Travelfish #353: Thailand’s Khao Sok National Park

Everywhere is on the way to somewhere Hi all, New on the site is [Kota Bharu]( in Peninsular Malaysia—it is the most popular jumping off point to the [Perhentian Islands]( (featured last week). Regular readers will recall that last week we listed The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down in our recommended reading list—thanks to Travelfish reader DS who pointed us [to this sad footnote to the novel](. [The lake is pretty special. Photo: David Luekens] The lake is pretty special. Photo: David Luekens In other news, we’ve added the first of a series of new newsletters. Called “Welcome to Thailand” it starts with a series of seven daily emails, each covering an introductory aspect of Thailand. A week later it switches to a weekly (Tuesday) instalment, each recommending a destination or attraction in Thailand that you may not have heard of. The newsletter is very much aimed at people new to Thailand, so if that is you, [you can sign up here](. All subscribers also get a complimentary PDF itinerary for Southern Thailand. We plan to roll this out for other countries as well, but we’re starting with the big one. Good travels, Stuart, Sam and the Travelfish crew Support Travelfish! If you'd like to chip in (if you haven’t already) for using the site, we'd love you to sign up for a year-long subscription for just A$35. [See more here](. Destination Thailand: Khao Sok National Park Thailand has no shortage of national parks, yet if you had time for just one, which should it be? [Khao Sok National Park](. Here is why. Why go: Midway between the island-clad coasts of Southern Thailand, the location could not be better. Accommodation is set in two primary locales, each with a distinct appeal. Stay in the village for jungle trekking and waterfall visits. Or, opt for a rafthouse on Chiew Lan Lake to enjoy gobsmacking views and a relaxing atmosphere. Trekking can range from unguided strolls to adventurous guided junlge expeditions. Break your hikes up with some river tubing. On the lake, boat tours are a popular means to admire both the Guilin-like landscape and remote caves. Those who are content just to sit on the bamboo deck, feet in the water, book in the hands, are well catered to. Why don’t go: This is a popular park. In high and peak season crowds can be large. Who wants their rafthouse sojourn spoilt by boorish neighbours? [If you’re on a tour]( expect to share your serenity—with plenty of people. Partly due to the hordes, the chance of seeing much wildlife other than the winged variety is low. If large beasts are your thing, a larger park, like [Kaeng Krachan]( or [Khao Yai]( may be a better choice. When to go: Weather wise it is a trade off. Go in dry season and waterfalls might be weaker, go in monsoon and trails might close for safety. Expect significant rainfall in peak monsoon, especially July, August and September. In dry season (December to April) trekking is easier and Rafflesia flowers bloom. On the downside, some rafting trips may stop if river levels are too low. How long to stay: Many travellers choose to visit the park on an overnight tour, often from Phuket, Krabi or Ao Nang. We’re bigger fans of [doing it on an independent basis]( which is quite straightforward. Those with time should try the village and a rafthouse—three nights would be an ideal taster. Other stuff you should know: Park admission for foreign adults is 300 baht. Add 200 baht to include Khlong Phanom National Park or Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary. Children are half price. Most resorts near park headquarters offer free but limited WiFi. Don’t always expect to have WiFi at the rafthouses, never in the jungle. There are ATMs at the village. The closest good medical care is in Takua Pa, Baan Ta Khun or Surat Thani. Would we return: Absolutely. We’d work to avoid peak season and would skip the tour option. Do it yourself if you have the time and a bit more of a budget. Good travels Stuart Premium members only: Book a round the world with [roundtheworldflights.com]( (must travel from the UK via Asia, Australia, New Zealand AND the Americas) and get £30pp off your trip. Offer valid for departures to December 2019. Log in to the Member Centre on Travelfish now for your coupon code and [start designing your own round the world trip »]( Ten things worth reading Longyi “It was at precisely this moment, when Burmese nationalist politicians and intellectuals began to articulate a rhetoric of resistance to the British, that khit san became [an accepted form of Burmese dress]( From jungle to oven: A guide to Luang Prabang food “This is by no means a comprehensive list of food we ate in Luang Prabang but it should help you anticipate the taste and texture of these delectable dishes [that makes them stand out from other Southeast Asian fares]( So you want to visit an active volcano? “The number one piece of advice is know who the local volcano monitoring agency and the emergency management agency are, and where they post updates. Every volcano is different and [the situation can rapidly change]( Two sites in GMS inscribed to UNESCO World Heritage List “The Myanmar government has [pledged to remove all hotels from the existing archaeological sites]( to a dedicated hotel zone by 2028. Fulfilling this promise, and meeting other conservation targets, will be a key criterion for Bagan to sustain its World Heritage status.” Cambodian-Thai Border Temples “While major Angkor era sites near Siem Reap are showing all the signs of overtourism, there are several [where it’s rare to see a foreigner]( Why Google will own travel “Traffic to McDonald’s digital version of the Lonely Planet guide in South East Asia [was hit hard when Google made changes]( to the way it presented travel search results.” Vietnam’s vast underground world “Now, [I was seeking greater cave majesty]( This chef is reviving ancient Lao recipes “Bee reinterprets Sing's Lao duck curry by slow-cooking the succulent duck with young coconut, curry paste and shards of taro, adding dill, Chinese cabbage flower and pink hummingbird flower petals on top.” [Mmmmmm]( Win a travel filmmaking trip to Malaysia! “This is your chance [to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Malaysia]( and be personally mentored by award-winning filmmaker Jenny Nichols.” Indochina's highest mountain just got taller “But the other suggests that the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, which includes Fansipan, [has been ascending heavenwards]( at a rate of 4.3 cm (1.6 inches) a year.” Travelfish partners [Browse popular short tours to Thailand]( GetYourGuide lists a vast selection of short tours in and around Thailand including to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai. [See their website for more information](. Something to read On the Java Ridge “A [fast-paced political thriller rather than a travel tale]( On the Java Ridge explores the humanity behind Australia’s draconian border policies.” Travel shot [Stairway to heaven on the Sam Yang Roi trail. Photo: David Luekens] Stairway to heaven on the Sam Yang Roi trail. Photo: David Luekens Till next time [Sam and Stuart.] That’s it from us for now. As usual, enjoy the site’s new additions and drop us a line if there’s something in particular you’d like us to cover in Southeast Asia. Travel light! Stuart, Sam & the Travelfish team [( You're receiving the Travelfish newsletter because you signed up at Travelfish.org. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe Instantly](. Make sure you're getting our emails! 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