ORANGECNX: March 2007

2007.03.05 Nang Kruan Waterfall

Nang Kruan Waterfall originates from the Thong Pha Phum stream on Khao Pad Roi Mountain and the Cha Ey stream. These 2 streams join together to create the Yai Stream and this attractive waterfall.

Nang Kruan Waterfall Located approximately 190 km. from Kanchanaburi at Ban Thung Nang Khruan, Tambon Chalae, within the area of Khuean Srinagarindra Dam. It is a large 7-tiered limestone waterfall amid verdant and shady intact natural surroundings. There is water all year round which cascades down high cliffs, some of which are more than 35 metres high. A walk for another 1 km. or 30 minutes will lead to the 1st tier of the waterfall.

1st tier

2nd and 3 rd tier

Yeah! We can

2007.03.04 Nok Nang Aen Cave

Tham Nok Nang Aen, located around the middle section of Lam Khlong Ngu at Mu 5 Ban Khao Phra In, Tambon Chalae. It is a spacious cave approximately 3 km. long, with the Lam Khlong Ngu flowing through it. It features the so-called Karst windows formed by the subsidence of the cave’s ceiling, which divided the cave into 3 roomy chambers that look like 3 connected train carriages. The cave is home to a large flock of swallows – Nok Nang Aen in Thai – and houses spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. We take the same route as Tham Sao Hin and continue for another 6 km. from Ban Phu Toei to Ban Khao Phra In, turn right into a dirt road for another 3 km. and walk further for some 30 minutes to the cave. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, or rent an ‘I Taek’ – adapted from a local ploughing vehicle – from Ban Khao Phra In.

After we passed 2 caves, we can go to another ;

Tham Namtok, similar to Tham Sao Hin and Tham Nok Nang Aen in that it is a cave with a creek flowing through it. Tham Namtok has an underground limestone waterfall, dropping down 17 levels, with the tallest tier being some 20 metres high. There are also spectacular stalagmites and stalactites in various forms throughout the 2,710 metres long cave. There are about 30 prehistoric paintings of humans and animals on the cave walls.
Visiting the cave is not recommended in the rainy season as the water level inside will be very high. We can’t in this trip because the national park official don’t servey before, It’s very dangerous.

Tham Yai, a large spacious cave with a mouth of approximately 50 metres wide. Tham Yai water bubbles up from underground and seeps through the walls to create a stream which winds around the sandy floor of this cave for about 200m.
The chamber inside can accommodate thousands of people. It is the province’s largest cave located about 1 km. from Tham Namtok.

2007.03.03 Sao Hin Cave

LAM KLONG NGU NATIONAL PARK , Thong Pha Poom, Kanchanaburi

From 3-5 March we stayed at the headquarters and at the Khao Phra-In ranger station at Lam Khlong Ngu. We benefited greatly from the hospitality and support of the chief of the park. Our thanks to them for helping to make our visit comfortable and productive.

The Lam Klong Ngu National Park is fertile forest complex in the Tanaosri mountain range. The area has a high diversity of forest habitat and wildlife due to its close proximity to Thung Yai Naresuan wildlife sanctuary and Khao Lam National Park and Sri Nakarin National Park. The Large, towering limestone mountains are the watershed for Sri Nakarin Dam Lake, and cover an area of 600 square meters.

The Lam Khlong Ngu system is over five kilometers in length and consists of a series of shorter caves separated by places called "karst windows" where the cave stream opens to the outside. During our visit, we surveyed the caves at Tham Sao Hin and Tham Nok Nang En (In Thai we call cave as Tham).

Visiting caves in Lam Khlong Ngu National Park needs advance arrangement of itinerary, necessary equipment for cave exploration, and preparation of physical fitness. A local guide is a must. March – May is the most appropriate period for visiting the caves as the water level inside will be very high in the rainy season.

Tham Sao Hin (or Sao Hin Cave)

We visited The first cave,Tham Sao Hin, which Huay Lam Khlong Ngu flow through the cave all year round with a beach for swimming. Here there is a beautiful Man – Hin – Yoi (curtain of white stalactites) which is made of calcite from subterranean water. Also in the middle of this cave there is a big limestone pillar standing 62.5 meters high, formed by stalactite and stalagmite and has gradually built up for millions of years.

A walk for another 6 km. or some 2 hours will lead to the cave, with several breathtaking waterfalls originating from Lam Khlong Ngu along the way. The walking trail will lead through scenic valleys and cliffs.

Visitors to Tham Sao Hin need to be adventure-lovers who are physically fit. Guidance by a national park official or local guide is necessary. February – April is the suitable period for visiting the cave, as the water level inside will be very high in the rainy season.