Khao Sok National Park

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Hi all,
So we left Koh Phangan at 6 in the morning in yet another torrent of monsoon like rain, on our way to khao sok national park, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. We had to take a boat across to the mainland and a bus ride to get there. In what seems to be the Thai tradition there were a few unscheduled stops along the way and what was supposed to take just over an hour it took 3, but we arrived at our jungle tree house safe and sound.

When we arrived we were greeted by the owner and her daughters and our heavy bags were soon being whisked off to our cabin by these very slight Thai girls. To myself and Sean's delight we were informed that " men no work here" and they showed us the way through the jungle path where we found our cabin.

The cabin ( at first glance ) looked amazingly luxurious and we were very happy to be there in the beautiful surroundings and peace and quiet. After dinner at the restaurant we headed back to our cabin, it was now dark and the jungle came alive with sounds of monkeys and frogs and all manner of jungle wildlife, all very cool and back to nature we thought as we settled down for some sleep after a long day ,unaware of what was ahead.

Almost as soon as the lights were off we became aware that the wildlife didn't stop at the front door. We had lizards, small furry mouse like marsupials massive spiders, giant ants, Mosquitos and I'm sure a few killer bees in our room too. Finally getting used to our roommates we tried to get some sleep, then the monkeys arrived, clearly thinking the roof of our cabin made the perfect trampoline. Eventually we got some sleep.

We got up early and headed out for a day of adventure. We got a long tail fishing boat on an enormous man made lake in the middle of the national park that was left over from a hydroelectric dam that created a maze of hundreds of tiny islands. We arrived at a floating raft house where we stopped for a tradional Thai lunch and then headed out with a guide on a jungle trek.

We walked for an hour or so through the jungle spotting turantulas, massive poisonous catapillars,crossing rivers by foot and trying not hold on to the poisonous bamboo ( the guide told us this info after I had already grabbed onto it) and climbing over rocky paths. We got to our destination which was a kilometre long cave in the middle of the jungle ,that Thai students had used as a hideout when fighting the communist government in the early 70's . We entered the cave, torches in hand, and climbed over steep rocks and waded through neck high freezing water all pitch black apart from our torch light to an underground waterfall which was beautiful, surrounded by crystal rocks and stalactites. Our guide told us all to turn the torches off and we stood in complete darkness for a few seconds, each trying not to be the first scaredy cat to turn their torch back on. An experience. We headed back on our return journey spotting wild boar tracks, water repellent plants and yet more creepy crawlies.

Back at the raftshouse we had time for a bit of kayaking and swimming before heading ( knackered ) to dinner at the apparently renowned pawns restaurant boasting thailands best green curry (amazing) and the first wine list we'd seen in thailand(red or white) then off to the chill out bar for a couple of cold tiger beers and bed, despite the furry roommates.

Day 2 in the national park ,despite Laura's initial phobia, we went elephant trekking. Laura and I shared an elephant and Sean had the luxury of one to himself ,guided by mahouts ( elephant trainers) we made our way through yet another jungle. Laura was very brave and ventured from the safety and comfort of the padded seats on top, to riding on the neck . An amazing experience that really shows how powerful the elephants are.

I'm writing this entry on top of yet another boat while sean and laura sun themselves as we begin our next journey to Koh phi phi a small island in the andaman sea on the south west of Thailand. Along the way we've met some great people, fellow backpackers and locals alike, who have helped us with guided tours and recommendations on places to eat and places to go. So far we're having an amazing adventure.

Lots of love from us Jonny x

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Comments

[Mum]

Very proud of all of you for staying in the luxury "treehouse" with all your extra guests especially the monkeys on the roof xx can't wait to see some pictures!!

[Emma]

Sounds amazing

[Lynda & David]

Sounds great if somewhat scary!! You're missing great weather here!! Loads of rain and floods in Dorset & Hampshire !! Love Mum & Dad