Haew Suwat Waterfall

On our first full day in Khao Yai, we took an 11 km hike from the visitor center through the jungle to Haew Suwat Waterfall.  We were required to hire two rangers as guides, which was a good thing because the trail was essentially nonexistent in places.  In other places, the trail forked, so naturally we took it (sensu Yogi Berra).

Leaving the visiting center, we crossed a suspension bridge over the stream.

11 km up and down inclines.  The students had to be in good shape to handle this hike.

Sambar deer.

Here's a white-handed gibbon, which half the group will go to see with a more focused program tomorrow.

After 4.5 hours, the group reached the first of two waterfalls.  In this waterfall, they were allowed to swim.

Haew Suwat waterfall was substantially uphill from the first waterfall.  This waterfall was featured in the Leon Decaprio movie "The Beach."  Since we're in the dry season, the waterfall isn't nearly as spectacular as it is otherwise.

In the evening, we have dinners catered at the guest house.  Here the kids are enjoying kai yat sai, gang keyoh wahn, and mushroom grapow.

Our Thai friends who lead us on the gibbon and bird walks go last, although Ajarn Wayne can frequently be seen lurking for unclaimed goodies.

Phet gave the students a fun puzzle game of trying to identify the birds by uncovering one puzzle piece at a time.  She even made prizes of customized bags with bird pictures on them.  The winner of the contest was Grace.