Talk:Umphang/Listings

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Amphoe Umphang is about 259 km from Tak town. It is a district bordering with the Union of Myanmar and the largest district of Thailand. Originally, many Karen people lived here. Then, Thai people in the North migrated into the area and a large community was established. Umphang was once a gateway town on the western border subject to Uthai Thani Province. It was also a checkpoint for the Burmese people who crossed the border to trade in Thai territory. While travelling in the forest, Burmese merchants kept their border pass in a bamboo tube with a cover to protect it from rain and tear. When arriving at the checkpoint in Umphang, they uncovered the container and produced the document to the checkpoint officers for being stamped. The border pass is pronounced in Karen language as “Um Pha.” The word was gradually changed to “Umphang,” and it became the name of the area known as the district of Umphang nowadays.

To get there: From Bangkok, follow Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) via Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Chainat, Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet, to Tak, totalling 425 km. Take a left turn, about 7 km before reaching Tak town, to Highway No. 105 (Tak – Mae Sot route) and go along to Amphoe Mae Sot, totalling 86 km. From Amphoe Mae Sot, take a left turn to Highway No. 1090 (Mae Sot – Umphang route) and drive further to Amphoe Umphang on the twisting and complicated path of 1,219 curves along the Thanon Thong Chai range for 164 km. This path is known as a ‘sky road.’ The drive from Mae Sot to Umphang takes 4 – 5 hours. The total distance is 689 km from Bangkok to Umphang.

Note: It is suggested that travellers should drive with special caution and use a high performance vehicle, which is in good condition, since the road runs through the mountain range and has many bends. There is a rest area around Km 84 where food and beverages are available. Those who are carsick should take medicine before travelling.

Ban Boran Umphang is a small community living a simple way of life. Most houses are made of wood with one storey. The roofs are made of local materials, such as leaves of a Phluang tree, wooden shingles, terracotta tiles, etc. The houses built on stilts have an open ground floor. There is a set of stairs in the front of the house. A bench is set in parallel to the portico. The fence is made of log slabs. Nowadays, these traditional houses can still be seen. The Ban Boran Club manages to provide knowledge and understanding of the traditional houses to the owners as a way to develop their houses to become a cultural attraction. For further details, contact the Ban Boran Club. Tel. 0 5556 1287.

Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary It covers a total area of 1,619,280 rai and has been maintained as a conservation forest to preserve natural resources. This western woodland is also an origin of a World Heritage Site. Most of the areas are complicated high mountains. It is very cool between November and February. Most trees are species of a rain forest and a deciduous forest. Wild animals found are clouded leopard, Malayan tapir serow, hawk, pelican, etc. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1989.

Places of Interest in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary

Namtok Thi Lo Su: The word “Thi Lo Su” in Karen language means a black waterfall. It is located in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, 3 km from the headquarters. This large waterfall is on a limestone mountain, 900 m above sea level. It originates from Klo Tho Creek cascading along a steep cliff. This multi-tiered waterfall flows strongly all year round. It is around 500 m wide and about 300 m high, and surrounded by an intact rain forest. It ranks among the world’s six most beautiful waterfalls. Visitors should pay special caution while walking through the cascades at each tier.

To get there:

By car - From Amphoe Umphang, follow the Umphang – Mae Sot route and take a left turn at Km 161 (Ban Mae Klong Mai) to De Lo Pass or the “Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary” checkpoint for 30 km. Visitors should use a pick-up truck or a four-wheel drive car which has high performance. During the rainy season, it is impossible for a car to access the sanctuary. To visit the waterfall, visitors are required to use a rubber dinghy and walk to the headquarters before going further for around 3 km on foot to the waterfall. Admission fees: 20 Baht/person, 30 Baht/car.

Rafting: Visitors can contact tour companies providing the activity in Amphoe Umphang via the Umphang Tourism Promotion and Conservation Club. Tel. 0 5556 1338.

