Welcome to Fantasia Asia Channel! Today, we embark on an awe-inspiring adventure deep into the heart of nature at TharnBoke Khoranee National Park. Nestled in the province of Krabi, Thailand, this hidden gem promises a tapestry of stunning landscapes, from cascading waterfalls to mysterious caves. Join US as we explore the enchanting beauty and discover the secrets that make TharnBoke Khoranee National Park a true natural wonder. Don’t forget to hit that like button, and subscribe for more travel content. And now, let’s dive into this visual feast together!

Read Asian Itinerary article on  TharnBoke Khoranee National Park HERE: https://asianitinerary.com/tharnboke-koranee-a-high-quality-trip-for-real-nature-lovers/ 

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Limestone is part of the core foundation on which most of the islands and coastal inlands of Southern Thailand are based, and this base provides the unique “look and feel” of the area. In addition to towering natural sculptures that are beloved by rock climbers, these same limestone formations also provide another type of outdoor adventure: caves exploration!

One of Krabi amazing caves

For those that love the sublime and subterranean atmosphere of caves, Krabi offers many opportunities to explore the underside of mother earth in dozens of locations, approached from both the shore on kayak or canoe, or by short inland treks.

Within many of the limestone caves found near Krabi, you can also find collapsed caverns called “hongs.” These hongs offer an excellent advantage point to see the miracles of nature and age, as these timeless spaces were carved by wind and sea over the ages, and many of these tunnels and caverns contain both natural beauty as well as the mark of man. For example, prehistoric humans painted many of these limestone portals, and here they have left their mark in pictograms, shards of pottery and ancient stone tools.

Excavation of many of these mysterious limestone sites is ongoing, and a museum has been established just southeast of Krabi Town that contains exhibits full of ceramics and bronze tools from an era now gone by. Even today, these caves hold a place in contemporary Thai culture, as many locals believe that certain caves hold the spirits of gods and goddesses, and even in this modern age, they are worshipped with all the respect they were given hundreds or thousands of years ago.

To get started in your own explorations, here is some information about the most popular of caves in the area, and some tips on making your cave adventures memorable ones:

Khao Khanab Nam

Caves in Khao Khanap Nam

These two limestone hills mark the province in which Krabi Town is located, and can be seen from most vantage points in town. These two 100-meter towers also mark the Maenam River that flows between them. The right-side tower entombs a cave worth visiting, and there are two entrances: one with an extremely steep walkway and the other suitable for children and the elderly to use. Here you will find well-made steps, and within 10 minutes or so these steps will lead you to the cave entrance. The best way to get to the site is to take a longboat from the town pier, and within 15 minutes you will be there.

Tham Sadet

This cave can be found by traveling just 7 kms from Krabi Town along Highway 4034, and is located in Ban Nong Kok, Tambon Sai Thai. The significance of this cave is in the fact it has earned the royal title of “Sadet,” indicating the site has been bestowed by royalty. In 1901, the then prince (King Rama VI) visited the cave to give it this title. The cave interior is very beautiful, and filled with many interesting stalactites and stalagmites.

Wat Tham Sua (The Tiger Cave)

Wat Than Seua caves

This is probably the most famous of caves in the area and can be found just 9 kms from Krabi Town. The cave is actually attached to a “working” temple where monks use the cave during their daily ritual ceremonies. The cave gets its name from what looks like fossilized tiger prints found along parts of the stone floor. In addition to the cave filled with golden Buddha‘s and other statues, there is a steep climb to be made to see the “footprint of the Buddha” – after ascending 1,272 steps to the top of the limestone tower. Once at the summit, you will be rewarded with an unobstructed view of the Andaman Sea and the surrounding countryside.

