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If comfort is the goal of our journey this time, "Pha Hin Goob" is probably not one of the answers.

Our journey began in Bangsaen, and after nearly an hour on the road, we were headed towards the Thung Pela Wildlife Sanctuary in Makham District, Chanthaburi Province, home to the Khao Hin Khop cliffs. The estimated travel time was four hours. As June approached, the rainy season was upon us, and the journey was accompanied by a refreshing drizzle.

At 10:30 a.m., we arrived at the Thung Phel Forest Protection Unit. The officers were already waiting for us. After we were ready, it was time to start our journey.


Venturing into the dense forest, crossing the river, and conquering the challenging slopes.

"Not going, not knowing, not looking, not seeing"

The inscription at the starting point seems to tell travelers that as long as they have the strength, they must go to know, to see with their own eyes. It is like the phrase "Seeing is believing."

The initial section of the trail is relatively easy, with a single-file path through a humid rainforest with occasional glimpses of sunlight. The air is stifling due to the lack of wind, and the trail is lined with Garcinia trees. After passing through the Garcinia forest, you will reach the first rest stop, which is a flowing stream with scattered boulders for seating.

After crossing the stream, the path began to ascend. The surrounding forest was dominated by large, mature trees. The path was thickly carpeted with accumulated leaves. For those who fear slugs, this section requires extra caution, as we encountered numerous slugs, each person receiving one or two encounters.


Storming the Cave and the Final Hill

Besides the scenic viewpoint, the cave is another notable feature of Khao Kuap. It is a small cave, approximately 100 meters long, with a narrow, well-ventilated stone path. The cave ceiling has an opening that allows sunlight to filter through, creating a striking contrast with the darkness inside. This spot is ideal for taking photographs.

After passing through the cave, you will encounter a steep path. The sides of the path are characterized by small and large rocks. After a short walk, you will reach the top of the Koob Rock Cliff.


The Pinnacle of Goob Rock

The base of the large rock at Goob Cliff will be our campsite for tonight. The space is rather limited, accommodating around 20 people. Therefore, it is crucial to arrive early to secure a spot.

As we ascended, the sky was overcast with clouds, obscuring the sunlight. Occasionally, the sun would peek through, offering a fleeting opportunity for photography. Upon arrival, we rested, prepared our sleeping quarters, and ventured to the rear of the accommodation to admire the scenic views from the "Koo" rocks. The climb required a moderate level of scrambling skills.


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Night adorned with moonlight

As the sun began its descent at 5:30 PM, the valley below was already shrouded in darkness. Scattered rain clouds across the area added to the increasingly chilly atmosphere.

At 7:30 p.m., the sky began to clear, and the moon in front of us was rising. Tonight, we were lucky to have a full moon. After dinner, many people sat down to take pictures and admire the moon. Our group was able to sleep under the Goob Rocks, where we could watch the moon from our accommodation.

At midnight, many people were fast asleep. The atmosphere of the valley ahead was pitch black, as if covered by a large canvas. The full moon shone brightly on the campsite, making it as bright as if a neon light were on. I lay there watching the moon for a long time until I fell asleep, not remembering when.


First Light and Doi Pha Hom

The allure of nature tourism lies in its unpredictability. We never know what kind of weather we will encounter, whether there will be a sea of mist in the morning or if clouds will obscure the sunrise. This anticipation adds to the excitement of the experience. Similarly, at Pha Hin Goob, the current rainy season makes witnessing the sunrise a matter of chance.

At 6:30 AM, the rose-colored light began to touch the horizon on the left side. The area around the accommodation was still covered in a mist or drizzle, making it difficult to distinguish. The valley below began to fill with a sea of fog. Everyone woke up in a daze and grabbed their cameras to sit under the rock shelter to watch the natural spectacle unfolding. The event lasted only a few minutes before gray clouds rolled in and obscured everything once again.

Doi Pha Mi, a mountain peak rising opposite Hin Koo, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Thung Pela Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors flock to this spot to witness the breathtaking sea of mist. However, the intermittent sunlight, obscured by passing clouds, requires patience and timing to capture the perfect shot.


The view from Doi Pha Mi allows you to see Pha Hib Ko, where you stayed last night.



Go home

The scenery became increasingly breathtaking at 9:30 AM as sunlight began to illuminate the valley and the Goob cliffs. The sea of mist continued to flow in, but we had to reluctantly start our descent as park rangers only permit overnight stays.

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It took approximately 3 hours to descend the mountain on foot.

Khao Hin Kub

The natural beauty of this place is unparalleled. Words cannot describe the breathtaking scenery that awaits you. Come and experience it for yourself, as even the most vivid descriptions fall short of the true wonder. As the saying goes, "Seeing is believing."


Note: For more information and reservations to climb Khao Koo Pha, please contact Mr. Chalee at 082-205-0079.

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#kiew kor rock#chanthaburi#mountain#thailand
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