Leaving Petchabun behind we shall start climbing to Khao Kho
mountain range (hundreds of bends).
The rolling green hills of Khao Kho, similar to
those in Switzerland were during the Vietnam War a stronghold of
the CPT. In 1976, after the government's suppression at
Thammasat University, hundreds of student activists fled from
Bangkok to join the resistance and launched guerrilla warfare
against the government. The communists were defeated in 1980 and
now sites of interest include the different view points like the
Weapons Museum and Khao Kho Memorial. There are still thousands
of land mines scattered in these mountains.
In Khao Kho area there are
some of the best winding mountain roads. Our next stop will be
at Khao Kho chedi. The vegetation becomes lush and the
temperature cooler as we climb into the hills of Thung
Salaeng Luang
national park. We shall ride over this mountain high plateau
with tea and coffee plantations for 100 kilometres. From
there the road winds downhill along the river cascades
(lunch) to central plains with emerald green rice paddies.
Accommodation with breakfast in Sukhothai.
