Thailand is one of the destinations that regularly stars in the list of Israeli tourists' favorite destinations. Young couples on honeymoon, families with little ones, young groups and retirees - Thailand is undoubtedly one of the great destinations for a pampering vacation at an easy price, in any vehicle and at any time of the year.
What many don't know about the beautiful kingdom of Siam is that it doesn't just offer Dream resorts for a belly flop vacation from the sweetest fairy tales, but also provides some of the most beautiful backpacking destinations in the world, including wild and authentic exotic nature that is just waiting for you to arrive and discover it.
Tangled jungles, magnificent waterfalls, hidden lakes, beautiful beaches, a great abundance of plants, animals and wild animals - all these await you as part of countless hiking trails of every difficulty level, including those suitable for small children and even strollers and wheelchairs! What are you waiting for?
Don't forget travel insurance
Before we set off, let us remind you that trekking in the vast expanses of Thailand also carries risks. In the event of any injury or the need for medical treatment or immediate evacuation, you will want to know that there is someone who will be at your disposal without delay. Appropriate travel insurance will cover this corner for you and you can choose the trek that suits you with peace of mind. It's a shame to take a risk, this is the last place you want to save money.
Visit to Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok It is the most central national park in Thailand and the most visited, with an ancient rainforest, spectacular tropical vegetation and thousands of species of animals, including wild animals and those in danger of extinction. In addition, during the trip in the reserve you can enjoy special rock formations, spectacular waterfalls, caves carved out of the limestone rocks and natural pools.
Among the many animals living in the park area are many species of monkeys and winged animals, black bears, wild boars and even large Asian elephants - but these are mostly hidden from the eyes of visitors and there is a higher probability that you will encounter lizards, amphibians and snakes.
This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Thailand that offers viewpoints from which a breathtaking view can be seen and the highlight of the trip in the reserve area is a huge flower of Rafflesia kerrii which can reach a size of almost a meter (undoubtedly worth documenting). The park also offers rafting activities, boating on the lake, shopping malls and countless hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty.
Additional activities are recommended in the park area
Since it is a park with a huge area and as such it also has a great variety of habitats and environmental niches, there is accordingly a great abundance of options for itineraries and possibilities.
A challenging rafting course in the river, either in a kayak (be careful not to capsize!) or in a bamboo raft - The recommended time for this trip is in the morning, when there is the best chance to see animals.
Trek waterfalls - a spectacularly beautiful route that passes between the tall trees and the tangled vegetation of the jungle and extends for about seven kilometers, the purpose of which is to visit the beautiful waterfalls (seven in total). This route combines walking in the water and bathing in the natural pools that form down the falls.
General Information
Address - 62 Khlong Sok, Phanom District, Surat Thani
Opening Hours - Every day between 07:00 and 19:00
Recommended season - in terms of Weather January to April is the recommended time to visit the park
Trek in the mountain range next to Khao Luang National Park
It is the highest mountain range in southern Thailand and the second highest in the entire country, which is part of a national park of the same name that offers some of the most popular itineraries among backpackers traveling in the Kingdom of Siam.
During a trip in the area pay attention to the mountain slopes which are so steep that it is difficult to ignore them. Keep in mind that after rains, these steep slopes are soaked in water, which may lead to dangerous landslides - it is advisable to pay attention to where you are stepping and what is above you (of course, if someone shouts "avalanche" do not look up, but protect your head).
The area of the national park is about 570 square kilometers, in which there are very large areas of tangled jungle with a huge variety of wild animals, waterfalls and rich vegetation and it is also the watershed of four major rivers. Among the animals and plants that will lie on your way - hundreds of species of orchids, monkeys of various species, tigers, deer, wild boars, porcupines and winged animals.
Recommended route
Throughout the park there are many hiking trails of all levels of difficulty. Experienced backpackers will even be able to climb to the top of the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views that will justify the tough climb, especially when the weather is rainy and the trails are slippery. This tour usually takes two days.
