Wow it is a long day today, we went to a Thailand National Park where is 60 miles south of town. We had no idea where the road would take us and the map we've got doesn't show much when we drive outside the main town area. All we did was follow the sign and the road, we went to the sign shows that massive natural limestone cave I wanted to see, we were told it takes a boat ride to go there.
Ok we took the boat ride for $300B (US$ 9), we had to take off our shoes and walk toward that James Bond type of fishing boat on shallow beach, the water is knee's height then we climbed into the boat.
After 10 minutes of boat ride, we arrive this national park and was told we have to pay $200B (US$ 6) each adult to get in. The park guard does not speak english and we do not speak thai, so Victor gave him $300B and told him I am a child so it should be half price!
Then we were approached by some locals to told us we need a guide, we have to pay them $100B (US$ 3) to show us where to walk. Hey I thought how difficult it is to walk up and down the mountain?! Later this fee was increased to $200B because we are foreigners and should pay more $. Alright I said to myself it is only $200B US$6 and should not go crazy about it, treat it as donation to local people.
Ok, we pay more and pay more and pay more and pay some more. It is only a few bucks here and a few bucks there. But it just bugs me that local people treat us as ATM just because we are foreigners.
Eventually we walked up 150km to the cliff and climb down 40 km and got into the cave. It is a natural wonder, it is a beautiful scene but I just felt so much being scammed by the Thai people and their government. The whole thing of showing you my country's beauty is basically a scam, hey pay here and pay there and walk a few miles then you'd see the cave.
The hike was a tough job for Victor, he is holding on strong but some steps are over 3 foot tall and he walked with bad knee injuries, it was a bit difficult. I am happy that he made it and it was a big accomplishment. To my hiking experience from 1 star the easiest and 5 stars the most difficult, this hike was 4.5 stars, the 5 stars level are involving climbing with both hands.
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