Tham Phi Hua To

This large cave is known as the “Big-headed Ghost Cave,” and was used as a ceremonial burial site some 3,000 years ago. You can still see some of the prehistoric paintings on the cave ceiling, and from the outside, the cave is indeed a bit scary, as it’s mouth does resemble a large face. Inside the cave, there are more likenesses in the form of rocks shaped like a dragon and crocodile head. Tham Phi Hua To is located in the Ao Luk District, and can be reached by long tail boat or canoe from the Bor Thor Jetty.

OTHER SPECTACULAR CAVES OF NORTHERN KRABI PROVINCE 

THAM PHRA: This is the site of the Kao Phra Suhn Yah Tah Rham Meditation Center. It is about 2 kilometers from the district offices of Ao Luk. Inside the cave is a Buddhist effigy of great antiquity. This has two other statues of equal size flanking it placed at a later date, and the base is surrounded with smaller wooden figures.

THAM PHET: Located 3 kilometers from the intersection at Ao Luk Nua market. The cave’s front has Buddhist statues and the cave walls are of a stone that reflects light with the same dazzling beauty as diamond, hence the name; Pet is Thai for diamond. To visit the cave, procure a guide from the Tarnboke Korani National Park and be sure to bring a flashlight or torch.

THAM LOD NUA – THAM LOD TAI: This lies 2 kilometers distant from the district offices on the Ao Luk–Laem Sak road near the watercourse of Klong Ta Prahng. There are two caves:

* Tham Lod Nua: This beautiful cave winds back on itself like an elbow.

* Tham Lod Tai: This is a limestone tunnel longer and narrower than one of the same name in Phang-nga Bay. The cave mouth has stalactites and stalagmites and a boulder shaped like the quarter moon lying on its side. Visit this cave when the water is low by boarding a longtail boat at Bor Tor Pier; the journey takes only 10 minutes.

Tham Sadet

THAM CHAO LEY: This is west of Laem Sak Cape in a beautiful bay surrounding with limestone mountains. Inside are stalactites and stalagmites, as well as well as prehistoric paintings of people, animals, and geometric designs. These paintings are thought to be somewhat more recent than those found in Tham Pi Hua Toh cave. To Visit the cave, take a regularly scheduled boat from the Sapan Pla of Fishing Pier at Laem Sak Cape: travel time is about 15 minutes.

KHAO GAROS: Some caves in this compound contain prehistoric paintings of men and animals, and can be visited by boat from Laem Sak in Amphoe Ao Luk.

THAM SONG PI NONG or THAM POON NEUA TAI: lies west of Tham Pi Hua Toh Cave. Inside were found human skeletal remains, pottery, earrings, and bronze bracelets.

Tham Phi Hua To strange pictorial

THAM HUA GALOHK NAI or THAM BUHN MAHK: This is only one hundred meters from Tham Pi Hua Toh cave. It was discovered by a local villager named Bang Mahk. It is a large, dark cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. A large number of prehistoric pottery shards were found in layers on the cave wall outcropping near the entrance. These have distinctive line designs, are thicker and coarser than those found elsewhere.

THAM TOH LUANG: Located in Ban Hohp, Tambon Klong Hin. This cave has three levels, each of which abounds in stalactites and stalagmites. Some resemble Buddhist monks, others look like legendary multi headed serpents. Here stayed Jao Por Toh Luang, after whom the cave took its name.

Mystical atmosphere inside ancient caves in Krabi

THAM SEUA NOI: This cave is 2 kilometers distant from Hua Galohk cave in Ban Bor Thor and is the site of a monastery and meditation centre; the front is formed by a broad outcropping in the hill. The area outside is peaceful and quiet; inside, the cave is beautiful. Many old pottery remains have been found here.

THAM SEUA NOK or THAM TEHP NIMIT: This cave houses the Nimit Monastery; a tunnel below the cave lets sea water enter so the walls are thick large, dark cave, and o to the side of that another fifty meters is Orahan Cave, which has more strangely shaped stalactites and stalagmites than anywhere else. They shine like lights and are stunning.

