Khuean Srinagarindra National Park is home to animals, mountains and caves, but the reason, I (and many others) travel there, was for the water.
Waterfalls are a simple thing, with water, height and (mainly) rock working together to create an extraordinary piece of beauty—and in a world where it won’t be long until phones are smarter than your average human, I think it’s important to appreciate the natural elements this world has to offer.
There are many waterfalls to choose from in Kanchanaburi, from the ones in Sai Yok to the ones in Khuean Srinagarindra. But I ended up here:
Pha Tad waterfall. A place where the relaxing sound of mud and leaves rushing through the groves, flowing and winding their way down to the river Khwae Noi, echoes around you.
The walk to Pha Tad waterfall winds up a slow and steady hill.
Sun peers through the leaves, lighting the way, and nature is as nature should be. Untouched, unkempt and unapologetic.
The forest is moist which makes the bridges slippery. A little reminder that whilst you are welcome, the rain will soon fall and wipe away your footsteps, recreating the illusion of an untrodden path and preserving excitement for the next set of people who wander through.
There’s an array of wildlife scattered throughout the national park. From dragonflies to butterflies. But this national park is a place where time feels like it has stood still. Undisturbed by traffic, noise and technology. It’s a place where you can re-live the excitement of your youth.
When I was younger my sister and I would play a game.
We would take over the living room and turn the floor into a blazing inferno… Figuratively speaking. The floor was lava, so ornaments would be moved to safer places, and furniture rearranged to give the appropriate level of difficulty. The aim was to climb from one part of the room to the other, without touching the blistering pool of lava (carpet) that lay waiting.
Khuean Srinagarindra National Park reminds me of this. A place where you pull on your explorer hat, forget that you’re an adult and just enjoy the excitement of climbing and navigating through the unknown.
A place where you can kick off your shoes, climb up, fall and feel nature all around you. And the best part about getting down and dirty in Khuean Srinagarindra national park as you wander off the beaten track?
Is that in Pha Tad waterfall, you can wash it all the way!
