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By Michael Moore
9:00
After breakfast, it's time to hit the road again. If your trip odometer
isn't set correctly, turn it to 101.5 as you leave the resort and
head north toward Takua Pa. When you reach Takua Pa, be sure to
follow the signs pointing toward Ranong.
At 136.5 KM, four kilometers outside of Takua Pa, you will come
to a junction. It is time for you to leave Highway 4 and head toward
Surat Thani on Highway 401. The view along the road will be impressive
and you will notice that there are stands of virgin timber. The
area is part of the massive jungle protected by Khao Sok National
Park. At 173 KM you will have reached the entrance to the Park.
Turn left and head down the dusty road to the park. There are modest
guesthouses along the road and a few inside the park. Choose the
one you find most appealing and check-in for the night.
12:00
After lunch, you have a variety of possible activities. Probably
the easiest thing to do is to go to The Tree Top River Huts, just
inside the park, and have them arrange an activity for you.
You can go on an elephant trek, a canoe trip or a nature hike.
All present the opportunity of viewing virgin jungle and wildlife
unprecedented in Thailand, including wild elephants, bears, tapirs,
gibbons, monkeys and wild boar. There are also tigers in the park,
but unfortunately (should that be fortunately?) visitors rarely
encounter them.
19:30
You've had dinner and rested a bit. Now it is time to go on a Night
Safari. The one offered by The Tree Top River Huts includes an English-speaking
guide and the opportunity to view an array of wildlife.
23:30
When you finally settle into bed, you are exhausted, but also exhilarated
by all of that you have done and seen. It's been three days you
will never forget.
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