Entries about forest

During my road trip onto the Thai Mainland in December 2022- January 2023 I visited this lovely cool pool in Surat Thani province.
I remember the water being utterly clean and clear, we had a wonderful time there, as did many others.

The Surat Thani Emerald Pool, also known as Ban Nam Rad, is a popular tourist attraction located in the province of Surat Thani in southern Thailand. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear emerald-colored water.

The Emerald Pool is a natural hot spring located within the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, which is part of the Khao Luang National Park. The water in the pool is heated by geothermal activity, resulting in a pleasant temperature for swimming and relaxing.

The pool gets its name from the unique color of the water, which appears emerald, green due to the high mineral content in the surrounding rocks and vegetation. The mineral-rich water is believed to have therapeutic properties and is said to be beneficial for skin conditions and muscle relaxation.

Apart from the Emerald Pool, the surrounding area is also home to several other natural attractions, including hot springs, waterfalls, and jungle trails. Visitors can explore the lush rainforest, take a dip in the hot springs, or enjoy a picnic by the poolside.

It's important to note that due to the popularity of the Emerald Pool, it can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. To fully enjoy the experience and avoid the crowds, it's recommended to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.

Overall, the Surat Thani Emerald Pool is a beautiful natural wonder that offers a unique and refreshing experience for visitors looking to relax and immerse themselves in Thailand's natural beauty.

Ao Talet or Ta Lhet Bay is a beautiful and secluded beach located in Khanom, a district in the Nakhon Si Thammarat Province of southern Thailand. The beach is known for its clear blue waters, soft white sands, and stunning natural scenery, making it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
It is the most stunningly beautiful and scenic bay I have been anywhere in Thailand, and there have been many! This one remains the top spot for me. Being out at the end of the pier, Invokes a sense of wholeness with your surroundings.

Ratchaprapha Dam, also known as the Cheow Lan Dam, is a large hydroelectric dam located in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. The dam was built in the 1980s to generate electricity for the region and to regulate the flow of the Klong Saeng River.

The Ratchaprapha Dam is also known for its stunning natural beauty. The dam is surrounded by lush forests and towering limestone cliffs, creating a scenic and peaceful atmosphere. The reservoir created by the dam is called the Cheow Lan Lake and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Visitors to the Ratchaprapha Dam can take a boat tour of the Cheow Lan Lake to explore the scenic surroundings and spot wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and fish. The lake is also a popular spot for kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

Near the dam, there is also a small village where visitors can learn about the local culture and sample traditional Thai food. The village also offers a variety of eco-tourism activities, such as hiking, camping, and bird watching.

Overall, the Ratchaprapha Dam and the Cheow Lan Lake offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of southern Thailand while also providing an important source of electricity for the region.

Suspension of Khao Thep Phitak Bridge is another famous tourist destination in Surat Thani province. Located behind Wat Khao Phang close to the entrance of Ratchaprapha Dam (Chiao Lan Dam). The bridge uses a large wire rope stretched to a concrete pole. The floor is covered with wooden and metal planks on a steel frame. It is surrounded with natural scenery which is beautiful. Behind the bridge is a heart-shaped mountain. If taking pictures in the middle of the bridge will get the most beautiful heart shape.

The bridge is known for its unique design and engineering, as it is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in Thailand, with a total length of 1.8 kilometers. The bridge’s main span is 320 meters long and is supported by two tall pylons, which are 117 meters high.

The name “Khao Thep Phitak” means “Mountain of the Angel’s Wings” in Thai, which is derived from the nearby mountain range that has a similar shape to angel wings. The bridge was named after this mountain range.

Overall, Khao Thep Phitak Bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering and a beautiful landmark in Surat Thani province.

Pran Buri Forest Park Walk
In this video you will see some of the mangroves but mostly the local colourful Crab population that has been allowed to thrive here.
Some were easy to see and some not so easy.......
Founded in 1982 under the majesty of Queen Sirikit, Pranburi Forest Park is located 25 km. south of Hua Hin and encompasses over 3.17 sq. km. of protected land. The park is known for its vast and dense forests of mangroves and twisty trails that lead visitors to all corners of the park. With its pristine views and natural beauty, Pranburi Park is the perfect escape from some of the urban centres in southern Thailand.

The nature reserve is an excellent day excursion from the Hua Hin area (and best of all, it’s practically free). Not only will you be surrounded by the tranquil and majestic scenery, but you’ll also get to see an abundant array of flora and wildlife, many of which are exclusive to Thailand.

The forest floor in the mangroves is covered by muddy sediments formed by the tides, densely covered by horizontally grown tree roots above and below the ground. This muddy habitat is an ideal place for crabs, mudskippers and shrimps. During the low tides, many crabs and mudskippers can be seen from the boardwalk.