Readme before you journey
A Journey to Khao Pha Nen Thung: Camping Under the Setting Sun and Witnessing the Sea of Mist in the Summer Heat
This trip, I want to share my experience camping at Khao Pha Nen Thung, where I witnessed the breathtaking sunset over the mountains and the mesmerizing sea of mist during the summer heat.
Nestled within the sprawling expanse of Kaeng Krachan National Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts, lies a hidden gem known as Khao Panen Tung. This idyllic retreat offers a myriad of experiences, from stargazing to playful encounters with fireflies, ensuring an unforgettable journey.
While many people have visited this place, it was my first time. I believe there are many others who haven't been here before and lack sufficient information. Even I had to consult 3-4 reviews before my trip.
Therefore, there will be a lot of content and pictures, but I think this review will be useful for beginners here.
Before heading to Khao Pha Nen Thung, let's check the opening and closing times to avoid disappointment.
Tourist Season for Ban Krang Camp and Pha Nen Thung Camp
The tourist season for Ban Krang Camp and Pha Nen Thung Camp is as follows:
- November - July: Both camps are open for 9 months.
- August - October: Both camps are closed for 3 months.
If you have checked and confirmed that you are still within the travel period, please follow us...
We traveled on April 30th - May 1st and this time we brought one female friend along, making a total of 2 members, all female. It was a lot of fun.
Embark on a journey from the bustling metropolis of Bangkok to the fertile lands of Phetchaburi province.
This time, we drove our own car. We left Bangkok at 7:30 AM and stopped along the way. We used Google Maps to navigate because it was our first time here. We arrived at the tourist service center around noon. It is recommended that if you arrive around noon, before going up the mountain, you should have lunch first.
There are multiple routes to reach the Tourist Service Center at Kaeng Krachan National Park from Bangkok.
Access is available via Nong Ya Plong District or Tha Yang District intersection. Signs are clearly visible throughout the route.
Upon arrival at the tourist service center, please proceed to the information desk and ticket and toll booth.
Information officers are available to answer your questions.
From this point, there will be tourists traveling both ways and staying overnight. There are several accommodation options for overnight stays, as follows:
Accommodation Point 1 - At the Kaeng Krachan National Park office (there are houses available for rent). You can book online through this link: http://nps.dnp.go.th/reservation.php?option=home
Accommodation Point 2 - Around the Kaeng Krachan Dam reservoir (camping area)
Accommodation Point 3 - At the Sam Yot checkpoint (camping area)
Accommodation Point 4 - At Ban Krang Camp (camping area)
Accommodation Point 5 - At Khao Pha Nen Thung Camp (camping area)
Accommodation Point 6 - At Pong Luek (camping area)
For this trip, we plan to camp at Khao Pha Nen Thung Camp.
After setting your goals, inform the staff that you will be staying overnight at Khao Pha Nen Thung. The number of nights is up to you, but I stayed for one night.
The cost for the toll and accommodation for this trip is 130 baht per person, and an additional 30 baht for parking.
For overnight stays on Khao Pha Ngan Thung, you can drive your own car, but it must be a high-clearance pickup truck, such as a Hi-lander.
A four-wheel drive vehicle (Prerunner) is recommended, and experience driving on steep inclines is essential.
For those without personal transportation, chartered vehicles are available for hire. Simply inform the staff at the toll booth that you require a chartered vehicle to ascend Khao Pha Nen Thung. The staff will arrange for a chartered vehicle and schedule a pick-up time for you.
Transportation service fee for round trip (no overnight stay): 1600 Baht per trip / Overnight stay on the mountain: 2000 Baht per trip.
For those who are not many and want to share the cost of a taxi with others, please inform the staff. They will ask you to leave your mobile phone number so that you can wait for other passengers who will join the car, so that we can contact each other and agree on the number of people who will go up together.
This trip, we were fortunate to have seven companions to share the transportation costs, resulting in significant savings on the overall expense.
Just imagine, if we only had two people, we could still rent a car. But 2,000 baht divided by two people would be 1,000 baht each. Now, we have seven people to share the total cost of the car rental, which averages out to only 300 baht per person. That's amazing!
You won't have to wait long, and you might even meet new travel companions on your trip.
After arranging a private car, we set a time to go up the mountain. We will be leaving around 3 pm.
Taking some time to capture the breathtaking scenery of the national park.
For those who do not have their own tent, there is no need to worry. The camp offers tents for rent, complete with bedding, for 150 baht per set.
You don't have to carry it to get tired, but if you are worried that the night air will be too cold, you should bring a blanket. And if you are worried about rain or dew, it is a good idea to bring a tarpaulin to cover the tent to prevent rain and dew.
The taxi has arrived.
The owner of the car we shared the journey with this time is Uncle Prayuth, who is very kind. If you are interested, you can contact Uncle Prayuth directly (I will share his number at the end). However, I must warn you that if you contact Uncle directly, you may not have anyone to share the cost of the car with, as it will not be through an official agent. You will need to negotiate with Uncle yourself.
It's time to meet up with our travel companions and get ready to load our luggage onto the car. Then, let's set off on our journey up the mountain.
It is recommended that when renting a car, the number of passengers should not exceed 10 people, as the amount of luggage varies from person to person. If there is a lot of luggage, 7 people is a good number. If the rented car is a cab, it is comfortable for 2-3 people to sit in the front with the driver.
