Jungle Khao Sok

After a short visit to the coastal town of Khao Lak, the transfer to the nearby Khao Sok National Park was planned for the morning of April 9th. The van driver picked us up actually (!) at 6:40 a.m. On the way from the hotel, we received a sweet lunch package with toast, fried egg, and sausages. After about an hour's drive past coconut plantations, jungle, and sparse houses, we arrived at a great jungle resort. With a total of 14 people (mostly Germans), we set off again with minibuses to the Ratchaprapha Dam, from where various boats depart to the 165km² (!) Cheow Lan reservoir.

We took one of these longboats and sailed for almost 1.5 hours over turquoise water, passing by amazing rock formations and jungle-covered islands until we finally reached our floating bungalows. On site, we moved into our 2-person bungalows, which are made of bamboo and only contain a bench and 2 mattresses on the floor.

Then we had a group Thai lunch with green curry, fruits (local fruits like banana, pineapple, and watermelon are available everywhere), and much more. Throughout the 2 days, we had free time in between to jump into the clear lake from our verandas (but always with a life vest:D) or go kayaking. In the afternoon, we took a boat to a jungle trekking path.

We hiked with our guide Non Po for about 5 km along a narrow path through the jungle. Most of the way was steep and sweaty but totally doable.

The last part consisted of an unprotected climbing tour (definitely not legal in Germany) over sharp rocks, with a steep drop right beside them.

When we reached the top, my fear of heights kicked in, and the panic was intensified by about 6 bees that immediately settled on my leg and drank my sweat...

Despite reassuring words, only the insect repellent could calm me down... after some time, I could enjoy the view, take photos, and let the bees sit on me :D

Unfortunately, the rainforest itself was a bit disappointing as everything was very dry, and we didn't see any exciting animals... (due to the Thai dry season). This was followed by an evening boat safari, where we at least saw a toucan and a few monkeys.

The shower was replaced by a refreshing swim in the lake, after which we had a fantastic dinner with curry, fruits, and fresh fish from the lake.

However, the night in the lake house was awful: tired, I lay down on my mattress at 9 pm but couldn't sleep due to the heat, the people outside, and the string of lights that were on until 11. It didn't get any better at night. On a positive note, I have to emphasize that there were very few creepy crawlies (which I was most afraid of - the bungalows are too far from the land for most insects, like mosquitoes, to reach). The next morning, we were woken up by a BEAUTIFUL sunrise, which we could watch from the veranda with a blanket and pillow.

The morning safari unfortunately did not reveal more animals than a few monkeys and wild boars:/ After a top breakfast with fluffy pancakes and a power nap, we returned to the pier, where fortunately, the four of us could share a van to Krabi, which is 2 hours away (otherwise it would have cost 50€ per person!!!!!).

Conclusion: An unforgettable experience that I wouldn't want to miss for anything:) and at least now I'm not quite as pale as cheese:D