Location: Khao Koo Pha Cliff, Thung Phel Forest Protection Unit, Makham District, Chanthaburi Province

Members:

  • 14 people
  • Nuch
  • Nick
  • Tian
  • Pai
  • Tong (ABC)
  • P'Ter
  • P'Joe
  • P'Eye
  • Praow
  • Joy
  • Anton
  • Gum
  • Pear
  • Tong (KK)

Date and Time: June 3-4, 2017 >> 2 days 1 night<<

Elevation: 960 meters above sea level

Distance: 5-6 kilometers, walking time: 6-8 hours.

Gang: Seeking trouble in the wilderness… carrying burdens on their shoulders.

Photos: From multiple cameras



Koop Cave, a name that has been heard for a long time and has been wanting to visit for many years, but could not find a travel companion (I was going to go alone anyway). Suddenly, this year, we agreed to set a date and find a travel companion together for only 2 weeks. We quickly got old and new travel companions to fill the quota. When we got the date and friends, we set the food menu, prepared the central items, travel and accommodation. As for this place, it is open all year round only on Saturdays and Sundays. If there are elephants or dangerous events in any week, it will not be safe for tourists. The officers will cancel the trip that week.



Let's get to know this place a little better.

Khao Kuap: An Unseen Adventure in Chanthaburi

Khao Kuap, nestled within the southern reaches of the Soi Dao mountain range, presents an unseen adventure for nature enthusiasts in Chanthaburi. This challenging trek caters to intrepid explorers and seasoned hikers who embrace the thrill of the unknown.

The trail offers a diverse and exhilarating experience, traversing dense forests, refreshing streams, steep climbs, and hidden caves. Its demanding nature requires unwavering determination and resilience to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead.

Those who conquer the arduous journey are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from the mountain's peak, a testament to the beauty and wonder that awaits those who dare to venture beyond the ordinary.

Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary is located south of the Khao Soi Dao mountain range in the Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, under the care of the Ban Tung Pler Forest Protection Unit, Chaman District, Makham District, Chanthaburi Province.



The Majestic Goob Rock: A Natural Sculpture on Doi Soi Dao

The Goob Rock, perched atop the Doi Soi Dao mountain range at an altitude of approximately 960 meters above sea level, is a breathtaking natural sculpture unlike any other. The summit features massive granite boulders, smooth and rounded, stacked upon one another in a manner reminiscent of Khao Khitchakut. The name "Goob Rock" originates from a specific boulder on the peak, which resembles an elephant's howdah (goob) with its prominent central hump and sloping sides. The word "goob" signifies the seat on an elephant's back, and standing atop this rock evokes the sensation of riding an elephant.

The Journey Depicted in Two Main Stages

The journey depicted in the image can be divided into two main stages.

The first section is approximately 2.5 kilometers long and is a flat, easy walk.

The second section, a distance of over 2 kilometers, is a steep to very steep climb.

Thank you for the image from hikingthai.com.

Why 4.0 (oh... it's outdated) We set off in our private cars on Friday evening and met at the Thung Phel Forest Protection Unit.

We arrived at our destination around 12:30 AM. We spread out mats to sleep and rest. The cost for the guide was 200 baht per person.

If any group wishes to use a porter, please contact the staff in advance. There is a fee of 1,000 baht/person/day.

It rained all night, but it didn't cool down. Instead, it became hot and humid. I kept waking up and falling asleep. In the blink of an eye, it was five o'clock and the sky began to lighten.

My team and I steamed sticky rice for breakfast and lunch, while another group prepared ingredients to cook on the mountain.



This round, we went all out with the food, as we always thought it would be a leisurely walk. We prepared well-marinated grilled pork and chicken.

The idyllic vision faded as they packed their belongings, waiting for the remaining members to arrive. By the time everyone had gathered, considerable time had elapsed.

We arrived at 9:00 AM, which was later than the other group, but our group had a rapid response unit that could catch up.

With us, there is no fixed schedule, so you can relax and enjoy nature to the fullest. You can even sleep on the cliff if you want.

Approximately 9:40 AM, we began our journey from the unit's office. Today, the weather is pleasant with clear skies. The path ahead is…

The path to Lam Thao Stream is a narrow trail through a forest of tamarind, rattan, and rainforest. It is a gradual climb with increasing elevation.

