Getting back to nature in a little-known corner of Chanthaburi

Namtok Makok, or Makok waterfall, is one of the four main falls that spill down the sides of the Sa Bap (pond of sin) mountain range. As legend has it, hunters in the past described the range as a square, appearing the same from all sides, and surrounding a vast pond filled with lotus flowers and fallen trees.

As I followed the trail, I wondered if there would be a graceful kinnari (a mythical half-bird, half-woman creature) enjoying the water.

Namtok Makok is an ideal destination for trekkers and a pleasant reward for completing the 350-metre walk along the trail, which looks very much like a tarng darn (animal track). It is where a small brook, with its source somewhere uphill, cascades down the mountain.

I am a mere spectator to this natural drama. As the white water emerges from a natural doorway, framed by two trees forming a V, the sound of the splashing water becomes a natural orchestral concert.

With its reputation overshadowed by easy-to-reach waterfalls such as Pliew and Trok Nong, Makok hardly gets a mention in tourist guidebooks. Perhaps this is why its natural surroundings are almost unspoiled by the encroachment of civilisation and why it still offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and enjoy the forest and wildlife at your own leisurely pace.

With lan hin (flat rocks) surrounding the area at the bottom of the falls, this is a perfect place for camping and picnicking. And it not only provides great photo opportunities, for artists, there is some marvellous scenery to sketch or paint.

The plunge pool at the foot of the waterfall is suitable for swimming, snorkelling and even diving to catch some fish. The gently sloping section of the upper part of the falls serves as a natural water slide and the azure water of the pool makes taking a slide even more tempting.

On my way down the trail, back to the real world I slowed my pace to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature.

Towering trees line the path and comprise a scene that would tempt any photographer. Some of the trees at Makok are rarely seen outside forests such as this, which blends tropical rainforest and evergreen forest, and it is well-known for Aquilaria trees. Known in Thai as mai krisna, the extracted agarwood resin is used to produce perfume and is the world's most expensive essence.

There are gigantic tabaek trees (Lagerstroemia floribunda) that shade the trail, many draped with large spiralling vines that remind us of their great age. These sometimes block the trail and need cutting before you can pass.

Siam weed or bitter bush (Chromolacna odorata) is also abundant, so make sure you dress appropriately to avoid an itchy rash.

Red squirrels and vividly coloured butterflies are numerous in the forest, and can be spotted along the trail and around the waterfall.

However, I also saw some wild hog tracks, which made the hair on the back of my neck stand up, as I realised how ill-prepared I was if one charged at me.

I bade farewell to Namtok Makok  in the hope that this lovely natural sanctuary will remain unspoiled so that later generations will have the opportunity to savour its natural beauty.