© W. Kaspar-Sickermann
NOV 2014
Click the images! Nearly all of them have a blow up
… that is the translation of "Khao Sam Roi Yot".
These mountains at the seacoast are situated in the province of Prachuap Khirikan. Steep slopes, peaks up to 600 m, caves, beaches and marsh in an area of about 99 km2.
It was here that King Mongkut, Rama IV, observed with guests a total eclipse, which he himself had exactly calculated. This excursion had bad consequences for him. He was infected by malaria and died two months later.
The Sala (pavillon) Kuha Karuhas in Tham (cave) Phraya Nakhon was erected in 1890 in honour of king Chulalongkorn (Rama V), when he visited the site.
In defiance of the National Park regulations shrimp farms destroy more and more the large marshes.
For many years I came to this place ever and ever again. The sea, rocks, caves and marshes are really impressing. You are invited to accompany me
At first:
The cave consists of two chambers
Next: Both chambers are sinkholes
Did you click on the relief ??!!
There is no direct access from the road. A cape separates Ban Bang Pu Sai and the
beach, from where you start to the cave. You have to rent a boat or you have
to traverse the cape on foot.
Behind the cape we arrive at the beach. From there we have to mount onto a sharp ascent. From the crest we follow the downward path into the first chamber.
Far down at the bottom of the first chamber there is a large gap leading downwards. Following a path, called "the back-crocodile way", you reach the main cave with the Sala.
At my last visit I stayed in the cavern for a long time, climbed up and down the rubble, here and there
and suddenly felt lonesome. All visitors had already left the place. Although I had been here for several
times I didn't find the exit at once. Really, I was astonished about my panic … till
I came around a hump and recognized the way out.
The way back on foot over the cape
At this beach you can bathe in the sea. - But we continue. The trail crossing the cape is a little bit strenuous. So we balance upon the high-tension line, that is smoother. Where it is too steep, we leave the high-tension line and climb up the path.
High-tension line? Oh yes! What looks like a pipeline under concrete is in reality a high-tension line. The stamping in the concret is the proof.
The correct name is "Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh". To the west of the mountains there is a large marsh, an area of about 37 km2 with many bird species, especially in August and September.
It is a paradise, more and more threatened by prawn and shrimp farms. It seems, that old rights of property are still nowadays stronger than the law of National Parks.
Not more than 322 m
from the parking place to the
Khao Daeng Viewpoint? That's true!
Khun Tá, officer in the Thai army, accompanied me.
An easy task or … ?
Only 322 m,
but in reality steep, tough, strenuous.
From roundabout sea level up to
the height of 157 m.
And with this heat!
There is not really a path, but you find where to go, because it is well marked.
You climb up over limestone, through brushwood, between the blossoms of cactuses…
It is all the same, whether there are 37°C or 39°C
Only 322 m ?? Really ??
You may click on three parts of the panorama:
The descent was still more strenuous than the ascent, indeed. It was hot.
I had to rest now and then.
We reached a place, which was really steep, nearly vertical. Khun Tá did not climb, he
grasped at a branch and jumped like Tarzan.
Good idea! I did so too. - Not a good idea, perhaps I am too old for playing Tarzan!
Continuing the descent. One false step…
krrrrk the right ankle cracked.
The further descent was not amusing any more.
The ankle swelled, Khun Tá brought me to the military hospital in Pranburi. I got my leg in plaster. And that was the end of my holidays in Thailand.
