Thai Jungle Man Searches For Partner To Share Paradise

On a recent trip to Nakhon Si Thammarat in South Thailand myself and my friends Eddie and Malee decided to go in search of a waterfall (Soi Dao Waterfall) in the foothills of Khao Luang, Southern Thailand's highest mountain.
We headed to the beautiful Kiriwong village where we were put in contact with some local guides. What an adventure it turned into, some beautiful dirt bike riding and a steep but short hike took us up to the waterfall, a real hidden gem. This is the real Thailand, unknow to tourists.
Lek, one of our guides turned out to be a real character. he's building up a green jungle empire from the humble beginnings of a hammock in the forest and has now established a hydro-electric power source, built a house, is building a coffee area, has been connected to the Internet and even has Netflix. Inf act he told us all he is missing is a partner to share his jungle paradise with. Lek can be hired as a guide for jungle trips of any length and I will put his contact details below.
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[@christophergale9438]

Nice one mate , loved the way the guides had flip flops on. 👍

[@karlsthailand]

Glad you enjoyed. Yes, I can't walk 10 feet in flip flops. It seems as if they're born in them. Thanks

[@yosamonleepilar2396]

Nice to see they still using the old Yamaha Serow dirtbike.

[@karlsthailand]

You know what they’re like. Where they live those bikes are essential and not just weekend toys.

[@EddieManning]

Great film Karl. Brilliant adventures. The video doesn't capture just how steep the paths and rock descent was. At first I thought "no way" to walking down the river, but then Malee was leading so could not back out 😊. Beautiful country and people.

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers Eddie and thanks. Yes, it’s very hard to convey perspective, steepness and height accurately. Glad you enjoyed the video. Actually one of my favourite scenes is you crawling out of the undergrowth a la David Bellamy, it really conveys the terrain. I also enjoyed the organic way in which the adventure developed. Malee was great!

[@SurinLeiningen]

Wow, the hike down those rocks practically gave me vertigo 😂. Just looking at the knobby tires on the dirt bikes and you know they meant business. Thanks for another thrilling adventure hike Karl.

[@karlsthailand]

Glad you enjoyed it. It was certainly tougher than we thought it woulf be lol. They were great motorbike riders...I guess they need to be living up in the hills like they do. Cheers

[@Npossibly]

The climb up must have been tough! Not to mention the hot and humid air to go with it. I thought you guys were going to douse yourself under the waterfall. Needless to say, the way down looked so dangerous, had my heart racing with each step you took.

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, it was tougher than we expected but that helped to make the video. Thank you

[@michaelryan3400]

You did it again, Karl: made me watch a single video for 40 minutes. I’m just glad you’re all still alive after that bouldering hike down a waterfall. Cheers!

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers Mike. Sometimes I hate cutting everything down to the bare bones to to cater for Facebook attention spans. If I think the content warrants it I will try to keep it in.

[@gregoryfrancisjames5071]

Another great video Karl embodying the joys of not just sitting on the beach all day. Living life to the full.

[@karlsthailand]

You got that right! Cheers

[@jamesanglin3032]

Looks like a place a person would Really have to want to go! Good Luck to your Guides... Jim

[@karlsthailand]

They were really cool people who live incredible lives. Thanks

[@Tiaimo]

Thanks for sharing P'Karl. For those who love jungle, jungle in south central is place where few people experiences. I spent my teenage time for study in highschool in Nakhon Sri. When I see this video, it reminds me when I were with my friend in Kirivong for weekend holiday. Loved it.

[@karlsthailand]

Must have been a great experience to be living down there. Did you ever hike around there?

[@Tiaimo]

@@karlsthailand Never go up to that point kub. Just wandering around with my friend from tree to tree in his farm for various fresh fruit krub. I was stop by those fresh fruit and vegetables. haha 😂😂😂

[@hjb12]

I always enjoy watching your videos and feel close to nature. The jungle you were travelling in here still seems to be very intact. Everything is very green and there are lots of insects. I am always amazed at how the locals master these tours effortlessly on their sandals.

