Hiking Through Thailand’s TIGER COUNTRY - Kanchanaburi

I join a group for an organised trek to the top of the highest mountain in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.
Khao San Nok Wua is virtually unknown amongst foreigners, a truly spectacular hike through genuine tiger country in Khao Laem National Park. I show you all the key stages of this once in a lifetime adventure.
Every visitor to Kanchanaburi knows about the bridge on the river Kwai but Kanchanaburi Province has so much more to offer. In this and other videos I show you the “Real Thailand” that most never get to see. เขาสันหนอกวัว
Here's my new website www.meetmeinthailand.com/
www.buymeacoffee.com/76srydp5bd8
Here's a playlist of my popular videos about Thailand in the 80's and 90's
• Thailand in the 80’s
#thailand #thailandhdr #kanchanaburi

[@TheDannyp86]

Great video Karl. You have so much to offer KZbin. Not just your national park knowledge but your broader view of Thailand. Many good Thai vloggers only touch a small aspect of the place. Hopefully you rightfully receive more recognition for what you do and big respect to @Daystate Fox for his support 👍

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks Daniel, we’ll see eh? Yes, I’m grateful to Daystate Fox

[@andrewmcneill4107]

Excellent comment, Daniel. He sure is too unrecognised for the work he does. Karl's reportage is unique and he deserves so much more recognition.

[@davidhenderson9707]

Flawless hike editing mate… another one I didn’t know about to add to the bucket list 💪

[@karlsthailand]

I really enjoyed that one Dave, thanks, happy you enjoyed it too

[@villagefarang5733]

We just got back from Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, the second highest peak in Thailand at 2285 meters. The campground at Kiewlom is the highest in Thailand at 1924 meters. It is cloud forest and is beautiful in its own way but we didn't have the wide-open view that you got in this video. For anyone who hasn't visited Pha Hom Pok I highly recommend spending the night and hiking up to the peak in the dark for sunrise, even if you are unlucky like us and there is no sunrise. Check the weather because it can get very cold. This time it was only around 14c but we have been up there at 2c and nearly froze.

[@karlsthailand]

I’ve visited the National Park but we never camped there. Yes I have experienced 0c before overnight at Doi Inthanon which can be quite a shock to the system

[@31interact]

That’s an amazing hike to watch I’m not surprised you powered ahead of everyone else lol the sunset was amazing

[@karlsthailand]

I was on form that day John. Definitely a hike I intend to repeat mate

[@piratepete5001]

2:02 magical sky wow, great idea putting that map in. Great video, thanks for sharing and cheers to Daystate fox for sponsoring.

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers Pete and yes thanks to Daystate Fox

[@nurotracker6061]

After I watched this I got off the couch and took a walk around the block. Very inspiring thanks Karl x

[@karlsthailand]

Lol. I’d love to do a bit of hiking in Oz myself

[@MarkDenson-ld8bf]

I do enjoy your videos Karl they are very interesting and I like how you seem to talk from your heart not scripted you obviously enjoy the country and you respect the people Thank you 👍

[@karlsthailand]

Yes Mark. Thailand still leaves me in awe. Thanks for noticing. Cheers

[@JG-ke7gj]

What an amazing place. As beautiful as it is on camera it's a whole other thing to experience the sounds of the forest and freshness of the air in real life. Thanks for bringing us along this trek and reminding us what is out there.

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks JG, my pleasure, Thailand does indeed have lots to offer

[@hellebangsbo]

Hi Karl I hiked Samaria gorge on Crete it's all downhill you get of at top and you hike 8 hours down hill it's the most beautiful thing I ever did.

[@karlsthailand]

I’ve never heard of it Jon, I will Google it

[@paulquick8670]

Very interesting, Karl. Beautiful scenery.

[@karlsthailand]

It’s a stunning place Paul, hope you are well

[@ignacio_the_coralbiologist]

This is a phenomenal video! So beautiful.

[@karlsthailand]

Thank you, it's one of my favourites of my own videos. Cheers

[@markdumbrell2618]

One of your best Karl, really enjoyed that. 3 things though, firstly it was great to see you with a hat, but try wearing it next time 😂😂 Was that guy really wearing sandals for a hike like that??? And damn it looked cold in the morning, any idea what temperature it was overnight?? Cheers

[@karlsthailand]

I do actually wear hats lol. Thais will go almost anywhere in sandals…even flip flops. It was indeed a cold night by Thai standards, I reckon it got down to a chilly 10C

[@gerardwise67]

On my bucket list of Thailand's best destinations. Thanks for sharing. 💚 🇹🇭 🙏

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure Gerard, I hope that you enjoy it

[@1robertmkelly]

Thanks!

[@karlsthailand]

Thank you once again Robert

[@baldybrian]

Great vid, Karl. I can't wait to do this one, the views are amazing. The campsite at the base is lovely too.

