Readme before you journey
Hello again! Following our previous adventure to the refreshing Haew E-Am waterfall, I'm taking you on another journey to the equally captivating Krok E-Dok waterfall. This waterfall boasts a unique name, just like Haew E-Am, and offers a serene escape with minimal crowds. While its popularity is likely to increase with exposure, rest assured that visitor numbers are limited, ensuring a tranquil experience amidst the cascading waters.
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Let's get to know Krok I-Dork Waterfall briefly. When traveling, you should have some knowledge. It will make you look knowledgeable. ^^
Krok I-Dork Waterfall is located in Khao Yai National Park, under the supervision of Khao Yai National Park Ranger Unit Khun.18 (Jetkot), Saraburi Province. It is a waterfall that is recognized as one of the 10 highest waterfalls in the central region with a height of about 350 meters. It consists of a total of 8 waterfalls, but in reality, we can only go to the 7th floor, which is the most beautiful floor. As for the 8th floor, it is not possible to go up because the path is very steep and requires climbing skills. Therefore, officials do not allow it to go up. And the excitement is not only at the waterfall itself, but along the way there are also wonders to see, which is the "champignon mushroom" or "champagne mushroom". If the waterfall is the hero, then the champagne mushroom is the heroine of the Krok I-Dork Waterfall Trail. Throughout the 4-kilometer walk to conquer the waterfall, we will see the abundance of nature. Small living things (lower plants) such as mosses, ferns, watercress, lichens, mushrooms, fungi, etc. are abundant for us to experience. But we must only experience it with our eyes. Do not pick or destroy it at all. Don't forget that we have entered nature. We must learn to live with it, not learn to destroy it. ^^
There are 2 ways to visit Krok I-Dork Waterfall, depending on your convenience:
- 1. Day trip: Hike up to the waterfall in the morning. You must bring lunch and water to eat at the waterfall. Then in the afternoon, leave the waterfall and go to other places. Or you can go to sleep at the Chet Khot-Pong Koan Sao Waterfall Nature Study Center, depending on your convenience. In this way, you can drive your own car to park at the walking point. You do not need to rent a car from the officer to go inside.
- 2. Overnight stay on the waterfall trail: It takes 2 days and 1 night. On the first day, walk up to the waterfall. You will have plenty of time to play at the waterfall. Then go down to the overnight point. The next day, walk down. In this way, you may have to hire a porter to help carry your luggage and camping equipment. I'm not sure about the price of the porter. You have to check with the officer again. In this second way, you will not be able to drive your own car to park at the walking point because if you leave your car parked at the walking point at night, there will be no officers to guard it. You must park at Khun.11 only. Then take the car that the officer has prepared for you. You have to pay for this service. I'm not sure how much it is, but it should be around 500 baht. Check with the officer again.
Contact Information: You can call 091-752-9737 to inquire about water levels during your planned visit. You can also book your trip through this number and ask any questions you may have about visiting Krok E-Dok Waterfall.
Directions: There are two routes to reach the waterfall:
- Route 1: Bangkok - Saraburi - Krok E-Dok Waterfall (follow the map provided)
Do not turn into the Jet Ket-Pong Kon Sa Study Center. Continue driving straight and turn left at the intersection. Follow the paved road until you reach the Khaoyai National Park Ranger Station Khun Ya 18 (Jet Ket). Report to the park ranger on duty.
- Alternative Route: Bangkok - Nakhon Nayok - Krok I-Dok Waterfall (I haven't been on this route before ^^)
Approximate Expenses
- Guide fee: 500 baht/day (I went for a day trip, so I only paid 500 baht)
- Fuel cost: 900 baht (full tank, enough for round trip)
- Food expenses: breakfast, lunch, dinner (suki), and the next day's breakfast, lunch, dinner + snacks
- Camping fee at Unit Khun Ya 11: Free (no entrance fee either ^^)
***Everyone split the bill equally, which came out to 800 baht each. What a steal!***
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8 members: Boy, Kluay, Aem, Pat, Fai, Kai, Sam, Dream (with Derda)
Camping equipment: tents, hammocks, tarps, ropes, and sleeping bags.
Cooking equipment: Electric pan, knife, pork, chicken, sausage, vegetables, sukiyaki sauce, chopsticks, plates, spoons, forks, dishwashing equipment.