CAVE NEWS 

North Krabi caves map

Located in Huay Namkaew village in Khao Panom, Tham Wimarnmek in Krabi is a newly discovered cave that the local government is preparing to open as an eco- tourism site to generate revenue for residents. The cave houses rooms of 1km wide and 60mt high that can easily accommodate 800 people. Significant is the presence of amazing stalactites and stalagmites, as well as rock formation shaped like hearts, lions and elephants. Other caves comprised in the same mountain are Tham Petch and Tham Hanumarn. The new discovery follows the local Thai government and villagers’ survey for an eco-tourism site in this mountain side village.

To build up your ideal itinerary in Krabi, use the world’s smartest trip planner. CLICK HERE !

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It is no doubt that Krabi is suitable for eco-tourism and sustainable programs linked to local communities. Last month we made our way there to be part of a Community Based Tourism (CBT) tour organised by a community of farmers and fishermen at Baan Khuan O. The tour explores the mountain of Khao Garos by means of boat and kayak, paddling along waters enclosed by one of the most majestic canyons in Ao Luek district, Krabi.

Kayak boarding pontoon

At our arrival at Baan Khuan O pier we were introduced to the boat owner, a proud member of Baan Khuan O community, as well as an explorer and discoverer of all the natural beauties we were going to visit. We were informed that there are 160 villagers involved in this project, a total of 8 communities adhering to the CBT program. Baan Khuan O project limits the tour to 120 visitors per day, with only 60 per day allowed inside the canyon in order to preserve the environment there.

Our local guide rawing the longtail boat

Following the introductions and initial chat, we split: some boarded the longtail boats for the much-attended tour of Khao Garos canyon, while some boarded their kayak and started paddling. I had the luck of initially being in the boat with our guide and his daughter, and while the guide propelled the vessel towards the maze of mangrove canals, I took in the amazing views of the limestone mountains that surrounded us all around. The rest of the group kayaked along the mangrove-sided huge canal.

Paddling under a glorious sun

We slowly approached the high rock face of Khao Garos mountain, and understood the meaning of the name: Garos in ancient Malay language means ‘not beautiful’, and this was clear seeing the ragged and rough surface of the mountain rock. The guide informed us that in the past Khao Garos was used by Chinese and Malaysian sailors to shelter from monsoon rains. We sailed alongside the long-range mountain and towards the sea, with the canal getting wider and wider. We neared the sheer rock covered in its near entirety by trees; at the top of this huge mountain range there is a flat plateau accessible only through treacherous climbing.

Our transition point from boat to kayak

One of the main features of Khao Garos is a hidden lagoon surrounded by vertical cliffs and only accessible with smaller boats and in high tides. It was now my time to kayak. We stooped by a small cave, our changing base from longtail boats to kayak. A few minutes later I was paddling inside a quiet amphitheatre where the only noise was our voices amplified by echoes, and birds and cicadas singing. Around us, healthy-looking mangrove trees that constantly produce new roots; these drop from branches towards the water, eventually reaching the seabed and establishing there to give more life to forests that house a rich and complex ecosystem. The vegetation growing on rocks around us comprise rare endemic plants, including spectacular specimen of yellow Ron Tau Naree Luan Krabi orchid – the symbol of Krabi, which grow on top of the trees.

Eerie-looking rock shapes appear on wall faces

Bare, strangely shaped rocks and boulders protrude from the waters. Eerie-looking rock shapes started to appear on wall faces – skulls, masks, and other undefined shapes. Sheer cliffs covered the sun rays, giving the area an infernal feel. The kayak peacefully entered the submerged cave; it was like entering another world. Stalactites of different shapes stack out of rock ceilings, and the air turned fresh and humid. Myriads of fossilised shells were encrusted on the cave suspended ceiling; the proof that sea level in Krabi was quite high in ancient times.

