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After a few minutes, Mr C drops us at the edge of
the forest where we are to begin our trek. We walk
for three hours, but the pace is fairly gentle. Mr
C stops every few minutes to point out woodpeckers,
yellow-browed warblers and an extremely beautiful
red-breasted flycatcher.
Just as my energy is beginning to fade, we reach
the edge of the forest. It takes a minute for my eyes
to adjust to the sunlight as we walk across a grassy
plain. After a few minutes, we pass a small lake,
which is a watering hole for many of Khao Yai's birds
and animals.
A short distance away is Nong Pak Chee observation
tower, and we are all quite relieved when Mr C announces
we will stop here for lunch. We climb a wooden ladder
up into the observation tower. Already inside are
two Thai men who are camping out, hoping that their
patience will be rewarded with some animal sightings.
After lunch, Mr C directs us along a neat path leading
away from the observation tower. Suddenly, he orders
us to crouch down to the ground. Just in time; a swarm
or big black bees cross our path, hovering above our
heads for a moment before passing on.
Once we reach the waiting jeep, Mr C drives us to
a caf?, where he buys us drinks to cool off. The four
of us sit relaxing and talking for awhile. When we
have rested, Mr C leads us down a short path, at the
end of which lies the Haew Suwat Falls. This 25 metres
high waterfall starred in the film The Beach. There
is currently not much water flowing down the vast
rock face as it is the dry season, but during the
wet season many travelers take the plunge, fancying
themselves, perhaps, as the next Lionardo Di Caprio.
When we have admired the waterfall from all angles,
Mr C drives us to Khao Lem hill, where there are spectacular
views over the park. Another short drive and a wander
through the jungle, and we find ourselves perched
at the very top of Khao Luuk Chang (Baby Elephant
Mountain). As we sit on a rocky perch, we are actually
above the highest treetops of the surrounding jungle,
and the view is breathtaking.
Finally, it is time to leave Khao Yai, although I
find that I am very reluctant. Mr C has one more surprise
for us. On the drive back, he suddenly pulls to a
halt. His sharp eyes have spotted a large scorpion
sunbathing at the edge of the road; another trophy
for our photo albums.
Getting There:
Khao Yai is 120 kilometres north east of Bangkok.
It is best to make the journey to nearby Pak Chong
first as the town can be reached by bus or train.
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