[@karlsthailand]

Thank you very much! Yes, the jungle seemed very pristine considering most of it was secondary growth. If you got deeper it would be intense for sure. Yes, I just can't get on with flip flops at all but Thjais love them.

[@jke360]

Awesome video Karl thanks. The Thai way flip flops wellies and bare feet 😅.

[@karlsthailand]

Glad you like them! And thanks

[@ant2312]

Will watch soon, always enjoy the company of Eddie and Malee when I'm over, sometimes resulting in feeling quite fragile the morning after!

[@karlsthailand]

You’d have probably felt quite fragile after this little excursion too Ant 😂

[@user-zm9gc1kt8b]

Angel falls Venezuela Karl😂 I love your adventures around Thailand mate. Showing Thai nature from a different way.

[@karlsthailand]

Glad you enjoy it! I try to not follow the crowd lol. Cheers

[@31interact]

Great video Karl Love it that’s a proper jungle

[@karlsthailand]

It sure was John. It was so loud, even at midday. Hope you are well

[@janus302]

Wow ,that trip is so beatiful, thank you.🙏

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure. Thank you

[@nigelchnzl5355]

Love your work mate Absolutely Incredible great job mate

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks a lot Nigel. Real adventure that one was

[@Darryl_Smith]

What an absolutely beautiful place to be. Lek was indispensable by the look as there was no real track to follow when on foot - real jungle adventure. Thank you for highlighting this paradise and lets hope it can remain unspoilt. Once again my armchair claims my body as I watch what others do in awe and admiration - one day maybe.

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, sometimes I prefer independence but if I'm in an unfamiliar place with know real knowledge then guides can really add to the experience. lek and his friends certainly added to ours. Cheers

[@SteveSmith-zz4ih]

2 Farang wear Trendy Hikers, Locals wear Gum Boots, Sandals and Bare feet. 😁

[@karlsthailand]

They never fail to humble us do they lol. Cheers

[@brockstravels7586]

I am exhausted sitting in my recliner after watching that... The phrase "Mad dogs and Englishmen " comes to mind... There has been a lot of work going into tbat cemented track, and the piping laid into the hill to bring good water down to the houses... Great video..

[@karlsthailand]

Mad dogs and Englishmen indeed. Those mountain guys are industrious about what they do. Lek was generating hydro-electric power for his rapidly expanding home and the act of getting the Internet and even Netflix there also rates as an achievement. I hope he finds the mate he is looking for, he's a cool guy.

[@bazbar9090]

Your a braver man than me. I am continually impressed by your videos and their content. One of the most interesting KZbin channels on Thailand. Thank you.

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks so much. I really need it to grow, it runs at a loss and I have so many video ideas.

[@TWCH]

Nice work with the Google Earth presentation. I was laughing as you struggled down the rock scramble as the guides skipped across the rocks like mountain goats. You are clearly in good shape. But balance and agility goes aways for us old guys.

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, I've always done those Google Earth animations for my longer hikes. In all honesty they're pretty time consuming to make but they do give people a sense of perspective which I think is important. I know lol, the locals rarely fail to humble us in that type of terrain. Cheers.

[@andrewhyland9212]

Thanks Karl. That was pretty unexpected how tough that climb down was. Rather you than me. Beautiful place. Nice to hear about the wildlife in the area.

[@karlsthailand]

Glad you enjoyed it Andrew. Truth is that we had absolutely no idea about that descent until the moment we made the split second decision to begin it. Yes, I enjoyed l;istening to Lek tell me about the wildlife there. Cheers

[@sergefranchois1701]

What a beautiful crafted video. Quite uniquely, Si Thammarat hosts pristine beaches and lush rainforest within easy reach, combined with the cleanest air in the kingdom. You have steering & balancing skill if you can motorcycle uphill on a narrow mountain path and rough terrain carrying an adult passenger I would say Only 2 options in Karl's book: harder and hardest :-) The locals running circles around ya while you struggle to put a foot down Meanwhile we viewers can enjoy the amazing surroundings I wouldn't attempt to go deeper in without a guide like Lek

[@EddieManning]

We were hoping to do 3 nights 4 days with rangers but they were already fully booked. Next year....

