ESCAPE FROM THE CONCRETE JUNGLE

ESCAPE FROM THE CONCRETE JUNGLE

The West’s concrete jungle now threatens the world, but if you want to see the real thing, genuine primary forest that has never been disturbed except by you, it is only two to three hours drive from Bangkok. Go west to Kaeng Krachan National Park, the country’s largest pristine forest that offers superb walking trails to study nature. Be prepared from some truly awe inspiring trees, 70 metres tall and more. Where the forest is open, it is like being inside a cathedral. Most of the trails cluster around the single 36-kilometre road inside the park, but serious jungle treks of up to two weeks through rugged terrain can also be organized. Perhaps the best trip is to the 18-tier Tho Thip Waterfall, a full day’s outing with about three hours walking each way.

If that sound a bit too serious, drive north instead to Khao Yai National Park, the country’s oldest and third largest. It takes about the same time to reach and has at least 13 trails of varying levels of difficulty. Although these are more popular than those at Kaeng Krachan, you will still be in or near real jungle, so take a guide and keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife. Other excellent walking trails can be found at Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park, an easy drive from Rayong on Eastern Seaboard, at Chalerm Rattanakosin National Park in Kanchanaburi and, closet of all to Bangkok, at Nakhon Nayok about an hour’s drive north of city. Almost all parks have at least some accommodation and food. Park staff at the headquarters will be able to advise you on the best walks. You will see spectacular caves, fantastic waterfalls, dramatic vistas of forest as you wind up hill and down dale and follow the banks of crystal streams. The trails were often originally made by elephant. Concrete? Give me a break!