Many people wonder why anyone would choose to sleep on a mountain when they could be comfortable at home. After all, there are no soft beds, the climb is tiring, there is no delicious food, and there are no bathrooms. Why not just stay home and relax?

While some may find hiking and trekking to be enjoyable activities, others may not share the same sentiment.

It's not as difficult as you think, trust us! Try going for a walk there once, the atmosphere is completely different from other types of travel.

Looking back to early 2017, we had the opportunity to conquer Khao Chang Puak, Thong Pha Phum National Park.

Kanchanaburi's highly sought-after mountain peak, with a limited daily capacity of 60 visitors, is only accessible once a year between late December and January due to the risk of wildfires that erupt after that period.

Despite the unexpected turn of events, we were fortunate enough to secure a spot on the mountain thanks to the generosity of a kind individual. However, our journey was far from smooth sailing. Just as we were about to embark on our ascent, a storm rolled in, forcing the park to close. With our plans disrupted, we considered switching to Phu Soi Dao, but to our surprise, the park announced that we could still climb on our original date. Overjoyed, we set off for Thong Pha Phum National Park, arriving at 5 am to wait for the park to open at 8 am. However, upon approaching the registration desk, we were met with a shocking discovery: our group's name was nowhere to be found. The officer informed us that if our name was not on the list, we would not be allowed to climb that day as the slots were already full. Panic surged through us as we contemplated the possibility of missing out on our climb. Fortunately, we remembered to contact the kind individual who had helped us secure the spot. However, the park lacked phone signal, forcing us to trek nearly 2 kilometers up a hill to find reception. Once connected, the individual spoke with the park officials, and it turned out that our group's name had been inadvertently omitted. With a sigh of relief, we narrowly avoided missing our climb. After completing the necessary paperwork, we, along with another group facing a similar situation, were finally granted permission to ascend Mount Chang Puak and proceeded to register.

After registering at Thong Pha Phum National Park, purchase park entrance tickets, rent tents, sleeping mats, and blankets. Pay the park fees in full. Then, travel to E-tong Village to find porters. Park rangers will be waiting there to guide each group.

Upon reaching the village of E-tong, we hired porters at a rate of 30 baht per kilogram. Each porter could carry up to 30 kilograms.

This porter is carrying goods for our group.

After arranging the porters, take a photo with the sign here before heading up with the friendly staff.

Our group with the kind staff, P' Tui.

Once you've finished taking photos here, any group that is ready to walk up can go ahead. Our group is in no hurry, as we are almost the last group to register.

It's time to stretch our legs and break a sweat! Let's go!

The path to the top of Khao Chang Puak is located behind the village.

Crossing the bridge, I saw the backs of the older students carrying baskets walking quickly.

We finally found our lost friend, but then we didn't see anyone else. We sat down to rest until the other groups had walked far away. Haha.

After walking for a while, we asked Tui, our guide, every ten steps if we were close to our destination.

He kept replying, "We haven't even started walking yet!"

Huh! I've been walking for a long time now. I've been walking and resting until I reached the sign after almost 2 hours. I was so happy, but it turned out that this was just the entrance. All that walking before wasn't even the real thing.

The sight of the sign brought a wave of relief.

All groups must take a photo with the staff here before proceeding. This is the first reporting point.

Upon arrival, park rangers will collect the entrance tickets purchased earlier and request a new signature.

The distance from here to the top of Doi Chang Phueak is approximately 6 kilometers, but it's a long 6 kilometers. Haha.

Stroll and rest, enjoy the peace of mind.

Continuing on, we reached the first rest stop, where we walked while carrying water bottles to sip along the way.

A 360-degree view that is impossible to find in the city.

The ground on this hill is extremely slippery, so be careful and hold on to the rope tightly. Thank you to the person who helped me pull myself up.

The experienced porters walked skillfully.

Our guide, Tui, served as both a guide and a photographer.

The following is a translation of the Thai sentence "เขาชะมด แต่ไม่มีชะมดนะจ๊ะ ฮ่าๆ" into English:

He is a civet, but he doesn't have any civet scent, haha.

The terrain varies, with flat sections, uphill climbs, and downhill descents.

The following is a translation of the provided text from Thai to English:

We passed Elephant Mountain, but we didn't see any elephants again, haha.

The porter said, "We're almost there."

We've reached the campsite, not the summit yet. Haha, let's take a break before continuing.

