van to be full) and arrived in Kanchanaburi at 9:30 am. I then took a motorbike to Thong Pha Phum, as the van wouldn't have made it in time.

Transportation: Shared van 120 THB, motorbike taxi to the rental shop 30 THB, motorbike rental for 2 days at 500 THB per day, total 1000 THB.

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Accommodation

Accommodation/ Park tents are available.

Alternatively, you can choose to stay at E-Tong, as our starting point for the hike is located there.

I chose to camp at the park and only paid the entrance fee because I brought my own tent.

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• Head and neck cover to protect against sunburn and sunstroke. If you don't have one, you can buy it at Baan Itong for 100 baht. It is recommended to buy one.
• Shoes for climbing up. At least they should be sneakers, comfortable to wear so that you don't get tired feet and sore knees.
• Sandals, you can wear them when you rest at the top.
• You should have a change of clothes to sleep in for comfort and another change of clothes to wear when you come down.
• The weather is likely to be cold, with temperatures below 20 degrees. It's okay to bring warm clothes because you already have a sleeping bag.

Toothbrush, wet wipes

• No water to bathe, use wet wipes to wipe the body instead
• Brush your teeth with drinking water in a bottle

Cooking utensils and snacks:

• You don't need to bring any pots, plates, or bowls, unless you are going with a large group and plan to cook your own food. However, this is not recommended as it will be dark by the time you descend from the mountain.
• Porters will build a fire and boil water for you. They also sell water for 50 baht per bottle.
• You can borrow a field kitchen pot from the porters to boil water, but it is better to bring your own.
• Snacks and drinks can be purchased at the village at standard prices. This is a good way to support the local community.
• There is no running water, so you will need to buy bottled water for the porters to carry up for washing your face, brushing your teeth, etc.
• There is no electricity, so bring a power bank to charge your phone.
• AIS has good signal coverage, while DTAC has signal for calls but not for internet (from the village onwards).
• You should bring at least 2 large bottles of water per person, and keep 1 small bottle with you at all times.
• Walking sticks are allowed.

Let's embark on this journey together.

January 23, 2017

The alarm clock was set for 5:00 AM. I woke up, but due to exhaustion from several sleepless nights, I requested an additional half hour. After completing my morning routine, I left the guesthouse at 6:00 AM sharp. I waited for the bus, which arrived at Mo Chit at 6:30 AM. The bus departed shortly after 7:00 AM, and it was clear that I would not arrive in Kanchanaburi before 3:00 PM.

9:30 AM. Arrived at Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal. The backup plan was to "rent a car". After inquiring about the price, the Msx was 500 baht per day. Agreed to rent for 2 days.

We then went to Lotus to buy a tent and supplies, as we hadn't prepared anything beforehand. We then set off on our journey on two wheels to Thong Pha Phum District, expecting to arrive around 1 pm.

The further I drove, the farther away I got. T_T I went to the Sri Sawat district office and called a friend. It turned out that I was lost, so I turned back and stopped for lunch.

Typically, I don't drink carbonated beverages, but today I had two bottles of Coke. I asked the vendor for directions to Thong Pha Phum, then rested for a while before continuing my journey. The 70 km ride was in very hot weather.

Stopped at a gas station to refuel and continued on to Thong Pha Phum National Park, arriving at 4:30 PM. Paid the necessary fees and registered for the park.

We then set up our tents. After showering, it was almost dark. We were very hungry, so we ate dinner and went to sleep to prepare for the next day. The weather was perfect, not too hot.

It's not too quiet. There's a group camping next door, and they're probably going to climb Elephant Mountain together. ^_^

Woke up at midnight, couldn't fall asleep, it was sooooooo cold, even the blanket couldn't keep me warm. I dug out clothes from my bag and put on 4 layers ^_^ In the morning, I woke up to watch the sunrise.

Completed personal tasks and returned the blanket. Rented a sleeping bag and continued backpacking. After finishing, I went to E-Tong's house, which is about 10 kilometers from the National Park. I parked my car at the police station and walked to find food.

The first stall I came across was selling chicken rice for 40 baht.

After finishing, I went to buy provisions for lunch, dinner, and the next morning.