Among the routes, a unique route that should not be missed is the ecological tour in the village of Kiriwong, which is located at the foot of the mountain, where a social-agricultural community lives in a commune and engages in traditional activities in which you can take part - an accelerated cooking workshop, picking in the local orchards, brewing medicines from medicinal plants and more. It is also an excellent point for those of you who would like to rest, gain strength and continue towards other treks in the area such as climbing to the top of the mountain or adventure rafting.
General Information
Recommended season - The hot season is in the months of February-April and the cold season in the months of May to January, but all the months are rainy and relatively cold and this must be taken into account.
Phu Kradueng National Park
Also in this case it is a national park which is named after the highest mountain in it, which rises to a height of more than 1.3 km. It is one of the largest and most popular parks in Thailand, it covers an area of about 350 square kilometers and is known for its spectacular rock formations which were formed during the Jurassic and Cretaceous (dinosaurs anyone?).
It is interesting to know that behind the name of the mountain there is a somewhat romantic legend referring to a Buddhist holiday during which the sound of a large bell is heard. According to the belief, the sound of the bell is the voice of the ancient god Indra and that it was heard from the top of the mountain, hence its name - Po = mountain and Krading = big bell.
Among the animals and plants that you can see during the trip in the nature reserve - maple trees, orchids, marigolds, ferns and mosses, deer, elephants, black bears, foxes, squirrels, monkeys and winged animals including eagles and pheasants.
Recommended route
The most popular route in the national park is a climb to the top of the mountain which passes through magnificent landscapes of tangled tropical vegetation, waterfalls, caves and streams. The length of the route depends on you and the way you choose to climb, as there are many hills lower than the central peak and many hikers pass through them on the way up. The fastest route takes about three hours.
Please note that some parts of the route may be challenging to climb as they include ladders and pegs. This is not a route suitable for those with mobility difficulties or especially small children. However, there are many routes throughout the park where walking is comfortable and in all of them, without exception, porters can be hired (locals who will carry the equipment for you).
General Information
Address - group 1 Baan Sri Thana Si Than, Phu Kradueng District, Loei
Opening Hours - Every day between 07:00 and 14:00
Important Information - The average temperature throughout the whole year is 15 degrees Celsius, while during the cold season the temperature drops at night. In addition to this, the weather may be quite changeable and rainy - you must prepare for this in terms of clothing and hiking equipment and even take into account the closure of the site due to the risk of landslides and floods.
Umphang Nature Reserve
Umpang Nature Reserve is on Thailand's border with Burma and is a perfect destination for those of you who are looking for great treks spanning several days of pure enjoyment with beautiful landscapes, wildlife, tropical flora and vantage points that you won't see anywhere else in the Kingdom of Siam.
It was not for nothing that the reserve was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - behind it is an impressive history thanks to the local tribes and it has several natural treasures of spectacular beauty, the most special of which is the Thi Lo Su waterfall, which is considered the highest in Thailand - its height is 200 meters and its width is no less Than 400 meters!
In addition to the impressive waterfall, you can enjoy green hills, rock-hewn caves, dense forests, streams and more.
Recommended route
The most recommended trek that also passes by a waterfall lasts for three days in which you will walk in the depths of the Thai jungle and pass lagoons, caves and hills. If you are lucky, you will be able to see wild animals that usually do not show themselves to the travelers, and you can also combine rafting in the flowing river as part of the trip.
After you reach the waterfall, which is, as mentioned, the highlight of the trek, you will retrace your steps - usually on foot or by riding elephants. It's time to remind you that the elephants used for riding are abused and have an unbearably hard life and you should read and delve a little deeper into the subject before traveling to Thailand in order not to contribute to the cruel industry. If you wish, throughout the country there are rehabilitation farms that allow a trip with the wonderful animal, feeding and even a pampering mud bath.
General Information
Recommended season - The recommended season in terms of weather is from February to May. After that there are heavy rains which make it difficult to walk and also travel to the place.
It is worth taking into account - In order to get to the reserve, you must use local public transportation services that depart from the cities Chiang Mai או Bangkok And the duration of the trip is quite long (varies depending on the starting point, but it is a whole day that you will "waste" on travel). Payment in cash only.
