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 light excursion to physically challenging
adventures of a week or more.
TAK
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.
PHITSANULOK and PHETCHABUN
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
raod 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
anytime of the year is suitable for hiking and camping.
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 Phisanulok, 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-ChumPae route is one
of the top camping destinations in the cool season (November
- February) with its 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
LOEI
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.
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
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 nightfeeding herds, making
them easier to spot.
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.
Contact 0 5329 7478 ext 205.
KANCHANABURI
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
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.
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT
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.
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 grueling
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 wide, as a simple sprain can be a
real problem if you are a long way from civilisation.
Your trek organizer should have contingency plans and
first aid for any unforeseen problems.
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.
Elephant trekking
CHIANG MAI : 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.
CHIANG RAI : 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 : 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 : The 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. Fax: 0 5423 1150.