Trekking in Thailand

Trekking
 
Tak Province :
 สถานที่ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว
  waterfall_lansang.jpg (6130 bytes)  
ท่องเที่ยว

Trails are found in Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary and the western portion of Thung Yai Naresuan, which together with the adjoining Huai Kha Kaeng Wildlife Sanctuary has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Campsites are provided but you must bring your own tent and camping gear. Permits are required for entry into the wildlife sanctuary. These can be obtained at the Umphang Eco tourism Club in Umphang. Pack light for a jungle trek, and bring insect repellent. Most who visit Mae Sot in Tak are determined to see the spectacular Ti Lo Su Waterfall.
 

Tour operators usually offer mountain biking, elephant-back rides,or rafting for part of the long trek, but most of it is done on foot.

Trekking is one of the most popular outdoor activities enjoyed by visitors of all ages. While trekking you can soothe your mind and spirit in the fresh air and stunning scenery of Thailand's undiscovered wilds, and get a comprehensive aerobic workout at the same time. Treks can range from a single day's light excursion to physically challenging adventures of a week or more.

Phitsanulok & Phetchabun Province :
Both provinces are popular camping and trekking destinations because they contain several national parks between them, each featuring different landscape and flora and fauna. The rocky hills along the border between the two provinces were Communist hideaways in the 1970s. Nowadays an efficient road network links the area with the rest of the country, and nature lovers flock there for the waterfalls, the fields of wildflowers and butterflies, and the spectacular landscape, which changes with the seasons. Best time to go is October-December for the wildflowers, although any time of the year is suitable for hiking and camping.

 สถานที่ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว
   
ท่องเที่ยว

Each of the national parks in the area has its own distinct character. Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, 80 kilometres from Phitsanulok on the route to Lomsak, is marked by its open savanna, which blazes with colour during the wildflower season (July-October). Wild animals are often spotted feeding around these fields.

Phu Hin Rong Kla, 125 kilometres from Phitsanulok, got its name from the strange-looking rock fields eroded by wind and rains. The park features many hiking trails, most of them leading to beautiful waterfalls.

Nam Nao National Park on the Lomsak-Chum Pae route is one of the top camping destinations in the cool season (November-February), with its picturesque pine forest, caves of stalactites and stalagmites, and dry, cool weather. It is a watershed area and
the source of several rivers in the North and Northeast.

Forest trekking
Chiang Mai: The best trails are found in Doi Inthanon National Park where over 360 bird species, spectacular butterflies, wildlife, orchids and other distinct flora vie for the hiker's attention. Within the national park, there are beautiful Siriphum and Chedi waterfalls. The Army Pack Division Headquarters on Chotana Road in Mae Rim District offers camping trips and horseback riding along with basic jungle survival skills training.

 สถานที่ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว
  น้ำพุร้อนที่สูงที่สุดในประเทศไทย  
ท่องเที่ยว


Loei
Province :
The province has long been a favourite destination for nature lovers, most of whom come to scale the famous mesa mountain Phu Kradueng. The other two of Loei's triple lofty treats are Phu Luang, within whose range lies a wildlife reserve, and Phu Rua. Best time to go is November to April.

Hiking trails on the summit of Phu Kradueng lead through changing landscapes, from flower dotted meadows to pine forests to waterfalls. The mountain is part of a national park and a natural habitat for rare orchids, birds and wildlife including the tailed turtle, or Tao Pulu.

Phu Luang, nicknamed "Emerald of the Northeast" is known for its biodiversity. A wide array of wild orchids, ferns and wildflowers make hiking along its trails a delight.

 สถานที่ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว
   
ท่องเที่ยว

Phu Rua, or Mount Boat, is marked by a landscape of sandstone cliffs and oddly shaped formations created by wind and rains. The hiking trails are relatively easy. From the peak, you have a view of the Mekong, a natural border between Thailand and Laos.

Nakhon Ratchasima Province :
Khao Yai, or "Big Mountain", sprawls over parts of Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachin Buri and Nakhon Nayok. It is the most popular national park in the country, attracting one million visitors a year with its scenic beauty and abundant plant and wildlife. Khao Yai has four vegetation zones, spanning elevation from 100 metres to more than 1,400 metres: evergreen rainforest, semi-evergreen, mixed deciduous and hill evergreen forest.