[@karlsthailand]

Yes Brian, you will love it for sure

[@mariettathornton5924]

Wowwww this place is awesome Karl! What a spectacular view and the campsite is not bad at all! 🏕 We would love to try this hike one of these days……Thanks for sharing:)

[@karlsthailand]

It’s well worth giving it a go Marietta and the beautiful campsite is a great place to start the hike

[@mal3519]

Great hike Karl the views are spectacular, thankyou and your fellow hikers for sharing it with us.

[@karlsthailand]

My (our) pleasure Mal, glad you enjoyed it

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely breathtaking my friend, opening shots are just gorgeous! Thailand looks insanely beautiful here. 🔥🔥

[@karlsthailand]

It was stunning and the weather was with us too. Thanks for your comment

[@exploring_thailand]

Really enjoyed that, Karl. Looks like a great hike.

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks Exporing Thailand, it is a fantastic place.

[@susu697]

I love these videos about relatively undiscovered places, especially in terms of foreign tourists. A great watch Karl !👏 😃

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks Sam697. Yes, I prefer not to follow the crowd any more than I have to

[@ManOfAdventure2011]

Karl, this the kind of video i love seeing, since id love to do more mountain adventures myself. Keep up the good work! Im hoping by the time i make it there in 2024 perhaps i can tag along on one of your treks 🙏

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers Neil, keep in touch and maybe we can do that

[@vaughngrech1880]

Wow looks breathtaking Carl ,great place.

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks 👍Definitely one of the more spectacular hikes in Thailand

[@Artiz...]

I ooo'd and aaah'd all the way through this brilliant video Karl... thanks! Living in this astonishing country is a genuine privilege and your unique insights are outstanding... crack on mate!

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks for the kind words Artiz, yes we are indeed privileged to be living here

[@kevinfrancismcmahon2619]

Another great vid Karl always look forward to your vid be safe

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks very Kevin

[@JBWanders73]

Addaboy Karl! EPIC hike and a really enjoyable video!

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers Jimmy

[@dustyrider244]

Great achievement Karl, you were lucky to spot that Martin. I always notice that with a combination of your fitness, good nature and enthusiasm you are a fantastic ambassador for the rest of us travelers in this very special country. I am now on route again and heading towards Sirikrit Dam. lets keep in touch as it would be great to link up for a cold beer again, Kudos mate and keep the videos coming.

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks Nick, myself and that Marten spotted each other at exactly the same time, I had a pretty good idea what it was straight away but it seemed larger than I thought it would be. I showed the video to a ranger who thought it might be too big to be a Marten. Later I did a freeze frame and he then agreed with my ID. I’d love to meet up again Nick next time we’re in the same vicinity

[@driedekker]

Another great video Karl keep them coming.👍👍

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers driedeker and I’ll try my best

[@daviddenham1511]

Spectacular none the less…

[@karlsthailand]

It really was Dave. Like many places the scale of it only really hits you when you are there.

[@daviddenham1511]

@@karlsthailand the hidden places never fail to amaze me…..I lived and travelled Africa 23 years but Thailand blows me away!

[@dubsdolby9437]

Another awesome trip to add to the collection. 🙂 looks a stunning place still frozen in time.

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks, it’s indeed an awesome hike DD

[@markp5056]

Spectacular Karl, even the view from the campsite was stunning with the sunset. Looked a grueller though but amazing views, excellent video again 👏 Big ups to Daystate Fox too 👌. Look forward to seeing the next.

[@karlsthailand]

Happy you liked it Mark, it was a tough one but totally worth it and yes big ups to Daystate Fox

[@jjjjjjjjooolllllllllll8395]

Amazing content Karl, thank you so much. You are an inspiration to me.

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks so much, I really enjoyed this one

[@mythai9593]

Stunning. Your videos never cease to amaze me Karl, 👍. That's a close one to me (Saiyok) but I think it might be a hike to far, hardness wise.

[@karlsthailand]

It’s pretty tough but most people take more rest stops than I did lol. I have another few videos coming up from up your neck of the woods very soon

[@lt9413]

Fantastic hike, great view Another great adventure!

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers LT, I really enjoyed it

[@johncox3076]

Love your videos this was absolutely fantastic great challenge well done

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers, I’ll take that as a double compliment because you know what’s involved in the making of them

[@heavyd9154]

thanks for sharing. great video. its one of our favorite areas for adventure

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure Heavy D, Kanchanaburi is a great Province to explore and I have more content from there coming up very soon

[@sweatycap3939]

Just spectacular Karl, something for the bucket list... I'm gonna need a bigger bucket 😎😎😄😄

[@karlsthailand]

“I’m gonna need a bigger bucket” lol. Good twist on the famous line from “Jaws” Thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@dannyho6786]

Looks like fun !

