Khao Phatamangkra in Chumphon is not just about the sea.

Where is Khao Pha Ta Mangkra? Who to contact? What to prepare? How to get there?

Location: Khao Pha Ta Mangkra is a mountain located in the Khao Laem National Park, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.

Contact: You can contact the Khao Laem National Park office for more information:

• Phone: +66 3457 4222
• Email: [email protected]

Preparation:

• Hiking gear: Comfortable shoes, hiking clothes, backpack, water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent.
• Camping gear: Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking utensils, food and water.
• Park entrance fee: 200 baht for foreigners, 100 baht for Thais.

Getting there:

• By car: From Bangkok, take Highway 323 to Kanchanaburi. Then, take Highway 3199 to Khao Laem National Park.
• By bus: Take a bus from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. Then, take a local bus to Khao Laem National Park.
• By train: Take a train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. Then, take a taxi or local bus to Khao Laem National Park.

Additional notes:

• The best time to visit Khao Pha Ta Mangkra is during the dry season (November to April).
• The hike to the summit is challenging and requires a good level of fitness.
• There are no shops or restaurants on the mountain, so be sure to bring everything you need.
• Camping is allowed on the mountain, but you need to obtain a permit from the park office.

**Khao Pho Ta Mang Kret** is located in Chumporn Province, Phato District, under the care of the Phato Headwaters Conservation and Management Unit. It is a mountain that is not very well-known, and there is not much information available. So, we volunteered to go there and tell you all about it.

What Inspired My Climb in Chumphon?

Three simple reasons:

1. My love for exploring forests and mountains.
2. My unfamiliarity with southern Thailand. Chumphon's proximity to Bangkok and its mountainous terrain made it an ideal destination.
3. A desire to discover Chumphon's hidden treasures beyond its beaches.

How to Contact the Authorities for Access

If you wish to visit the area, you must contact the relevant authorities. While some individuals may have previously contacted the village headman, the recommended approach is to reach out to the official in charge of the Phato Watershed Conservation and Management Unit. This individual, known as Mr. Tun, can be contacted by phone at 089-587-4443 or through the Line app using the same number.

It is advisable to contact Mr. Tun beforehand to inquire about any necessary procedures or restrictions.

Once you've contacted her, let her know the date of your visit and the number of people in your group. You can also ask her to prepare food for you, and she will be happy to do so. I highly recommend letting her handle the food arrangements. Everything she makes is delicious, especially the local dishes. A must-try is the "nam prik kham", a spicy and sour chili dip that you won't find in Bangkok.

What to Bring

Please note that this is a preliminary plan, as the forest officials are still in the process of surveying the area. Therefore, there are no facilities or support available, and porters are not available. As such, you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for the duration of your stay.

Here are some essential items to bring:

• Camping gear: This includes a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.
• Clothing: Pack for all types of weather, including rain gear and warm clothes for the evenings.
• Food and water: Bring enough food and water for the duration of your stay. There are no shops or restaurants in the area.
• First-aid kit: This is essential for any outdoor activity.
• Personal hygiene items: Pack soap, shampoo, and other toiletries.
• Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects can be a problem in the forest.
• Flashlight or headlamp: This is essential for navigating at night.
• Map and compass: These will help you find your way around the forest.
• Camera: Capture the beauty of the forest and your adventure.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and you may need to bring additional items depending on your individual needs and preferences.

It is also important to be aware of the risks involved in hiking in a remote area. Please be sure to take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Essential Gear for a Comfortable Camping Trip:

1. Tent or Hammock: Opt for a tent for traditional camping or embrace a new experience with a hammock.

2. Sleeping Bag: Pack a sleeping bag suitable for the cool mountain climate.

3. Power Bank: While electricity is unavailable, cellular and internet signals remain accessible. Ensure your devices stay charged with a power bank.

4. Hygiene Essentials: Due to the lack of restrooms, bring toilet paper and wet wipes for personal hygiene.

5. Additional Gear: Pack a flashlight, camera, appropriate clothing, and a warm jacket.

6. Tick Prevention: Be prepared for ticks on the trail. Consider tick-repellent clothing, insect repellent, or traditional methods like soaking tobacco leaves in water.

How to get there

There are two ways to get to the unit:

1. By bus: The district of Phato is located near Ranong province. Take a bus to Ranong Bus Terminal and then let Mr. Tun pick you up at the unit.
2. By train: Take a train to Lang Suan Station and then take a three-wheeled motorcycle from the train station to Aue Chai Market 2. Then take a Songthaew (shared taxi) from Lang Suan to Phato and get off at PTT Gas Station in Phato. Mr. Tun will pick you up at the unit.