Through the cave at Khao Garos

We exited the cave and sailed alongside Khao Garos, with our guide giving us accounts of hidden caves containing treasures – quite a possibility as they could be easily camouflaged by natural features. He then pointed us to pictorials on the rock walls. One resembled a centipede, another a human-looking icon featured climbing a rope and aiming at a box at the top. This would be the hint to the place where treasure was hidden. These are the words of an ancient local poem: “Long line mountain amongst the sea, Whirl sea water as a signal, The treasure is above, Let’s take it home”.

Boarding the kayak

According to a local legend, a few locals who tried digging rock to find the alleged treasure heard voices screaming in the distance. The number of treasure hunters has since declined; locals now believe there is magic and spirits that harbour in the cave, and fully respect it. There are a high number of unexplored caves in Khao Garos mountain, and some of these are being researched, though funds are limited. In some of them, researchers have found pottery and human skulls dated 3,000 to 5,000 years back.

The mighty Ao Luek canals

We quietly returned to our departing point, most of us made speechless by the eternal beauty we experienced. Ao Luek is the cradle of civilisation in Thailand, and we were glad to have explored some of its natural features in the company of a local community.

FACTFILE

The departure point to Khao Garos

Khao Garos looks like an island but it is not an island – Khao: mountain, Garos: ugly

Khao Garos is part of Tarnboke Koranee National Park in Ao Luek District

Khao Garos is also known as Khao Yao Nam Rop: long mountain surrounded by the sea

Khao Garos is home to local shells Hok Chai Teen and local orchid Ron Tau Naree Luan Krabi

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It was roughly 4am and I was going through that deep, dream-intensive slumber that seems only to come in the last hour of sleep. The day before I had been on a beautiful, adventurous day into the Krabi’s Ao Luk province, and I had seen sand boiling in that rough terrain. I woke suddenly, with that image of sand in my mind. I had to find out what that thing was, so I turned on my Mac and started searching for sand boils…

sand boils

They are indeed called Sand Boils (or Sinking Sand, or Liquefaction). Unfortunately there is mixed, incomplete and wrong information about this phenomenon in the Net. Some sites compare it to quick sand, which is not. Google informs me that sand boils are almost entirely bad: several pages lead me to broken levees, levee failure during flooding, the aftermath of earthquakes, houses subsided into liquefied ground and more to prove these sand boils are portents of doom, signs of catastrophic failure.

You have to click your way past dozens of these disasters before you hit the truth. Sand Boils are underwater fountains kicked up by spring water rising through a sand mass, sometimes a result of a continuing quiet process lasting a few thousand years. Normally, layers of sand and silt underground bear the weight of whatever is on top of them through a network of contacts between individual soil grains. Practically, sand boils occur when water under pressure wells up through a bed of wet sand. During an earthquake, this network is disrupted, but what is on top is still there, being all heavy and giving away pressure. When the sand is wet, anything that jiggles it, agitates it, shakes it, joggles it, jolts it, quakes it, quivers it, shudders it or vibrates it, make the overburden pressure to be transferred to the water which, squeezed up, can find a suitable weak spot and will squirt out into a sand boil. This is the reason why we triggered the sand boils by the simple clapping of hands: we sent sound waves out.

Marvel at the sand boils pond

You can have a practical experiment to prove this. Put some sand in a bucket, place a small block on the top of the sand, and gradually saturate the sand with water. The block still rests on the surface. Now, strike the bucket sharply, and watch the block quickly drop. It is basically like shaking a can of a fizzy drink. Pressure builds up, and when you release it, the fluid comes shooting to the surface.

So why did that sand not support any weight yesterday when we tried to sink in a wooden stick? While sand can act like a fluid, it is a non-Newtonian fluid which means it will not act like water. You can stand on it when it is stationary, for example, but not when it is fluidized. Sand boils where a surprise for me and my tour companions, a surprise coming from a region of Thailand that I have called home for so many years: Krabi!

sand boils

A tour into Ao Luk province in the north of Krabi region uncovers a wonderful escape to the tourism trap, as well as allowing you to see sand-boils. Swimming, kayaking, trekking, cycling, it’s all there for you to enjoy it, and in a ‘green way’. Check out http://asianitinerary.com/northern-treasures-at-ao-luk/

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A tour into Ao Luk province in the north of Krabi region, Thailand, uncovers a wonderful escape to the tourism trap. Northern treasures at Ao Luk include activities like swimming, kayaking, trekking and cycling; it’s all there for you to enjoy it, and in a ‘green way’.