[@karlsthailand]

I thought so Danny. Cheers

[@MrSchijtzooi]

Great stuff. Thanks.

[@karlsthailand]

Glad you enjoyed it, it's a tough but very rewarding hike

[@MarkSantaCruz]

Beautiful sunset and sunrise Karl, and it's more rewarding when you have had to work hard for something. The yellow throated marten is an omnivore according to Wikipedia, with an unpleasant odour....Are you more of a rice man than noodle?

[@karlsthailand]

I tell you what Mark, that Marten was a pretty good size. When I first saw it it was just staring at me and I had a pretty good idea what it was. I showed a NP ranger and he said it was too big for a Marten but when I did a freeze frame he agreed with my ID. Hope you are well

[@JB_FLYA69669]

Great video you have inspired me to go here

[@karlsthailand]

Go for it! It's a very real experience and directions have always been easy to find on Google maps for anyone interested in making the journey.

[@michaelstuart8775]

Amazing Best vlogger on you tube Krap Pom 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇹🇭

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks so much Michael

[@user-oh9ps4id4r]

ยินดีต้อนรับ🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭

[@karlsthailand]

ขอบคุณครับ

[@31interact]

Great video

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks! That hike was a great experience

[@andersbergman7241]

What a pleasant but difficult hike, Kalle. You have an advantage knowing Thai so well👍

[@karlsthailand]

Unfortunately my Thai didn’t make hiking up that hill an easier lol. Thanks Anders

[@andersbergman7241]

I know Kalle, everything is in the bones.

[@lozaroundpattayacity2044]

great vid karl . i will stick with my hike to soi 6 mate .

[@karlsthailand]

I wouldn’t mind doing that hike again myself Loz, hope you are well

[@nigelchnzl5355]

great work mant i like it mant

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers Nigel, regards to Colin

[@chrisyarnold6205]

Another great hike Karl, what was the height of tallest peak? Just the style of camping that I love, but never seen a view like that sunrise before.

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers Chris, hope you are well. It’s a great hike and the views blew me away. I’d seen plenty of pictures and videos but nothing touches being there. I just just finished another similar one and the video should be out next weekend

[@christophergale9438]

Hi campsite looks great,think you need good walking boots. Nice one 👍

[@karlsthailand]

It’s definitely one of the best National Park campsites in Thailand I have stayed. Boots? Lol. I turned my back on them many years ago, much prefer hiking shoes these days or even trail runners. Cheers

[@andrewsrealworld5494]

Absolutely marvellous video Karl, well done. I am going to seek out that trail when I go to Kanchanaburi and do the trek myself. I wonder how I will get on, as I am 56 Years of age and have been smoking for 43 years. This could be my greatest achievement.

[@karlsthailand]

You can only try Andrew, most of the group took their time and had plenty of rest breaks so I would certainly give it a bash

[@ChucknMcNuggets]

I got dropped off at Monthathan Waterfall up in the mountains at Doi Suthep. I was only ten minutes away from the parking lot, and the only one there, as they just opened the gate for the day. This was my first time on any trail, and alone in Thailand (or any country besides the US) haha. I was taking pictures of the upper falls and standing in the shallow water, and just became hyper aware of my surroundings. The bugs and bird sounds were insane, and the forest so dense you couldn't see more than a few meters into it in any direction. That was one of my favorite experiences with nature that I've ever had. I just had an epiphany... "Holy shit, I'm in Thailand in the forest alone, and there are so many animals that can kill me here!"

[@karlsthailand]

I love the jungle here, everything is so alive just like you describe. Add some elephants and a few wild tigers and you have a full scale adventure on your hands. Glad you enjoyed your hike

[@cnxtrailrunning]

The mountains of Kanchanaburi are high on my list of things to do in Thailand, San Nok Wua, but also Khao Chang Phueak which is supposed to be stunning. Great to see videos like these to keep me excited 😆But highest on the list is doing a multi-day hike or run from Sangkhlaburi to Umphang (Tak province). It's right through tiger country too, so not something that one just does. If you would have any leads on how to go about this, I would love to know more!

[@karlsthailand]

I’ve done Khao Chang Phueak recently and the video should be out soon. I did the Sangkhlaburi to Umphang hike over 4 years ago, before I had started my channel. If you send me an email to [e-mail] I will try to find the email address and maybe even the mobile phone number of our Karen guide. Now is the time of year for that hike, we did it in the Rainy Season which made it a fair bit harder

[@gordon3063]

Hi Karl, where is that campsite, I am coming out again in late December for 3 weeks might be worth a visit, good on you for taking the lead, did you notice any difficulty in breathing considering the height above sea level,

[@karlsthailand]

The campsite is called ‘Pom Pee’ and it’s part of Khao Laem National Park. It’s a great hike Gordon. It’s about 6200 ft high so altitude not particularly a problem.

