A few weeks ago I went to Khao Yai National Park for an English camp, which was 95% in Thai. Khao Yai is a beautiful place and we were arriving when it could absolutely piss down but were very lucky as it only rained once during our stay.
We made our way to the Visitor’s Centre, it was a short walk of maybe 2klms from our accommodation. It did mean walking up some small hills and some of the kids really suffered. So many Thai kids do no exercise at all. You see kids who look healthy and fit but when they need to actually exert energy they are heavy breathing, red faced looking like they are about to croak it.
One teacher, who drove his pick-up truck to Khao Yai, started to walk but after a few hundred metres went back and drove his truck to the visitor’s centre. He filled the back with students who were struggling and did a few trips. I was pretty well gobsmacked and couldn’t believe people were so lazy.
The visitor’s centre was really good, had plenty of information to read and if the people organising the camp were more organised, had half an idea what Khao Yai was about they could have booked a video presentation to watch.
On show were just a few rifles confiscated from poachers. I think all poachers and smugglers of things like ivory and endangered species should simply be put to death. The buyers need to be caught and also be given the same fate.
Seeing skeletons of the huge Gaur, a bit like a water buffalo and when I was told stories how they have trampled and killed villagers encroaching on land, it made me smile. I never knew these animals existed in Khao Yai.
These two tigers were shot at Khao Yai as they had killed people living in the park. It tells you about how tigers return to the spot of their attack and this is what each tiger did, meaning they had to be euthanized to save people’s lives.
There are snakes and many other animals on display, lots of information about the park and surrounding parks. There is accommodation available at the park at very good prices, trials to walk and rangers can be hired to guide you.
I am definitely going to head back there at some point to just photograph the animals and enjoy the scenery.
Brunty
3 comments:
I have nothing but fond memory of Khao Yai. I visited Khao Yai some forty years ago. It was so peaceful, green, quite. Glad to hear that it still beautiful and you enjoy your stay there. Make sure you bring NongJa with you on your next trip there.
Basilseven
Brunty, i view your blog via my RSS reader and i rarely visit the blog directly. wow - nice new format! it looks great! take care.
Basilseven, I want to take the family there and stay as it is so beautiful and Ja would get a huge kick out of the animals around teh place.
MJ, I brightened things up as the dark old template was too gloomy.
Also I can adjust the columns and this means fitting good size pictures with no cropping or loss of quality.
MJ, loving your series on your blog, what a beautiful place you lived in and around.
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