This trip took place in August 2017. It was planned just three days before departure, with accommodation booked only two days prior. Fortunately, the last room was available. The trip began with a casual conversation with my sister about wanting to go on an adventurous, wet, and fun trip. She suggested Kaeng Krachan National Park, which is close to Bangkok and doesn't require a long travel time. Without hesitation, I agreed to go.
For this trip, four of us set off by car on Saturday morning. Our first stop was the Mahachai Market, where we bought seafood for grilling in the evening. We bought shrimp, squid, blue crab, and oysters. We brought our own foam box and filled it with unit ice to keep the seafood fresh. The ice would last until the evening without melting. If you don't have a foam box, the seafood restaurants in the area sell them.
After shopping, head to the "Royal Weighing Project" to visit the King's house.
The weather today was pleasant, with sunshine and a cool breeze. We went for a bike ride around the park, where bicycles were available for free rental in exchange for an ID card. Most people didn't complete the full circuit, opting to stay near the front. We, however, cycled the entire loop, leaving us feeling a bit lightheaded. After our tiring bike ride, we stepped into the Golden Place to enjoy the cool air conditioning and grab some refreshments. We also picked up some souvenirs to take home.
After a refreshing break, continue your journey. At the entrance to the accommodation, there is a 7-Eleven and shops selling various goods, including grilled chicken and papaya salad. You can buy food here, as the accommodation allows outside food.
After 1 p.m., we arrived at our accommodation, "Baan View Khao Homestay Kaeng Krachan." It is a detached house with an en-suite bathroom and two large beds that can accommodate four people. The price is 2,500 baht per night, including breakfast (extra beds are available for 200 baht per person on the floor). Amenities include a TV, air conditioning, a refrigerator, a balcony with a table for dining, parking in front of the house, and a barbecue area. If you are visiting Kaeng Krachan, I highly recommend this place. The owners are very friendly and helpful, especially the thin brother and the slightly chubby brother. ^^ Later, I added them on Line to ask for photos of us playing in the water. I saw that their username was Bent, so I guessed that their name might be Ben.
Upon arriving at the accommodation and settling in, Ben knocked on our door and offered to drive us to the swimming spot. The swimming area was located 200 meters from the accommodation, within walking distance. However, he insisted on driving us, so we quickly changed our clothes and headed to the water.
Activities include:
- ATV riding
- BB Gun shooting
- Boat tour of the dam, observing black monkeys diving, and worshipping the relics of the Buddha
- Fishing boat
- Car ride up Khao Pha Nen Thung mountain 2,000.-/car
- Whitewater rafting 1,300.-/10 people/boat
- Swimming at the designated swimming area. Life jacket rental is 30.-/person. Inflatable mats and slides are available for use. This is a lot of fun!
Alternatively, you can float from the dam to this point. We only played whitewater rafting, swam, and floated from the dam for 2 km. We didn't take many pictures while swimming because we didn't bring our phones, but Ben took some pictures for us.
While whitewater rafting, ask the boatman to take pictures for you.
After a refreshing swim, we were famished. We decided to have a barbecue in front of our accommodation and ordered additional food from the resort. The food was reasonably priced and delicious. We ordered a large plate of crab fried rice and tom yum catfish, as we already had shrimp, squid, and crab for grilling.
The large crab fried rice was truly enormous, enough for four people. The tom yum pla kang hotpot featured fresh fish and a rich, flavorful broth. It was a delicious meal to enjoy after a swim.
This location allows visitors to bring their own food or cook on-site. They offer barbecue grill rentals for 300 baht. However, in an effort to save money, we brought our own grill.
There are inflatable cushions to sit and play on.
Just after 6 pm, as a light drizzle began to fall, we moved to the balcony of the house, where there was a table and a wall-mounted fan.
On the second morning, after waking up, the group enjoyed a simple breakfast at the accommodation. The menu consisted of deep-fried dough sticks (pathongko), toasted bread with various jams, condensed milk, and butter. Beverages included tea, coffee, Ovaltine, fried rice with sausage, and rice porridge with pork. For fruit, there were sweet and delicious longans.
In a chance encounter, I had the opportunity to converse with the gentleman pictured below. Upon inquiring about our origin, we informed him that we hailed from Samut Prakan. To our surprise, the gentleman exclaimed, "Oh, we're from the same hometown!" Coincidentally, he also advised us to eat plenty.
Check out at 11 am and drive up to visit the "Kaeng Krachan National Park" to take pictures on the suspension bridge.
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and enjoy the view on the dam crest.
The view from the water gate is stunning.
While we were taking pictures on the dam crest, a boatman approached us on a motorbike and invited us to take a boat ride to see the dam, watch monkeys diving, and worship the Buddha's relics. The trip would take approximately 40 minutes and cost 500 baht per boat. However, we declined the offer and continued on our journey.
This trip was truly memorable, offering a delightful combination of fun, pleasant ambiance, refreshing weather, stunning views, and delicious food. The exceptional service provided by the accommodation further enhanced the experience. I would definitely return for another visit if the opportunity arises.
See you again on the next trip. Goodbye. ^^
OPW's Story
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 11:27 AM