[@baja2bali]

Wow, it looks stunning. We are looking to do some hiking in Kanchantaburi next month, so this is good research for us! Did you have to book anything in advance, and if so, how? Or can we just rock up and sort it all out when we arrive?

[@karlsthailand]

Contact them well in advance. When I did the hike it was Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, I think all year around. If it's the same I would try for the Thursday as it's likely to be quieter, it can apparently get very busy the other days. When I did it I was able to register that morning but I just tried to book a hike at another NP and it needs to be bookd a full month in advance. Like I said, call them in advance. According to Google Maps the number is [phone].

[@baja2bali]

@@karlsthailand That's so helpful, thank you very much. Fingers crossed we get to do it!

[@coolhand4114]

Hey great Vid. What is the name of that Garmin device that you are using to track distance and elevation?

[@karlsthailand]

It’s a Garmin 60cs coolhand

[@coolhand4114]

@@karlsthailand Thanks for the info.

[@supernanny82]

what a great video Karl mike was a bit muffled at times take care what a great lot of people luved it xxx

[@karlsthailand]

I had fun suffering while I made it lol xxxx

[@claraasta]

Person with the sandals/ flip flops chose the right footwear lol

[@karlsthailand]

I really think that some Thais are just more at home in their flip flops regardless of the terrain lol

[@coolhand4114]

One more question Karl, at the top of the climb were the tents already there or did the staff hike up with them?

[@karlsthailand]

I hired the tent and sleeping bag as mine is in Pattaya right now and I had to carry it up myself. If you hire a porter (1500 Baht) they will carry up to 30kg up for you and put the tent up and take it down for you and even help prepare meals

[@user-oh9ps4id4r]

สวัสดีค่ะ

[@karlsthailand]

สวัสดีครับ

[@kheanrattharet6532]

Hi Which app did you use to draw the Hiking Trail map

[@karlsthailand]

I use Google Earth Pro to draw the hiking trail maps using the file from my Garmin GPS unit. Cheers

[@kheanrattharet6532]

@@karlsthailand Thanks

[@gregoryfrancisjames5071]

Hang on a minute Karl. Just let me top up my Hong Thong, grab some Pringles and watch you suffer from the comfort of my sun-deck. :)

[@karlsthailand]

It was tough but beautiful and I totally enjoyed it at the time. As it happens they have a type of biting fly there called 'Khun', imagine a Scottish midge but much bigger. When they bite I initially just get a bit of swelling and irritation but just like Scottish midges I suffer a day or two later, my bites from this hike irritated me for well over a month.

[@billshuey7422]

Did you buy the Garmin here(Thailand) and how is the service here?

[@karlsthailand]

I bought it in the UK and satellite reception here is fine. There are maps available to download on various websites and they’re usually good enough if not perfect.

[@billshuey7422]

@karlsthailand thank you. I have shopped without success. Maybe a cheap set from Aliexpress if I can find one.

[@malin5468]

Who carried the water up the mountain?

[@karlsthailand]

There’s a fresh water spring right near the top, believe me clean water isn’t an issue up there, as if the place wasn’t perfect enough as it is lol

[@andersbergman7241]

What a pleasant but difficult hike, Kalle. You have an advantage knowing Thai so well👍

[@traveler7249]

Did they have Electrical outlets or huts with electricity? - I have a medical device.

[@karlsthailand]

They certainly had a hut in which campers were welcome to charge things at the campsite but nothing up the mountain. I took a good power bank with me on the hike as do many but if it needed to be a mains electrical supply…

[@kcl2862]

Can you do the hike on your own?

[@karlsthailand]

Officially no, the only access is through the tours organised by Khao Lam National Park. The treks are good value for money though

[@thainorstimes]

❤️🙏 kap kon krap Karl

[@karlsthailand]

Thank you TNT

[@aussie-kiwi]

At 76 and not very fit you would have to carry me.

[@karlsthailand]

Sure, it’s not for everyone. Hope you enjoyed the video anyway

[@daviddenham1511]

Sad that 20 year olds need walking sticks and a rest stop after 500 metres……welcome to the Tik Tok generation

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, sometimes they shock me...and they're the ones with enough gumption to even try!

[@daviddenham1511]

@@karlsthailand sounding old but these young backpackers are mainly clueless……real adventure was back in my day when you didn’t have internet and Snapchat at the top of a wilderness mountain and couldn’t get mummy and daddy to top up your funds via a text message…..and god forbid they’d have to actually use a map to get somewhere…

[@myhumps2730]

Beautiful

[@karlsthailand]

Thank you! Cheers!