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Salakphet Mangrove Walkway
You may have already seen the disaster
that is Salakkok Mangrove Walkway. Fortunately, the guys who built
that didn't build this walkway.
It is located in the south east of Koh
Chang, you'll see signs pointing you in the right direction from the ferry
piers onwards. But these peter out just when you need the i.e. in the
last 2km.
Drive through Salakphet temple, take
the first turning on the left, over a wooden bridge and along a narrow paved
road. At the end of the paved road turn right, follow the concrete
poles carrying electric cables along a dirt track. Head past a shack
on the right and then you'll see disused fish farming pools on the left with
a mountain backdrop. Another 400 meters further on and you'll reach
the dead end at the start of the walkway. Here's you'll see two small
concrete buildings - a toilet and what looks like it could one day be a
ticket office or information booth. But now currently totally empty.
Nearing the walkway you'll see this
view across the disused fish ponds
There ar ecurrently two large
billboards at the entrance to the walkway, one featuring the King & Queen,
the other Miss Thailand contestants.
The start of the wooden walkway.
Rather than using a heavy machinery to clear whole swathes of mangrove to
build the walkway, as in Salakkok, this walkway si simpler and less
intrusive.
Along the way you'll see sings such as
the one below which give information (in Thai) about the plants you are
walking past. These signs have a very temporary feel to them, as
if they were only erected for the visit of the Miss Thailand contestants and
not for use by mere mortals such as you & I.
One day these signs will grow into
large billboards. Actually, they have the names of people who planted
mangroves on them - various local officials and, of course, Miss Thailand
contestants.
You know you are at the end of the
walkway when you reach the open sea - at the head of Salakphet Bay.
Now turn around and walk back the way you came.
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