KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE, Thailand -- Marines participating in exercise Cobra Gold 2010 aboard Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, went on an adventurous Single Marine Program trip to the Haew Suwat Waterfalls in the Khao Yai National Park in Thailand Jan. 24.
The Haew Suwat Waterfalls, located in the Khao Yai National Park, is a series of waterfalls that has become famous after being featured in the movie “The Beach.” Marine’s who were fortunate enough to have time off work paid approximately 1,200 Baht for the day-long journey into the jungles of Thailand.
“It was amazing,” said Sgt. Karen Rudolph, avionics communication navigation weapon system technician with VMFA-115. “I have seen many waterfalls all over the world and everyone likes to say they all look the same, but this one particularly had a gorillas-in-themist kind of thing.”
The SMP has provided the Marines a chance to experience the local history and culture. It typically deploys with units if there are at least 300 people going for over three weeks to a location site.
Although the trip cost the Marines 1,200 Baht, it was well worth the experience.
“They set up the best trips,” said Rudolph. “I feel safe; I don’t feel like I am getting robbed or spending way too much.”
Before the Marines reached the Khao Yai National Park, they stopped off at a local attraction called the Jungle House Hotel, Khao Yai. At the Jungle House Hotel the Marines were given the opportunity to ride an elephant through the jungle. The elephants were well trained, and the Marines were allowed to ride three to an elephant with no tour guide as the elephant trekked through a memorized path it goes through on a daily basis.
“The part I liked the best was the water part,” said Rudolph. “The elephants were playing in the water and they really enjoyed it. They didn’t really seem like they were working. It was great.”
After the elephant rides, the Marines were driven to a mountain top to have lunch as they waited out a little rain. Once the rain cleared, they proceeded to the waterfall where they had to hike on foot down a slippery slope and through the wet jungle before being able to see the much anticipated Haew Suwat Waterfall.
“It was a little tough getting up and down, but that is just part of the natural experience,” said Rudolph. “They make it like a userfriendly kind of thing, so it was nice.”
Exhausted and wet, the Marines took pictures and relaxed a little before they hiked back out of the jungle and into the vans to proceed home.
“Joining the Marine Corps, you know you didn’t join to stay at home,” said Rudolph. “As you go to different countries you realize the differences between the U.S. and where you are; It’s great to actually get in the culture.”