It is also home to a large array of birds and animals. Any time of the year is suitable for visiting. Fifty trails follow the migratory paths of wildlife to beautiful waterfalls. Commonly spotted animals include gibbons, langurs, deer, and monkeys. You can join a night time safari in which rangers shine spotlight onto night-feeding herds, making them easier to spot.

Kanchanaburi Province :
Home to a large ethnic population, including the Mon, Karen and Burmese, who have long settled in the border towns of Sangkhlaburi and Thong Pha Phum. Most tour operators in Kanchanaburi offer trips to these areas that combine culture and adventure in one easily accessible package. Some of the best hiking trails are in three national parks: Saiyok in Saiyok District and Erawan and Chalerm Rattanakosin in Srisawat District.  

Surat Thani Province :
Khao Sok in western Surat Thani and the adjoining Khlong Sean Wildlife Sanctuary provide a home for tigers, clouded leopards, Malaysian sun bears, elephants, gaur and many other rare species. The park has hiking trails leading to caves and waterfalls surrounded by virgin forest.

Hiking is also popular on coconut-grove-dotted Samui and Ang Thong Archipelago's Mae Ko, which has a lake at its centre. A number of tour operators on Samui specialise in trekking on both Samui and the main islands of Ang Thong Archipelago.

Trekking preparation
Treks to suit your requirements are easily arranged through many private operators and government organisations. A trek can range from a light walk in the woods to a gruelling physical challenge. Assess your objectives and level of fitness before booking a trek that is right for you. Safety and medical considerations are important if you are trekking in the wild, as a simple sprain can be a real problem if you are a long way from civilisation. Your trek organiser should have contingency plans and first aid for any unforeseen problems.
 สถานที่ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว
  น้ำตกหมอกฟ้า  
ท่องเที่ยว
Proper equipment is necessary for trekking. Good shoes or boots are a must.Your trek organiser will probably provide backpacks, but make sure you have adequate warm and comfortable clothing, proof against insect bites, and a hat and UV block against the sun. When exercising in tropical climates, it is recommended to drink up to five litres of water a day.

Nakhon Si Thammarat Province :
Most of the activities are centred on Khao Luang National Park, which contains the highest peak in the South, Khao Luang. The area owes a lot of its new found international fame to the people of Khiriwong village, who led the way in community-based eco-tourism.

The hike to Khao Luang (1,835 metres above sea level) starts at Khiriwong village at the foot of the mountain and takes about two days. The trail spans four vegetation zones and leads through the natural habitat of numerous species including, Malaysian black bear, tigers, elephants, leopards and 200 species of bird, plus turtles, lizards and insects.

Khiriwong Village's Eco-tourism Club offers biking tours of Suan Somrom, or fruit orchards that are grown in the forest alongside indigenous trees. This innovative and eco-friendly growing method is unique to the village. Local tour operators offer treks that comprise rafting down Khlong Klai, which forms the northern border of the park, and elephant riding through surrounding forest.

 

Elephant trekking
 
Chiang Mai Province: At Chiang Dao Elephant Camp in Chiang Dao District, elephants are trained to perform for tourists and available for rides in the nearby forest. Mae Taeng Elephant Camp in Mae Taeng District, offers bamboo rafting in addition to elephant-back rides.
 สถานที่ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว
   
ท่องเที่ยว

Chiang Rai Province: Elephant riding is available at Mae Kok Elephant Camp on the bank of Mae Kok. You can take a ride through the surrounding forest and to nearby Karen hilltribe villages.

Kanchanaburi Province:
An elephant ride through the jungle is popular with visitors to Thong Pha Phum and Sangkhlaburi. A ride can be incorporated into a longer trek featuring mountain biking and rafting.

The Thai Elephant Conservation Centre
in Lampang is offering an opportunity to eco-tourists to stay with real-life mahouts. The programme lasts three days and two nights. The provided activities are fun-filled and environment-friendly. The participants will have a chance to gain first-hand experience on nature, wildlife and, of course, elephants.

Hilltribe trekking
In northern Thailand, there are ten different tribes of hill people. The Karen are by far the most numerous and they're easy-going and friendly. Many of the Hmong people live in Chiang Mai near the mountain peaks. The most remote of the hilltribe people are the Akha, who still practise shifting cultivation. Trekking is one way to learn about their lifestyles and traditions.

