Our destination is Phae Nang Phriai in the Khao Sok National Park. The trip from the pier of the National Park in the Ratchaprapha Dam compound takes 45 minutes before we arrive. The boat sails across the expansive waters nestled amidst gigantic limestone monuntains. Given the seemingly endless waters, it is as if the boat is sailing in a vast sea. We finally arrive at our destination at twilight. The night spent at Phae Nang Phrai will be an experience in the embrace of Mother Nature. The next morning, the first rays of sunshine slowly appear on the horizon to awaken the rich forests and the green earth. Morning fog covers the mountains and hovers over the water’s surface. Hornbills perch on the Banyan tree adjacent to the raft while a large family of gibbons is hunting for food Now, it is late morning but the hornbills and gibbons behind the raft continue to make lots of noise. Breakfast on the raft amongst the mountains and mist is dreamlike. As the raft looks most inviting for a dip. One of the most interesting activities available at Phae Nang Phrai is to take the raft downstream to marvel at the spectacular landscape of the National Park which occupies a vast expanse of 461,712.5 rai. This is the forest at the seam of the Khlong Saeng Wildlife Reserve and Ratchaprapha Dam, a large dam in Surat-Thani Province. In this tranquil environment, one is struck by the beauty of nature, which ranges from the exotic to the more serene.
Along certain stretches of nature, which ranges from the exotic to the more serene. Along certain stretches of the river, the water’s surface reflects of the river, the water’s surface reflects an unusual dimension created by the sun’s penetration of the water’s depths. The vegetation so abundant on some of the islets make them look like they are wrapped in vast green blankets. Some of the mountains are chiseled, as if slivered by a laser sharp axe.
The geographic diversity and range of wildlife, much of it endangered, confirm for even casual observer that only nature could preserve such diversity with such harmony. Among the most noteworthy of species that find in this area their permanent habitat that find in this area their permanent habitat are hornbills, langurs, mountain goat, and elephants. Here, too, is home for multiple varieties of plants and treatment. Rafflesia Kerril, for example, is produces the world’s biggest flower, and is but one of the unusual examples of rare flora and fauna native to this National Park.
Leaving Phae Nang Phrai behind, our afternoon destination is Num Talu Cave, which is close to Phae Ton Toei, a short distance away. The trekking point where a surprise a waits us.It is here that we come across the Pulu turtle, an uncommon species generally believed to be native to the Northeast region of the country. While trekking toward the Num Talu cave, we discover that this area, too, is a breeding ground for a wide variety of nature’ s treasure, Rare vegetation, never seen elsewhere, is alongside big elephant footprints while butterflies by the thousands help add colour to the forest’ green backdrop. Amongst this inviting scenery are fed by a water source in cave – our final destination. We are excited by the prospect of seeing the source of the water! After about an hour of trekking, one finds oneself at the cave, and suddenly deafened by the thunderous noise of the water within. The water in the cave’s basin is the colour of emerald. Unfortunately, the exceedingly high level of the water makes it impossible to venture inside, and the journey must, therefore, stop here at the month of the cave. So concludes our visit to the amazing, majestic Khao Sok Forest National Park! To fully appreciate the magic of Khao Sok Forest, one should set aside 3-5 day for the trip. But however long the stay, one definitely leaves this national treasure with a pleasant impression, a memory that will linger in the mind always.
For those contemplating a visit, the following are the key Points of Attraction at the National Park.
1. Ton Kloi Waterfall is a single-level waterfall with the Sok Stream as its source of life. There is a rest area in the waterfall compound, approximately 9 kilomeers from the national Park Office.
2. Tung Num is a monuntain that has been eroded by water to form two cliffs facing each other. The Sok Stream passes between the two cliffs. An exceptionally deep pool below is teeming with fish. National Park Office.
3. The Than Sawan Waterfall has as is source the Bang plu Chut Creek. As the water flows down to join with he sock stream, its flow creates a rainbow. This waterfall is nine kilometers from the National Park Office.
4. Bang Liap Nam is a worthwhile stop above the Sok.
5. Rafflesia Kerril, a lily species, producea the World’s biggest flower with an 80-centimeter diameter.
A parasitic plant, it has five petals of deep brown colour and flower towards the end of rainy season, around October. This plant can be sighted 3.5 kilometers from the national park office.6. Wang Yao is yet another ravine located along the Sok.
7. Bang Hua Raet Waterfall is a beautiful two-level waterfall, despite the fact that it does not drop for a long distance. The first level has as its source the Bang Hua Raet Creek. After the waterfall, it continues its flow down to where I joins the Sok Steam. The second level of the waterfall is found along the Sok, 120 meters downstream, Wang Yao, located nearby, is where tourists can take a dip in the refreshing waters.
8. The Eleven-level Waterfall has as its source the Bang Lane Canal, a branch of the Sok stream the waterfall cascades in multiple levels to form of an eleven-level staircase. The bottom level offers a swimming pool, dotted by pebbles here and there. This waterfall is four kilometers from the National Park Office.
To assist interested traveler in reaching Khao Sok National Park, the following travel information is provided.
By air: Thai Airways offers Bangkok-Surat-Thani daily flights.
By Train: Southbound trains leave the Bangkok railway station everyday for Surat-Thani By bus: Bangkok- Surat-Thani buses leave from the southbound bus terminal From Surat-Thani, one travels along the Surat-Thani-Takuapa Highway 401.
At kilometer 109, you turn off toward the Khao Sok National Park.
Once at the intersection leading to Ratchaprapha Dam (between kilometers 57-58) at Ban Ta Khum district, you continue along the same road for another 14 kilometers to arrive at the National Park patrol Unit, Ko So 2 (chieo Lan Islet).
It is at this point that you can get on a boat heading for the next National Park Patrol Unit, Ko So 3 “Phae Nang Phrai”. At Phae Nang Phrai, there are six residential buildings that can accommodate up to 56 people. Food can be ordered from on board the raft. One can also continue the boat trip to Ko So 4 “Phae Ton Toei” where overnight accommodations are also available. Inquiries can be made with the Office of Natural Resources Conservation, National Park, Forest Department, Chatujak, Bangkok 10900, or by calling 579-4842 or 579-0529. Direct contact is also possible with the National Park Patrol Unit, Chieo Lan Islet, Ratchaprapha Dam. Their telephone number is (077)240740, extension 5715
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