Across the golden meadows, gleaming brightly, it becomes a cocoa crunch! The white elephant mountain is the mountain that looks like an elephant, and this is the golden meadow.

This is how good it is!!

Once you pass the hill ahead, you will reach the campsite.

From this angle, the mountain resembles the shape of an elephant's back.

We will go for a walk on the elephant's back.

Over there, on the mountain peak.

The area below is the designated camping spot. Park rangers will allow us to rest until 3 PM before we collectively ascend to the summit of Khao Chang Phuak. We must descend before 5 PM due to safety concerns as the evening hours can be dangerous.

The translation of the provided text is:

It took us about five hours to walk to the campsite, taking breaks along the way.

We had to crawl down from here because it was too steep. Haha.

Upon reaching the designated camping spot, the porters expertly pitched the tents, ensuring a comfortable and well-prepared sleeping area for the group.

After a short break and taking an antihistamine, I joined the group on the mountaintop. I arrived late, so I only had a brief rest before the officials gathered us together.

The highlight of his white elephant is this.

The officers advised that when climbing up the ridge, one should descend using the same route and be accompanied by a guide.

Note: I have included a picture of us two because I didn't dare to take one when we were climbing. My legs were shaking so much! Haha.

I'm your big sister, a seasoned warrior. Haha!

I can help you translate the Thai text to English. Here's the translation:

As I passed the sharp edge of the knife, my legs wouldn't stop shaking. The officer told me to crouch down low, but I couldn't even do that. I had to crawl instead. Below me was a steep drop-off.

Spread your wings with a thrill.

The following is a translation of the Thai sentence "ตอนนี้เราเดินบนหลังช้างกันแล้วน้าาาา" into English:

We are now walking on the elephant's back.

To reach the summit, we first had to ascend Teletabby Hill. The name "Teletabby Hill" may have originated from its steep and slippery terrain, resembling a slide for the Teletubbies. This is, of course, just speculation.

Despite repeated attempts and numerous breaks, the destination remained elusive.

To the point that their friends wanted to give up and not continue walking.

The user provided a text in Thai and requested a translation to English. Here is the translation:

We were secretly discouraged, haha. But then we heard our friends shouting that we had arrived and that they could see the national flag. So we cheered up.

And then, we finally arrived at the peak of Khao Chang Phuak. From the top, we could see the beautiful view of the dam. We lay down on the peak, enjoying the cool breeze and the peaceful atmosphere. The officers then asked us to descend together at 5 pm.

Upon reaching the porter, they had already prepared boiling water for us to conveniently enjoy instant noodles.

Our porter, the one standing behind us, carried our belongings until his legs hurt. We gave him painkillers. Thank you very much.

The experience of enjoying instant noodles on a mountaintop is unparalleled. The cool air and the warmth of the noodles create a delightful contrast.

Not really, because we have nothing to eat. We only brought instant noodles. Haha.

As the evening approached, the air grew cooler, prompting us to retreat into our tents as early as 8 pm. Meanwhile, the other members of our group stayed up to capture the stars.

No, I haven't showered yet.

There are pit toilets available here, but they lack running water. It is recommended to bring wet wipes. Alternatively, many people choose to relieve themselves in the surrounding grassy areas.

It's morning already, with the same outfit. Take in the morning air and then head down. Going down early will keep you cool.

The porter boiled water for me and I ate instant noodles as usual. Food is important, I can't miss it. Haha, otherwise I won't have the strength to walk down.

As we descended, the porter diligently packed away the tent and collected the garbage, ensuring everything was in order.

The descent took approximately 3-4 hours. We took longer breaks at locations with cell phone reception.

After taking a shower, I stopped to take a picture before leaving.

Waving goodbye, if we have the chance to go up again next year, we would love to go back again. We will keep it in our memories...

...Khao Chang Puak, Thong Pha Phum National Park, Kanchanaburi...

The journey, not the destination, is what matters most, especially the friendships formed along the way.

I apologize for any errors.

Until we meet again, next time!

Expenses:
- Fuel: Roundtrip 1500/5 = 300 baht per person
- Highway tolls: Roundtrip 80/5 = 16 baht per person
- Park entrance fee: 380/5 = 76 baht per person
- Guide fee: 1000/5 = 200 baht per person
- Tent, blanket, and sleeping mat rental: 171 baht per person
- Porter fee (2 porters, 63 kg total): 2780/5 = 556 baht per person
- Total: 1319 baht (excluding food)