Method 1 is more convenient, closer, and faster.

Method 2 requires multiple transfers, is farther, and more difficult, but it's fun. The road from Suan Phung to Phato is beautiful, with stunning sea mist views along the way.

Given this, we obviously chose Method 2. We're always up for a challenge, so we'll check it out and report back!

Let's get started!

May 16, 2018

The journey began at Bang Sue Junction Station. We boarded a sleeper train and arrived in Lang Suan the next morning. This was my first experience on a sleeper train, and I was quite excited. The atmosphere was a bit eerie, as we traveled late at night and the train was delayed by two hours. While waiting, I took the opportunity to capture some photos.

The sleeper car is an air-conditioned compartment with well-lit walkways. Each bed has a curtain for privacy. The bedsheets, pillows, and blankets are relatively clean, although we did encounter a cockroach, which we promptly eliminated (a bit cruel, perhaps?). The beds are spacious, but unfortunately, there are no charging outlets available.

The train has a toilet and a sink. You can wash your face and brush your teeth before bed or after waking up.

The bathroom was not clean at all. When I tried to pee, I had to be careful not to let the toilet touch me. It was very difficult because the toilet was constantly shaking. Hahahaha! Every time I think about it, I laugh. It was so funny! But they did provide toilet paper, which was impressive.

We slept soundly and woke up in the morning. The alarm clock woke us up because we were afraid of oversleeping our station. We woke up at Chumphon station just in time. We had about 30 minutes to wash our face and brush our teeth before arriving at Lang Suan station. We met an aunt who was in the same carriage as us and was also getting off at Lang Suan. It was easy to get off with her, so I was confident that if I got off at the wrong station, I could blame her. Just kidding! The staff actually came to tell us that we were approaching Lang Suan.

May 17, 2018

Upon arriving at Phrom Phong Station, there were three-wheeled taxis waiting. We hadn't planned how to get from there to Or Tor Kor Market 2, so we relied on luck as usual. Fortunately, a friendly taxi driver was waiting for us. He charged us 20 baht each for the ride. There were three of us on this trip, and as usual, we didn't know each other beforehand.

The uncle dropped me off at Aue Chai 2 Market, but there were no food stalls open. So, he took me to the Municipal Market to find something to eat first. Then, we walked back to catch a songthaew at Aue Chai 2 Market. The uncle was very kind. He suggested that we try the rice noodles because they were delicious. However, we couldn't find the shop he recommended, so we ate something else instead.

The municipal market is a market with a wide variety of goods for sale. After having lunch, we bought lunch for the next day and then took a wooden two-row car to Aue Chai 2 Market.

There it is, the car is already parked and waiting. The fare is 60 baht per person, which is reasonable considering the long distance of almost 60 km. The car leaves every half hour, and the one we boarded was the first of the day, and it wasn't even full. So we were able to put our bags down and take pictures comfortably. We also had a little companion on our journey. When we asked her name, she replied, "I won't tell you!" 55555 She's quite the character.

Finding the elusive bus route: A tale of perseverance and Google Maps

Navigating public transportation in unfamiliar territory can be a daunting task, especially when information is scarce. This was the predicament faced by the author, who sought to travel by bus from a location with limited online resources. Undeterred, they embarked on a virtual exploration using Google Maps, meticulously scanning the area from their home. Their persistence paid off when they spotted a faded sign indicating the desired route: After Suan - Phato. This serendipitous discovery brought much relief, providing the crucial information needed to embark on their journey. This experience highlights the importance of resourcefulness and the potential of Google Maps as a tool for uncovering hidden transportation options, even in the absence of readily available information.

This section is for the bus route. We have reviewed it for you. In summary, if you want to go to Phato from Lumphun, you can take a wooden songthaew at the Aue Chai 2 Market. The fare is 60 baht per person. There is a clear sign that says "Lumphun-Phato Bus Queue".

The car will travel along Route 4006, the only road connecting Lang Suan and Phato. It is a very scenic road, located on the shoulder of a mountain with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The road is in excellent condition, having been recently rebuilt following a landslide.

The atmosphere feels like being in the north during the winter, even though we are actually in the south during the rainy season. Nature's grandeur never ceases to amaze me. I am truly impressed.

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

Our time to enjoy the scenery along the way was up, so when we arrived at the PTT gas station where we had arranged to meet, we called Brother Tun to come and pick us up. He took us to the Phato Watershed Management Unit. When we arrived, we took a shower. The bathroom at the unit was quite clean and spacious. The cold water was refreshing. Then we sorted out the supplies that we would leave behind so that we wouldn't be carrying too much weight on the hike up the mountain.

