“Stargazing Spots” is a beloved activity for many, not only because it’s enjoyable, but also because it’s an opportunity to learn something new. If you’re a beginner interested in stargazing but unsure how to get started, this article will guide you through the preparation and recommend some great stargazing spots with clear skies and beautiful surroundings.
How to Prepare for Stargazing
To ensure your stargazing experience goes smoothly, let’s take a look at how to prepare and what essentials to bring along.
1.Choosing the Right Day and Time
Technically, you can stargaze every night, but the winter season is the best time for stargazing because the nights are longer than the days, and you don’t have to worry about storms like in the rainy or hot seasons. Additionally, the winter sky is usually clear with fewer clouds, making it ideal for stargazing.
2.Dressing for the Weather
You can choose your outfit according to the current weather, but if you’re stargazing in winter as recommended, don’t forget to bring a long-sleeved shirt, a jacket, or a scarf to keep warm while you comfortably lie down and enjoy the stars.
3.Basic Equipment to Bring
If you’re a beginner without a telescope, don’t worry! Here are some basic tools that will suffice for a good stargazing experience
- Star Map or Stargazing App: These tools help you identify the stars’ positions easily.
- Flashlight: Essential for navigating in the dark and reading the star map.
- Water: Bring enough for yourself and your group to stay hydrated.
Stargazing Tips for Beginners
- Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for clearer stargazing. The darker the location, the more stars you’ll see.
- Use a star map or a stargazing app to help you identify stars and constellations, which will make it easier for beginners to find what they’re looking for.
- If you want to find the North Star with the naked eye, remember the direction where the sun sets, which is the west. Face that direction, extend your right arm parallel to the ground, and point your thumb down and your index finger up. The North Star will be above your index finger.
Top 5 Stargazing Spots for Beginners in Thailand
It’s hard to see stars in the city, so choosing a good stargazing spot is crucial. If you’re unsure where to start, here are five popular stargazing spots in Thailand that are perfect for beginners.
1. Noen Chang Suek, Kanchanaburi
Noen Chang Suek, or Pilok Peak, is a mountain about 1,053 meters above sea level, offering stunning panoramic views. While it’s known for its sea of mist in the morning, it’s also a popular stargazing spot at night.
2. Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima
Khao Yai National Park is home to “Khao Rom Viewpoint,” a great place for stargazing. You might even catch astronomical phenomena like the Milky Way, lunar eclipses, or meteor showers here.
3. Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Phitsanulok
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is known for its “Lan Hin Pum” rock formations, but its camping area is also perfect for stargazing, with open skies that offer clear views of the stars, especially in the winter when the Milky Way is visible.
4. Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai
Many people can easily imagine how perfect Doi Inthanon is for stargazing, as it’s Thailand’s highest peak with cool weather all year round. It’s also one of the best places in Thailand to witness rare natural phenomena.
5. Khao Luang National Park, Nakhon Si Thammarat
Khao Luang National Park offers 360-degree views of the night sky, allowing you to stargaze all night long in a peaceful and cool setting.
Conclusion
So, how do you feel about these stargazing tips and popular spots in Thailand? Any places that catch your eye? If the five locations mentioned above don’t appeal to you, or if you’d rather avoid hiking to high-altitude spots, another excellent place for stargazing is Kanchanaburi. Known for its beautiful, clear skies, Kanchanaburi is a great stargazing destination.
After your adventures, we recommend staying at the River Kwai Resotel Resort, a nature-integrated resort. Each room comes with a private balcony, where you can enjoy the surrounding beauty and even stargaze from the comfort of your room at night.