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.
Hilltribe trekking
In northern Thailand, there are ten different tribes of hill people. The Karen are by far the 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 practice shifting cultivation. Trekking is one way to learn about their lifestyles and traditions.
CHIANG MAI : Hilltribe treks are a popular variety of trekking in and around Chiang Mai. These cinsist 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.
CHIANG RAI : 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 : 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.
Relax in tribal settings
Royally-sponsored projects in the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai offer a good opportunity to understand the lifestyles of hilltribe minorities.
NONG KHIEW DEVELOPMENT CENTRE : Located at Ban Rin Luang of Chiang Dao district, Chiang Mai, visitors can watch hilltribe villagers work on farms, weave fabrics, make knives, sing and dance for you. Side attractions include visiting caves and hot springs. To get to Nong Khiew, take a bus from Chiang Mai bound for Fang. Get off at kilometre marker 32. The centre is about five kilometers from the marker.
HUAI LUEK DEVELOPMENT CENTRE : Located on Highway 107 about 95 kilometres from Chiang Mai. Apart from watching village lifestyle, there are nurseries featuring orchids and chrysanthemum, potted plants and vegetable gardens. The centre has two houses where visitors can stay for the night.
MOK CHAM DEVELOPMENT CENTRE : Close to Ban Tha Ton, to reach there get off at Baan Huai Sala in Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai. Besides visiting ethnic minorities, a gem-cutting factory, hot springs, saa paper making factory are the other attractions. In addition, visitors can enjoy rafting on the Mae Kok River all the way to Chiang Rai.
For more details, call 0 5345 1463.
SA-NGAO DEVELOPMENT CENTRE : Located in Sri Donmun sub-district of Chiang Saen district in Chiang Rai, about six kilometres off Highway 1290. It's home to Ahka hilltribe people. For more details, see www.doikham.com
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.KONH KAEW • PONH 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 sings can be confusing. A guide is needed.
3.ONG KAEW • PHA KLUAI MAI
The six kilometer hike takes three to four hours. Follow Trail 1 to the turnoff, then follow the yellow markers on the trees. If strating 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 Hao Suwat. From Heo Suwat, the trail starts near the toilet.
5.HEAW 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 kilometress 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 RESTAYRANT
Follow Trail 6 and turn right at the first crossroads. At the second cross-roads, turn left. This six kilometer 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.
ACCOMMODATION
•Tents can be rented at the park campground at Pha Kluai Mai.
•Reservations should be made at the Forestry Department in Bangkok,
tel : 0 2579 7223 , 0 2579 5734 or 0 2561 4292 • 4 ext. 724 • 5. Visitors should take their own sleeping bag. There are also resorts abound around Pak Chong Disitrict.
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.
USEFUL WEBSITES
•Park officials www.dnp.go.th
•Lisu Lodge Adventure www.lisulodge.com
•ThaiEcotours www.thaiecotours.com
•3rd Eye Travel www.3rdeyetravel.com
•Wild Watch Thailand www.wildwatchthailand.com
•Forest Lover Group www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/2313

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