Unless you have shut yourself from all news, you must be aware that it's wise to avoid visiting certain caves or venturing off the Andaman coast during the monsoon season. However, at several destinations in Thailand, this is the period when the beauty of nature reaches its peak, thus in some ways the best time to be there. Phu Soi Dao is one such place.
Straddling the Thai-Lao border in Uttaradit province, the mountain lends its name to the national park that it is a part of. The higher part of Phu Soi Dao is home to a beautiful natural pine forest, which every year from August to September is brightened by the abundance of ngon nak (Murdannia giganteum) flowers. These light-purple blooms are a major reason so many nature lovers revisit Phu Soi Dao multiple times despite the rain and the arduous trek required to reach the site.
Along the 6.5km trail, there are steep parts to test your physical fitness. Going at your comfortable pace and taking one small step at a time will help you make it to the top. Letting the local porters handle your heavy luggage and camping gear is recommended. Make sure your stuff is protected in a big plastic bag before you hand your things to the porters. You can't blame them if your sleeping gear gets wet because it rains along the way.
Getting up Phu Soi Dao may seem daunting to some. But the fact is, it is pretty safe. The real danger that many visitors, especially newbie hikers, may not be aware of awaits them at the camping area on the hilltop. Spending the night in sleeping gear soaked with chilly water is not the worst thing to expect, and it is preventable if you set up your tent properly. The real potential hazard are those tall pine trees. Having one crash land on your tent in the middle of the night is not unimaginable. Such a case has never happened so far, but several pine trees on Phu Soi Dao have fallen over in the past years. It is worth it to choose the safest spot to pitch your tent and hope you will not be the first victim, especially on a windy night.
It is also important that you not become a threat to Phu Soi Dao yourself. Trampling on the ngon nak flowers for photos or putting your tent over the plant are no-nos. Make sure you and everybody in your group follow all the park's rules strictly.
If you wish to relish the delight of the rainy season in Phu Soi Dao and need more information or any particular arrangements, call the park at 095-629-9528 during office hours.