We took the opportunity to have lunch here. Brother Tun suggested that we start walking at noon because it only takes about 2-3 hours to walk. The peak of Khao Pho Ta Mang is not very high. I can't remember how high it is. At that time, I was so excited about the clouds and fog that I forgot to look at how high it was. T^T If anyone has the opportunity to go, please let me know. ^^

This is a picture of my brother Tun. He has a dark complexion, but he is very kind and talkative. He is also very good at telling jokes, but most of his jokes require some skill to understand. When he tells them, we are a bit confused. We don't hear jokes like this very often in Bangkok.

The team, consisting of Mr. Tun, Mr. Lang, and Mr. Sak, arrived in a 4WD vehicle. Initially, we were surprised by the need for a 4WD, but upon seeing the road conditions, we understood its necessity. The steep and winding terrain demanded a capable vehicle. The journey was a thrilling experience, with the car navigating sharp inclines and descents. We held on tight to our cameras and listened intently to Mr. Tun's commentary.

The mole pointed out to me which trees were which and what their fruits would look like when they were ripe. He said that most of the trees were mangosteen and durian, as this area is known for its fruit, just like Chanthaburi.

We have reached the starting point of the hike. Seeing the path ahead, I already feel tired. It's steep right from the beginning.

The forest here is quite pristine, it's a tropical rainforest. With eight parts rain and four parts sun, how could it not be humid? You can tell how humid it is by the slugs; they love humid environments.

The trees here are not as large as those in the western region, but there is one tree that serves as a checkpoint. It is a banyan tree that looks like a giant standing in the middle of the forest.

Her expression at the start of the walk was still smiling, but where did the members go?

Here we are, members. When facing the camera, we have to smile for it, right? But honestly, our faces are actually super tired, especially P'A. This is his first time hiking here, and it's quite brutal. He didn't prepare his body beforehand. Haha! This is what hiking is like. Anyone who thinks it's easy or that they're strong enough, try hiking and you'll realize that your body isn't as strong as you think. Therefore, exercising is crucial. Don't procrastinate.

This picture shows us the incredible challenge of this mountain. It was the first one we attempted, and it was definitely a tough one.

The trail here is not too tiring, as it alternates between steep and flat sections, allowing for some rest periods.

This path is recommended to have a guide. The path is not clear at all, and it is easy to get lost. We walked ahead of Brother Tun, and he even had to call us back because we were going the wrong way. We were just walking along, enjoying ourselves. 555

The steep incline intensifies as you approach the summit, with few flat sections and large boulders to navigate. Notably, leeches abound in this area, clinging to nearly every leaf on the ground, poised to latch onto unsuspecting hikers. This is the most adventurous section of the trail, requiring both rock climbing and a brisk pace to avoid the leeches. The urgency to avoid these creatures adds to the physical exertion, creating a thrilling and exhilarating experience. A visit is highly recommended.

Finally, we arrived. As we ascended, we were greeted by a sea of mist, the Andaman Sea, and the peak of Khao Phato Choeng, which is located in Ranong Province. We were standing at the same level as the rain clouds. The air was so fresh that it made us forget all our fatigue. The sight was so breathtaking that we didn't even think about taking pictures. We dropped our bags and stood there with our arms outstretched, embracing the fresh air and the energy of nature. We were truly rejuvenated. And when we were no longer tired, our faces lit up, just like in the picture.

However, after we absorbed some natural energy, rain clouds suddenly appeared, covering the sky with a vast expanse of white. We were tempted to jump and lie down on the fluffy clouds like in cartoons, but that would have been fatal, as there was a chasm ahead.

Notes:

• The original text is already in English, so no translation is necessary.
• I have preserved the original HTML structure.

We arrived at 3:30 PM. We didn't rest yet. We stood waiting for the clouds to open so that we could see the Andaman Sea. But it didn't really disappoint us, even though it opened very little.

Our mission isn't over yet. We still have to eat rice. Eating rice on the mountaintop, amidst the rain clouds. Even though it was raining heavily, it was so much fun. And everything on the mountain was delicious because P'Lang, P'Sak, and P'Toon cooked for us. It was really delicious, especially the "Nam Prik Rakam".

Mountaintop Menu Delights: A Culinary Adventure

1. Boiled Chicken with Fish Sauce: This dish was a true standout, boasting a harmonious blend of flavors and the enticing aroma of firewood. It far surpassed the quality of boiled chicken with fish sauce found in markets.

2. Fried Fish: This unique dish featured dried fish fried directly over an open fire, imparting a distinct smoky flavor.

3. Garcinia Chili Paste: This delectable condiment, brought from home, offered a tantalizing combination of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Its unique flavor was a revelation, unlike anything experienced before.

