Day 4, Thursday 6 December - Ban Krut Beach

Heading north..... Today I have a rough plan to utilize the motorbike again. It promises to be another hot sunny day, but eventually I hope to visit Hauy Yang National Park with its waterfall providing some respite but first a welcome coffee awaits me. In contrast to yesterday I'm heading north, the next town of any size being Thap Sakae but as I exit the beach road I stop at Wat Thong Chai, the local place of worship, during lunch post the 11.00 service and offering to the monks. I take photos of a recently constructed addition to the temple complex and note the pride this brings to the monks and community alike.
Phra Phut Kiti Sirichai Pagoda..... This pagoda is constructed on the summit of a promontory or headland which forms the northern limit of Ban Krut bay. It can be seen for miles around and similarly the views from the pagoda are breathtaking indeed. I now head there. At the base of the pagoda is a large Buddhist statue beyond which there is no vehicle access. A not uncommon long stairway leads to the summit and the pagoda itself. The grandeur of Phra Phut Kiti Sirichai Pagoda is hard to comprehend. It's not surprising that the budget for construction of this pagoda was 231 million baht about 7.5 million dollars, all raised from private donations. While the project looks complete, donations are still accepted for golden tiles that are needed to complete the roof. On closer inspection I can see where they are needed. I have paused here for longer than expected having underestimated this location, if only for the magnificent views of Ban Krut Bay and the views to the north in the direction I am next heading.
Thap Sakae..... From Phra Phut Kiti Sirichai Pagoda there is no coastal road all the way to Thap Sakae some 20 kilometres away. However, I do take rural roads which come into sight off the beach on occasions and crisscross the railway line eventually bringing the station into view at Thap Sakae. Here I make the pilgrimage to the platform for my usual photo shoot but also notice various forms of transport with their riders waiting patiently in the shade. I wasn't expecting a train but the train to Surat Thani is late, so late in fact I cannot stay without prejudicing my trip to Hauy Yang National Park. I must be off.
Hauy Yang National Park..... Time is ticking on. I reach the Petchkasem Highway from the town not far away but from here I'm told it's 10 kilometres in the direction of Prachuap Khiri Khan and a further 5 to the park. The distance finally adds up to 17 so by the time I reach the park it's 4 pm.
Nam Tok Huay Yang National Park is the 70th National Park proclaimed in Thailand, in 1991. It covers an area of 161 square kilometers with scenic forested mountains, diversified by tropical flora and fauna coupled with several tributaries flowing down into the Gulf of Thailand. Entry is 100 baht for foreigners. There is just enough time to cover the five levels and take photographs. From this location it is also possible to make a five-hour trek to the summit of Khao Luang, 1,250 metres but regrettably neither do I have the time nor stamina at present to participate. Keeping an eye on the time, I head back down noting that of the fauna listed in the guide I only managed to see a squirrel plus the native species of fish, the Mahseer Barb. It's clear that again I have not done this justice through lack of time, but I'm hoping to complete the return trip at least before dark. To achieve this I need to make this motorcycle trip non-stop. I travel back along the main Petchkasem Highway naturally flowing with traffic especially trucks. Thankfully I make the turning to the coast before dark albeit arriving at Ban Krut in fading light. I stop for dinner; it's after 6 pm, but I'm well aware of my limitations feeling saddle sore and in no hurry to dismount. Whatever other plans I had, it's unwise to expand my radius beyond the 40 kilometres I just covered by this mode of transport. Dinner consumed, I head back to Proudthai Resort. As this day ends I have no plan for the next day apart from returning the motorbike.
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