After walking approximately 50 meters, we reached the starting point of the climb, where officials were waiting to receive us. We presented the cards provided by the National Park to the officials to be grouped together. Those who hired porters could arrange it here. (Porters only earn income when Khao Chang Puak is open and can carry a maximum of 30 kg.) Those who are strong can carry their own backpacks. As for me, I didn't need a porter and planned to carry it myself. I met a group of students who had camped nearby the previous night. Their group was short of porters for about ten kilometers, so I helped them share their porter for five kilometers. After the officials finished grouping us, we took a picture and immediately started walking.

We presented our identification cards to the officer for inspection.

Assemble the team.

A group of 9 people, including the guide "Brother Ruj", had to walk together.

We started our journey at 800 meters. The first point was a checkpoint where we had to write our names again, following the group.

Another photo of the group: Aom, who rode her big bike all the way from Bangkok; Me; Ruj; Gift, who complained of being hungry the whole way; Fon, the adventurous one; Dear, who used her bottom to climb the mountain; the two youngest members of the group; May; and Lee, who came all the way from Narathiwat.

Going with this group is a lot of fun and laughter.

Continue walking. The 5 mountains that we must cross.

The porter will leave before us.

Walk and rest intermittently.

Let the picture speak for itself.

Ha.

A cane can be helpful.

The steep and slippery path is equipped with ropes to assist in climbing.

The weather is hot. It is advisable to wear loose-fitting clothing that allows for air circulation.

You can rest anytime if you feel tired.

Enjoying a leisurely stroll while capturing scenic photos.

As of 11:30 AM, 4 goals have been scored.

They said they weren't tired at all.

Candidly snapping away. 555 Came alone, didn't know who to photograph.

The mountain ridge we need to hike to is just around the corner.

Walking amidst the sweltering heat.

I see. Our camp for tonight will be set up by the porters. For those who brought their own tents, you can choose your own camping spot.

We arrived around 1 pm and were free to relax. Those who wanted to sleep in the hot tents were welcome to do so. I chose to sit and rest under the shade of a tree for a while, almost falling asleep. We waited until 3:30 pm when the staff took us to the sharp ridge, which is considered the highlight of Khao Chang Puak.

The steep and high mountain path loomed before them.

The terrain is rocky, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Walk and climb.

When you're tired, take a break. When you've recovered, keep going.

There are safety lines to hold on to, so don't worry. As for whether your legs will shake, you'll have to look down and behind you to find out! 5555

We are approaching the summit.

Hooray, we've arrived!

Then I walked down the same way I came up (you have to go down before 5:30 PM). It would be difficult to go down if it was dark .... So I missed the sunset T_T

We returned to the campsite, ate, and relaxed. At night, the sky was beautiful and full of stars. I envied the couples who were lying down and watching the stars together. I couldn't get a picture of the Milky Way because my tripod was at home. The park ranger will meet with us to discuss what time we will descend. We agreed on 7:30 AM. The descent will take approximately 2-3 hours.

The wind was strong last night. When I woke up this morning, the air was not very cold, but the wind was still strong. I went for a walk and watched the sun rise slowly.

We slurped down hot instant noodles. If we had some tea, it would be amazing. ^^

Hot water. We should take the water to the peddler to boil for us.

The porter has finished packing the tent.

Beautiful shirts are available for sale at the park, including short-sleeved white shirts.

The walk back was beautiful, but be careful, it's very windy.

She still smiles, not tired. 5 5 5

I arrived at the village around 4:00 AM and took a shower for 20 baht. Afterwards, I went for a walk. The car rental return time is 10:00 AM, with a 50 baht per hour late fee.

This postcard is for those who have prepared. Get it now for only 15 baht each, with a 5 baht shipping fee.

After driving back to Kanchanaburi city, I was charged an additional 500 baht for exceeding the 4-hour motorcycle rental period, resulting in a full-day charge.

Estimated expenses for a solo traveler:

Roundtrip van fare from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi City: 120*2 = 240 THB.

Motorcycle rental for 2 days and 5 hours: 1500 THB.

Oil 340.-

Miscellaneous fees + sleeping equipment rental 245.-

Navigation fee 200.-

Food cost 325.-

Postcard + Souvenir 155 THB

Tent rental fee: 400 THB

- - Total trip cost for 3 days 2 nights is approximately 3,625 baht. - -

Feel free to leave your feedback. https://www.facebook.com/aotaetieow My small page to record travel stories.

Apologies for any typos or inconsistencies. The text contains a mix of informal and formal language, which may be confusing.