Readme before you journey
"Pha Hin Goob": A Challenging Hike in the Eastern Thai Wilderness
This passage describes a challenging and rewarding hike to "Pha Hin Goob," a rocky peak located within the Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Thailand. The name "Pha Hin Goob" translates to "Elephant Hump Rock," aptly describing the distinctive shape of the summit.
The journey begins with a 6-7 kilometer trek through dense rainforest, taking approximately 5-6 hours to reach the summit. The path ascends 960 meters from sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The hike requires careful planning and preparation. Reservations are necessary and can be made through the Ban Tung Phel Forest Protection Unit. Hiring a porter is recommended, especially for carrying heavy backpacks. Additionally, a guide is mandatory, ensuring safety and responsible exploration.
The hike is accessible year-round, but Saturdays are the only designated days for ascending. Camping is permitted overnight, allowing visitors to witness the stunning sunrise from the summit. However, due to limited space, the number of hikers is restricted to approximately 40 per day.
During the rainy season, extra caution is advised as the trail can become slippery and challenging. It's crucial to follow the guide's instructions and remain on designated paths to avoid getting lost or encountering hazards.
The dense rainforest environment necessitates protection against insects and leeches. Wearing long clothing and using insect repellent is highly recommended. While water sources are available near the campsite, there are no toilet facilities.
Camping equipment is not mandatory as basic shelters are provided. However, bringing a sleeping bag or hammock is recommended, especially during the rainy season.
For those seeking to stay connected, limited mobile phone reception is available on the mountain.
Overall, "Pha Hin Goob" offers a unique and challenging hiking experience, immersing visitors in the beauty and biodiversity of the eastern Thai wilderness. Careful planning, respect for the environment, and adherence to safety guidelines are essential for a successful and unforgettable adventure.
Waiting for friends at Mo Chit and Bor Kor Sor 999 bus station to catch a bus to Chanthaburi. The bus departs at 2:30 PM. The wait is excruciatingly long!
Arriving at Chanthaburi Bus Terminal at 7:30 PM, we looked for a shared taxi to take us to Ban Tung Phel Forest Protection Unit the next day. After settling the fare, we found some food and a place to stay in the city.
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The next morning, we woke up early to prepare provisions and find food on the mountain. This was because we had already explored the area around the hot spring market, which was less than a kilometer from our accommodation, in the evening.
7:00 AM. After breakfast, we called a local taxi to pick us up at the hotel. We arrived at the Ban Tung Phel Forest Protection Unit in about an hour.
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The initial phase was leisurely and enjoyable, strolling through a thicket of carambolas, admiring the birds and trees, and sampling various treats. The carambolas were edible and incredibly sour.
Still in the thicket, but the path is muddy and slippery. It's getting really messy!
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At certain points, there are streams flowing by where you can refill your water bottles, wash your face, and instantly feel refreshed by the cool water.
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The lush greenery of the rainforest during the rainy season is teeming with life, including the ubiquitous presence of snails. These tiny creatures can effortlessly penetrate even the most robust defenses, leaving unsuspecting hikers with an unwelcome surprise upon removing their shoes and socks. The forest is not only inhabited by humans but also by larger animals, such as elephants. Evidence of their presence can be found in the mushrooms that sprout from their dung. When venturing into the rainforest, be mindful of these gentle giants, as they can easily outpace humans.
After a long walk, we finally reached the octagonal stone resting area. We had lunch and relaxed at our leisure. There was a water refill and washing station near the octagonal stone. After lunch, it was time to continue our journey. The officer told us that from now on, the trail would only go uphill. Yikes!
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The ascent was arduous, but a refreshing breeze accompanied me throughout the climb. However, the wind brought with it a sudden downpour. Despite the frustration, I continued my journey, consoling myself with the thought that the rain would soon cease. As I approached the cave, I knew that my destination was within reach.
Upon reaching the summit, we hastily sought shelter, setting up our flysheets and hammocks. However, shortly after we finished, the heavens opened, unleashing a torrential downpour. The relentless rain rendered us virtually immobile, save for boiling some instant noodles and attempting to sleep. Yet, sleep proved elusive as the rain transformed our hammocks into water basins, leaving us soaked and utterly demotivated to capture the moment with our cameras. Exhausted, we succumbed to slumber, only to be abruptly awakened at two in the morning by the lamentations of other groups who had yet to find respite from the relentless rain. "We haven't slept yet! It's almost ten in the morning!" they cried. Alas, such was the plight of our night on the mountain.
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Waking up at 5 am to wait for the sunrise after being disappointed by the sunset. Where is the sun? Oh, there's no sun! Well, at least we can have some fog, lots of fog. This is what we got back: a partly cloudy sky, scattered fog, and our fresh-faced travel companions who "haven't slept yet." We enjoyed the atmosphere anyway. Can we say we were disappointed? Not really. At least we now know that traveling during the rainy season is "difficult like this." Around 8 am, we descended from the mountain.
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Upon arriving at the unit, we were greeted by a refreshing waterfall where we could bathe and wash away the fatigue of the journey. The cool water was invigorating, but to our dismay, we discovered that we had been bitten by leeches! After tending to our wounds, we contacted a local driver named "Lek" who offered a round-trip tour of Chanthaburi city for 400 baht (200 baht per person). Lek's contact number is 084-7806274. Be warned, Lek is a fast driver, so hold on tight! We returned to the Chanthaburi bus terminal and safely made our way back home, albeit exhausted.
Travel and expenses per person (excluding food):
- Bus fare from Mo Chit to Chanthaburi bus terminal: 151 baht (BKS 999 offers a 20% discount on tickets)
- Hotel accommodation: 220 baht
- Songthaew fare: 200 baht
- Unit maintenance and staff fee: 200 baht
- Total expenses: 771 baht
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Bear Mountain
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 6:49 PM
