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CopyrightŠ1998, The NESSThai
Splash!
One of several stages of a waterfall in Phang Nga province, Southern Thailand. This waterfall is in the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park. |
A few hours spent climbing up beside this several-staged waterfall and we were exhausted. The water towards the top is clear and safe to drink! We each drank a litre or so, and none were the worse for wear later. | |
Southern Thailand has many small rivers and water ways. Most of which run from the uplands down the spine of the peninsular, east or west, to the sea. There are three mountain ranges in the peninsular, all offshoots of the Tenasserim, and all running close together in a roughly north-south direction. They divide the southern region into east and west, with the west receiving the highest rainfall. In fact, the west coast region of Ranong has the highest rainfall in Thailand, receiving around 5,000 millimetres annually.
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An upland water way in Trang
province. After several hours idling away the day by more popular rivers and waterfalls,
we decided to head higher and found ourselves alone at this secluded place. |
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It
is much easier to keep a cool heart in the cool of a river than in the heat of the sun. |
Whether just sitting up to one's waist in a pool, or sliding and splashing down a smooth water-course, this is a great place for families to spend a hot summer's day.
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| On hot days in April, there is little more pleasurable than a day spent splashing and sliding in a cool forest-fed river. |
Whoosh! |
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"It's my turn next" |
These children have little fear of the water. But, for all that waterways have been and still are so central to Thailand, many Thai are unable to swim. | |
| It's not only waterfalls which attract people during the heat of the day. Water courses anywhere provide cool places to sit and talk, flirt and play. |
The Ta Pratu River in Trang is a popular place to cool off. Entering the water near a temple, this woman's inability to swim made her the butt of some gentle ridicule and laughter. |
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Khao Chong National Park in Trang has this splendid waterfall with clear, sweet-smelling water. The rains had been scarce when we went there, but it must be a torrent after a storm. |
Swimming and bathing in a tropical waterfall and associated pools is surely one of the greatest joys for any from colder climes. But before you think of washing hair or using soap, remember these water ways can ill afford the added nutrients this will bring, nor the litter sometimes left behind. |
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| Water courses and
the sea also provide sustenance for many people in South East Asia. Fish are still the
main source of protein for rural communities in Thailand. Their central position in the
Thai diet is shown in the question "Have you eaten yet?" "Tan khao tan pla
reu yang?" translating literally as "Have you eaten rice and fish yet?".
For some more pictures and stories of fishing in Thailand, take a look at the Fisheries Page in this Photo Gallery Feature. |
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