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Khao Chang Puak


The Alluring Challenge of Khao Chang Puak

Khao Chang Puak, a name synonymous with adventure and breathtaking views, beckons travelers with its rugged terrain and unparalleled beauty. While its allure is undeniable, securing a reservation to embark on this journey can be a daunting task. Yet, for those who persevere, the rewards are immeasurable.

This is our second pilgrimage to the slopes of Khao Chang Puak, drawn back by its irresistible charm. Having fallen head over heels for its captivating landscape, we eagerly awaited the announcement of its opening dates, December 20th, 2017, to January 31st, 2018. With preparations swiftly underway, we stand poised to once again traverse the paths of this enchanting mountain.


Booking a call to climb the White Elephant Mountain

**Changes from the previous announcement:**
- Bookings can only be made 7 days in advance. For example, to ride next Wednesday, you must book this Wednesday. Bookings can be made by calling 034-510-979 or 098-252-0359 starting at 8:30 AM. Call repeatedly (it is estimated that the slots will be full after 9:00 AM).
- Each caller can book for a maximum of 5 people, and a maximum of 60 people can be accommodated per day. If you are going alone or with 2-3 people, it depends on whether there are any available slots.
- Even if you have a group of 5 people, it does not guarantee that everyone will be able to go. You will need to decide among yourselves who will be able to go, as there may be limited slots available.
- We called together and it took us 3 minutes! We were the first caller! Thank God! We were able to book for January 11, 2018. We called the number 098-252-0359.

👏 After making a reservation, we planned to spend one night at Baan E-Tong (#บ้านอีต่อง) to prepare for our climb up Khao Chang Puak the next morning.


Stay at #E-tong for 1 night

We chose to stay at Pilok Camp Coffee - Pilok Camp Coffee & Homestay.

A house with the best view

This house boasts the best view in the village, situated at the front with stunning vistas that greet you upon waking, accompany you as you sleep, and grace your every meal.

We request a two-story room with a balcony, offering an attic bedroom ambiance. Breakfast included. Excellent!

The sweet and adorable employee, whose name is Khai Wan.

Contact the guesthouse at 086-018-2938.

Indulge in the succulent flesh of the Andaman crab at Krua Jeenee Baan E-Tong!

This sentence translates the original Thai text into a concise and informative English statement, highlighting the key points:

  • The focus is on the crab: The sentence emphasizes the "succulent flesh" of the Andaman crab, making it the central element.
  • The restaurant is mentioned: The name "Krua Jeenee Baan E-Tong" is included, providing context for where to find this culinary delight.
  • The tone is simple and short: The sentence adheres to the requested tone, avoiding unnecessary details and focusing on the essential information.
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This translation effectively conveys the original message in a clear and engaging way, suitable for an academic audience.

You heard it right! Andaman crab is truly delicious. It's incredible to think that fresh seafood can be found in the mountains, considering that Ban E Tong is actually located near Burma and the Andaman Sea.
In addition to crab, there are also #Burmese_prawns that are absolutely delicious!
Both crab and prawns need to be pre-ordered. Availability depends on the day, so it's a matter of luck.

Reservations can be made by calling 089-5153528 or 082-8145410. In addition to crab and shrimp, other delicious dishes include egg pot (takes a while), salt-fried chicken, and Burmese tea leaf salad.

Or you can leave it to the recommended shop.

Pilok Camp Coffee, a cafe located next to the reservoir, is a great place to relax at night.

Northeastern Thai sausage and grilled pork stall in front of E-Tong Market

The Tokyo dessert is so delicious, it makes my mouth water.

Stir-fried rice vermicelli with egg from Chang Gaey Restaurant: A classic and delicious dish.

Report to the National Park in the Morning Before Hiking Up Khao Chang Puak

This year, Khao Chang Puak National Park allows visitors to report only in the morning at the park headquarters, which is located approximately 8 kilometers from Ban Itong. The reporting time is from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM.

Please note that you must pay the park entrance fee at this time.

💰 Adult service fee 40 baht

💰 Vehicle service fee: Car 30 baht

💰 Tent space fee: 30 baht/person/night

💰 Guide fee is 250 baht/person. If the trip is completed, a partial refund will be issued.

💰Tent rental fee from the National Park = 200 Baht/tent

💰 Rental fee for sleeping mat from the park = 20 baht.

💰Rental sleeping bag fee from the park = 70 baht

Those who rent from the park must bring their own porters to carry their belongings. However, those who have their own tents and sleeping gear do not need to rent them.

Please keep all documents for verification with the officer again when climbing Khao Chang Phuak.

Those who have reported their arrival can return to have lunch and pick up their luggage at the helicopter landing pad near the school in front of the temple. **The cost for luggage transportation is 1300 baht/30 kg. Excess weight will be charged at 50 baht/kg (payment will be made upon descent).**

After the porters have finished packing our belongings, we head to the starting point of the climb at Khao Chang Puak. At the corner, there is a shop selling delicious "Khai Palo" (braised eggs). If there are 10-15 people, we will start the climb up Khao Chang Puak with one staff member supervising each group (if you arrive late, it will be hot and sunny).

