Water Worries at Phu Soi Dao: Tourists Not 'Falling' for Unusual Waterfall Smell

[snoop1130]

 

Amidst the serene, lofty mountains and exhilarating hiking trails of Phu Soi Dao National Park in northern Thailand, there lies a peculiar enigma that has the visitors questioning—the unusual smell of the Sai Thip Waterfall. Abounding with natural splendour, what the park also seems to be teeming with, is a growing sense of curiosity and concern amongst the tourists regarding the source of the waterfall's water.

 

Nestled within the verdant landscapes of the Nam Pat and Ban Khok districts of Uttaradit province, as well as Chat Trakan district of Phitsanulok province, Phu Soi Dao is famed as the fourth highest peak in Thailand. Its breathtaking vistas, stupendous hiking trails, and an adrenaline-charged trek of 6.5 km to a pine forest plateau make it the chosen destination for many explorers.

 

However, of late, trepidation seems to have creeped into this generally exhilarating experience. A recent post in a Facebook group by a visitor to the Sai Thip waterfall has sparked a riveting discussion. The visitor noted a strikingly unusual smell evaluating the low water level at the waterfall. The post ushered in a wave of insights, leaving the tourists uneasy.

 

One response to the post claimed that the waterfall's water had a strong urine-like smell, leading them to believe that it potentially originated from the nearby toilet facilities. "The water comes from the toilets. It was disheartening", the commenter remarked, voicing their disappointment over the reduction in the waterfall's charm.

 

 

Echoing the same sentiment, another visitor reported about spotting sanitary waste in the water. They hinted at a rather uncomfortable connection – a stream behind the restroom which flowed into a tank on a hill serving as a water supply. Upon usage, supposedly, the water flowed back into the stream and then to the waterfall.

 

The issue intensified with some visitors claiming that the water carried residues from community washing, exuding a sewage-like smell. Concerns grew over the proximity of the toilets to the waterfall and the stream, underlining the importance of introducing modern wastewater treatment systems to curb potential contamination.

 

Complicating matters further, the abnormal smell was said to be more detectable when the park was crowded, hinting at the origin of the water. Interestingly, the weather also played a crucial role in the story. With heavy rainfall potentially rinsing out the contaminants leading to a cleaner water, a drier climate seemed to retain the peculiar smell.

 

This peculiar revelation has now left visitors at Phu Soi Dao National Park yearning for answers, clarity and above all, a resolution that reinstates their faith and joy in the waterfall's celestial charm.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-21