Car: TOYOTA Avanza, accommodating all 8 people and all luggage for this trip. Going with many people in one car is super economical.
Clothing: Visiting Krok I-Deng Waterfall is different from visiting other waterfalls that we are familiar with. We have to go on an adventure, including wading through water, climbing rocks, crawling through bamboo groves, walking over logs, and wading through tall grass. Therefore, we must dress appropriately. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts/sleeves, and most importantly, closed-toe shoes are required for agility in the forest. Ideally, you should wear studded shoes, which are popular among park rangers and local porters. These shoes are guaranteed not to slip.
The final step is to prepare yourself mentally and physically for an adventure in the lush wilderness. Breathe in the pure oxygen and let go of all the chaos in your life. Make space within yourself to fully embrace what you desire.
Are you ready?
...Let's go, boss!...
Saturday, August 15, 2015: Bangkok - Saraburi - Krok E-Daeng Waterfall
Today is a travel day, and we have to wake up very early. We meet at 4 am. Are you sure we're going to rest? Oh, we're waking up earlier than on workdays.
The alarm clock rings, but I keep hitting snooze, making me late for work. It's no surprise.
The power of nature is stronger than the power of this work. No need to call, I'll find it myself. ^^
At exactly 4 am, we started picking up our members, one by one. By the time the car was full, it was almost 5 am. We then headed to Saraburi province. We have a rule that no one is allowed to sleep in the car. They have to stay awake and keep me company, the driver. Anyone who falls asleep will be blackmailed with photos. Of course, there were still people who fell asleep, and some even snored. I took about 10 photos of them. We will have fun with these photos back in Bangkok. I drove slowly and stopped at a gas station in Saraburi to use the restroom, eat breakfast, and buy sticky rice with grilled pork for lunch. It was around 6 am, and we had an appointment with the officials at 8 am. We still had plenty of time.
Once all members are ready, we will continue our journey. From Saraburi, we will drive straight to Mittraphap Road and make a U-turn in front of Mingmongkol Park. Then, look for the sign for the Jet Kot-Pong Koan Sao Natural Study Center on the left-hand side and follow the sign.
The road leading to the unit is equally beautiful, lined with trees that exude the charm of a natural path. The atmosphere is refreshing, and the morning air is invigorating. Being in the countryside feels like regaining all my energy. However, being in Bangkok makes me feel strangely drained. Honestly, I have no idea where the unit we're contacting is located. This is my first time driving here, and no one in the car knows the way.
To ensure safety, it's best to ask the locals for directions.
"Excuse me, how do I get to Khun 18?" The lady looked confused. ???
"I'm going to Krok I-Dork Waterfall." Ah, the waterfall! Go this way, son.
"Thank you." I drove straight onto the red road. As I drove, I noticed that it was taking a long time. There were only red roads. Let me ask again. At that time, my phone signal was weak, and I couldn't call the officer. I had to ask the villagers.
"Excuse me, sir, how do I get to Khun 18 to contact the officer to go to Krok I-Dork Waterfall?" He looked confused at me again. Then he seemed to remember and said, "Go straight ahead until the end of the road, then turn left and go straight."
"Thank you." I drove on and on, but I couldn't find it. We circled the same route three times until we found a place with a signal. We immediately called the officer. It took us a while to get there, but we became experts on the route in the area.
In conclusion, I shouldn't have asked that lady. Just going straight on the black road would have been much faster. Haha. Even though her shop was right in front of Khun 18. It's funny.
Upon arrival at the park ranger station, register as a tourist, pay the guide fee, and have your attire checked.
Oh, I forgot to mention that today we came in the concept of "Colorful of waterfall" where everyone has to dress colorfully. Look at the colors of each person and then look at mine. It's so different, hahaha.
The concept behind this design was inspired by hiking experiences. The vibrant colors of the clothing make it easier for companions to spot each other in the wilderness. Additionally, these colors create a striking contrast with the natural surroundings, enhancing the vibrancy of the landscape in photographs.
We then continued our journey from Unit 18. We drove to the starting point of the hike, where a park ranger joined us in the car. (Don't forget to bring lunch for the ranger as a gesture of goodwill!) The drive took less than half an hour, and the road was in good condition, except for a few bumpy sections through the orchard. Along the way, there were shops and convenience stores where we could stock up on supplies. Bring your favorite drinks to enjoy at the waterfall.
