A year has passed since I attempted to write a review of my trip to Malaysia with my child, but it remains unfinished.

This trip, we went to Phetchabun Province. My husband loves this place, especially the Khao Kho area, because it reminds him of his hometown in Wisconsin. He has long dreamed of bringing his wife and children here to go camping, pitch tents, and grill, among other things.

Personally, I have never been camping, and in the few times I have slept in a tent, it has never been comfortable. However, I would like to go camping to fulfill my husband's dream.

We chose to go in late October because it is the end of the rainy season, not too hot, and there are not many people because they are afraid of the rain. Actually, if possible, Pat also recommends weekdays. My husband said that there are already many people and it is noisy, and if we have to pitch tents close together, it does not seem private. Our family likes quietness, so we chose this period.

We left the house just as our child was about to take a nap. The distance seemed short, 390 kilometers, but the journey took a very long time. We opened Google Maps and set our destination as Nong Mae Na, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun. This is where we will set up our tent at Thung Salaeng Luang, which is located in the middle of several provinces.

We left home at around 10:00 AM and arrived in Phetchabun at 5:00 PM, a total of 8 hours with two breaks. We had to stop for our child to stretch their legs and eat, otherwise, life would not be peaceful.

We had lunch in Saraburi. We tried to stay on the main road and avoid driving off the main route, so we didn't follow any famous restaurants. We ate at Som Tum Khun Ek, the food was delicious. The restaurant looked small from the outside, but it was actually quite large and spacious inside. We also stopped at a Lotus store near Phetchabun.

Here are some tips to help your child sit in a car seat for a long period of time:

1. Start your trip when your child is about to fall asleep. This can save you almost 2 hours.
2. Pack dried strawberries, crackers (or other snacks your child enjoys).
3. Play children's songs.
4. Bring storybooks and toys that your child likes.
5. Pack simple snacks in case your child gets hungry before you can find a place to eat, such as boiled eggs, crackers with cheese, small cartons of milk, and bananas. It can be difficult to find places to eat along the way, especially if you are trying to stay on track.

Upon arriving in Phetchabun at 5 pm, we decided not to ascend the mountain that day. We reasoned that it would be too dark and challenging to climb and set up camp. Using Google, we found this accommodation in the city center.

Phetchabun Accommodation: Tamarind Place Hotel

Address: 115 Moo 2, Sadeang, Mueang Phetchabun District, Phetchabun 67000, Thailand

Phone: +66 65 269 2829

Website: https://goo.gl/maps/1D8B2qF38zL2

The reviews are excellent, with everyone praising the place. I called, and the price is 400 baht per night. 555555 I love it! It's also cheap, so I'm going to stay here. Let's go see the room. The room is spacious, clean, and new, just as advertised.

In our opinion, the accommodation in this area is already affordable. The prices are generally the same, and the hotels compete on quality. We stayed at this hotel for the first night and had dinner at Lotus's, which is located near our accommodation. If you need to buy anything for your camping trip, this Lotus's is the place to go. It's probably the biggest one in the province (from what we saw driving by).

The next morning, we set off on our journey up the mountain. The road was quite winding, but we were able to stop at a strawberry farm along the way. The people there were very friendly, and we even had breakfast at a restaurant on the mountain. My husband decided to shave his head, and the lady at the farm told us to go to this particular place to get it done. The restaurant was open very early, so if you're not interested in grilling your own food, you can always drive up here and eat. It's not a difficult drive at all.

Malee Restaurant

Location: Khao Kho, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun 67270

Phone: 086 216 3225

Website: https://goo.gl/maps/UnGK3n26MTC2

(The storefront has a cow like this.)

It took us about an hour to drive up the mountain to Nong Mae Na.

Upon arrival, you will see the Thung Salaeng Luang National Park sign at the entrance of the alley. There is a shop that sells everything you need, phone number 089 858 5813 (decoded from the picture, should be correct). For grilling, they even have stoves for rent, large bottled water, charcoal, ice, and vegetables. Therefore, before you go, call this shop to check if it is open. If it is, you don't need to bring any equipment. You can rent it there. If you go on a Tuesday, there is also a night market in the evening.

It is recommended to purchase pre-cut and marinated pork and chicken, as the quality of meat at the market may not meet the standards of city dwellers, especially when lacking proper equipment and running water.

Upon arrival at the campsite, visit the tourist service point to pay the camping fee. If you need to rent a tent, sleeping bag, or sleeping pad, you can do so there. However, we prefer to bring our own tent, sleeping bag, and blanket for a more comfortable and personalized experience. A sleeping pad can significantly improve your comfort while camping, and you can either purchase one or rent one for 20 baht.

