Hiking Khao Daeng and staying overnight at Haad Sam Phraya Beach

A Short Motorcycle Trip to Khao Daeng Viewpoint

This two-day, one-night weekend trip focuses on reaching the Khao Daeng Viewpoint. With limited time, the goal is to climb Khao Daeng and spend the night at Sam Phraya Beach.

Pinned location, estimated travel time from my current location is approximately 3 hours. After packing my camping gear, I set off in the afternoon, aiming to arrive at the campsite near dusk. The campsite is Sam Phraya Beach.

I drove leisurely, not rushing. Before reaching Sam Phraya Beach, the sun was about to set. I stopped to take a few photos with my travel companion, Ai Tamaeng.

This clearing is located at the entrance to Sam Phraya Beach and is likely to be another beautiful spot to watch the sunset. After I had enjoyed taking photos, I drove to Sam Phraya Beach as the sun began to set. I contacted the staff to request permission to pitch my tent, which would be our sleeping quarters for the night.

Sam Phraya Beach is located within the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

– Tent rentals are available in three sizes: 2-person (120 baht/night), 3-person (250 baht/night), and 5-person (500 baht/night). If you bring your own tent, the camping fee is 20 baht/night.

– Offers accommodation services

– Restaurants are available.

– Clean bathroom

Take a shower, eat, and prepare to rest because tomorrow morning there is a plan to wake up early to climb Khao Daeng.

Go wait to catch the morning light in time.

Sweet dreams ZZ zz ZZ ZZ zZZ zz zZZ

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When the alarm clock rang, I dragged myself out of bed. No need to wash my face, no need to brush my teeth.

Grab the camera bag, tripod, car keys most importantly, don't forget the flashlight or I won't be able to see the way up when I climb….

From Haad Sam Phraya to the Khao Daeng viewpoint, the distance is about 4 kilometers.

I arrived at the trailhead around 4:30 AM and started my ascent. The trail is well-marked with arrows and has a steep, rocky path. I recommend wearing sneakers and bringing gloves if possible. There are a few sections that require some scrambling.

The hike to the top of Khao Daeng Viewpoint is approximately 400 meters and took me about 40 minutes.

I arrived just in time to capture the Milky Way.

As the first light of dawn approaches, a slight shiver runs down my spine in the darkness. To overcome my fear of ghosts, I focus my mind on the camera and slowly adjust the shutter speed.

The twinkling starlight gradually fades away as the powerful sunlight takes over.

The first light of dawn breaks, revealing a faint outline of the horizon.

After a while, we heard the voices of fellow travelers, exchanging greetings in a shared camaraderie.

The clicking of camera shutters intertwined with friendly conversations, reminding us that friendship can blossom anywhere on our journeys.

360-degree panoramic view from Khao Daeng viewpoint

Khlong Khao Daeng

Route 4020 that we took from Sam Phraya Beach

Shrimp farming areas of villagers in that neighborhood

Red Mountain Temple in the Valley

Highway 4020 leads to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.

With the sea, the mountains, and us.

Two women conquer the Red Mountain

Park rangers will be on hand daily to ensure your comfort and safety.

The sun is getting hot.

Humans are always smaller than nature.

A moment captured in time, a memory that cannot be rewound.

"Imprint"

As we descend back down, we can see the path we took to overcome the darkness.

The arrows that I mentioned are present throughout the entire path.

Starting point of the mountain trail

After landing on the ground, we drove back to Sam Phraya Beach. The atmosphere of the beach was peaceful and clean.

The bright blue sky against the green of the pine trees brought a sense of coolness.

Tent Camping Area of the National Park

The fun is over. It's time to pack up the tents and equipment, and capture one last thrilling memory.

We will definitely be back.

"Khao Daeng Viewpoint"

"Sam Phraya Beach"

See you again in the next post.

Let's see where Mr. Mustache will take us next. Stay tuned.