Lose Yourself in A World of Falling Water

Namtok Thi Lo Su is the most famous waterfall in Thailand, located in the splendid Umphang Wildlife Reserve in the North’s Tak Province.  It has earned UNESCO World Heritage status, and while it is also the biggest waterfall in Thailand, it isn’t beloved because of teeming rapids crashing hundreds of feet like Congo’s Inga Falls, or because of a massive flow-rate and powerful roar like Niagara Falls in the US.

Rather, Thi Lo Su is known for its serenity and picturesque beauty.  In fact, one publication marks it as the 6th prettiest waterfall in the world, and several others list it in their “best” lists, too.  It is unique because of its multiple tiers, which emanate from Huai Klo Tho, a mountain stream located over 400m above sea level, and it links the Thung Yai Naresuan and Huay Kha Kaeng Reserves, forming Thailand's biggest wildlife refuge and one of Southeast Asia's most magnificent and unspoilt deciduous forests.

At Thi Lo Su, water spills over the edges of verdant, tree-lined limestone cliffs from three elevations, the water cascading nearly 300m by the time it completes its fall, which is spread out over the width of nearly four football fields.  Water feeds down from the uppermost level like rain running down stairs in a storm, white and frothy and fresh.  By the time it has reached the middle and lowers tiers, crystal clear pools have formed and they are irresistible if you have a mind for a refreshing dip.  Spend a day chilling in the clean, cool water and relaxing to the soothing sounds of the falling stream, or have a jump and a splash amid quite possibly the most beautiful backdrop for a swimming pool that you’ve ever experienced.

After bathing, and if you’re looking for more activity, you can explore the cave tucked behind the falls, and do plenty of hiking in-and-around the falls well within view, or earshot, of the tumbling water.  And why not explore?  After all, this natural gem is located in a pristine sanctuary covered by evergreen forest full of ironwoods and teak and bamboo, and is home to a splendid array of orchids, wildflowers and ferns, as well as numerous species of butterflies and birds, such as the rare and colorful hornbill.

It takes some time and a bit of effort to reach this amazing oasis from Mae Sod in Tak Province, but that adds to the adventure, and while it makes for a great a day trip, if you’ve hiked in and spent all day swimming and exploring, consider spending the night camping in the grounds near the falls.

The best time to go is when the falls are at their most beautiful, of course, and this is during the wet season from June to November when water flow is at its highest.  The road leading to the area, however, may be closed at this time for safety reasons, so some hiking may be required.  The high season for tourists visiting Thi Lo Su is December and January when the water level is still fairly high, and the main road leading to the waterfall is indeed open to the public, but only four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended when attempting to pass the steep, slippery, yet incredibly scenic path.  One alternative means to reach the waterfall is by way of rafting, heading downstream along a peaceful stretch of the Klong River, and ultimately completing the journey either on foot or by car.

So if you’re heading to Thailand’s beautiful North, are looking for an outdoor adventure off the beaten path, and love nature and stunning outdoor environments, then Umphang Wildlife Reserve and Namtok Thi Lo Su are for you!

Article written by Tourism Authority of Thailand. Pictures by Tourism Authority of Thailand. Credits to Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Isaan: A Laid-back Way to Experience Amazing Thailand

Travelers in Thailand who are looking for an escape from the bustle of Bangkok, the built-up southern beaches, or another temple tour should consider a location where national parks are plentiful, ancient Khmer architecture abounds, and water buffalo roam.

That place is Isaan, Thailand’s landlocked Northeast region where, despite infertile soil and hot climate, traditional farming is the way of life.  The environment for tourists, however, is fertile.  A rich, multi-cultural blend of easygoing Thai living, stunning outdoors environments, and some of the most mouth-watering food on the planet affords travelers an opportunity to experience real Thailand, discover its agricultural roots, and revel in breath-taking Southeast Asian scenery.

Bordered by Cambodia to its south, Isaan is hugged by the mighty Mekong River to the north and east, separating it from Laos.  One of the region’s northernmost outposts is the sleepy town called Nong Khai, located on the banks of the Mekong, where the Laotian influence is strong.  Visitors should be sure to visit the truly unusual sculptures known as Sala Kaew Ku, located just outside of town.  Here the art of a Laotian mystic synthesizes Buddhism and Hindu imagery resulting in statues, many-armed goddesses, naga snakes, and a variety of human-animal hybrids, all set among lush sub-tropical gardens.  In the town itself, Nong Khai is a charming place to chill out or wander about, soaking up the Isaan way of life.

