Khao Luang, Nakhon Si Thammarat


The embrace of the ancient forest, a mysterious paradise in the southern land.


When it comes to the most pristine forests in Thailand, seasoned outdoor enthusiasts have likely heard of "Khao Luang, Mueang Krabi." This remarkable location boasts not only mountains, waterfalls, and other typical forest features, but also...



The abundance of Khao Luang surpasses the "ordinary" by a considerable margin. How to put it? It is incredibly abundant, with ancient ferns towering like three-story buildings, just like the ones you've seen in Jurassic World, where the T-Rex rubs its rear end.

The lushness of Khao Luang nourishes this ancient fern species, allowing it to survive from the Jurassic period to the present day. This fern is not an ordinary fern that grows anywhere. "Maha Dam Fern" chooses to grow only in rich, humid forests. It is important to note that only in these forests! Many organizations have recognized this fern species as an UNSEEN THAILAND, a must-see attraction in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. True nature lovers should not miss this. Wow!



Okay, if you're not impressed or interested in the nerdy aspects of botany, that's fine.

The allure of Khao Luang extends beyond its stunning scenery. It boasts the highest peak in southern Thailand, a magnet for seasoned climbers and trekkers. While conquering numerous summits across the country is an admirable feat, neglecting to conquer the region's highest peak leaves a void in the life of any avid trekker or hiker. It's an essential conquest that completes the journey.



While the 1,800-meter elevation of Khao Luang may not seem daunting at first glance, don't underestimate its challenges. The true difficulty of Khao Luang lies not in its modest height, but in the demanding terrain and obstacles encountered along the arduous ascent. With a difficulty rating of 4-5 skulls, this mountain presents a formidable test of endurance and skill.

The challenges stem from the abundance of the forest. The dense vegetation, diverse flora and fauna, including predators, venomous creatures, and insects, create a thrilling and unforgettable adventure.



Forget about finding toilets, showers, or shops like you would on Phu Kradueng. Venturing into Khao Luang National Park means embracing a life of sleeping and eating in the midst of a humid rainforest. Moreover, Khao Luang is constantly exposed to monsoons from all directions throughout the year. Rain can pour down at any moment, without warning, leaving you drenched. The trails are always slippery, never dry and comfortable.



It sounds exciting, doesn't it? Many people who read this far may scoff and close this page, because they would never consider going through such hardship in their lives.

However, I am also a city dweller who spends most of my days scrolling through my phone. I never thought I would visit a place like this. So, I want to share with you what I encountered in the Khao Luang forest, a true rainforest, and what I gained from this experience.



A meticulous individual like myself spent 5 days and 4 nights immersed in the embrace of this ancient forest. What challenges did I encounter, and was the experience worthwhile for you to consider?



This thread aims to be a valuable resource for those who are passionate about wilderness exploration and are considering a trip to Khao Luang. It is also intended for those who are simply browsing the internet during a break from watching a series, perhaps during a scene involving the supporting characters that you would prefer to skip. However, a voice deep within you whispers that someday you would like to try something new and exciting to add some thrill to your life.

Let's go jungle climbing with me at Khao Luang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, if you're ready.



Story by The Gypsy Princess

Image by

1. Oat Tanapat

2. Naiwinit Mai

3. Rueangchalearn Ariyamahamongkol

How do I get there?


This trip, we flew from Bangkok Don Mueang to Nakhon Si Thammarat. Currently, there are three airlines that fly direct daily:

Thai Lion Air, Air Asia, Nok Air

The cheapest round-trip Lion phone ticket is 1600 baht, and the price is around 2200-4000 baht, depending on the period.



The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Tour buses from the Southern Bus Terminal are available from several companies, including Sri Suthep Tour 2546 Co., Ltd. (phone: 0 2885 7981-2, 0 2894 6166-8), Nakhon Si Racha Tour Co., Ltd. (phone: 0 2433 0722), and Nakhon Si Rom Yen Tour Co., Ltd. (phone: 0 2885 9606, 0 2894 6220). (Source: Kapook.com)







Subsequently, due to our lack of expertise, we opted not to embark on the challenging jungle trek independently. (Note: The original text references a "four-skull" difficulty level, indicating a highly demanding and potentially dangerous trail.)

