Expectations are not always met, especially when you rely on a satellite image map to base your trip on or encounter someone who tells you, you can't camp here! We thought we would be able to set up camp on the edge of a cliff, after all there was a dirt track leading right there - so why not!
The location was central Thailand at a place called Moh Hin Khao, aka, The Stonehenge of Thailand.
We had zoomed in and out of Google Maps and knew which offroad tracks to take and where they would lead. We also had an idea of places to avoid and places to try and visit.
Source: Google Maps
https://goo.gl/maps/udk47j8LvRe6H1K89
Since 'some' of the area was registered as official national park land, we knew that we had to get permission to enter with a dog. We have past experience that although there is a written 'no dogs' rule at all national parks, it is usually considered a case by case decision if we are allowed to enter or not. The busier or closer to Bangkok the NP is, the less likely we are to be allowed in - the opposite goes for the NPs further away where we usually don't have to worry.
We knew the Pha Hua Nak National Park had a good viewpoint (green box on the map screenshot). A famous cliff edge gave amazing views out to the west and we wanted to tick it off on our 'places been/places seen' list.
Upon arrive at the NP gate house we brought up the topic of dogs and asked if it was ok. The first ranger had no problems and was about to lift the barrier until her supervisor overheard and refused our entry. Some polite back and forths but no luck.
They informed us there were other places of interest to see and suggested that we camp at the designated campground (blue box on the map screenshot) just back down the road.
Although we had missed the official viewpoint we knew we were still allowed to visit the rock formations in the area and that access wouldn't be a problem.
But we still wanted to see the view! And camp on the edge of the cliff, rather than at the designated campground on the side of the road with the crowds!
The red box area on the screenshot map above was our main target. We knew the view would be similar and would also be an adventure trying to get there. An old track, slightly overgrown could still be followed and led us close enough.
A sandy track opened out to a small grassy type of savannah lined with flat slab rock towards the cliff edge.
We drove as far as we could and then continued on foot to the cliff. We couldn't find any kind of path so just B-lined it in the direction we thought and followed our little blue GPS dot on the map.
Our first B-line was disappointing! We had reached the edge but there wasn't a cliff or view. Instead the hillside sloped away into thick undergrowth and taller trees blocked us from seeing anything.
Source: Google Maps
https://goo.gl/maps/8tdGL4HKX2h9hgpz5
We were confident that there would be a better spot so decided to walk further and over some of the larger rocks in a northeast direction - at least that's what looked promising on the map.
As we neared, the slab rock became flatter, the skyline began to drop away and there were fewer trees. Getting excited we hurried over to the edge following our dog who must have thought she was in fact the one to lead us to the viewpoint and claimed her arrival by standing tall looking out to the view, as if to say "here is it, come and have a look"!
Thinking that the viewpoint would make an excellent camping spot, since it had views, a nice fresh breeze and flat rocks we did however know that we wouldn't be able to drive the truck as far as this. We walked back and tried to plan where to stay and thought that the spot we had driven to and parked to get here would be fine, after all it would only be a short walk up in the morning to watch the morning shadows over the valley below and it was out in the middle of nature.
Luckily for us, before we had even started to unpack and fold open the tent a park ranger and small group of walkers passed by. He was leading them to the viewpoint we had just been to. He didn't have a problem that we drove there ourselves, probably why there were no signs or gates to stop people but did ask where we were going and told us that we could only camp at the designated campground!
We reluctantly left the view that we would have had across the small grassy savannah and drove to the correct place as to not cause any trouble.
We drove the short distance back to the hardtop and chose a spot to set up camp. We still had an hour of sunlight left so decided to walk down to the Moh Hin Khao rock formation.
The only sign at the rock park was the name. Unfortunately there was no signage to explain the history or geology of the rocks. Obviously they had been created through some kind of erosion, mostly likely a mixture or wind and rain but this was just a guess! We had no idea what kind of rock they were made from or from which time period in history!
A little research later from wikipedia found the following information.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mo_Hin_Khao
The campground was a little busier then we had hoped but we managed to find a slightly quieter corner.
A frog in the toilet was a nice addition as it distracted you from looking elsewhere and seeing just how dirty it was in the cubicles!
We were hopeful that the night would be cold and so left all the tent doors and windows open to allow a constant breeze and minimise any insulation. Our sleeping bags are rated for some very cold temperatures and it's hard to test them properly while in Thailand. Even at a moderate 12c we were both pretty hot!
Not to let our dog feel left out or any less comfortable, we brought her soft, fluffy and warm dog bed along for the trip. It normally gets wedged in among all the bags and gear on the rear seats of the truck so that she can sleep comfortably without sliding around as we drive - especially on the bumpy dirt tracks.
We thought she might like it to sleep in at night in the tent but apparently no! Sharing my sleeping bag and using it as a blanket, stretched out as long as her legs could stretch was much more comfortable!
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All content is original: the photos (unless stated), the writing and the adventure!