It was with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation to spend a couple of days with Khun Gift and with members of one of the Ao Luk Community Based Tourism (CBT), the one at Tham Seua Noi village. We had been out with them previously to visit Khao Garos Mountain, and a new exciting adventure was what we expected for this two-days trip.

One of Ao Luk northern treasures

DAY 1

The center point of Ao Luk district is the Tharnboke Koranee National Park, which can be easily reached by road from Krabi Town and Ao Nang respectively in about 45 minutes. Upon our arrival at Raipreda Homestay, the resort that would provide our team with accommodation, we were welcomed with traditional snacks like sticky rice and beans on banana leaves, and a nice hot coffee. After a chat with affable Khun Gift and with her father Khun Uray, one of CBT’s official explorers and discoverers, we got to choose our mountain bikes for the afternoon activity.

Cycling around the Tham Seua community was a marvelous experience. We followed our group leaders along a paved road before taking a detour through a dirt track to reach Tham Seua Noi cave, situated inside a broad limestone outcrop. This cave is home to a monastery and meditation center, the Wat Tham Seua Noi, where a couple of monks were doing their cleaning chores. We passed a big and nicely decorated statue of Buddha and walked on to a narrow tunnel to reach a small underground pond where the air was stale and humid. The guide pointed his torch to the far end of the cave to observe hundreds of bats flying in the hollow cavity not far from us. It was spooky, but interesting indeed.

By bike through rubber plantations

We then continued our cycling tour, pedaling through rice fields and rubber and palm oil plantations along hilly tracks, avoiding holes, negotiating steep climbs, and breaking hard during descents until we reached a dead-end where we had to stop, leave our bikes and proceed on foot. Five minutes later we arrived at what resembled a small and dried-up lake in the midst of forested lowland, surrounded by a man-made platform on stilts that encircled the whole area. This pond had a sand floor that was covered by a thin layer of water. As we looked to the murky waters, the guides clapped their hands vigorously, and the sand reacted by bubbling up and releasing water from underground. This was a phenomenon I had never seen. I initially thought it was a hot spring, but the water was cold. We all had so much fun making as much noise as we could and watching the sand bubbling up more and more. Someone stuck a wood stick into the sand, which was immediately pushed out by the sand mass. The guides reassured me these are not quicksand so I leaned on the raised platform and stuck a whole forearm inside the sand, only to feel a mix of sand and water bubbling up around it. No one could explain to me what exactly was causing that, though one of the guys told me we were connecting with mother earth’s forces of the underground… The locals were told about this place by the elders, who recommended that nobody dared to step on the ground there, so there is an aura of mystery and respect surrounding the place they have come to call Nam Pud Prop Mue – or ‘water that splutters at hand clapping’. I promised myself to later make a Google search on the subject.

Walking through caves

The rest of the cycling tour took us to the end of the paved lane, where a river separates the provinces of Krabi and Phang Nga. On the way back, the fittest of the team followed the guide to an arduous trek to the base of one of the limestone karsts where, partly hidden by thick jungle, a massive group of caves unveiled. These caves were recently discovered by a member of the community, and we were practically the first foreigners to explore the area. There was no sign of human passage; we climbed a steep path to reach the cave upper level where, torches lit, we ventured inside total darkness. A narrow passage developed into a wide cave with lots of stalactites and stalagmites, alive and dripping in the never-ending process of change inside these unique monoliths where once an ancient civilization lived. I was one of the last to turn back and got to explore a good kilometer of the cave with one of the guides, passing through areas as narrow as my body, by several little calcified water deposits. The guide told me we could be going for ages inside that maze, and that there was a real danger of losing the way if we were not careful to remember from what side we had come from. Not an easy task, I realized on the way back, since all rocks looked the same and totally different from what they had looked on the way in.