Wandering alone risks getting lost and eaten by wild animals, causing trouble for parents who have to search for you. This will definitely make the news, with Ms. Thapanee Ead going to the scene.

Our only option is to rely on the local guide.

Many companies offer tours here (the tour guides here form a community and know each other well. The quality of service is similar across companies, as they work together like a family).

If you are interested in learning more, please send me a private message.



The cost of our 5-day, 4-night trip is:

5500 Baht per person

Trail: Wang Lung Waterfall, Huai Nam Yen, Hin Song Kler, Yot Fa Mee, Pha Hiab Mek, Noen Lom Fon, Nan Ra Fa (This trail is said to be the most beautiful on Khao Luang)

However, the actual hike depends on the weather conditions. (On the actual day of the hike, I was unable to reach Pha Hiab Mek and the 1800 peak due to dangerous storm conditions.)

This price includes: All-inclusive within the area, excluding travel costs from other locations.

In-park transportation, all meals, shared equipment, flysheet, hammock, guide, porters, and park fees.

(The leader emphasized that for this trip, the porters will only carry communal supplies. All personal belongings must be carried by individuals.)

------Preparation

You will surely die if you think like that and don't prepare anything. Because we are talking about a rainforest so pristine that humans cannot easily survive. The paths are slippery and treacherous, with the constant threat of falling into a ravine. Wild animals are ready to devour you as their dinner, and blood-sucking leeches will drain your blood from any exposed part of your body.

Therefore, these items are essential to bring.

1. Hiking backpack



2. Trekking shoes

Trekking shoes are recommended, either studded or canvas. Trekking boots are also acceptable if everyone is comfortable with them. However, based on other people's experiences, trekking boots designed for the Himalayas or other parts of the world can be very slippery here. You might end up falling headfirst. My advice is to use the shoes you already have if you have them. If not, don't buy new expensive ones. Nanyang canvas shoes or studded shoes should be sufficient. If you don't have any, you can ask the guide if they have any available.

**Caution: Wearing flip-flops on this hike is strongly discouraged due to the treacherous terrain. The sharp thorns and slippery slopes pose a significant risk of injury. Proper footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.**



Leech socks

The area is heavily infested with blood-sucking leeches. They cling to any exposed skin and readily detach themselves. If I hadn't been with friends, I would have ended up with all the leeches on me. Even with leech socks, some still managed to get through. Imagine how bad it would be without them.



Raincoat

The rain has been falling continuously and unexpectedly. It is advisable to bring an umbrella, even though it is unlikely to be used most of the time. However, it is better to be prepared than not.


To be prepared for nighttime bowel movements.



Sleeping bag

The night air can be very cold, or cold from the rain. Even in the hammock (that they prepared for me), I still need a blanket to wrap myself in. This little bit of warmth can turn a bad night in the forest into a very special one.



Medications for chronic conditions and essential medications

Given the unpredictable weather conditions, I anticipate the possibility of falling ill. Therefore, I plan to bring essential medications, including fever reducers, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, and a first-aid kit. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking regular medication should be mindful of their needs and pack accordingly. Access to medical care in remote areas can be challenging, so it's crucial to be prepared for potential health concerns.



Water bottle



Tissue




Day 1


".......Damn it, is this just the first day? ........"





From the road, we could see the faint outline of Khao Luang mountain in the distance. That was our destination. Looking at it from afar, it didn't seem too challenging. However, from experience, I knew that the actual climb to such a height would be quite strenuous. What scared me the most at that moment, even from afar, were the rain clouds that covered the mountain. What kind of storm was it? Would there be lightning? Would we have to run for cover? Should I take off my silver necklace? Just looking at it from the road filled me with fear. This might be our first hike in the middle of a storm.