Namtok Thi Lo Cho or Namtok Saifon It is 3 km from Amphoe Umphang. Follow the Umphang – Ban Pa La Tha route and take a right turn for around 1 km. The first tier of the waterfall is around 80 m high on a steep cliff. The second tier flows to the Mae Klong River. Its rapidly flowing stream against boulders causes sprays of water that look like falling rain from the sky, and a rainbow is therefore created. If visitors arrive at the waterfall around 9.00 a.m., they will witness the beautiful rainbow. The sprays of water also dampen the surrounding area and enable the growth of moss and lichen to appear all year round. This waterfall is accessible by a rubber dinghy along the Mae Klong River from Amphoe Umphang, taking about 30 minutes.

Namtok Se Pla It is located in Se Pla village, Tambon Mae Lamung, 3 km from Pa La Tha village. This waterfall on a limestone mountain flows in tiers, and is 10 m wide and 50 m long. Its flowing stream against boulders looks like a beautiful white cloud.

Namtok Thi Lo Re It is located on a gorge in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, featuring a cave-like cliff on a bank of the Mae Klong River. The main stream of water flows along the high steep cliff into the Mae Klong River from the height of 80 m amidst the beauty of nature. This waterfall is an ideal place for nature and adventure lovers. It is advisable to take the Umphang – Ban Pa La Tha route, starting from the Karen village of Pa La Tha on a rubber dinghy along the Mae Klong River for around 3 days. Note: Visitors must prepare their own meals and equipment for a two-night stay along the way.

Doi Hua Mot It is located in Umphang village, featuring a stretch of limestone mountains of 30 km long and 2 km wide. There are no large trees on these mountains; only small grasses, such as cycad and Thian pa (Impatiens calcicola), grow in general. Wildflowers can be seen in full bloom during the rainy season. There is also a scattering of boulders. The mountains viewed from the ground look like a green carpet dotted with boulders, plants, Thian pa and various wildflowers. On the top, visitors can enjoy a view of Umphang village and intertwining mountain ranges, as well as scenic surroundings. Viewpoints are provided for visitors to admire the sunrise and sunset. A sea of morning mist, particularly at the beginning of the cool season, can be seen.

To get there: Take the Umphang – Ban Pa La Tha route to Doi Hua Mot for around 10 km. There are two viewpoints: the first at Km 9 plus a 20 – minute – mountain walk, and the second at Km 10 -- take a left turn to the parking lot and a further 5 – minute walk. It is suggested to arrive at Doi Hua Mot before sunrise around 5.00 – 6.00 a.m. On the mountain top, it is rather cool and the wind blows all the time.

Tham Takhobi It is located in Mae Klong village. This large cave with a high ceiling has a wide path in tiers and many walking lines inside. Its stalagmites and stalactites are attractive. The cave is around 3 km in depth. Visitors can walk through it to Mae Klong Mai village.

To get there: Take the Mae Klong Mai – Namtok Thi Lo Su route from Amphoe Umphang for around 3 km.

Accommodation: The Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary has provided an area for visitors who bring their own tents. The service fee is 20 Baht/person/night. Tents are also available for rent at the headquarters. It is suggested for visitors to bring their own foodstuff. Kitchen utensils are available upon request. For more information, contact the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Amphoe Umphang, Tak 63170. Tel. 0 5550 0706, 0 5550 0919 – 20.

To get there: Follow Highway No. 105 (Tak – Mae Sot route) for around 96 km and switch to Highway No. 1090 (Mae Sot – Umphang route) to Amphoe Umphang. The total distance is around 164 km.

Amazing Hill This is the second amazing hill of Tak. It is located on the Umphang – Ban Pa La Tha route, just past Km 16 for around 500 m. A car, without starting the engine, can run up the hill from a test point. A sea of mist can be also viewed at this hill.