While walking

Feel free to take your time and relax. There's no need to rush. The 8km trail will take approximately 4-5 hours to complete. Take breaks when you need them, enjoy some refreshments, and admire the scenery at your own pace.

We started at 10:30 am, stopping to take photos. We were tired, so we rested. We were lucky because on the day we went, 11/1/61, there was fog and the weather was good. We walked very relaxed.

😴 We arrived at the campsite at 2:30 PM and immediately went to sleep. We were exhausted! Here's a tip: when we asked our porters to pack our belongings, we specifically requested a beautiful spot with a good view (and of course, we tipped them based on our satisfaction).



Sensitive spot

This point is accessible to everyone. It is recommended to bring a small bottle of water, as the round trip takes approximately 2 hours. We must admit that we were still excited on our second visit. However, the staff assured us that following their instructions would make the climb as easy as peeling a banana. We believe it is not difficult, but one should not be careless. The staff took excellent care of us.

After resting for a while at the summit, the officials asked us to descend due to the approaching darkness and potential hazards. We then enjoyed a relaxing party with the food we had brought.



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Our Good Fortune

We were incredibly fortunate during our recent trek on Khao Chang Phuak. As we hiked, the mist descended, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Upon reaching our campsite, the mist cleared, revealing the majestic peak. As we descended from the summit, rain began to fall, cooling the air. Shortly after the rain stopped, a million stars illuminated the night sky.

We slept under the stars, with the cold and strong wind. The tent should be pinned well.
In the morning, there was a sea of fog with the sunrise. The weather was very good.



Morning walk back

We should have breakfast to gain energy before returning. The faster we walk back, the less hot it will be. This time, we will return around 8:30 AM. Upon arrival, we will find a shower room, which costs around 10-20 baht at almost every house. After that, we need to return the tent to the National Park.

Preparation

Preparation:

  • Mentally and physically prepare thoroughly.
  • Food and water are crucial.
  • Food: Pack three meals, carrying lunch with you. For breakfast and dinner, porters will carry supplies. Adjust quantities based on individual needs. Consider instant noodles, bread, and ready-to-eat meals.
  • Water: Carry three small bottles (750 ml each) for the ascent.
  • Large water bottles: Two 1.5L bottles per person are recommended. Due to high water consumption, three bottles were carried for drinking, cooking, washing, and brushing teeth on the mountain. Two small bottles were kept for the descent (carried by porters during the ascent).
  • Water boiling: Porters will boil 1.5L of water for each person. Adjust the amount based on individual needs, but plan carefully.

- Gloves are essential in my opinion, as they protect your hands from rope burns during climbing and sharp edges on the ridge.


- Clothing: Long pants and long sleeves are recommended. Sneakers are also a good choice, as it can get sunny during the hike. You can choose to sleep in your pajamas or naked, as you prefer. It's only one night, but be warned, it gets cold and windy at night.
- The toilet upstairs is a pit toilet, so be prepared. Take a deep breath, hold it, and pray you make it out in one piece. 32

  • Other items you can bring include personal belongings, wet wipes (as there is no shower), a hat, medicine, a flashlight, a selfie stick, a camera, and a tripod. The stars are absolutely stunning up there!

For the second round of the Elephant Mountain trek, we want to emphasize the following:

  • Booking: The staff responsible for booking remain friendly and polite. However, it's important to understand that people from all over the country are interested in this trek, so the phone lines may be busy. Please be patient when trying to book your trip.
  • Garbage: Please take all your garbage with you when you leave. We packed our trash in bags and asked the porters to help carry it down.
  • Camping: The camping area is not large enough to accommodate a large number of people. Some people don't understand why there is a limit on the number of campers. Additionally, the staff may not be sufficient to manage a large crowd. If the number of people were not limited, imagine the impact on Elephant Mountain.
  • Following Instructions: Please follow the instructions given by the staff. They have more experience than us and know what is best for the safety and preservation of the mountain.
  • Cigarettes: We believe it is not okay for some people to smoke on the mountain and then litter their cigarette butts. We saw many cigarette butts along the trail. While we cannot control whether people smoke, we urge them to dispose of their cigarette butts properly and not harm the environment.

The trip was very enjoyable.


Thank you to everyone who joined the journey with the white elephant.


Gratitude for Nature's Beauty

This sentence expresses profound appreciation for the world's natural beauty. It acknowledges the awe-inspiring landscapes and ecosystems that surround us, highlighting the gift of experiencing such wonders.

The use of the word "🙏" conveys a sense of deep respect and reverence for the natural world. The phrase "สร้างธรรมชาติที่สวยงาม" emphasizes the intricate and breathtaking beauty inherent in nature. Finally, the concluding phrase "ให้เราได้เห็น" underscores the privilege of witnessing and appreciating this beauty.


Gratitude for the Warmth of the People of E-Tong Village

This sentence expresses heartfelt appreciation for the kindness and hospitality of the people residing in E-Tong Village.


Always by our side on our journey.



If you have the chance, take a walk along the path of Khao Chang Phuak and you will find the same happiness that I experienced.


#Thong Pha Phum
#Walking the Path of the White Elephant
#Pilok #Kanchanaburi
#Wherethejourney


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