The weather is hot and humid these days, making it feel stuffy. The wind doesn't reach the ground, and I'm sweating profusely, feeling uncomfortable.

The stagnant air creates a sense of heaviness.

Let's take a long walk and enjoy the scenery along the way.

The path ahead is easy, allowing for leisurely walks and photography. The future remains uncertain.

Everyone is smiling, but notice that the rapid response unit is not in the picture because they are already far ahead.

Some sections of the original trail were blocked by fallen trees, requiring the creation of a new path, which was quite slippery.

This trip also has couples joining us.

There have been cases of deception, such as when N'Gam was tricked by P'Teal into believing that the walk would be easy.

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Two hands are not enough, so I need four!

We arrived at the stream and sat down to rest and play in the water to cool off. Some people washed their faces and eyes to quench their thirst.

We have been resting here for quite some time, taking our time (we still think it's a leisurely stroll). We are taking a break from our shoulders and backs.

Let's loosen up a bit because this trip involves carrying heavy loads of 10 kilograms or more. It's not easy for everyone.

The whereabouts of our mobile unit remain unknown. We have been unable to establish contact.

A refreshing escape from the scorching heat, a true paradise.

What joy can compare to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday?

A refreshing drink of cold water. Hiking and encountering a stream is a truly exhilarating experience.

Little Praw sat watching her older siblings enjoy themselves in the stream.

The little animals came to welcome us.

A simple splash of water is not enough, it must be infused with coffee, the aroma will fill the entire forest.

Okay, let's move on after the break. We're heading to the Octagon Rock, which is our lunch stop.

The path from Lam Thap Klong Ma Deu onward becomes increasingly steep, making it easier to tire, especially when carrying heavy loads.

The journey was quite strenuous, both tiring and demanding. When I inquired with an official, they informed me that it was another 500 meters, which felt like an eternity.

Although the dense forest canopy blocks the sun, the humid air makes for a sweltering environment, leading to frequent thirst. Therefore, it is crucial to bring an ample supply of water.

While hiking uphill, if you start from the slow unit and reach Khlong Ma Deu around noon, you can eat lunch there without waiting to reach the destination.

Octagon-shaped stone, because otherwise I'll run out of energy first.

This trip mainly features travel atmosphere photos, as I want to share the travel experience.

Happiness is not just about the destination, it can also be found along the way.

After walking for a while, I realized that 500 meters is a long distance. If you haven't eaten yet, you might feel dizzy.

Upon reaching the octagonal stone, the group took a long break, as they were utterly exhausted. It is said that this point marks the halfway mark of the journey.

The words resonated with me, providing a surge of motivation. However, as I continued along the path, glancing at the watch and the towering height, I realized...

The trail ahead becomes significantly steeper as it ascends to an elevation of 960 meters above sea level. At this point, you can…

This location offers access to drinkable water from a nearby stream. Additionally, TrueMove mobile network signal strength is excellent, allowing for video calls and Facebook access.

Our rapid response unit has successfully reached the summit. They posted a picture of the breathtaking view.

Taking photos while enjoying the birds and trees.

Let's continue walking because it's almost three o'clock in the afternoon and it will be dark soon. The path ahead is as steep as we expected.

The continuous ascent brought back memories of the trek in Mogokju. The frequent leg cramps forced me to stop and stretch.

As we ascended, a cool breeze began to caress our skin, a stark contrast to the initial warmth of our climb. This refreshing change in temperature signaled our arrival at the bamboo forest.

The elevation here is likely around 600 meters. Note that the graph shows a steady increase in elevation.

After passing through the bamboo forest, the path becomes filled with large and small rocks, and there are sections where you have to climb over streams of water.

During the rainy season, it is especially important to be careful as the paths can be slippery. Many of my friends have already slipped and fallen. We continued walking cautiously.

You will encounter a cave that you must pass through. Once you reach this point, keep in mind that you are nearing the summit, which is approximately 200 meters away.

The final stretch of the trail is rarely mentioned in reviews, but it's steep and challenging, leading directly to the summit.

