Trip to Kirirom National Park

Waterfalls

Picnic area near Waterfall #1 The vendor area is located near Waterfall #1, and many park patrons buy food from the vendor stalls and take it to these small shelters spaced along the stream that creates Waterfall #1. Most American picnickers would consider the surrounding shelters too close for comfort, but for Asians who tend to favor community and rarely experience being alone, having another group immediately on either side is no problem at all.

Kirirom Waterfall #1 Various friends had spoken in glowing terms of the three waterfalls of Kirirom park. We went only to Waterfall #1 (not a very captivating name!) but it was lacking something--water. In the present dry season, the water flow was only a trickle. The whole setting of the stream and fall (actually more of a rapids here) made us want to return in the rainy season, though.

Small lake above Waterfall #1 More impressive at this time than the waterfall was the small lake located above it. The water is tea-colored, from the minerals in the soil, we learned. It was quite a peaceful and serene sight although it may have a different appearance when hundreds of picknickers are about.

Dugout boat made from palm tree This small dugout rested at the edge of the lake. It is made from the bottom end of a palm tree trunk. The palm tree is a very valuable and useful part of the environment in the area. The palm nuts give oil for cooking; the palm fronds make thatched roofs and walls; and the tree trunks become dugout boats and firewood.

Kirirom: Main Page Vendors Waterfalls Various Things Visitors Center

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	The vendor area is located near Waterfall #1, and many park patrons buy food from the vendor stalls and take it to these small shelters spaced along the stream that creates Waterfall #1. Most American picnickers would consider the surrounding shelters too close for comfort, but for Asians who tend to favor community and rarely experience being alone, having another group immediately on either side is no problem at all.
	Various friends had spoken in glowing terms of the three waterfalls of Kirirom park. We went only to Waterfall #1 (not a very captivating name!) but it was lacking something--water. In the present dry season, the water flow was only a trickle. The whole setting of the stream and fall (actually more of a rapids here) made us want to return in the rainy season, though.
	More impressive at this time than the waterfall was the small lake located above it. The water is tea-colored, from the minerals in the soil, we learned. It was quite a peaceful and serene sight although it may have a different appearance when hundreds of picknickers are about.
	This small dugout rested at the edge of the lake. It is made from the bottom end of a palm tree trunk. The palm tree is a very valuable and useful part of the environment in the area. The palm nuts give oil for cooking; the palm fronds make thatched roofs and walls; and the tree trunks become dugout boats and firewood.