Uthai thani's lost world
Visiting this secret valley is like taking a day trip to Jurassic Park
- Published: 25/04/2010 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Brunch
It seems like travelling back to the age of the dinosaurs as I find myself standing in front of Hup Pa Tat, a little-known tourist attraction in the Lan Sak district of Uthai Thani. The area is covered with verdant tat palms (Arenga pinnata), or black fibre palms, that can grow to 20 metres in height and have leaves about six metres long.
Imagine walking under these tall palms. It is like exploring a lost world.
Hup Pa Tat means "palm forest valley". It was discovered by chance in 1979 by a local monk, Phra Khru Santitham Koson, who was walking and came upon an opening in the limestone hills that surround the palm forest and kept it hidden, said Phajon Viriya, a guide.
Local villagers and the authorities exposed a side of the hill and made a narrow tunnel through to the valley.
When you step inside, it might feel a little eerie because of the noise of bats and the strong smell of their excrement. You will need a torch, and if you shine the light on the ceiling of the tunnel, you will see hundreds of bats. Of course, the light scares them, so do so with caution.
After walking for five or 10 minutes, you will reach the other end of the tunnel and emerge into the valley and be immediately impressed with the beauty of the black fibre palms in the sunlight. These palms are native to tropical Asia, and can be found in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. But in Thailand, this palm is found in abundance only here. They produce a round fruit that can be eaten, and their sap can be processed into sugar or can be fermented into vinegar or wine.
There is a natural trail about 700 metres long that makes it easier for visitors to see more of the valley. You can enjoy not only the palms, but also the diversity of flora and fauna.
I was amazed to find some trees were growing in cracks in the limestone blocks that litter the valley floor, as well as having the chance to closely observe rare plants and herbs such as ma kratheup rong (Ficus pubigera), a vine believed to help boost sexual potency, kud kao lek (Randia parvula) and the fish tail palm, which can grow to 10 metres high. For the benefit of visitors, there are signs indicating the names of the plants.
Another eye-catching sight is the red banana blossom (Musa acuminata). Growing well in the valley's nutritious soil, the banana plants are cheerful and vivid, perhaps the only red found in this forest.
Last but not least is where Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn rested when visiting the forest on Oct 2 in 2000.
You will easily find where the princess sat, as there is a sign indicating the spot, which is one of the attractions of the forest.
Although you can finish the trail in about 30 minutes, I spent a couple of hours taking pictures and enjoying the fresh air.
About the author
- Writer: Suhada Himbenson
- Position: Writer
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