4. Bamboo Shoot Egg Custard: This dish, the highlight of the meal, consisted of egg custard cooked within bamboo shoots. The addition of fried shallots enhanced the flavor, while the bamboo imparted a subtle, earthy aroma, evoking the ambiance of a forest.

5. Bamboo Shoot Rice: This fragrant rice, cooked inside bamboo shoots, offered an unforgettable culinary experience. The unique cooking method resulted in exceptionally flavorful rice, unlike any previously encountered.

While waiting for the chef to prepare our meal, we encountered this creature. It was swollen, likely from feeding on animal blood. It must have hitched a ride on someone as we walked by, although none of our group members reported being bitten. Thankfully, it was larger than a ten-baht coin. This truly is a voracious creature.

Let's have dinner together. Before we eat, we have to take some pictures.^^ Eating rice amidst the rain, the atmosphere is good. And what's more exclusive is that today only our group is here. That is, this place is not well known yet. But it's not that no one has ever been here. Let's say we recommend you to come. Chumphon is not just good for the sea.

The sleeping arrangements on this trip were unique. We didn't bring tents, opting instead for hammocks. I'm not sure what possessed us to do that. After dinner, we cleaned ourselves up before heading to our hammocks. It was already dark, which made things a bit spooky (especially when we shone our flashlights under our chins – haha!). But I wanted to share this experience because it was something new. At first, we were worried about safety: would we fall out? Would we be cold? Would something crawl on us? Would we encounter snakes? In the end, we slept soundly. We didn't wake up until our friends, Liu and Ae, woke us up at four in the morning to go stargazing.

Rise and shine! It's time to embrace the morning's natural energy.

May 18, 2018

Waking up to a sky full of stars was an awe-inspiring sight. The Milky Way was clearly visible, but unfortunately, I woke up a bit late and missed the chance to capture it. By the time I set up my camera, the sky had already started to brighten.

As the sun began to rise, the landscape transformed dramatically from the previous day's arrival. The majestic mountains loomed closer, their forested slopes shrouded in tranquility. It was a moment of pure immersion in nature's beauty, a time to truly appreciate the serenity of the wilderness.

This is the first time I've been to the mountains and woken up to the sunrise in the west. 5555 It seems so contradictory, doesn't it? But it was truly beautiful. The horizon was a blend of yellow, orange, indigo, and blue, overlapping in a way that shouldn't work, but somehow did. I can't even describe it. I recommend seeing it for yourself.

Do you ever experience this? Whenever I travel, I wake up early every morning, without an alarm clock and without feeling groggy. It happens on every trip, and it's really strange. This trip was no exception. This morning, I woke up to a breathtaking view of the starry sky, the misty mountains, the lush forest, and the Andaman Sea. This trip has been truly worthwhile.

The towering, pointed peak in the distance is Mount Phata Cho Dong, located in Ranong Province. If you're interested in conquering this summit, you can contact Mr. Tun for assistance.

The Andaman Sea, with sunlight streaming in from the east, is a breathtaking sight. This unedited image may appear slightly dark.

The morning air is refreshing, although it might feel a bit chilly. This is because we are in the forest, surrounded by trees and foliage, which makes the air cooler. Even though it is the end of the hot season and the beginning of the rainy season, don't be fooled, it can still be quite cold up here on the mountain or in the forest. We don't want to make the same mistake we did on our trip to Khao Sam Nok Wua, where we forgot to bring a jacket! 5555

Almost forgot! This peak is named "Father Mangkre Peak" because of the presence of Mangkre trees. As mentioned by Brother Tun, these are large and ancient Mangkre trees, hence the name. Currently, there are numerous Mangkre trees on the peak, and their flowers are pink with a slight purple hue.

Breakfast before descending the mountain

It's time for breakfast before we descend the mountain. Our chef has prepared a delicious stir-fried fiddlehead fern dish with pork belly, a perfect energy boost for the hike down. The stir-fried dish is accompanied by a pot of boiled fiddlehead fern with fish sauce, both of which are delicious. Unfortunately, we're missing some chili paste, as we finished it all last night. We shouldn't have been so hasty!

After finishing our meal, we walked down the same path we came up. As we descended, I couldn't help but wonder how we managed to climb up, as it was incredibly steep.

This trip, I would like to thank P'A and P'Liu for being my companions. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to experience the lushness of the southern forest. I would also like to thank P'Sak, P'Lang, and P'Tun for taking care of us throughout the journey. They cooked delicious food for us, guided us safely to the mountaintop, and shared their knowledge about the forest. ^^ Thank you for P'Tun's jokes that made us laugh all the way, even though they were really bad jokes. Thank you.