Trek & Trail
The Tam Nam trek inside the Khao Sok National Park in Thailand is not for the faint-heated. Be prepared for the unexpected at every corner as one proceeds along the trek
Located on the mountain ridge which separates the east and west coast of the Thai
peninsula, Khao Sok National Park is situated in the west of Suratthani province in Ban Ta Khum and Phanom districts and covers an area of 738.74 sq. kms. The Park is surrounded by the wildlife sanctuaries of Khlong Nakha and Kaeng Krung National Park. These reserves make up the largest area of continuous evergreen tropical forests in Thailand stretching
to 4,000 sq. kms!
There are many trekking trails within the national park. Some of these lead to crystal clear rivers, underwater caves and limestone cliff formations. These treks range from 10 km. to 15 km. and have different gradients of difficulty. The Park opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes
at 6:00 p.m. throughout the week.
Hardcore trekkers can trek through the dense jungle to visit Tam Nam pool. Tam Nam is a 12 km. trek which can take from six to eight hours, as it is a difficult trek. One starts one’s trek to Tam Nam natural pool and gorge at 6:15 a.m. After entering the park, one crosses the wooden bridge across the Khlong Sok River and turns right to locate the forest trail. The first three kilometres are relatively easy, but a steady climb up the hill nevertheless. Vines and creepers offer good support in one’s march to the summit.
After two hours of nonstop trekking, one comes across Bang Hua Raet. Here is a resting place under the canopy of the bamboo groves, on the banks of the stream. After catching one’s breath, one crosses a makeshift bridge over the stream.
How to get there?
The nearest international airport is the Suvarnabhoomi International Airport, Bangkok. There are several options for Indian tourists to get to Koh Noi from Bangkok. From Bangkok, one must fly to Phuket. From the
Phuket airport, one has to proceed to the Phuket bus station.
Where to stay?
River View Guest House at Khao Sokis is a value for money proposition, offering basic comforts. A standard double room costs approximately 600 Baht.
Where to eat?
Many small restaurants serving Thai cuisine dot Khao Sok. Fresh tropical fruits including durians, mangosteens, pineapples, tender coconuts and jackfruits are available in the local market. |
After one enters the core area of the jungle, trekking becomes a different story altogether. One has to constantly pay attention to see if one is on the right track. The ramifications of getting lost inside a 4,000-acre rainforest need not be explained. 30 minutes later, one is not trekking but either jumping over fallen trees or squeezing under giant trees that block one’s path. The forest trail now begins to disappear and one is constantly stepping on the roots of giant trees to maintain one’s pace. After an hour of struggle, trying to get around the trees, one finds a narrow path alongside the stream which is 50 ft below. Though the obstacles here are lesser, the path is extremely slippery and every step needs to be watched. It is important that one moves at all times, as one must return by 6 p.m. before the closure of the park. After about 45 mins. of a steady trek along the stream, the trail now climbs steeply upwards.
As one climbs higher, the fauna undergoes a dramatic change. Gone are the bamboo, palms and ferns one encountered at the beginning. The trunks of some of these giant trees are as wide as ten to twelve feet, having stood undisturbed over centuries. One descends the rocky path on one’s back, clinging to vines on both sides for much needed support. Half slipping, half crawling, one steps into an open gorge, covered by tree laden hills on three sides and the waterfall on the opposite end. The shallow pool created by the water enveloped by the gorge is Tam Nam. One is awestruck by the beautiful scenery around. Throwing caution to the winds, one enters the icy cold water of the pool to refresh oneself for the return trek. Meditating on the rocky shores of this tiny drop of tranquillity, encased in an oyster of peace, is a divine experience.
