Trekking is one of the most popular outdoor activities with visitors of all ages. Trekking in the fresh air and stunning scenery soothes the mind and spirit — and provides a comprehensive aerobic workout at the same time. Treks can range from a single day light excursion to physically challenging adventures of a week or more.

Central Thailand:

Khao Yai, or “the Big Mountain”, is the most popular national park in the country for trekking. Vegetation is typically dense tropical forest, the habitat of a great variety of wildlife including elephants, red bull and hornbills. Khao Yai also offers nighttime animal watch trekking as well as viewing platforms. The spectacular, 18-tiered Tho Thip Waterfall in Kaeng Krachan National Park is best visited during the rainy seasons from July to early October. During the cool season, November to January, treks to the highest peaks are rewarded with an awe inspiring view of a rolling sea of morning mist.

Western Thailand:

Thailand’s national parks are well endowed with amazing waterfalls which are a great stopover point for trekkers and bikers. Among the more famous are the Erawan Falls at Erawan National Park. A useful itinerary for national parks is provided by most tour operators.

Camping
There is no bad time for trekking and camping in Thailand. Exhaustion from jungle trekking is minimal due to the forests’ dense foliage that keeps temperatures in the parks to a cool 30 degrees or lower. However, trekking and camping during the rainy season can sometimes be hazardous as waterfall areas are susceptible to sudden water swells pouring down the falls. All national parks have warning systems of sirens and fl ashing lights to alert trekkers and swimmers. The warnings should be taken seriously as they are there for visitors’ safety. Whenever you hear the siren, leave the waterfall area immediately.

Accommodation in national parks Most national parks provide overnight accommodation and camping facilities. If you plan to stay at on-site accommodation, please make reservations at least one month beforehand by contacting the National Parks Division of the Forestry Department in Bangkok, tel: 0 2562 0760, www.dnp.go.th. Each park has its own office, but information on the facilities and services available can also be obtained from the National Parks Division of the Forestry Department in Bangkok.

On your arrival at the park, call at the Visitor Centre for further information, or to seek advice from the park officers and rangers. The Visitor/Information Centre has maps, charts and displays providing information on climate, topography, varieties of plants and wildlife, tourist attractions as well as the park rules and regulations.

Northern Thailand:

Vegetation in the North is less congested than in tropical rainforests. Cool to temperate-climate plants and trees can be found here. Treks to the highest peaks during the cool season will take you to view the enchanting veil of mountain mist. Noteworthy view points are Doi Inthanon National Park, Huai Nam Dang National Park’s Kiew Lom View Point and Mae Wong National Park, but there are many more.

Tea plantations, orchards and farms specialising in temperate climate fruit and vegetable crops are a feature of the landscape, as well as the simple lifestyle of the farming communities around Doi Mae Salong. A section of the mountain route is covered with the pink blossoms of the nang phaya sua khrong, a Thai cherry blossom that flowers in January. In November and December, the valleys of Doi Mae Salong are carpeted with a native flower called bua tong, and it is a good vantage point to watch the sun rise over Doi Hua Mae Kham.

At 1,635 metres above sea level, Doi Pha Tang provides an ideal observation point along the Thai-Laotian border. The best time of the year for splendid views of the area is during the cold season when banks of mist blanket the valley. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the fog fades away to reveal the shimmering Mekong River winding downstream through forests and green valleys. In December and January, the green is interspersed with pink cherry blossom.

The highest mountain plateau, Phu Chi Fa offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain peaks, valleys and grassy plains that extend across the Laotian border. In February, the white fl owers of the wild dawk siao orchid trees intensify the pleasure of the view.

Northeastern Thailand:

Bizarre sand stone outcrops are a feature of the parks here. In Mukdahan National Park they resemble mushrooms, nails, naga heads and castles. There are more strange outcrops in Chaiyaphum’s Pa Hin Ngam National Park, and in Sao Chaliang in Pha Taem National Park in Ubon Ratchathani there are the 3,000-year old paintings of ancient hunter-gatherers on cliffs overlooking Mekong River.

Further south, the Phanom Dongrak range stretches from the Mekong River to Khao Yai National Park, forming a natural boundary along the Thai-Cambodian border. Here, gibbons and hornbills can be seen during the day, and civets and Asian elephants by night. The rainy months of June through October are fruitful times for nature touring.

Southern Thailand:

National parks in the South are typically denser, with mangrove swamps and wetlands. Phru To Daeng or Phru Sirindhorn in Narathiwat is one of the world’s largest peat swamps. In Khao Chong Wildlife Development and Conservation Station in Trang, walking trails lead beside streams and waterfalls.

Some of these mountains have been scaled by rock-climbers at Railey Beach in Krabi Province, while kayakers seek out the limestone caves in Khao Sok and Phang-nga. Much of this area still remains unexplored.

Further south, rainforest ridges hug the Thai-Malaysian border between Satun and Narathiwat. The virgin mountains of the deep south support wildlife like a large gibbon, the Sumatran rhinoceros, and a great variety mountain birds. They are best visited during the dry months of January to April.

Trekking Preparation
Treks to suit individual requirements are easily arranged through private or government organizations. A trek may range from a walk in the woods to gruelling physical challenge. Assess your and level of fitness before booking the trek that is right for you.

Safety and medical considerations are important as a simple sprain can be a real problem if you are a long way from “civilization”. Trek organizers should have contingency plans and first aid for any unforeseen problems.

Good shoes or boots are a must for trekking. Your trek organizer will probably provide backpacks, but make sure you have adequate warm, comfortable clothing that will protect you from insect bites, and a hat and UV block against the sun. When exercising in tropical climates, it is recommended to drink up to five litres of water a day.