Do

Activities in Amphoe Umphang

Routes to Study the Hill Tribe Ways of life

The Karen Village of Pa La Tha This ancient Karen village is located on the bank of the Mae Klong River in Amphoe Umphang. It is a developed village, having an electricity supply, a health unit, and a school. The people here still wear their traditional dress. There is a loom in each house; cloth is woven for personal use only. Pigs and chickens are raised as food and elephants as a vehicle for travel and transportation. Most Karen people earn a living from farming. To get there: From Amphoe Umphang, take the Umphang – Ban Pa La Tha route for around 27 km to the Karen village of Pa La Tha. From the village, visitors can take a forest trek or an elephant ride to the Karen village of Kho Tha and Namtok Thi Lo Su. The village is also a starting point for a rubber dinghy trip along the Mae Klong River to Namtok Thi Lo Re.

The Karen Village of Thi Pho Chi This village maintains their culture and traditional way of life. Their houses are roofed with natural materials found in the locality, such as tree leaves and barks. The villagers earn a living from paddy farming, cloth-weaving, etc. Elephants are kept as a vehicle. The village is deep in a forest. To get there: On foot or by elephant ride only.

The Karen Village of Ruesi Le Tong Khu This village practises traditions distinguishing from the ones of other Karens. They have a hermit or Ruesi as the centre of respect. The most important tradition is to offer a torch of fire as a gesture of paying homage to the revered hermit master around December every year. The hermit resides in a temple. Here, the important item is maintained: the ancient piece of over 400-year ivory carved in images of Lord Buddha in the attitude of meditation from the base to the end of the tusk.

To get there: Take the Umphang – Mae Klong Mai route to the Karen village of Poeng Khloen. Go further on foot for around 16 km to the village of Ruesi Le Tong Khu. A letter of permission is required one month in advance. For further details, contact the Border Patrol Police Division 347. Tel. 0 5556 1008. (Visitors are not advisable to travel on their own.)

Whitewater Rafting and Trekking

Tha Sai – Namtok Thi Lo Su Visitors can use different ways to access Namtok Thi Lo Su. Sail a rubber dinghy along the Mae Klong River from Amphoe Umphang to Tha Sai for 3 hours and walk to the waterfall. Alternatively, take a four-hour boat trip to the rapids of Mo Ki Do and walk to the headquarters of the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, and walk another 3 km to the waterfall. Or walk a 25 km distance from Ban De Lo to the waterfall, taking 7 hours.

Pa La Lha – Kho Tha – Thi Lo Su This route starts from Ban Pa La Tha to Namtok Thi Lo Su, totalling 25 km for 6 hours. Visitors can have an overnight stay en route at Ban Kho Tha, the Karen village in the heart of forest. The villagers live a simple way of life. Most of them earn a living by raising elephants.

Namtok Thi Lo Re – Ban Pa La Tha This route is a walk back from Namtok Thi Lo Re through Namtok Niranam, Huai Din Daeng, Namtok Se Pla, Ban Se Pla, to Ban Pa La Tha. It runs through a thick forest and alternates with hills. Wild animals may be seen on the way. It is advisable to take an elephant ride and alternate it with trekking. The total distance is 30 km for 8 – 10 hours. Visitors have to prepare equipment for an overnight stay in the forest and bring their own meal.

Note: For visitors who are interested in whitewater rafting and trekking routes, contact the Umphang Tourism Conservation and Promotion Club. Tel. 0 5556 1338.

Whitewater Rafting on the Mae Klong River

Umphang – Namtok Thi Lo Su This route starts from Umphang town and along the Umphang Creek to the Mae Klong River. The river trip passes through the beauty of nature and drops by Namtok Thi Lo Cho, a waterfall flowing from the top of a steep high cliff. This is a rest point for playing in the water. Sprays of water caused by the waterfall look like falling rain. The raft goes further along a hot stream to Kaeng Ta Kho Bi, the most popular rapids among visitors, and passes Pha Phueng, Pha Bo, to Tha Sai. The total distance of the river trip takes around 3 hours. A further trip by car, one in good condition and with high performance, to the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary will take around 45 minutes. Then, visitors have to walk on to Namtok Thi Lo Su for around 45 minutes. During the rainy season, the road is closed; a car is not allowed to pass between 1 June and 30 November each year. Visitors can have an overnight stay at the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. For more information, contact the Umphang Tourism Conservation and Promotion Club. Tel. 0 5556 1338.