[@karlsthailand]

It was a great adventure that developed organically. Yes, having Lek and his friends along really added some extra dimensions. Lek is an incredible guy, the way he is building up a jungle empire from just a hammock. I hope he prospers and finds a mate to share the adventure with. Cheers

[@mrdoodle8748]

Those locals were like mountain goats on that hike wearing just wellies & sandals. Great video.

[@karlsthailand]

Yes they are! They are totally at home there. Cheers

[@MarkDenson-ld8bf]

As you said Karl the animal noises were amazing Another really good video Thank you for sharing this with us

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure Mark. I’m used to insect noises in the jungle but they usually get a lot quieter around midday….not there though. Cheers

[@MarkSantaCruz]

Blimey Karl, you needed your wits about you on that one. That could have gone wrong very easily. Barefoot Malee was cracking on though...Accommodation was beautiful. I hope Lek enjoys his Netflix! Good work mate, and I liked the longer video.

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers Mark. I kind of got fed up cutting everything to the bones for Facebook attention spans. I will try to do them longer but only if I think the content can carry it. Malee was great. Cheers buddy

[@TinSandwichUK]

What a wonderful part of the country Karl and, as usual, kudos to you for capturing and sharing. Malee:- "C'mon guys" 555 😅😂🤣

[@EddieManning]

When Malee saw the fish and said "I want barbecue". 😂😂😂

[@TinSandwichUK]

@@EddieManning My first thought seeing the size and abundance of those fish was 'I wonder if they're edible'. Thanks to Malee for answering that one.

[@karlsthailand]

It was indeed a beautiful spot and Malee was great. Cheers

[@radleysmith7528]

The most authentic jungle trek I've ever watched, nice one guys👍

[@karlsthailand]

It was the real thing alright Radley, an adventure that developed very organically with all the different terrain and personalities. Thanks for your support of Karl’s Thailand

[@kevwandless]

Absolutely beautiful but looked hard work. 555 Karl you talked about the noise... I'd be more worried about what's lurking in the foliage ! 🐍 🐍 🐍

[@karlsthailand]

Of course you're right Kev but I usually just swtch my mind away from what might be lurking around in the undergrowth. Cheers

[@user-bs4vb8vh6m]

Southern Thailand has had 10 months of rain and it rains in large quantities. It is a mountain evergreen forest area. The trees are dense and green all year long and there are many insects.

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, the jungle there was very ‘alive’ and noisy even at midday. Beautiful place. Thanks for

[@Samuel_J_Russell]

That's certainly some of the most verdant jungle you'll see in Thailand and the motorbike ride looked exhilarating. Your hikes are definitely getting more adventurous Karl but I'm beginning to worry about your safety! You nearly came a cropper on those rocks and a bad injury when you're that remote would make things a little inconvenient.

[@karlsthailand]

It was certainly a bit more challenging than we had anticipated Sam. In all honesty I don't think that they are progressing towards the more adventurous, it's just that some are more adventurous than others and it's always been that way. Hope you are well.

[@perolsson4344]

Very nice and what a hike Karl, Eddie and Malee 👍🙂

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks Per...yes, that one turned into quite an adventure!

[@EddieManning]

Hi Per, fancy an easy hike in the jungle? Malee will lead the way and be your tour guide! 555

[@perolsson4344]

@@EddieManning 😃🤣👍555

[@KPDigitalTravel]

You told me about this trip and now I get to witness it. WE LOVE MALEE. ❤

[@karlsthailand]

Malee was brilliant. You both back in Vietnam now?