This is our condition before we started walking. Our first task was to repack our bags, as we had to carry our hammocks and flysheets in our backpacks and remove unnecessary items (although at that time, we thought everything was necessary, like the hat for when it was sunny, the colorful scarf for taking chic photos on Khao Luang, the four socks in four different colors to change every day according to the lucky color, the prayer book in case we encountered a snake so we could recite a spell to chase it away, and so on). Then, the staff distributed plastic bags for us to put all our belongings in, tie them up to prevent rainwater from entering, and then put them in our backpacks. After about an hour of chaos packing our bags, we finally started walking.



Our journey began at Wang Lung Waterfall. I heard that Khao Luang has many paths, depending on which path the guide takes us. My friends started on a different path, so don't worry.


The initial section of the trail is flat, primarily traversing rubber and fruit plantations owned by local residents. The weather is relatively hot, and while leeches are absent, mosquitoes are present. The trail gradually ascends in elevation.


This flat path continues for about half an hour. It's rare to find such a path, and you won't encounter anything like it again. From here on, the path will only ascend.


The trees began to thicken, the scattered ones disappearing into the distance. The cool air of the forest gradually enveloped us, like the beckoning hand of a stern disciplinary teacher. In our hearts, we all knew that the real challenge had begun. The first obstacle we had to face was...


This creature catapults itself from the nearest tree branch, expertly burrowing to find the touch of fresh flesh. Although it belongs to the same family as earthworms, it is vastly different from its dung-eating relatives. Its diet consists of blood, specifically the blood of thin-skinned creatures like tourists from the city. Their blood is sweet, like a long-awaited meal. Now, the hunt begins.


A close-up image of a leech sucking blood. It is said that leech socks are essential, as leeches try to penetrate the fabric, but their teeth are designed to bite only the sweet flesh of animals. As for leech socks, don't even hope. She will never get to suck.

At this point, we began to see the richness of the forest. There were many types of ferns, and the deeper we went, the more frequently we found them. Ferns are considered an indicator of the richness of the forest because they can only grow if the air and soil are sufficiently humid. This place is excellent (for plants; for a tourist like me, it's starting to get sticky).


A crystal-clear stream, the sound of flowing water, this is also a kind of pleasure.


The pollen of wildflowers, falling into the water, is truly beautiful.


The path then turns into a section that requires crossing water. At this point, people start to struggle, especially those carrying multiple bags or bags with loose straps, or anything that hangs loosely. Every jump becomes a burden, as the weight pulls them down with each step.


We arrived at a rest stop, where our guide allowed us to rest at a waterfall basin. Here, we were met with the full force of nature, the sunlight so intense it stung our eyes.

The scorching heat and the increasingly steep 60-degree incline caused us to rapidly deplete our water supply. At this point, we no longer cared about the industrial-grade cleanliness of the water. We drank from any clear source we could find. However, the natural water was refreshingly cool and delicious.


View at the rest point

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

We longed to linger, to recline against the cascading water. Yet, we were compelled to press onward, for it sought us out, even upon the scorching rocks of the waterfall.


We then walked up the hot waterfall rocks.


And then we began to trek deeper into the forest, ascending higher and higher.


The path is indeed very difficult, and some parts are also very slippery.


From various vantage points, we began to witness the splendor of nature, with numerous waterfalls cascading along the way. While I cannot recall their specific names, their beauty rivaled that of renowned tourist destinations in Thailand. However, this region remains relatively untouched by tourism, preserving its pristine charm.


The trail ascends to a point where the camera can zoom in on the ridge leading to the Two Friends Rocks (which we will climb the day after tomorrow). This indicates that we have also ascended to a considerable height. (At this point, everyone is silent, conserving their energy for breathing.)



The group sat in silence on the forest floor, despite the presence of leeches. After a grueling hour of continuous uphill climbs, everyone was exhausted and frustrated. They wished they could shed the unnecessary weight in their backpacks, questioning why they had brought so many useless items. Some, particularly the photographers burdened with bulky cameras, tripods, and a full set of lenses, regretted not opting for a smaller, more manageable setup. They lamented that they could have easily left the telephoto lenses behind. This explains the lack of photos during this particular stretch of the journey.


