Khao Khaeng Forest, the Forest of Life

Huai Kha Khaeng: A Forest of Life

During the recent Songkran holiday, many people chose to return to their hometowns and play water games to cool off. However, we chose to come to Huai Kha Khaeng.

The Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Uthai Thani Province. Access is straightforward, as we obtained permission to enter the area from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife two weeks in advance.

We set off early on the 12th, with the wheels turning at 4 am. We stopped at the market in Lan Sak to buy supplies for cooking inside Huai Kha Khaeng, but there are still shops in Huai Kha Khaeng, which is very convenient.

From the moment we entered, we were struck by the dryness of the Huai Kha Khaeng forest. This dryness is characteristic of the dry dipterocarp forest, where controlled burning is used to promote the growth of new grass, a food source for wild animals of all sizes. Despite the arid conditions, we encountered wild boars, peacocks, and troops of monkeys.

Amidst the sweltering afternoon heat, reaching a scorching 40 degrees Celsius, we remained undeterred, venturing into the wildlife observation tower at Lannok Yugon. After a patient wait of approximately two hours, we were rewarded with the sight of a majestic banteng (male wild ox) emerging to graze on the tender grass. As dusk approached, around 5 pm, the banteng发出一声响亮的叫声, signaling the arrival of other wild oxen to join the feast.

Herds of wild boars and peacocks also frequent the salt licks in the area.

As the evening approached, we returned to our campsite to continue our camping adventure. For dinner, we prepared a dish of stir-fried sweet vegetable with red ant eggs, a local delicacy that perfectly complemented the surrounding forest environment.

At three in the morning, the sky cleared, revealing beautiful stars. We took the opportunity to capture the Milky Way. Its beauty is undeniable, and we never tire of gazing at it.

This is a short trip for us during Songkran. The heat is so intense that even humans can barely stand it. Imagine how wild animals must be feeling. Their homes, the forests, are shrinking every day due to deforestation.

Engage in sustainable ecotourism and creative exploration. Protect our forests and conserve our water resources for future generations. Let's preserve these treasures rather than leaving behind only names for our descendants to hear.

#wildlifeไหนล่ะสัตว์ - Where are the animals in the wildlife? #เที่ยวป่าเชิงอนุรักษ์ - Ecotourism in the forest #สายป่า - Forest lovers #ห้วยขาแข้ง - Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary