Doi Phu Kha
Botanist’s paradise
NAN
PROVINCE. Doi Phu Kha National Park is a great destination for those wanting to
combine laid-back relaxation with moderate exploration of nature. Visitors will
notice that the landscape has been groomed and altered to receive guests. That
said, it does not mean they will not get a high dose of nature within the Park.
Beginning
with the journey up the mountain from Pua district, visitors will see that
large patches of forest on the slope of the hills have been turned into fruit
orchards, namely for lychee. The sight may not be the best introduction, but on
arrival in the Park area, it is a relief to find that most of its forest
remains intact.
Take time to
view the exhibition in the Visitor Centre. Here, guests will learn that besides
the star attraction, Chomphu Phu Kha flowers, there is also a chance to see a
living fossil, Cayota gigas. Also known as Hahn ex Hodel, or Tao Rang Yak in
Thai, this giant palm has a height of 40 m
and is endemic to the area.
The Park also offers the possibility of
spotting a myriad of wild animals, ranging from rare birds ( the most
remarkable one being Sitta fomosa ) deer, and and gibbons to bears, wild
elephants, or even tigers.
Something for Everyone
For those
content with lovely strolls through the woods, there are two nature trails near
the Park headquarters to enjoy. The small trail is 2 km long; the longer one is
4 km, both winding through a forest of kesiya, or three-needled, pine, whose
fallen needles provide a soft brown carpet over the paths as they lead to
Chomphu Phu Kha and Tao Rang Yak groves.
The trails are sufficiently
well-defined, but the Park recommends visitors be accompanied by a ranger.
Trekking should be avoided during the rainy season, as leeches are quite
brutal.
Doi Phu Kha
offers other activities the whole year round.
From August to December, the
river Nam Wa, with its 20 rapids, provides good rafting ( contact the Visitor
Centre to arrange a tip ). Bird and butterfly lovers should visit between
November and June. During February and March, the forest will be tinted with
the pink blossoms of Chomphu Phu Kha,
There also a number of caves and
waterfalls that can be explored from October to May.
For more
sedentary travelers, the Park provides comfortable and aesthetically pleasing
accommodation. The smallest options are made from old carts and bamboo, with
thatched roofs view of the mountain range.
Alternatively, a tent can be pitched
in the campground to enjoy stargazing. To wrap up the day, the Park also
provides a pavilion to observe the sunset over the hill-lined horizon.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น