It's time for trekking to the waterfall. The distance to the waterfall is 4 kilometers, and it takes about 3 hours to walk. The first checkpoint we encountered was crossing the canal. At first, we were afraid of water and getting wet. We were still shy about the water. Everyone was careful not to get wet.
Crossing the first canal, you enter the forest zone. The path is quite overgrown, with trees covering it at all times. The nature is incredibly lush.
Along the way, there are many impressive photo spots. While you still have the energy and aren't too tired, take as many pictures as you can. Trust me, you won't regret it.
I'm not sure what this place is called, so I'll call it the "Marriage Arch." Anyone who walks under this arch will surely get married. (Adding to the legend, hehe)
This angle is also beautiful. ^^ I can't believe I can take such beautiful photos of people. Hahaha ^^
The star of this trail, the Champagne mushroom, was not yet in full bloom when I visited. It could have been much more abundant. Please do not pick or take any mushrooms; simply admire them with your eyes. This way, others who come after you will have the chance to see them as well. Let's be considerate of others.
While the pink champagne is cute, I find the hair color even more adorable. I love this one!
Let's not get too caught up in taking photos and forget our goal for today. The waterfall awaits us ahead, and if we don't hurry, we won't have time to play in the water. Let's keep moving. From here on, we'll be walking alongside the waterfall, starting from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and finally the 7th tier. Each tier offers its own unique beauty and interesting angles. However, we must be extra careful while walking near the waterfall, as the rocks are extremely slippery. This is where we'll need to put our individual skills to the test.
First Tier Waterfall
Tier 2 Waterfall
Third Tier Waterfall
Although not particularly large, I find this waterfall captivating. Its mysterious allure and captivating beauty never cease to amaze. The true splendor of the falls is best appreciated through a narrow opening, offering a unique perspective. Unlike the view from above, this vantage point reveals the falls' hidden charm. Each tier of the waterfall is accessible for swimming, providing a refreshing escape.
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This stunning location was the perfect backdrop for individual portraits, capturing memories we will cherish forever. We couldn't resist sharing our beauty with you all, so please excuse our vanity. A special thanks to Boy Ngam for his exceptional photography skills.
Contestant number 1: Aunt Banana likes to carry bananas into the forest?
Contestant number 2: Ms. Fai enjoys gossip.
Contestant number 3: Nong Sam, who enjoys eating wrinkled fermented pork sausage.
Contestant number 4: Auntie Aem, I have a bonus for you.
Contestant number 5: Nong Kai enjoys selling eggs to her neighbors.
Contestant number 6: Aunt Pat wants to arrange two flowers.
Contestant number 7: Uncle Boy, the girl who floats, will not be allowed to pass.
Contestant number 8: Dream went to poop by the roadside and didn't come to take a picture, so she had to be eliminated. ^^
This point has a name, but I'm not sure if it's called "Nang Khoi Basin" or not.
I'm starting to remember the way. I wonder which waterfall I'm at now. Haha, I apologize.
I don't remember which floor this is. ^^
As mentioned earlier, we will be walking along the waterfall, passing each level until we reach the 7th level. Therefore, it is important to be very careful. Members who are going together should take care of each other at regular intervals. Do not walk far apart. If you come together, you must wait and go together.
This should be the 6th floor after we have been walking up the mountain for a long time. After this, the path will become twice as steep as before, which requires more caution.
The steeper the path, the more cautious we must be. Don't rush, take a break when you can. Each break takes a considerable amount of travel time. 5555
The closer we got to the waterfall, the louder the roar became, a thrilling and exhilarating sound. The path grew steeper and more challenging, with sections requiring us to duck under bamboo groves, forcing us to bend low and nearly collapse with each step. The climb was already exhausting, and now we had to exert even more effort to squeeze through the bamboo. Our energy was nearly depleted. The guide informed us that the trail changes every year, sometimes becoming a banana forest and other times a bamboo forest, depending on various factors. Therefore, a guide is essential to avoid getting lost.
After overcoming numerous obstacles, we finally reached the seventh heaven, or rather, the seventh waterfall. It was quite a challenge, but we made it!
