After a year, we decided to plan our first trek here in Thailand. The nearest in Bangkok which we have googled is in Khao Yai National Parklocated in Nakhon Ratchasima Province (Khorat). According to wikipedia, "In 1984 the park was made an ASEAN Heritage Park, and on July 14, 2005 the park together with other parks in the same range and in the Dong Phaya Yen mountains further north was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name Dong Phaya Yen–Khao Yai Forest Complex."
Weeks before our planned trip, we booked our accomodation and trekking package with Khaoyai Nature Life Resort by email. We left at 5AM from Mochit bus station and arrived in Pakchong bus station at 7AM. The resort's staffs accompanied us with their private car. When our tour guide arrived, he has informed us to wear a foot socks to protect us from possible leeches.
On our way to the mountain by car, we immediately felt the gentle breeze evidently because of the large number of trees in the forest. Our guide was always on alert to find some animals that can freely roam in the protected park. Immediately they would stop the car to show us the great horn bills and gibbons hanging and playing in the forest trees. Fortunately, we were able to see these creatures and excitingly photographed and videoed them through the telescope. We have also seen one baby elephant eating in the bushes together with a deer. We were also lucky to find group of gibbons walking along the road. However, feeding those gibbons are no longer permitted.
We started our trek and realized that the trails were not that difficult. Along the trail, we have noticed some bamboo fences with 'Beware of crocodile' signage. According to our guide, there is a crocodile that hides in the river and we have found it! It was a bit scary and saw it hiding in a small branch of tree afloat the water.
It took us only less than two hours to finish the easy trail and had lunch at the canteen. Although it was raining, we continued our trek to the nearbyOrchid waterfall. Then, we moved toHaew Suwat waterfall which is by the way had steep cemented stairs. Once there, the whooshing sound of Haew Suwat waterfall was breathtaking. Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to swim at these falls.
Orchid waterfall
Haew Suwat waterfall
Orchid waterfalls
The next day after our trek, we headed to Ayutthaya province. Luckily, a van was available in Khao Yai to drop at the bus station to Ayuttaya. It took us 2hrs when we arrived at Ayuttaya and good thing, we decided to bring an umbrella since the temperature in the city is always very high.
We stopped at the mall in Ayuttaya for lunch. Then we rented a tuk tuk service for 200baht per hour and the driver showed us some photos where we wanted to visit. He then brought us to ruined temples which are popular destinations to tourists such as Wat Maha That, Wat Chai Wattanaram , Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mongkolbophit and Wat Phransisanphet. Unfortunately, there was no elephant show at that time since we were there on a weekday.
According to history, Ayutthaya was used to be the capital city of Thailand. However, this city was bombarded and ruined due to country's war with Burma. The large temples although ruined, strange and creepy but you will find yourself amazed by its unique beauty.
Elephant ride, tuktuk road trip, and a lady making a roti (with strips of colorful sugar in plastic wrappers)
Wat Maha That
Wat Maha That
Wat Mongkolbophit
Wat Phransisanphet
Wat Phransisanphet
Wat Phransisanphet
Wat Phransisanphet
Wat Phransisanphet
Wat Phransisanphet
Wat Phransisanphet
Wat Yai Chaimongkol
Wat Yai Chaimongkol
Wat Chai Wattanaram
Wat Chai Wattanaram
Wat Chai Wattanaram
Wat Chai Wattanaram
Wat Chai Wattanaram
On our third trip, we joined our friends and flew to Krabi province via Air Asia. This province is famous for its islands particularly Phi Phi islands which was shown in a movie 'The Beach'.
Our one day island hopping trip was indeed an adventure which we had arranged in one of the travel agents at Ao Nang. The speed boat trip was exhausting but of course gratifying especially when we have seen and stayed in the islands to drift for few hours (Hong Lagoon, Hong Bay & etc) which are also similar to some of the 7,000 islands back home (Philippines).
By the way, we stayed in a very scenic and luxurious Sheraton Krabi Hotel. Thanks to our friends :)
Sheraton Krabi Hotel
biking at the shore of Sheraton Krabi Hotel
Hong Lagoon
Hong Bay
Of course, our trip in Thailand will not be complete without the sumptuous spicy Thai dishes we had eaten such as khao pad khung, pad thai, bami noodle soup and more! Though we have not seen crispy fried insects being sold during our trip but we'll definitely munch them for sure next time ;)
moo nam tok (chopped & spicy grilled pork) - our favorite!
green curry
stir fried vegetables
bami noodles with red pork
ice tea with milk
sticky rice with ripe mango
complimentary sweets from the hotel
We would also like to share with you our video compilation of this trip. Enjoy watching! ^_^
For your information, in case you wish to visit Thailand we have indicated some important details below:
Estimated time from Mochit bus station in Bangkok to Pak Chong town is 2.5hrs or contact Khaoyai Nature Life Resort at khaoyainaturelife@gmail.com or visit their website www.khaoyainaturelifetours.com for details
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