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 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.
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. |
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.
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.
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Treks
to suit your require
ments are easily arranged through
many private operators and government
organisations. A
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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.
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.
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