The man pondered for a moment before pointing down to the chasm below. "Where to next?" he asked. "There's no way down there," we replied, confused. He then pulled out a machete. Initially, we were terrified, thinking he would use it to silence us for our incessant questions. However, he surprised us by using it to clear a path down the cliff face, creating a new route on the spot. This was not something a typical hunter would do, but it was clearly the way of the experienced woodsman.


And here is our first night's accommodation, a deserted area beside a waterfall. Our initial thought was, can we really sleep in a place like this?


Upon removing the leech socks, we were shocked to find blood. We had been wearing leech socks, so how could there be leeches? It turned out that the leeches had managed to find their way in through tiny holes in the socks, demonstrating their remarkable ability to penetrate even the smallest openings. These leeches were clearly more cunning than we had anticipated. Each of us had been bitten to some degree, with blood trickling down our legs due to the leech's anticoagulant saliva, which keeps the blood flowing for easier feeding.

The elder brother then proceeded to tie up a hammock in the middle of the rainforest, spreading a flysheet as a roof. He wondered if he would have to sleep like this tonight. Was it really true?


Everyone was exhausted and wanted to sleep as early as 6 pm that day. After bathing in the stream, they just wanted to eat and go to sleep. Their legs weren't sore, but their backs were aching from carrying unnecessary weight all day. They wondered why they had even brought it.


The relentless rain lashed down on our shelter, as if the scriptwriter above had deemed our suffering insufficient. Rainwater cascaded from the trees, drenching our hammocks. We were forced to untie them and huddle together in the central tent, hoping for the downpour to cease. Sleep was an elusive luxury, as the relentless rain showed no signs of abating. Exhaustion gnawed at us, but slumber remained tantalizingly out of reach. We huddled together, cramped and uncomfortable, any slight movement resulting in a drenching. Leeches slithered across the ground, their presence adding to our growing unease. Insects, frogs, and reptiles joined the chorus of the night, a symphony of discomfort. Despite our weariness, sleep evaded us. We yearned for a moment of respite, a chance to close our eyes and escape the relentless onslaught. The thought of enduring four more days filled us with dread. Would our friends berate us if we requested an early departure? The prospect of another night like this seemed unbearable. The relentless rain and the symphony of the night drove us to the brink of madness.


The first day of the Khao Luang trek was over 11 kilometers, not including the extremely steep sections, heavy rain, and wildlife. Leeches sucked my blood while I was sleeping. I had a dream that something was pressing on my chest. My friend said that I woke up in the middle of the night and saw a giant frog jump on my chest. It was a horrifying sight, and it still chills me to think about it. The first night was truly brutal. I'm opting out.



While the current situation may seem bleak, it's important to remember that better days lie ahead. As we move forward, we can expect to encounter improvements and overcome the challenges we face.

For sometimes, hardship is the catalyst for the extraordinary.

Continue reading the following days below.



Day 2


Entering the ancient realm of giant ferns, moss, and cool streams.


...."...The rain falls, falls, falls, let the water flow, flow, flow...."


We started the day by waking up to pee. Because we forced ourselves to sleep early, we woke up in the middle of the night around 2:00-3:00 AM. Our friends went to sleep in their hammocks, but I continued to sleep on the hard, cold ground. I was devastated to find out that someone had taken an extra flysheet and a broken hammock.



However, we still had to wake up to eat. Eating is important. Our guide prepared simple meals for us. The porter would carry rice and ingredients from below to cook meals for us every meal. He said that we should help each other eat so that he wouldn't have to carry as much.


After finishing our meal, we helped each other pack up the hammocks and flysheets, dividing the load amongst ourselves before continuing our trek on the new path. The rain from the previous night had turned the trail into a muddy, slippery mess with each step. Still, we knew it couldn't be worse than the night before.


The steep ascent presented a formidable challenge, with no defined path to follow. The only guidance came from the faint indentations left by the pioneers who had ventured before, their footsteps barely visible amidst the mud and slippery terrain. The weight of the backpacks added to the difficulty, making each step a precarious maneuver. The treacherous climb was a true test of endurance and resilience.


