HOT Magazine HOT Magazine - Issue 11, 12 Volume 5 | Page 37

Phu Chi Fa
We start off with one of the
northernmost points of the country,
well known for its mountainous
landscape and lush green scenery.
Held above the might of Chiang
Rai’s Thoeng District is Phu Chi Fa
mountain area and national park,
part of the north eastern part of the
Phi Pan Nam range that stretches
all the way east and borders the Lao
People’s Democratic Republic. Phu
Chi Fa’s highest peak reaches up
more than a kilometre and a half,
standing at 1,628 metres. Tourists
are often attracted by the beauty
of the scenery witnessed from the
top. In cold winter mornings it is
customary to see a large blanket of
mist covering part of the mountain
ranges, whilst the tallest peaks peek
out over the top almost as observers
of the spectacle. Standing atop of this
scene, one can almost feel as if he’s
recreating the Wanderer above the
Sea of Fog, the famous 19th century
painting by artist. Kasper David
Friedrich. Temperatures in Phu Chi
Fa will drop to about 15 degrees, so
a jacket is definitely advisable. If you
like animals, this is your place too.
A significant array of animals and
including boars, deer and civets all
call the place home.
Khao Chang Phuak
Next we move down a little further
centre to the iconic province of
Kanchanaburi. This province is well
known for its history, its symbolic
bastion during World War Two, its
fantastic waterfalls and it’s great
scenery and outdoor activities. But
few will go to spend a few days up
the hills and mountain tops, of which
it also boasts. Our pick for this one
is Khao Chang Phueak. Located in
Tong Pha Phum district, Khao Chang
Phueak overlooks Kanchanaburi
majestically. A trek up the mountain
will lead you directly to the a spot
perfect for sightseeing. The trek,
which takes about four to five hours
depending on your speed, takes you
through flora and fauna up Sharp
Mountain Ridge – known by this
nickname due to the narrowness of
its walkway. Past this and at the top
of the 1,250 metre mountain, is a view
to die for. The visitor limit however
is 60 people a day, so it’s advisable
to make sure you’ll get your chance
by calling ahead. Visitors mostly stay
overnight and leave the morning
after, to mark the end of a fantastic
little trek.
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