Khao Yai National Park (Thailand)

After flying from Hanoi to Bangkok, we set out by hot, crowded bus to Pak Chong, the town base for Khao Yai National Park. We settled into the EcoValley Lodge, which had a pool, great Thai food, and a couple of friendly Jack Russell terriers. Our bungalow there came with a resident gecko, who hid behide picture frames and whose cackle we first mistook for bird or monkey. We took a bike trip to the nearby "Magic Cave," which we declared best cave and have officially sworn off visiting additional caves. The following day we took a 12-hour tour of the park. Despite being 9 hours too long and including a 2.5-hour death march through the muggy jungle, there were some good animal sightings. Samba deer, barking deer (we barked at them but they wouldn't bark back), water monitors (like a cross between gator and lizard), great hornbill (awesome!), pig-tailed macaques, white-handed gibbons, and finally, a lone male elephant. Highlights were 1) befriending Lauren and David from California (Americans are few and far between over here); 2) the elephant, who blew his horn and did some stomping when our driver got too close; 3) the sweet, sticky-rice concoction they gave us at lunch; 4) adult activities between macaques. My travelling companion forbade me to post video of the last item but I can tell you it was hilarious to all nationalities and the footage is available for rental. Pics have been added to Halong Bay and Saigon posts.
Melinda