Thailand: To National Parks, Waterfalls, Vistas to Loei and Phetchabun – VIDEO

In four days I spent in the area about 350 km north of Bangkok, I did not meet a single foreigner. Even Thai tourists were far less than in the mountains around Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan and Mae Hong Son. At the same time, I stopped at astonishing views and shook my head in disbelief at some of the rock formations. The icing on the cake was a few holes in the jungle where I was all alone by myself.

The biggest attractions of the area are Nam Nao National Park, Thung Salaeng Luang and the majestic Phu Kradueng Table Mountain. In the region you will find much more, the rocky landscape here invites you to adventurous exploration. Here is also the beautiful mountainPhu Tubberk, which I wrote in one of the previous articles.

I recommend to stop at at Huai Lao Cascade Waterfalls, where you can climb about 10 waterfalls through the unique bamboo jungle to the point where the stream flows from the complex of karst caves. Unfortunately, I arrived during the dry season and the water flowed at a minimum, but the surrounding nature was richly redeemed. On the map look for the Thai name น้ำตก ห้วย เลา and do not lie on the seemingly abandoned road leading to the waterfalls. It's worth it.

To see some of the endangered species of Thai fauna and flora, stop at the Phu Luang Reserve, where, among other things, hundreds of wild elephants live. The local climate also greatly benefits the orchids, where over 160 species have been found here.

Even in this area you can enjoy great food and very friendly people. Traveling here for almost zero knowledge of English and having to go by your own car or motorbike will be a bit more complicated than elsewhere, but if you are just a bit adventurous, definitely go out! It will reward you with a beautiful nature, and at least a bit of authentic life of the locals.

GPS: 16°44'22.2"N 101°34'25.7"E

Text, photos, and video: Matouš Vinš

Music: Ketsa