Forget about the leeches that kept flicking themselves to suck on us. At that moment, it didn't matter if it was sunny or not. We just kept going, donating blood without worrying. We would pull them off later during our break. Who has time to scream and shout about being leeched all the time, especially when they were attacking from all directions like that? (I used the words "accurate" and "sunny" because Pantip checks for polite language. You understand what "sunny" means, right?)


We began our trek into the ancient forest. Ferns became more prevalent, mushrooms sprouted in abundance, and moss carpeted the ground.


Humidity and moisture are ubiquitous, the heavy air pressing down on the lungs. The scent of verdant life dances in celebration of the abundant humidity.


An UNSEEN Thailand discovery: a giant fern, exceeding 10 meters in height, belonging to the species *Alsophila spinulosa*. This fern species has persisted since the Jurassic period, demonstrating its remarkable evolutionary resilience and ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.



The moment we finished taking photos, the sky suddenly turned gloomy, like a scene from a GTH horror movie. The thunderclap startled us, and then the rain poured down relentlessly. No one bothered to take out their raincoats because they were already soaked. It was too late. The photographers quickly put away their cameras (some hadn't even taken them out since the start of the walk). As a result, we didn't get many photos that day.

Should we wait for the rain to stop? No, it won't stop anytime soon. Our only option is to keep walking until we're out of the rain. In that moment, everyone looked like they were in a COCKTAIL music video, kneeling down. We were soaked, but we kept our cool, flipping our hair back and continuing on our way.

Our lunch break consisted of simple rice and canned fish amidst the natural surroundings. It was evident that everyone was drenched, having just weathered a rainstorm.



We descended once more, the rumbling sound following us. This time, however, there was no rain, but instead a thick fog and strong winds. It was as if we were walking in the clouds. We were at cloud level.


We arrived at the campsite early in the afternoon, and the chilly wind drove us to huddle inside our tent. To pass the time, we engaged in some mathematical activities.


The highlight of our trip was camping near a crystal-clear stream called "Huai Nam Yen." The area was covered in lush moss, creating an idyllic forest atmosphere reminiscent of a fairytale setting. We imagined encountering mythical creatures like unicorns as we explored the surroundings.


We gleefully cleansed ourselves in the cool, refreshing stream, the source of the water that would later be used to prepare our evening meal.


Today's light journey was quite alright, except for the heavy rain that poured down along the way. The primeval forest was stunning, with its abundance of moss and ferns. It was truly magnificent.



Day 3


Two friends, the top of the mountain, the wind and rain hill


...."...Kura, what are you doing here, Fah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...."



The day began brightly, with everyone present and no casualties from the night's predators. We had time for a morning calculation session before starting our chores, as our leader informed us that we could depart later since we were moving quickly. With high spirits and boundless energy, we ate breakfast and set off. Our leader warned us that this would be the most challenging day, but we wondered how difficult it could truly be. Bring it on, we thought, we're ready for anything. If it's not a predator, we should be able to handle it. Let's see what happens.


We continued walking for a while before we found ourselves enveloped by a dense thicket of trees, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere.



As we walk, we encounter numerous animal tracks, giving the impression that we are being watched by unseen creatures. We are relieved to discover hoofprints, indicating herbivores rather than predators. This discovery eases our concerns about becoming their next meal.

The forest is filled with hidden paths, both large and small. We may inadvertently stray onto these paths, leading us through dense undergrowth that we later discover to be animal trails. Many of these paths are shared with the animals, fostering a sense of unity with the forest.



We finally arrived at the "Two Friends Rock," a scenic viewpoint on Mount Luang. The panoramic view was breathtaking, but there was one thing that bothered us. Our guide and porters sat down on the most picturesque spot for taking photos, leaving us wondering what to capture. They sat there for a long time, which was frustrating.


