Preeyanoot Jittawong
Nowadays, many tourists enjoy getting off the beaten track, preferring to
experience the wonders of nature rather than man-made marvels. Eco-tourism
is booming, bringing welcome Dollars, Pounds and Euros to the country-side
rather than to the towns and cities. Forests get taken care of and local
people earn income, guiding eager eco-tourists along the twisting leafy
trails that most people rarely see. Such a trail, in the mysterious green
wilderness of Umphang forest, Tak will bring nature-loving tourists to the
banks of a wide stream wending its way through the trees; and in the
distance can be heard the sound of cascading, tumbling water. Rounding the
final bend reveals the reason for this guided tour; one of the most
beautiful sights in South-east Asia, Thee Lor Su waterfall. Many people may
have heard of the beauty of Thee Lor Su, but never have the chance to visit.
From the town of Umphang, turn left after 9 km.and follow the road to Baan
Mae Chan until reaching the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. The route starts at
the sign indicating Thee Lor Su and from now on, tourists will face 25 km.
of a very rough road; and although that will make the trip more adventurous
and exciting, it will severely test the stamina of anybody who has indulged
themselves at the dinner-table instead of the track or gymnasium. In the
rainy season, this road is closed; and anyone wishing to visit the area at
this time, taking a raft from downtown would be the easier option!
After completing the tough and dusty 25 Km. hike, we come to a camping area
at the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. Tourists then have to walk about 1.5 km.
through a rain-forest—the sounds of the waterfall becoming clearer with each
step. In fact as the sound of the tumbling water gets louder most tourists
walk faster in order to reach the destination as soon as they can. When they
finally reach the falls, everyone will be amazed and awestruck with the
majesty of the cascading water revealed to their view. It is the No.1
waterfall in South East Asia with the spray reaching the evergreen shroud of
branches below. Thee Lor Su comes from the Karen language which means black
waterfall. The elevation of this great waterfall is 900 m. above sea-level.
It is roughly the width of 5 football fields, and its height is 200-300
meters. Thee Lor Su is located on a limestone mountain that has a strong
stream throughout the year and is worth visiting every season; but the
beautiful waterfall becomes truly magnificent and awe-inspiring when the
stream goes into full spate during the rainy season. Tumbling over the lip
of a limestone cliff the water cascades in steps from a height of 400
meters, the stream bursts into clouds of spray at each level of the cliff,
with sunlight in the morning causing the violet and indigo hues of rainbows
to arc across the face of the falls; and the spray to splash all over the
mountain. The source of the waterfall is Huay Klor Thor, a large lake that
drains into the stream tumbling its way down the mountain creating the falls
we know as Thee Lor Su.
This waterfall is not only the largest and most beautiful waterfall in
Thailand, but it is also number six of most beautiful and largest waterfalls
in the world. Even though it is a tough journey to reach the waterfall,
experiencing the beauty in front of us, makes our weariness disappear. After
standing in awe at the sight of of Thee Lor Su Waterfall and recovering
after a good nights rest, one further thing makes the arduous hike
worthwhile causing us to forget our weary legs and aching joints. Dawn!
Doi Hua Mod is a high mountain with clear land around the summit, which is
971 meters above sea-level. On this mountain, the rocky soil means there are
no tall trees but only small trees and bushes all around. Seen from below,
the upper slopes look like a green carpet studded with rocks, trees, and
flowers. Tourists should always summon the energy to walk up to look at the
beautiful scenery and wait patiently to see the pearly light of a new day.
As the rising sun slowly casts its rays over the scenery in front of us, the
crags are etched in sharp relief and fingers of light stretch out and play
over the ghostly clouds of the mysterious fog below. On the way back down,
tourists will see beautiful white Bauhinias amidst ethereal pockets of mist
that the questing fingers of sunlight have yet to reach. It is an amazing
picture, as though in a fantasy world. Everyone who visits Thee Lor Su
cannot fail to be awed and will never be disappointed with the miracle and
beauty of nature
Getting ready for a trip to
Thee Lor Su waterfall
25 km. of very tough road
Walking to Thee Lor Su
waterfall amidst the beauty of nature
Waiting to take photos of the
sunrise
Experiencing the beautiful
scenery at dawn on Doi Hua Mod
The sun rises
Bauhinia
Clear road in the morning and
beautiful scenery
Adventurous path to 2nd level
of the waterfall
Tourists gaze at the beauty of
the waterfall
