He suggests three trekking routes on which visitors can experience rainforest ecology. From the station office, we set off on foot along a 2.1-km trail that climbs the wooded slopes of a mountain, through ferns and other vegetation. The ascent is steep and strenuous-make sure you have a good meal before starting. The route then descends rapidly for the remaining one kilometre to Ao Thong Yi Beach. This is a warm-up for those seeking more challenges.
Trekkers can take a five-kilometre route along rolling hills from one beach to another.
The highest spot is 814 metres above sea level. The stream at Khiriwong has followed a new course ever since the 1988 disaster. Bigger fauna include deer and panthers. Leaving the forest behind, we head into the city in the afternoon. At first glimpse into the city, one can tell that Nakhon Si Thammarat has seen some glorious days.