It seems that someone on the trip may have been involved in an illegal abortion. As a result, they are now being haunted by bad luck. Whenever they try to take a picture, fog rolls in and blocks their view. This begs the question: was it really worth climbing all the way up here just to see this? Couldn't they have just looked at a piece of paper at home? After all, it would have been just as white.


A view like this.


Roughly translated, this means: "About this, the other side couldn't climb up to take a picture. My brother was sitting on the top. Oops!!!"


We savored our lunch amidst the swirling mist, perched upon the Two Friends' Rock.




The most thrilling experience of my life. So thrilling that even sensory deprivation couldn't help. So thrilling that I haven't been intimate with my partner for three years.



The actual climb to the top of the lid was quite challenging. The three cameras did not capture much footage due to the steepness of the terrain and the constant presence of low-lying trees. These trees would snag on our bags, pulling us backward and causing us to stumble. This happened repeatedly, making the experience less enjoyable. It felt as if someone was constantly pulling our heads backward, leaving us with no desire to do anything other than crawl and duck under the trees as quickly as possible.

The summit was shrouded in treacherous fog, obscuring our view entirely. It was a pointless climb, merely ascending to descend. The descent that followed was the true highlight of the trip.



Take it slow, take it slow.


The sentence translates to: "Slippery, my butt hurts."



If we can escape from the hobbit hole, we will encounter this. Oh, this is nature. Isn't it worth using the bottom? It's worth it, we think.


From this vantage point, we have a clear view of the summit of Mount Fama, including the small hobbit hole we slid down on the ridge (the thin line among the trees).

We paused for a moment, immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature.



We then descended the mountain to our accommodation at the foot of the mountain, near a water source. The foot of the accommodation is located below the ascent of the Windy Rain Hill, a bare hill that offers a panoramic view of Khao Luang. Today, the wind was strong and the fog was so thick that we couldn't see anything. We will go up again tomorrow morning.

A picture of walking down the hill in the wind and rain, feeling hopeless. Just look at the fog. Sigh. What can you see when you go up? Today is a day of fog.


The third day was the highlight of the trip. The highlight was the hobbit hole descent, which involved sliding down on our bottoms. This is a must-do activity when visiting Khao Luang, as the view of the Pha Mi peak is breathtaking.



Day 4


Windy Hill, Nan Ratchapha Waterfall, and Stars at Night


...."...When we stargaze, we usually talk about two things. One is asking the name of the star, and the other is the difficult things in life...."



Good morning from the top of the windy hill. From this vantage point, we can see far into the distance. On clear days, we can see the sea and even Laem Talumphuk, the site of the tragic typhoon that struck decades ago. If we wake up early, we can witness the beautiful sunrise over the Gulf of Thailand.


From this vantage point, one can see low-lying hills, or perhaps hillocks, densely covered in verdant forest. I have witnessed similar hills in other provinces that have been converted into cornfields, and subsequently, those provinces have faced annual drought issues. However, here, the forest remains intact, wildlife roams freely, and the headwaters of streams are still abundant. Perhaps the difficulty of human habitation in these areas is a blessing in disguise, as it ensures that nature remains untouched.


A close-up view of the dense forest reveals a thick canopy of trees.



We then descended from the peak of Lom Fon. Today, we will begin our journey out of Khao Luang, but via a different route. We gathered our belongings, ate breakfast, and set off again.



Today's trail was mostly downhill, though not as steep as yesterday's Hobbit Hole. It still managed to give my knees a good workout. The initial sections were filled with drooping trees, a sight that would make any seasoned hiker despise the act of bending over. Just try it and see.


Today, we encountered an exciting discovery: a large animal footprint. The print, remarkably large, exhibited five toes with distinct pads and claw marks, suggesting a feline origin. Judging by the depth of the impression, the creature moved with considerable speed. This realization sent shivers down our spines, prompting us to scan our surroundings and hastily depart the area. We were acutely aware of our vulnerability as potential prey, especially given my perceived palatability compared to my companions. Should the creature return, our survival would be in jeopardy.



Wildflowers are abundant.


This type of insect is also abundant (the lower you go, the more you find).