We arrived back at Raipreda Homestay at sunset, dropped the bicycles, showered in the outdoor bathrooms of our bungalows, and joined the group for a lovely dinner and to discuss the itinerary for the day after. Sleep came fast that night, at the sound of cicadas and birds…

DAY 2

The geothermal beach at Hat Sai Rawn

The alarm clock went off at 5 am. Why are we waking up so early? Where am I? – I wondered. I looked out in the dark from my elevated terrace and saw pick-up trucks getting organized in the parking area below. I remembered where I was, and what we were doing. We were off to another unusual experience. All the group amassed at the back of one of the pick-up trucks and enjoyed the drive and the chill morning air. At the small pier by the river, we boarded a longtail boat and headed off upriver, only to get off, 10 minutes later, in an unassuming beach at the side of a foggy mangrove forest that did not look anything special at first glance. The river water was cold when we got off the boat, but on the way to the shore, we realized there was something different. The water under our feet was warmer in some places, and warm was also the sand we stepped on. What initially had looked like morning mist were in fact the vapors from hot river water at this geothermal beach named Hat Sai Rawn. It was an amazing feeling and we soon learned to step away from areas where the sand was way too hot. There was the real danger of getting seriously burnt as our bodies tended to sink in the hot sand.

The guides set tables and chairs and prepared coffee, while the Thai women who accompanied us on the trip placed bamboo beds on the riverbed and got ready to give us a therapeutic mud mask. The sun was rising fast and the river water was getting hotter and hotter, boiling in some places, and the sand nearby was unbearably hot. The supposed therapeutic qualities of hot sand, and in particular of black sand, continue to be exploited around the world. Hot spring therapy or hot sand spa is quite popular in Japan and is called Arenation: hot sand is applied, sprinkled upon an individual, or walked on. This hot sand mud can be used as a mudpack for a massage or for facials. Once again I was surprised to find this phenomenon here in Ao Luk since it is normally found in areas that sit right on a volcanic belt, which as far as I knew was not the case for this area.

kayaking at Bor Thor

By 7.30 am we were back at Raipreda Homestay where we had just enough time for breakfast before leaving for the last leg of the adventure: paddling a kayak at picturesque Bor Thor. Located on the banks of the Bring River, a mangrove-lined saltwater river that winds through the peaceful countryside until it finally empties into Phang Nga, Bor Thor maze of mangrove canals are best explored by kayak. The karst scenery that the area is so famous for provided the caves we paddled to and through: Tam Lod Nua, the ‘cave passing through’; Tam Lod Thai, a cave that winds its way past beautiful stalactites and leads to a stunning lagoon known as Tham Khao Wong; and Tham Pee Hua Toh or ‘Big Head Ghost Cave’, a huge chamber accessible only on foot where various paintings or picto-glyphs on the cave walls from a civilization that lived here 3,000 years ago offer a fascinating glimpse into Krabi’s rich cultural past.

Raipreeda Homestay

We ended our tour with a lovely Thai lunch and a chat with Khun Gift to gather information about CBT and Raipreeda Homestay, as well as to recap all the activities done in the short span of two days. We loved the northern treasures at Ao Luk, and so will you. Visit this area if you have the chance, it will not disappoint your thirst for adventure.

For a stay at Raipreda Homestay check on http://www.raipreda-homestay.com/ and to book Ao Luk Community Based Network (CBT) tours, browse http://www.raipreda-homestay.com/index.php/en/package-tour/boattour

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After 3 days of glorious sun, today thick low clouds dominate the sky, threatening rain. I am off to visit some of the attractions to be found in the not so much visited Ao Luk district. Our Thai guide Khun Ying is a smiley and enthusiastic young lady who speaks fluent English. The minibus driver sets off to pick up our fellow travelers, and soon we are on the way for what is branded “a high quality trip for real nature lovers”. Tharnboke Koranee National Park is an hour drive away from Krabi or Ao Nang. During the journey, the heavens open and the rain falls thick; this will not prevent us from enjoying our day out. From the wet windows we observe how the van passes mountains entirely covered by lush vegetation and surmounted by limestone rock formations, the Krabi ‘karsts’.