[@KPDigitalTravel]

@@karlsthailand yeah...flew out on the 28th

[@patchoffizz]

Awesome! That actually looked pretty dangerous. I did a hike on Ko Mook last month, short but fairly intense. People might think some of these trails look like a piece of piss but it’s incredible how much the heat and humidity take it out of you

[@karlsthailand]

It was definitely tougher than we had anticipated. The center of those islands can be so hot and scratchy, pretty hostile terrain in all honesty. Cheers

[@TrippyandDa]

What a daft idea coming down that way 😂 Exactly what I would have done 😊 What an incredible place ❤🇹🇭

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks, I loved the way that adventure just grew and grew organically

[@Nttmf]

Great video mate, what made me laugh were the tour guides. One wearing his wellies and two others wearing flip flops. 😂 But if anyone knows climbing down rocks near water is damn right slippery. You can have the best money can buy but you’ll soon be on your arse. Nice place there at the end, looks fantastic. Can chill out after a day and of course, many beers. Great work, loved the video mate, it’s better than sitting around doing nothing. 👍

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers, yes the locals rarely fail to humble us lol. Yes, I definitely prefer to do something interesting when I can

[@londoncabthailand4028]

Great video Karl, i went and had a laydown after that, thank you again.👍

[@karlsthailand]

Glad you enjoyed it….and that you recovered quickly lol. Thanks

[@marchanson711]

Amazing hike and footage. I am already changing my training regimen to be prepared for downward rock climbs. Massive knee and hip flexibility would seem to be helpful along with a strong core and lumbo-sacral region. My preffered boot for all of your hikes would be the Rocky S2V RKC089 which I am breaking in already. Long flexible pants, and a well-fitting compact pack too. Awesome Karl.

[@karlsthailand]

Marc, your approach is so scientific. Actually I have a bit of that in myself by nature but the reality of running a KZbin channel at a loss and living here is that my kit choices are limited. Perhaps when I have 100,000 plus subscribers or a couple of good sponsors I will be more selective with my kit. I just concentrate on general fitness but in all honesty I no doubt should concentrate on flexibility a bit more. Truth is that we had no time to prepare for that descent as we had no idea about it literally until the momment we began it. Thanks for your input.

[@vegas_vince1238]

I enjoy those scrambles here in Vegas. The way down is always harder than the way up!

[@karlsthailand]

Indeed Vince, totally agree…the way down is nearly always herder. Cheers

[@onshortnotice9600]

Hey Jungle man,a great place to look!😅

[@karlsthailand]

You got that right!. Thanks

[@farangdownunder4724]

Another great adventure Karl. The motorcycle part I enjoyed, not a bad idea mixing your content with some motorcycle adventure and kayaking adventures would be good to watch too. Keep up the great videos Kob Khun Mak khrup 🙏

[@karlsthailand]

In all honesty the channel has always ran at a loss and the way it is right now I just have to throw my adventures together however I can. If the channel grows then I have no shortage of new ideas. Thanks very much.

[@farangdownunder4724]

Slowly but surely my friend ✌️

[@ChasingDreamsInThailand]

Awesome video Karl, man I got tired just watching y’all do all that Lol

[@karlsthailand]

It was definitely tougher than we had anticipated. Cheers

[@MalMilligan]

Blazed through some very heavy bush to get up there and going down was pretty intense. Many rock formations we call "lemon squeezers" in the New York State area... and you made it in very good time. Well done !! Not sure if you know but I was wondering if the national parks have a "Mountain Rescue" Team ? People must get injured in places like that from time to time. I had Dengue in January so I have to wait 6 months for the first round of vaccines for it. After I complete that I'll definately start some easier treks.

[@karlsthailand]

Wow, great to hear from you Mal. Hope you bounce back from the dengue fever. I’ve heard only bad things about it. Cheers

[@andersbergman7241]

Hates slippery rocks. Can cause a lot of misery. Anyway, good job Kalle and friends. 🙏

[@karlsthailand]

Me too Anders, nightmare stuff. I spent as much time as I could on my ar*e, the general idea being that if you’re already on it it’s harder to fall on it lol.Cheers

[@donaldcroom1483]

thrilling stuff. on the descent, two hands were visible much of the time. the camera produced beautiful footage displaying the adversity.

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks Donald. Yes, I used a neck mount for the first time ever, I'm so glad that I had packed it because I had no idea that I would need it. I was pretty pleased with the results, I usually prefer to have one hand on the camera so that I can frame the shots but this was a place that I really needed both hands.