One of the highlights of visiting Khao Luang is the breathtaking Namtok Nan Rachafa waterfall. This majestic waterfall cascades down a towering cliff, forming a long, white ribbon of water that plunges into the pool below. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the waterfall's pool, but be aware of the deep, green area beneath the falls. This area is home to a variety of fish that may nibble on your feet, providing a unique and enjoyable fish spa experience.


We reveled in the boundless sky, oblivious to the lurking tiger whose tracks we had seen earlier. Let us enjoy this moment in the water for a while longer.




We continued walking along the river until we reached our final campsite, located by the water on a rock formation that formed a waterfall. That night, our guide set up only one flysheet, without hanging any hammocks. We were to sleep in the open air, with the earth as our mattress and the sky as our blanket. It sounded romantic, but...



This is the campsite for the last night of our trip to Khao Luang. We slept right next to the waterfall (next to the cliff, right?).



This is our last supper. We put all the remaining ingredients into this meal. Let's eat it all up. Our guide won't carry anything down for sure.


This is where we slept tonight, it was very romantic. We took our sleeping bags out and slept on the rocks by the waterfall. There were two things we were worried about: first, if there was a flash flood, we would all be swept away; second, if one of us rolled over in our sleep and fell off the cliff with the waterfall, what would we do? But we chose to sleep there anyway, it was a great feeling.


On this clear night, the stars shone brighter than ever before. Lying on the bare, cold rock with nothing above us, we gazed at the stars all night long. We wouldn't have had the chance to stargaze with friends like this anywhere else. It is said that when people look at the stars, they talk about two things. The first is guessing the names of the stars, observing the phenomena occurring in the sky, and trying to guess which constellation is where. The second is to start talking about difficult things: life problems, future plans, truths, religion, politics, and perspectives on the world. These are things that we would never talk about in everyday life, even with close friends. This is the charm of stargazing with friends, the charm of friendship.



Day 5


Ai Kiew Waterfall


...."...We are safe now...."



The final day of the mackerel's life. We survived the flash flood and the tumbling fall into the ravine. Feeling angry at the sun that stings our eyes so early in the morning, because last night we were stargazing and hunting elephants until late. The first topic we discussed this morning was what to buy at the 7-Eleven down the road.



The descent began, following the cascading water. Thoughts raced through my mind: "How far could it be? This is the final trek, after all. 7-Eleven awaits."


The majority of the trail is downhill, and the deeper you descend, the hotter it becomes. Mosquitoes become more prevalent, but leeches are still present (I haven't escaped their torment yet, but who cares? Let them suck if they want).


The trail now passed through a section of farmland, where the intense heat caused heavy sweating. However, even worse news awaited: the water source at this point was no longer suitable for drinking. Having just finished the last bottle, the ultimate enemy of hiking Mount Luang, "thirst," loomed large.

There was a section where we had to jump over a waterfall, which was quite thrilling.



And finally, we entered the park. We were certain because we began to see signs of human presence, such as concrete paths and artificial tree stumps.


After a three-day journey, we finally reached our destination. The final image captures a stark contrast to the first, with our belongings scattered around, reflecting our exhaustion and desire to shed the weight we carried. Over the past five days, we navigated the challenging terrain of Thailand's dense rainforests, emerging safely thanks to the expertise of our guide, Tarzan Boy, and his team. Our first act upon arrival? A refreshing bottle of Coke, which we devoured within seconds.



1. Hiking Khao Luang offers an unparalleled experience of Thailand's pristine natural beauty.

3. Learned basic survival skills in the forest.

7. The experience of drinking water from the stream was incredible.

8. There is no other place with as many blood-sucking leeches as here.

10. 5 days may not be enough to feel at one with nature, but it will certainly energize you from the forest. You will realize how vast the forest is, the origin of all life, the origin of this world. But it is so fragile, so easily destroyed. Do we really want to destroy it? Or have we already destroyed it without realizing it? At the very least, coming out of Khao Luang, we will love the forest more.

For those who have questions or want to discuss, you can go to discuss at

https://www.facebook.com/armmiethegypsyprincess/

Comments