The Karen Village of Pa La Tha – Namtok Thi Lo Re This route starts from Ban Pa La Tha and passes the Karen village of Kho Tha. There are large trees on the banks and wild animals may be spotted en route. Many points of the rapids are along the way to Thi Lo Su Waterfall. Kaeng Le Ke Ti, the first and large rapids, stretches for several kilometres along small waterfalls to Kaeng Khon Mong. The rapids go against numerous boulders before reaching Kaeng Ka So Chi Le, the last rapids. The raft goes further to the river curve where there is a cliff that looks like a cave on the riverside. Here, Namtok Thi Lo Re has its main stream of water falling beautifully from the cliff of the limestone mountain down into the Mae Klong River. This is the end of the whitewater rafting adventure on the Mae Klong River. It is rated at 3 – 4 levels of difficulty. Note: Visitors have to prepare equipment for a two-night stay in the forest and bring their own meal.

Period for Rafting: The best time falls between November and May. Rafting is very dangerous during the rainy season since there are strong currents and water depth makes it difficult to control the raft. Thus, it is not advisable to do it.

Preparation for Rafting: Seasonal rafting can be done with no risk caused by nature because the currents are not so strong and the river is not deep or wide; its banks are only 8 – 10 m away from each side of the raft. However, visitors should be cautious while being on the raft and prepare themselves for an enjoyable and safe trip as follows:-

Wear clothes and shoes that are not so thick or tight.
Wear a hat to avoid the sun’s heat.
Wear a life jacket, especially those who cannot swim.
Have a rope of around 30 – 50 m in length for being used in case of emergency.
Water proof or plastic bags for keeping a camera.
Bags for collecting garbage to be disposed of on land.

For a rafting activity, contact a tour company. Accommodation in Amphoe Umphang may be contacted via tour companies. Rafting fees are subject to the number of persons and the duration of rafting.

Agro-tourism

Apart from natural attractions, there are also agro-tourism attractions in Amphoe Phop Phra, Tak: centres of flowers and agricultural produce can be found on the Mae Sot – Phop Phra – Umphang route. From Amphoe Mae Sot, follow Highway No. 1090 and take a left turn at Km 28 for 1 km to Suan Thep Phithak, covering an area of over 900 rai. This plantation has a new species of pomegranate named “Thapthim Si Panya,” which has sweet juicy red seeds. Other fruits grown here are tangerines: Som Si Thong and Som Sai Namphueng, and custard apple. Further details, contact Khun Buppha Chainok at Tel. 0 5552 0295 and 0 1785 5087. Go further along Highway No. 1090 to around Km 29, (500 m away from Suan Thep Phithak), you will reach Suan Sai Thong a rose garden, where there are thorn-free red roses and spiny species of white and pink roses. Here, the roses are large with bright colour and long stems. For more information, contact at Tel. 0 5552 0111 and 0 1785 1420. Located near an entrance to the Naktok Pha Charoen National Park is Suan Kulap Pha Charoen, a large scale garden of roses and marigolds; the flowers are large with bright colour and long stems. For further information, contact at Tel. 0 5552 0021. Visitors are welcome to visit these agro-farms and farm products are available for sale.

Long Kaeng (Whitewater Rafting)

Long Kaeng on Lamnam Mae Lamao Lamnam Mae Lamao or Mae Lamao River originates from a mountain range in Amphoe Phop Phra and Amphoe Umphang, and flows to the north through Mae Lamao village in Amphoe Mae Sot to merge with the Moei River at Wang Pha Village in Amphoe Mae Ramat. The one and a half hour river trip on a rubber boat starts at Km 50 on Highway No. 105 (Tak – Mae Sot route). It goes through the surrounding nature of a forest and mountain, winding along rock barriers in the river course. Visitors can enjoy studying species of aquatic plants and birds.

Long Kaeng on Lamnam Mae Tuen The trip starts at the Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary and proceeds along the Mae Tuen River. Beautiful nature can be seen on both of the river banks; there are wild orchids and various species of birds. Visitors will experience the way of life of the hilltribe people and study ancient history. As for accommodation, they can stay in a camp at the Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary or on a raft at Ko Valentine.