After setting up our tent, my husband suggested we go for a bike ride. We rented bikes from a nearby shop, but I don't remember the exact price. It was probably around 100 baht per hour. However, I wouldn't recommend it. It was incredibly tiring, as the bikes weren't suitable for the hilly terrain. After just 15 minutes of cycling, we were exhausted and drained for the rest of the day. To make matters worse, it was midday, and the heat was unbearable.

It was so hot, so I went for a drive around Khao Kho. I heard there was a waterfall nearby, so I thought I could go swimming. When I got there, wow, it was so steep that I would have died if I had gone down. It seemed like it was just for sightseeing.

After that, we returned to the camp and informed the staff that we wanted to go on a night safari. I don't remember the exact price, but it was around 600 baht for a 40-minute ride in a pickup truck. If there are other people who want to share the cost, you can let them know in advance.

After the safari, we returned to the camp and started a fire to cook dinner.

Watermelon from the market costs 20 baht per piece. Canned rice is delicious when warmed up. Shredded pork is okay and very easy to eat. Fried eggs are not recommended. In fact, anything that requires equipment like a pan or pot is not recommended for cooking. It's difficult to wash. It's better to bring something that can be grilled directly, such as marinated pork or chicken.

Read bedtime stories with great care.

Oh, and don't forget to apply mosquito repellent as soon as you arrive at the camp. This will help prevent mosquito bites for both parents and children. Apply it before it gets dark and reapply regularly.

Around 7 pm, we went to watch the animals. We put our baby in a carrier, but she fell asleep. The downside of having a child who sleeps early is that we only saw four or five deer. Before we arrived, the staff told us that we wouldn't see much because the grass was tall and it had been raining. They said we would see more animals during the hot season.

We went again in the morning, haha. We went to watch the sunrise with the park rangers. The price was the same as before, and we left at 5:30 am, which wasn't a problem because our son wakes up early anyway.

The road is very muddy because it rained the day before. I'm not sure if we can avoid hiring a car if we have our own pickup truck. We should ask about it.

As the sun rose, the fog gradually dissipated.

The key to overcoming adversity.

This is on the way back down to camp, the fog is still thick.

Dad caught a grasshopper for me, but I'm scared. 555

After watching the sunrise, we had breakfast with cereal, milk, and bananas. It was a good breakfast, and the ice in the cooler didn't melt much, so it worked well.

Due to the long drive ahead, we planned to pack up and start driving back in the afternoon. While we were relaxing this morning, we encountered a leech. It attached itself to my child's shoe, which made me feel faint. Therefore, wearing sneakers, socks, and long pants is essential for camping. 55555

For those who want to stay more than one night, it is recommended to book a house as well. The first night, sleep in a tent, the second night, sleep in a house, so you can take a shower comfortably. And personally, we think one night is enough for the experience of sleeping in a tent. The children also like it, they feel like it's a small house.

Camping Essentials: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive list of essential items for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

Shelter and Comfort:

• Tarp: A large plastic tarp serves multiple purposes. Spread it under your tent for added protection and as a clean space to relax. Use a second tarp as a makeshift roof in case of unexpected rain.
• Pillows and Bedding: Pillows enhance comfort and a good night's sleep. Pack blankets, sheets, and a comfortable sleeping pad for a cozy camping experience.

Hygiene and Essentials:

• Water Container: A large water container is crucial for washing hands, dishes, and other essential tasks.
• Flashlights: Ensure everyone has a flashlight for navigating at night.
• Camp Lantern: A lantern provides ambient light around your tent.
• Toiletries: Pack basic toiletries like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste.
• First-Aid Kit: Include essential medications like pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, and basic first-aid supplies for minor injuries.

Food and Cooking:

• Simple Meals: Pack easy-to-prepare meals like cereal, milk, fruits, instant noodles, and bread. Consider pre-cooked options like corn and sweet potatoes for convenient campfire snacks.
• Disposable Utensils: Opt for disposable plates, cups, and cutlery to minimize cleanup.

Clothing and Footwear:

• Versatile Clothing: Pack a variety of clothing options for changing weather conditions, including shorts, long pants, short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, a hoodie, socks, sneakers, and sandals.
• Warm Clothing for Bathing: If showering facilities are available, bring warm clothes to change into after showering, as it can get chilly.

Entertainment and Relaxation:

• Games and Activities: Pack kites, hammocks, and other outdoor games for entertainment.
• Books: Bring books or magazines for quiet moments of relaxation.

Insect Protection:

• Insect Repellent: Use mosquito repellent and insect repellent wipes for children.
• After-Bite Relief: Pack a cream to soothe insect bites and stings.

Additional Tips:

• Prepare for All Weather: Be prepared for unexpected weather changes by packing appropriate clothing and gear.
• Leave No Trace: Dispose of waste responsibly and leave the campsite clean.
• Enjoy the Experience: Relax, have fun, and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

This comprehensive guide ensures you have everything you need for a successful and enjoyable camping trip. Remember to pack wisely, stay safe, and embrace the beauty of nature.