This is the seventh heaven we were searching for, and it is truly magnificent. It was definitely worth the effort.
"It's vacation time now."
This time is meaningful.
Slow down and relax.
Leave the harsh truths behind.
This is the vacation period.
We have arrived at the waterfall. The first thing we did was to eat the food we had brought with us: sticky rice with shredded pork and steamed mackerel. This dish was incredibly delicious, especially at this moment. It was so good, it was almost too much to handle!
We have time here until 3 pm, which is not long for enjoying nature here. But we should make the most of our time here without rushing. Take in your surroundings as much as possible, don't take too many photos, just for the ceremony, and live in the moment as best as possible. (Or so I hear, there are plenty of solo photos, haha!) Here you go.
Which song do you think best suits the atmosphere of the waterfall? I think it would be great to listen to it together. As for me, I have no idea which song would be the best fit for the waterfall because I didn't have time to think about it. I was too busy taking pictures.
Today, we brought our little buddy, Deodao, along for the ride. He's a member of our gang who we take everywhere in Thailand. Each Deodao represents a member of our group, with different personalities and styles.
**Travelogue of Derd Da and Friends**
On the 7th floor, you can play in the water, but it is a small pool, not very wide. You can't jump into the water, you can only sit on the rocks and let the natural water flow over your body. Then turn your face to look at the endless forest in front of you. That's all you need.
**Important precautions when reaching this level:**
1. **Slippery rocks:** Exercise extreme caution as a fall could result in a significant drop. Walk slowly and prioritize safety.
2. **Bees:** This area is home to a large population of giant hornets. Avoid provoking them, as they will only sting if threatened. Allow them to land on you or calmly walk away. Resist the urge to swat them, as this could lead to stings. For optimal protection, wear long sleeves, pants, a hat, glasses, and gloves. (While full protective gear may seem excessive, dressing appropriately and learning to coexist with nature are essential.)
The fun is over. The fun is over. The fun is over. (Teletubbies are here too) Come from which way, go back that way. Whatever you crawl in, you have to crawl back out. The way back will be faster than the way there because it's all downhill. We walked very seriously. I didn't bring the camera to take pictures. It's a good thing we took a lot of pictures on the way there, so we didn't have to waste time taking pictures on the way back. So we walked all the way to the parking lot and then drove to drop off the guide at the Khun Nan 18 unit.
We changed our clothes and bathed here. We pitched our tents, hung our hammocks, and ate dinner here. The park rangers told us we could sleep here, and they would take care of us. That was great! We didn't have to look for a place to sleep far away. Initially, we planned to sleep at the Namtok Chet Khot-Pong Kon Sao Nature Study Center. This made things easy for us. It was quiet, with no one else around, and by the stream.
After setting up our sleeping arrangements, it was time for dinner. Today, we enjoyed sukiyaki cooked on an electric skillet we brought from Bangkok. Fortunately, this location has electricity, which was fantastic! This was our sukiyaki feast for the evening. And, of course, no gathering with friends is complete without beer, which is always a must-have for us.
The night ended with the last can of beer at exactly 10 pm, coinciding with the park's rule of no loud noises after 10 pm. It was time for bed.
Sunday, August 16, 2015: Unit Khun.18 - Chill Coffee Shop at Nadol Villa - Pattaya (Parasailing) - Bangkok.
The night of joy passed by so quickly. It's unbelievable how fast it became morning. We didn't eat breakfast today because we planned to go out and find food to eat outside. Then, we'll go and have a relaxing coffee in a cool atmosphere at the Nadol Villa.
This morning's activities included capturing the early morning atmosphere with our group's photographer, Boy, followed by showering, packing up our tents, and preparing to grab a simple breakfast on our way to the coffee shop.
Nondol Villa is actually a resort, but it has a coffee zone that is open to the public. The atmosphere here is truly chill and chic. After a tiring climb, it's really awesome to come here and relax.
The group couldn't stop taking pictures at this location. We all took individual photos from the same angle, which was a first for this trip. We sat there for a long time, almost deciding to stay put for the rest of the day. However, I think we stayed too long and it's probably time to move on to another location.
They acted as if the entire resort belonged to them, shamelessly staging a photoshoot with no regard for the property owner.