I always thought it was an easy walk, but it turned out to be a real challenge. My two friends and I were the last group to reach the summit, arriving just before sunset around 5:30 PM.

Upon arriving at the accommodation booked by the first group of friends, they set about securing their hammocks and spreading waterproof flysheets. Meanwhile, others relaxed at their leisure.

Fortunately, we have a mobile unit that can go up to capture the atmosphere on the mountain for you to see.

After a relaxing break, it's time to prepare a delicious meal. Today's menu includes:

1. Stir-fried minced pork with holy basil

2. Stir-fried meatballs with red curry paste

  1. Fried egg

4. Clear soup with egg

  1. Canned fish tom yum soup.

6. Canned fish salad

  1. Grilled pork

8. Grilled Chicken

The group enjoyed a feast in the wilderness, carrying heavy supplies for a gourmet experience. Despite the challenges, including a lack of firewood for grilling, the chefs managed to prepare a delicious meal by 8pm. The abundance of food led to a satisfying feast, with some members retiring early due to fatigue. The remaining members engaged in lively conversation, enjoying traditional Thai herbal liquor.

As the clock struck past eleven, the group dispersed to their beds, leaving the atmosphere silent except for the intermittent rumble of thunder.

The curtains had not yet been fully closed when the raindrops began to fall. It was hoped that the rain would not be too heavy, and that the sheet that had been spread out would be sufficient to keep everything dry.

However, things did not go as planned. Within minutes, strong winds and heavy rain slammed into our shelter. This was because our sleeping area was located directly in the path of the wind.

Eleven people who slept on a mattress were met with a damp surprise, accompanied by a friendly visit from a creature of the deep: Mrs. Woranat's centipede, escaping the rising water.

The chilling winds relentlessly lashed Summersell, bringing an unwelcome deluge of chaos and destruction.

The wind whipped the tarpaulin violently, but this time I stayed dry because the wind kept it low on the shore. After about half an hour, the situation calmed down.

After arranging the bedding, I went back to sleep. Around 3:40 AM, there were no sirens, but the wind and rain intensified, becoming even heavier than before.

The wind also changed direction, and this time I couldn't escape getting soaked. The water flooded the bed, turning it into a waterbed. It rained for a long time until morning, and I couldn't sleep because everything was wet. I woke up to wait for the first light of day. It's a pity I didn't take pictures of the storm when it hit, because I forgot to think about it and was afraid of getting my things wet.

We can only pray that the sun will come out, the rain will stop, the sky will be clear, and the sea of fog will be full. 8 am and it still hasn't stopped, so let's pack up and go home.

Let's skip to the morning, as it rained during the night and I wasn't able to capture any footage.

Despite the rain, we managed to capture some morning scenes.

The mist has begun to descend, offering a captivating spectacle for all to behold.

Let's take a picture with this beautiful view.

Photo with Line stars (referring to new members who were invited to join the trip).

Individual photos, couple photos, and group photos.

Once finished, pack your belongings and prepare to return.

As if the heavens took pity, the rain stopped as we reached the landmark cliff. The sea of mist rolled in, providing a perfect opportunity for a commemorative photo. Although we didn't capture many images, we were content with what we had. After a quick snack, we began our descent, meeting at the尖石 (sharp rock) rest stop to enjoy a breakfast of instant noodles. From there, we parted ways, agreeing to meet again at the ranger station. The descent required extra caution due to the slippery ground from the previous night's rain. As if that wasn't challenging enough, rain began to fall again during our return trek. Hiking through the relentless downpour was an unforgettable experience, adding to the list of memorable moments from this trip. Upon reaching the station, we cooked the pork that was originally intended for grilling on the mountain. Although we had to settle for cooking it below, we were able to enjoy a taste of fermented sausage.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Thank you to all my fellow sufferers who have had to face the unexpected.

We are grateful to the new members who have decided to join our trip and who are also excellent walkers.

Thank you to all my fellow travelers, even though we were strangers, we got along well.

Thank you for the journey of friendship that has brought us new experiences.

Gratitude to nature for allowing us to explore and experience its wonders. A special thanks to all members who left no trace on the mountain (what you carry up, you carry down).

..........Complete...........

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