Just outside Isaan’s second-largest city Ubon Ratchathani, in the southeastern part of the region, lies Si Saket where a sizable Northern Khmer population resides.  As you’d expect from somewhere that was once an important settlement in the Khmer empire (as far back as the 12th century), ancient Khmer ruins are everywhere.  The largest and most complete complex is Sra Kampaeng Yai, which features three imposing stupas built on a single base and aligned side-by-side facing east.  The shrine was originally dedicated to Shiva, one of the three supreme Hindu Gods, but was converted to a Buddhist temple in the 13th Century.

And speaking of temples in Si Saket, visitors also won’t want to miss Wat Larn Kuad, aka, “the beer bottle temple”, an immaculate structure made from millions of colorful glass bottles.

Back up north, picturesque Loei Province is surrounded by mountain ranges and is known as “Thailand’s coldest province” due to its occasional sub-freezing nighttime temperatures during cold season.  And while “cold” is a relative word, there’s no debating just how “cool” Loei can be for tourists.  The sites, retreats, and parks are too numerous to name, but we recommend the Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary, featuring hundreds of wild Asian elephants.  The Elephants Rehabilitation Project within the reserve is under the patronage of Sirikit Kittiyakon, Thailand’s beloved Queen.  Loei is a true outdoors destination.

Isaan’s ultimate outdoor experience, however, is surely Khao Yai National Park, a stunning diversity of flora and fauna located in the southwest part of the region just 250km from Bangkok.  There are nearly 3,000 recorded species of plants, 320 species of birds, and 66 species of mammals, including such vulnerable or endangered ones as the Indian bison, the Asian elephant, and the Asiatic black bear.  There are over 50km of hiking trails, kayaking and rafting trips, and nighttime wildlife-spotting excursions which unofficially kick off each evening when thousands of wrinkled lipped bats emerge from a cave outside the northern gate to begin their nighttime feeding.  The landscape at Khao Yai is also dotted with several beautiful waterfalls, an irresistible temptation for hikers in need of a cool-down.

And after a day spent exploring the park, it will be time to eat.  And in Isaan, two words come to mind: spicy and spicier!  The most familiar characteristics are the sticky rice that accompanies almost every meal, and the use of fiery Thai chili peppers.  Of course, not every dish is hot, and most any purveyor will make your food to-order depending on your tastes, but if you really want to experience Isaan, go for a blazing papaya salad, some grilled chicken, the sticky rice, and of course, a cold Thai beer to wash it all down.  Now THAT is Isaan!

Getting to and around Isaan is easy.  There are daily flights from Bangkok to several of the bigger hubs in the region, and bus routes criss-crossing the whole of the Northeast.  So don’t miss it: the ruins, the rural life, the incredible food, the beautiful outdoors, and a laid-back slice of Amazing Thailand.

This article is credited to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

The Dachau Concentration Camp was set up on 22 March 1933 to house political prisoners. Located near the outskirts of Munich, Dachau was the prototype for German concentration camps that came after.

At the entrance of the camp, one can still see the words "Arbeit Macht Frei" are still reflected on the entrance gate to the camp. In English, it is translated to mean "Work Makes You Free".

 "Arbeit Macht Frei", or "Work Makes You Free"

In operation for twelve years from 1933 to 1945, Dachau served as a concentration camp for political dissidents like Communists, Jews, Poles and other inmates from different nationalities. Prisoners who were in Dachau for political reasons wore red tags, while criminals wore green.

Classification of Prisoner Groups

Dachau was split into two areas - the main camp where prisoners lived, and the crematorium where the dead where sent to be cremated.

From top to bottom: a replica layout of the camp; prisoner barracks;

and a replica of the crematorium.

Living conditions were unhygienic and were "beyond human dignity", where overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions and lack of food caused widespread epidemics like typhus to occur within the camp.

 Bunk beds where the inmates slept in the barracks

Belongings of dead prisoners were sent to the incinerator building to be burnt, or disinfected in disinfecting chambers.

From top to bottom: the incinerating room where the clothes of

prisoners were burnt; a description of the disinfecting chambers.

It is estimated that around 200,000 prisoners from 34 nations died and suffered in Dachau.

A view of the jail cells used by the prisoners.

In April 29, 1945, American soldiers liberated the prisoners. The Memorial Site was established in 1965 following the wishes of the surviving prisoners, and a new exhibition was created, following the theme of "Path of the Prisoners".

The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial stands today as reminders of the history of the past, but it also serves as a inspiration of the tenacity of the human spirit, courage, and above all; hope.