5
Vern Lovic -
5 years ago
This is my main exercise - I've been up this hiking trail 400+ times over the last 10 years. There is a lot to say about this trail - including some warnings of snakes you might encounter. I created a huge PDF file - free - which gives all the information you could possibly want to know. Find it online at SeeKrabi.
This is a 3.7 kilometer hike from the bottom of the trail to the highest peak, which is 500 meters in elevation (above sea level). Roundtrip is the same way you climb up, so total is 7.4 km. It will take a fit person about 90 minutes to climb, and 90 minutes to descend the trail. Or, if you are very fit - an hour each way - without stopping. You will probably spend at least 30 minutes at the top, so factor all of this into your plan.
The trail is technical for running, but for walking, not too bad. There isn't any steep rock climbing, but they are building a couple sections of wooden steps over the difficult parts.
It is hot under the rainforest canopy. Bring two liters of water for each person. Bring a snack for the top to give you energy, you'll need it.
The forest gets dark around 5:30 pm. It is very dark around 6:30 pm at sunset. The trees are thick and the light does not get through. It takes some people 2.5 hours to get up to the peak, and another 2.5 hours to get down. If you twist an ankle, it will take you a long time. You will need a torch (flashlight) if you are going to be on the trail after 7 pm.
Charge your phone and let someone at your hotel know you are going. There is a sign-in sheet - so put your phone number there so rangers can call if you're not back by dark and come and find you if it's late at night and you are lost or injured.
Do not leave the main trail. Do return on the same trail you followed up. There is no other path that comes down to the same starting point at the trailhead.
This is a national park. They will begin charging money for entrance anytime now as they are making 'improvements' like steps. The trail is not so natural anymore, they have bulldozed the path to clear it of most rocks and roots. They are still doing work to remove roots.
There is one main snake you should look out for. Google the Malayan Pit Viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma). I have seen a couple of them on the trail. Their bite is horrendous because their venom is very strong. You won't die from this snake on the trail, but there will be destruction of tissue and bleeding from places you'd rather not bleed from.
There are 50-300 people per day climbing the trail. You will have company in daylight. Gone are the days of 10 people on the entire trail, unfortunately!
Again, get the free PDF for it - Krabi Jungle Trekking Guide – Ngorn Nak (Hang Nak) Mountain. It will help immensely.
Have fun, this is one of the top things to do in Krabi. The big problem is transportation to here but SeeKrabi can handle that if you contact them.