Sleep

Amphoe Umphang

(อุ้มผางการท่องเที่ยว) 4 Mu 1 (Tel: 0 5556 1374), 2 rooms: 100-500 baht
Ban Bon Doi (บ้านบนดอย) 472 Mu 1 (Tel: 0 5551 1279, 0 1887 9425), 7 rooms: 100-500 baht
Ban Huey Nam Yen (บ้านห้วยน้ำเย็น) 107 Mu 3, Tambon Umphang (Tel: 0 5556 1092-3 Bangkok Tel: 0 2377 5370), 8 rooms: 500 baht
Ban Phak Rim Nam Pa Ka (บ้านน้ำริมป่าคา) 339 Mu 1 (Tel: 0 5556 1028), 7 houses: 200-800 baht
Ban Suan Bunyaphorn (บ้านสวนบุญญาภรณ์) 41 Mu 1 Umphang Road (Tel: 0 5556 1093 Bangkok Tel: 0 2589 4307), 13 rooms (8 houses): 450-650 baht
Ban Suan Sak (บ้านสวนสัก) 493 Mu 1 (Tel: 0 5556 1169, 0 1886 5803), 16 rooms: 100-1,000 baht
Bun Chuay Camping Tour (บุญช่วย แค้มป์ปิ้ง ทัวร์) 360 Mu 1 Prawet Phaiwan Road (Tel: 0 5556 1020), 7 rooms: 100-500 baht
Bun Lam (บุญล่ำ) 438 Mu 1 Sukhum Wattana Road, Tambon Umphang (Tel: 0 5556 1021, 0 1887 0653), 14 houses: 100-500 baht/person
Camp Suksathien (แคมป์สุขเสถียร) 303 Mu 4, Tambon Mae Klong (Tel: 0 5556 1227, 0 5556 1285, 0 1811 1166 Bangkok Tel: 0 2591 7401, 0 1909 9904), 15 rooms: 300-1,000 baht
Dap Tham Tour (ดาบธรรมทัวร์) 513 Mu 1 Umphang Road (Tel: 0 5556 1038), 8 rooms: 100-500 baht
Dok Siao Tour (ดอกเสี้ยวทัวร์) 96 Mu 1 Ban Mae Klong (Tel: 0 5556 1381, 0 9860 5070), 6 rooms: 100-500 baht
Farmer Hill (ฟาร์มเมอร์ ฮิลล์) 73 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 5556 1235, 0 9563 9516), 4 rooms: 350 baht
Gift House (กิ๊ฟ เฮาส์) 166 Mu 1, Tambon Umphang (Tel: 0 5556 1026, 0 5556 1181 Bangkok Tel: 0 2425 9890), 9 houses: 100-500 baht
Ing Doi Resort (อิงดอย รีสอร์ท) 362 Mu 1, Tambon Umphang (Tel: 0 5556 1168, 0 5556 1176), 5 rooms: 100-500 baht
Kanya Phak Garden Resort (กัญญาภัค การ์เด้น รีสอร์ท) 28 Mu 4, Tambon Mae Klong (Tel: 0 5556 1253, 0 1972 7973), 10 rooms: 100-500 baht
Mae Klong Resort (แม่กลอง รีสอร์ท) 139 Mu 1 Mae Klong Mai (Tel: 0 5556 1054, 0 6211 5654), 4 rooms: 100-500 baht
Napha Tour (นภาทัวร์) 115 Mu 1 (Tel: 0 5556 1287, 0 1855 8754), 12 rooms: 100-500 baht
P.M. (พี เอ็ม) 162 Umphang-Pa La Tha Road (Tel: 0 5556 1059), 6 rooms: 100-500 baht
Pa La Tha House (ปะละทะ เฮาส์) 49 Mu 1 (Tel: 0 5556 1030), 10 rooms: 100-500 baht
Phu Doi Camp Site (ภูดอยแค้มป์ไซท์) 637 Mu 1 Ban Phu Doi, Tambon Umphang (Tel: 0 5556 1049, 0 5556 1279, 0 1886 8783 Fax: 0 5556 1279), 3 houses: 200-600 baht (Tour, Camping and Van & 4 Wheel Drive Rental)