Chaing Mai Province: Hilltribe treks are a popular variety of trekking in and around Chiang Mai. These consist of stretches trekked on foot, on elephant back, and by mountain bike, bamboo raft and rubber kayak. Popular programmes include stops and overnight stays at ethnic villages: Karen, Lahu, and Shan.
 สถานที่ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว ท่องเที่ยว
   
ท่องเที่ยว
Chiang Rai Province: Hilltribe treks at Chiang Rai also combine hiking, elephant back rides and rafting, and include stops or overnight stays at hilltribe villages.
Mae Hong Son Province: One of the best hiking trails in Mae Hong Son is Doi Mae Ukor, in Khun Yuam District. This centres around the Mae Surin Waterfall. The trails here wind through Waterfalls and a vast field of wild sunflowers that bloom in November.

 

Captivating Khao Yai
Active travellers who like to explore deep into the forest can choose one of the 13 trails at Khao Yai. Note that some trekking route should be guided by experienced forestry officials.

1. Kong Kaew-Heo Suwat: The eight-kilometre trail starts from the back of the visitor centre. Cross Lam Ta Khong and follow the red paint markers on the trees. Gibbons can be observed. A trail off to the right goes to Pha Kluai Mai, and one on the left to Pong Chang. A guide is needed.
2. Kong Kaew-Pong Chang II: The six-kilometre hike takes four to five hours. Follow Trail 1 to the turnoff for Pong Chang, then follow the blue markers on the trees. Sometimes the signs can be confusing. A guide is needed.
3. Kong Kaew-Pha Kluai Mai: The six-kilometre hike takes three to four hours. Follow Trail 1 to the turnoff, then follow the yellow markers on the trees. If starting from Pha Kluai Mai, the entrance to the trail is on the left of the road to Heo Suwat, 300 metres from the campsite.
4. Pha Kluai Mai-Heo Suwat: The three-kilometre trail takes about 90 minutes. From Pha Kluai Mai, look for the sign to Heo Suwat. From Heo Suwat, the trail starts near the toilet.
5. Heo Suwat-Thung Ya Khao Laem: Go upstream along Lam Ta Khong until the bridge and proceed to Thung Ya Khao Laem. The trail is three kilometres long and requires at least two hours. This trail should be guided.
6. Park office-Nong Phak Chi: Start opposite the food stalls and follow the signs along the four-kilometre trail to Nong Phak Chi. From here, follow the dirt road for one kilometre to a paved road and walk two kilometres back to the park office. This trail is very popular.
7. Park office-Wang Cham Pee: Follow Trail 6 to the first turnoff, go right and then go right again at the next turn. Continue until you reach the highway at Km 36. It is one kilometre to the park office. The circular route takes a few hours.
8. Kong Kaew-Golf Course Road: Start at the back of the visitor centre and stay parallel to Lam Ta Khong stream. The easy 1.5-kilometre walk is ideal for early-morning bird-watching.
9. Park office-Mor Sing Toh: Follow Trail 6 and turn left at the first crossroads. The trail leads to an open meadow and a reservoir at Mor Sing Toh. Allow two hours.
10. Park office-former TAT restaurant: Follow Trail 6 and turn right at the first crossroads. At the second crossroads, turn left. This six-kilometre trail requires a guide.
11. Old TAT restaurant-Tat Ta Phu Waterfall: The trail follows the stream to the waterfall, with the return trip taking a full day. A guide is required.
12. Dan Chang-Bueng Phai: Start at Km 32 and proceed for 1.5 kilometres.
13. Nong Phak Chi-Khlong Ee-Thao: This four-kilometre hike sets off from the Nong Phak Chi wildlife observation tower.


When to go :
Although Khao Yai is only a few hours from Bangkok, the weather is cool all year round. A visit during the rainy season (July to October) is the best time to enjoy waterfalls, and the forest is at its peak of greenery. Trails at the park are known for an abundance of leeches during the rainy season, so keep some repellent handy. The cool season provides refreshing breezes. Park visitors can also ask park officials to arrange a night-time outing to observe wildlife near the park office.

 

Photo Gallery:
 :: Sea & Beaches
 :: Mountains & Forests
 :: Arts & Temples
 
Scuba Diving Thailand

 

 
ท่องเที่ยว