The next plan was to take the members to play with the cows at the Thai-Danish Milk Farm. However, luck was not on our side as there were many visitors today. The tram had already left, and we had to wait for the next round. However, there was no confirmation of when the next round would be or if we would be able to go. So, we decided to return to Bangkok to rest. But if we return now, what time will we arrive home? Because of the Bike for Mom project, we will definitely be bored in the car.
Then someone in the car said, "Is parasailing fun? Should we go? It's just Pattaya." That was it. We immediately decided to go to Pattaya. Of course, you guys don't drive. I'm the driver. On the way, everyone fell asleep, leaving me to drive alone. I really wanted to stop the car and take pictures of everyone sleeping.
From Saraburi, we took the Kanchanaphisek Road and turned left onto the motorway. We drove straight to Pattaya. It was very fast. We arrived in Pattaya at 5 pm. It's funny how we went from the mountains to the sea in an instant. "From the mountains... to the great sea."
Upon entering the Pattaya parking lot, you can approach any beach chair owner for a ride. The price is 500 baht per round, which lasts 5 minutes. If you go with a large group, the price can be negotiated down to 400 baht. In our case, we were a group of 8, but only 5 of us wanted to ride. The remaining 4 decided to relax on the beach instead.
To reach the platform in the middle of the sea (not sure if that's the correct term, haha), we had to take a boat from the shore. The type of boat varied depending on availability, ranging from fishing boats to speedboats and jet skis. During our visit, a speedboat was available, so we thought, "Great, this will be a comfortable and fast ride to the platform."
As soon as we boarded the boat, the driver didn't say a word about speeding up. He just lifted the front of the boat and started racing. I couldn't just sit there, so I grabbed onto anything I could to hold on. The driver didn't slow down or ask how we were doing. Before we reached the platform, he took us drifting, spinning us around three times. I had no idea that parasailing would come with such an extreme service. I think just this experience was worth it. I don't need to go parasailing anymore. 55555 Here's the video.^^
Upon arrival at the platform, the staff quickly checked our tickets and helped us gear up, as they were closing at 6 pm. Time was of the essence, so we didn't waste any time and jumped right into the action.
The safety equipment is excellent, so you don't need to worry about falling or getting hurt. You can spread your arms, stretch your legs, shout, and take pictures freely, just like a bird soaring through the sky searching for prey in the middle of the sea. The experience is incredibly enjoyable, and I highly recommend it to everyone. You'll discover that Pattaya has much more to offer than you might expect. It's a lot of fun!
On the way back, I still feel sorry for you as before. I will do my best to fulfill your request. ^^
The trip ended beautifully. For those who want to go parasailing, you need to add an additional 400 baht to the waterfall budget. It's cheap and very good.
A good journey is one where the travel plan can be adjusted at any time, without being attached to the original plan. Then you will learn more from the journey that sometimes may not reach the intended destination, but may find something better than the destination we set.
"Experience cannot be found in a four-walled classroom, but rather through learning in the circular classroom called the world."
See you on the next trip! ^^
Additional tips for tourists.
National parks are not only for recreation, but also play a vital role in protecting and conserving natural resources, including plant life, wildlife, and scenic landscapes. Therefore, tourists must strictly follow the regulations of the national park, including the following:
1. Please refrain from making loud noises or causing disturbances to wildlife and fellow visitors. Everyone has an equal right to seek peace and tranquility within the national park.
2. Kindly avoid writing or drawing on surfaces. Not only does it create an unsightly appearance, but it also reflects poorly on the character of the writer.
3. It is strictly prohibited to remove plants, flowers, rocks, animals, or any other objects from the national park. These elements collectively form the natural environment that everyone has an equal right to appreciate.
4. Please dispose of your waste in the designated bins provided by the national park. It would be even more commendable to help collect any litter you encounter at the park's facilities or along the trails.
5. Adhere strictly to the instructions given by park officials.
6. It is essential to maintain a responsible and respectful attitude towards the environment during your visit.
Enjoy your trip!
…Thank you to all my fellow travelers for creating such a joyful and memorable travel experience together…
…Thank you to the paths that have led us forward…
…Thank you to nature for its wonders and awe-inspiring beauty…
…Thank you for the positive experiences and for everything…
…Thank you…
DEKSAPAIPAE
Friday, October 4, 2024 3:18 PM