[@Phucket24]

That must be the most challenging climb I’ve seen you do

[@karlsthailand]

It was on some ways although it was pretty short at about 30 minutes. In all honesty we didn’t really know what we were getting into lol. Cheers

[@scottjohnson921]

Love your channel, Karl!

[@karlsthailand]

I appreciate that! Hopefully it will grow and allow me to make content at some point many places I have in mind

[@MrSchijtzooi]

Thanks Karl. Fabulous.

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure, thanks for your comment

[@Brakehill]

Another cracking adventure 👍🙏

[@karlsthailand]

Glad you enjoyed it Paul. Cheers

[@keithd1219]

I know exactly what you guys went through. I went to level 2 at the Pa La-U Waterfall and topping that I did the Vana Nava lazy river. 😮😂

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, those waterfalls can get pretty hairy once you go beyond the tourist path lol. Cheers

[@craigcrabstyle]

Fair Play Karl , The heat must of been immense this time of the year ? must of worked muscles not needed as much as some of your other hikes i'm thinking .

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, it was hot but the hike was intense rather than long but all the components together, like the bike rides etc. is what made it a great adventure. Cheers

[@mythai9593]

Your best yet Karl 👍. I would love to do that, a proper nature trail.

[@karlsthailand]

You should! Leo’s number is the n the video description. If you need and help or advice just let me know. Cheers, yes, I’m pleased with the video but still prefer the “Scary Hike” video from Khao Chang Phueak, Kanchanaburi

[@mythai9593]

@@karlsthailand, that's not far from me at Saiyok.

[@karlsthailand]

It’s a classic hike. Cool Season only I believe and needs to be booked through Thong Pha Phum National Park but it’s a great experience

[@Chris-kn4vf]

That was an amazing adventure. That’s something I’d really love to do myself someday!

[@karlsthailand]

You should! I loved the way the adventure developed from a simple idea...metting Lek and his friends etc. Cheers

[@martywild6359]

Rather you than me, climbing down those rock's mate!

[@karlsthailand]

I hear that comment a lot for some reason lol. Cheers

[@fletcherf69]

Brilliant 👍

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks very much

[@glennhendricks8767]

Awesome adventure thanks!

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it Glenn!

[@loveaodai100]

Well done but probably a bit too dangerous. Curious what the blue stuff was....

[@karlsthailand]

It was a bit tougher than we anticipated for sure. What blue stuff? Cheers

[@loveaodai100]

@@karlsthailand hi Karl... along the stream there was blue color on rocks and appeared to get on clothes etc. Ps. I am from NYC but living in Vietnam the past 30 years. I did a similar hike once and I know that getting through means calculating every step... every move before moving.

[@karlsthailand]

I’m not sure what it was tbh and yes, there’s more to it than meets the eye

[@tobyprice1092]

This is looking a well dodgy climb. Get hurt there and you would be in the s**t. Well done for completing that one. One of the Thai lads doing it in flip flops. The Thais are supple though. The lady doing it easy too.

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, we really didn't fully realise what we were getting into...an adventure though. Cheers

[@727skydivers]

Fever Ray: 'When I Grow Up! (2009) - this electronic masterpiece should be known all over the planet, it is that good!!!

[@karlsthailand]

Which one are you talking about, the track or my video? I watched the Fever Ray track. I thought it was pretty good, a bit gothic/sombre. Cheers

[@liamburns8554]

I foolishly tried to copy the natives and went barefoot. Coming down was worse than going up

[@karlsthailand]

I’ve seen forest Monks doing the barefoot thing in incredible terrain. Definitely not for me. Cheers

[@Steventravels485]

Karl reminds me of a bald Forrest gallante

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks. I don't mind some of his stuff

[@lmarcus8697]

Looks like snake country

[@karlsthailand]

Almost certainly. Cheers

[@2velasquez]

Snake country yikes

[@karlsthailand]

In all honesty I see more snakes in inhabited rural areas out here than in the jungle...but they are there of course. Cheers

[@user-bs4vb8vh6m]

So beautiful place ,It is one of the best sources of ozone in Thailand. 😮🙂🫰😊👍❤️🌴

[@karlsthailand]

I never knew that but I did read about the general good air quality there. Cheers