The initial stretch of the trail is beautifully shaded, offering a refreshing and verdant view.
The ascent and descent of Khao Pha Nen Thung will have specific times as shown in the image. There will be no oncoming traffic during the ascent and descent due to safety concerns. Therefore, please check the times and arrive on time for the ascent.
Following the Ban Krang Camp, the trail becomes progressively rougher, steeper, and narrower, with only a single lane remaining.
The distance from the Tourist Service Center to Khao Pha Nen Thung is approximately:
Tourist Service Center - Ban Krang Camp
Distance: 32 kilometers Estimated travel time: 50 minutes
Ban Krang Camp - Pha Nen Thung Camp
Distance: 16 kilometers Estimated travel time: 1 hour
Note: The road from Ban Krang Camp to Pha Nen Thung is quite steep and has many potholes. It is a single-lane road.
We arrived at Pha Nen Thung Camp around 5 pm. Upon reaching the campsite on Pha Nen Thung Hill, we immediately secured and prepared the area for pitching our tents.
We didn't bring our own tent, so we contacted the staff and informed them that we needed to rent a tent. They had a tent set up and waiting for us, so we didn't have to worry about setting it up ourselves.
Our small, cozy beds are ready to go. It's super easy because we don't have to pitch the tent ourselves. Hehe.
After setting up our sleeping arrangements, we started to feel hungry as we hadn't eaten lunch before arriving. However, there's no need to worry, as the campsite offers simple one-dish meals. The selection isn't extensive, but it includes basic options like chicken stir-fry, stir-fried kale, fried eggs, omelets, fried rice, and instant noodles. The food is tasty, but the restaurant closes at 6 pm. Therefore, if you haven't brought your own food, make sure to grab something to eat before then.
After enjoying a delicious meal, we went for a scenic walk at Kilometer 30.
This is a great spot to watch the sunset.
While waiting for the sun to appear, relax and chill.
Soon, you'll be greeted by friends. Haha, isn't it lovely?
While waiting for the sunset, there was a beautiful divine light show to behold, as seen in the picture.
As dusk descends, light seekers gather at this very spot.
The sun has risen and is about to set. What are you waiting for? Click quickly!
No disappointment at all. After the sun set behind the mountain, the beautiful twilight light appeared. It was truly heartwarming.
Satisfied with the cool evening light, I went back to take a shower before it got too dark. The weather here is cool and comfortable, not too cold. But it gets cold at night, because after the sunlight is gone, it rains. And after about an hour of rain, I can't believe the sky is clear and full of stars. It's so cool! I also saw a small herd of elephants.
However, we were unable to capture the stars for you, so please try to imagine them. ^^ This was my first time here, but I truly experienced everything.
We woke up feeling refreshed by the cool air and had an appointment to see the sea of mist at Km 36 at 7:00 AM.
While waiting for our appointment, we grabbed a bite to eat for breakfast and went to admire the view at Km 30 to kill time.
Starting point to the viewpoint at Km.30
The viewpoint at Km.30 this morning, the fog is not as satisfying as we would like. But it's okay, we still have another chance at Km.36.
As many people were busy securing spots to watch the sea of mist, when they turned around, they were greeted by the sunlight shining through the trees.
It was truly a breathtaking sight.
Look, look
This place has no maids, no Mei Chaba, but it does have this: Diamond Tears. Do I really have to call it that?
Are you happy? Ask your heart.
And then, it was time for our 7:00 AM appointment. We went to see the fog at the viewpoint at Km.36.
It is about 6 km from the viewpoint at Km.30.
Look at this, you guys!
After enjoying the breathtaking sea of mist, it was time for us to descend the mountain.
However, our trip isn't over yet, as we still need to tease the butterflies at Ban Krang Camp.
Ban Krang Camp is a hotspot for butterflies, with a diverse array of species fluttering about during the months of March to June each year. The butterflies are so abundant that they may even land on visitors, remaining still as if posing for a photograph.
The next must-visit spot for your trip here is the Tree Tunnel.
The beauty of the Tree Tunnel here is truly eye-catching and incredibly shady.
And finally, for this trip,
The suspension bridge at Kaeng Krachan National Park with a beautiful sky.
Close the JOB with this trip, a simple and easy DIY adventure for a relaxing or exciting getaway.
**Total Trip Expenses**
1. Estimated fuel cost = 400
2. Taxi fare for 2 people at 300 baht each = 600 baht.
3. Tent rental fee for 1 tent (sleeps 2 people) at 150 baht per person = 300 baht
4. Food + Snacks = 500
The total cost of damages is 1,800 baht, which is 900 baht per person when divided equally among two people.
This is great! The cost per person is less than 1,000 baht. You can travel for thousands of baht but get happiness at the million-baht level. What are you waiting for?
================= Go out and see the world, go out and find your heart, go out and experience Thailand together ================
** And thank you all for reading and following. **
See you again next trip
Please leave a review of other trips by Jieb.
1. First review with love at first sight in Kanchanaburi.
2. ONE DAY TRIP Following in the footsteps of the King at the Royal Initiative Weighing of the Manioc Project
3. Khao Sok Cheow Lan: An Extraordinary Journey
- Chumphon On My Way Serie#1
Tiewplearn By Jeab
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 10:26 AM