The lotus-shaped lake after which the park is named

Located between Krabi and Phang Nga regions, Tharnboke Koranee, established as a National Park in 1998 by the then Prime Minister, also borders the Andaman Sea and covers a total area of 104 square kilometers, of which only 40 are in the terrestrial zone. Once at teh park, we start our walk along a concrete narrow path, crossing some wooden bridges or short trails that take to the most incredible spots.

The park is home to an outstanding flora, with trees of impressive heights that grow alongside limestone rock walls modeled by time and erosion that practically surround the whole area. It is a relatively small national park, yet it impresses with its lush tropical foliage, the endless number of waterfalls and streams through which emerald-green water flow fast and copiously, and some small natural pools ideal for a swim – perhaps not today, we all agree. Most of the small pools come from a large lotus-shaped lake after which the park is named: the Sa Than Bok Khoranee, which flows through a wind passage in the tall cliff. Swimming can be dangerous in most of the pools as the water swirls in the strong currents and can easily take you down. Several notice boards reminds you constantly about this.

Buddha footprint at Tharnboke Koranee National Park

Our guide continuously engages in conversations to keep us entertained. It is a perfect day to visit the park: in the shade, the palette of a dozen variations of greens and browns is unforgettable. The placid noise of the water accompanies us at all time, and my eyes are a hungry camera capturing images at every spot: here a gigantic butterfly the colors of autumn, there a big spider with yellow and red spots all over its body – its web flexes but does not break under the pressure of my fingers. Small water spiders glide and jump carelessly in the few pools where the water is calm. I urge to walk every path, climb every rock, and I am often left behind but quickly regain my way. It is impossible to get lost; every path directs you to the way out in a circular system with several variations. There is a well-shaded camping ground where Thai students can spend the weekend and learn about the natural features of the park.

Now a warm breeze contrasts the few drops of cool rain falling on us, while the guide talks about the park, the flora, and the fact that the Royal Family plays an important part in the conservation of the Krabi’s endemic Lady’s Slipper Orchid. All trees have botanical names, both in Thai and English; species include the Wild Gardenia, the Asoka and the Apocynaceae. Along the main path, we stop to visit San Tho Chong–Tho Yuan, a colorful and sacred Chinese shrine inside a wooden pagoda, complete with several flags and flowers wrapped around porcelain tigers, copper candle holders and a central wide incense holder in which some sticks are burning. According to the guide, being at such close contact with reproducing nature, this temple has the power of giving fertility to people and it is visited by women who wish to get pregnant: they offer food, chicken, fruit and various fizzy drinks to the Tho Chong–Tho Yuan entity, making their wish.

Flower garlands offerings for the sacred Hermit

Further down the path, a cemented staircase takes us to Tam Roi Phraphuthabaht Chamrong, where we find a one-meter long 40cm wide footprint of the Buddha beautifully crafted out of copper; all around it are floral offers and candle holders. Inside a crack in the rock, a narrow passageway 50cm wide and takes to a well-concealed Buddha stone statue. Above us, the crack extends to a height of around 15 meters; rays of light penetrate from the ceiling to strike the statue and reveal its beauty.

We finally make our way back to the visitors center. A strong wind now howls through the gigantic rocks, hitting the trees and swaying their huge leaves. Roots of the most eerie shapes emerge from everywhere; some have managed to crack the cement of the path and stand there, victoriously. Tharnboke Koranee National Park is definitely the perfect place for real nature lovers.

Watch Fantasia Asia video on Tharnboke Koranee National Park HERE!

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