Ruean Thammachat (เรือนธรรมชาติ) 192 Mu 4 (Tel: 0 5556 1115, 0 1886 2126), 6 rooms: 100-500 baht
Siang Zueng Resort (เสียงซึง รีสอร์ท) 680 Mu 1 Sukhum Wattana Road, Tambon Umphang (Tel: 0 5556 1013, 0 5556 1031, 0 1283 9824 Bangkok Tel: 0 2733 8317, 0 2374 2036, 0 1267 8361 Fax: 0 2733 8317 www. tourthai.com/siangzueng E-mail: pavanee_l@yahoo.com), 10 rooms: 100-500 baht
Suan Ruen Kaeo (สวนเรือนแก้ว) 41 Mu 1 Umphang-Pa La Tha Road (Tel: 0 1886 5226), 11 rooms: 100-500 baht
T.V. Tour Umphang (ทีวี ทัวร์ อุ้มผาง) 599 Mu 1 (Tel: 0 5556 1107), 5 rooms: 100-500 baht
Thawatchai T.J. Tour (ธวัชชัย ทีเจ ทัวร์) 620 Mu 1 Prawet Paiwan Road (Tel: 0 5556 1090, 0 5556 1327), 6 rooms: 100-500 baht
Theelorsu Riverside (ทีลอซู ริเวอร์ไซด์) 7 Mu 1 Umphang Road, Tambon Mae Klong (Tel: 0 5556 1010, 0 1862 0533, 0 1687 5156) www.theelorsuriverside.com, 12 rooms: 500-3,000 baht
Tu Ka Su Cottage (ตูกะสู คอทเทจ) 40 Mu 6, Tambon Umphang (Tel: 0 5556 1295, 0 1825 8238), 5 houses: 10 rooms: 400-1,500 baht (Thee Lor Re Tour)
Umphang Country Hut (อุ้มผาง คันทรี่ ฮัท) 438 Mu 1 Umphang Road, Tambon Umphang (Tel: 0 5556 1079 Bangkok Tel: 0 2981 5508), 18 rooms: 100-500 baht
Umphang Guesthouse (อุ้มผาง เกส์ตเฮาส์) 438 Mu 1 Umphang-Pa La Tha Road (Tel: 0 5556 1021), 14 rooms: 500 baht
Umphang Hill Resort (อุ้มผาง ฮิลล์ รีสอร์ท) 99 Mu 6 Umphang-Pa La Tha Road, Tambon Umphang (Tel: 0 5556 1063-5, 0 5556 1222-4 Bangkok Tel: 0 2573 5924, 0 2573 7942, 0 2981 9991-2), 60 houses: 100-1,500 baht
Umphang House (อุ้มผาง เฮาส์) 443 Mu 1 Umphang-Pa La Tha Road, Tambon Umphang (Tel: 0 5556 1073), 14 rooms, 3 bungalows: 600-800 baht
Uncle Tin’s Cabin (กระท่อมลุงทิน) 389 Mu 1 (Tel: 0 5556 1117, 0 5556 1411, 0 9822 3993), 4 cabins: 300-1,000 baht
Wira Tour (วีระ ทัวร์) 6 Mu 6 Umphang-Pa La Tha Road (Tel: 0 5556 1239, 0 1284 5855), 25 rooms: 100-500 baht

Eat

Amphoe Umphang

Nong Kung (น้องกุ้ง) 329 Mu 1, Tambon Umphang, Tel. 0 5556 1067 (Thai food)
Suan Bunyaphorn (สวนบุญญาภรณ์) 106 Mu 3 Tha Phae Road, Tambon Umphang, Tel. 0 5556 1093 (Thai and Local food)
Phu Doi (ภูดอย) 294 Mu 1 Prawet Wan Road,Tambon Umphang, Tel. 0 5556 1159 (Thai food)

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 23:42, 2 February 2010 (EST)

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