Unseen Thailand: Attractions of Natural Beauty (Part 2)

By Rarin
Photos by courtesy of TAT

An old sea man mentioned that there was an emerald sea hiding next to the blue one and that only those knowing the rhythm of the tide would see a strip of white powdery sand connecting two islands amidst the sea.

This seems to point out that in one beauty, there hides another beauty, which can be seen only at a specific moment. The secrets of nature will solely reveal themselves to those who are in the right place and at the right time.

Although the promotional campaign of "Unseen Thailand" has been carried on by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for two years, it is never too late to go experience these "unseen" attractions yourselves.

The campaign covers four categories of out-standing attractions up-country, viz. nature, adventure, religious beliefs and culture. To admire the beauty of some such places, you need to be there at the right hour, right date, right season and from the right perspective.

In the issue of Vol.22 No.14, Thaiways presented to you five attractions of the nature category namely Ko Kradat, Khao Sok National Park, Miracle Beach, Phusang Waterfall and Li-pe Islet. In this issue, the other five out of ten attractions in the nature group will be dealt with. Attractions of the other groups will be elaborated in the ensuing issues.

1. Maple trees in reserved forests, Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei Province
(520 km northeast of Bangkok)
Phu Kradueng, a sandstone mountain in the Northeastern region of Thailand, has become a legend among travellers. Sheer cliffs, meadows and pine trees on higher terraced hillside are Phu Kradueng's everlasting charms. Of course, there are dense forests around the mountain as well. Its top is flat and vast with a total area of 37,500 rais (60 sq km).

When the weather turns cool in November, in the reserved forests to the north of Phu Kradueng, maple trees shed their red leaves, creating a romantic scene for beholders. Tourists can have a spectacular view of the sunrise on three cliffs, viz. Pha Nok Aen, Pha Mak Duk and Pha Lom Sak, the last of which has become the landmark of Phu Kradueng. The total distance from the foot hill to the top is 5 km raising from the height of 200 metres to 1,200 metres above sea level. An average time to reach the top is 3-4 hours.
Recommended time: To admire the beauty of the shed maple leaves in reserved forests, you need to go to Phu Kradueng between November and December. The arduous climb to the mountain top suits only for adventure-lovers.
How to get there: From Loei Province, drive along Highway 201 and turn right onto Highway 2019. You will past Phu Khradueng county administrative office and will then reach the park office.
For more information, please contact: TAT Northeastern Office Region 5 on tel: 0 4232 5406-7.

2. Mae U-su Cave, Mae Moei National Park, Tak Province
(426 km north of Bangkok)
Mae U-su Cave, the most beautiful cavern of the west of Thailand, is a masterpiece of streams whose everlasting blow has eroded the gigantic limestone and turned it into an enormous cave. Magnificent are the stalagmites and stalactites sculptured by nature. Underneath the cave, you will find to your astonishment that there are both warm and cool streams running through it.

Thi Lo Re Waterfall

Tak is a must for nature-lovers. The province boasts several scenic attractions such as Thi Lo Su, a world renowned waterfall, and another beautiful waterfall named Thi Lo Re. You can experience the local ways of life of different hilltribes here. Moreover, the Thai-Myanmar Border in Mae Sot County is popular with visitors.