In the lush rainforests of Southern Thailand, especially within Khao Sok National Park, nature hides some of its most magical secrets under the canopy. Among the mist, moss, and shadows live two of the forest’s most curious fungi: the Chicken Star Mushroom and the Glow in the Dark Mushroom. These natural wonders are not just visual spectacles—they tell us something deeper about the health, rhythm, and mystery of the rainforest itself.
What is the Chicken Star Mushroom?
The Chicken Star Mushroom gets its nickname from its unusual appearance and subtle scent. When it matures and opens, it forms a star-like shape on the forest floor, typically with five or more thick arms. The surface is often a reddish-brown or earthy hue, with a texture that can resemble dried meat or bark. Some even say it emits a faint aroma reminiscent of roasted chicken skin—though it’s not edible.
What makes this mushroom special isn’t just its appearance, but what it signals. The Chicken Star Mushroom tends to grow in undisturbed, humid forest soil, especially in areas with rich organic matter. It’s considered a bioindicator species—meaning its presence often suggests that the ecosystem is balanced and healthy. Spotting one during a jungle trek is a treat, as it only appears seasonally, often after consistent rainfall during the monsoon season.
If you’re trekking through the shaded trails near Cheow Lan Lake or the deep jungle paths in Khao Sok, keep your eyes on the forest floor—you might just catch a glimpse of this curious star.
Meet the Glow in the Dark Mushroom
Now imagine walking through the forest at night. You turn off your flashlight, and as your eyes adjust, tiny green lights begin to flicker on the ground, like natural fairy lanterns. You’ve just encountered the Glow in the Dark Mushroom.
These mushrooms, typically from the Mycena genus, exhibit a natural phenomenon called bioluminescence—the ability to produce light through chemical reactions inside their cells. The glow is usually a soft, ghostly green, only visible in total darkness. This glow is believed to attract insects that help spread fungal spores, or in some cases, to ward off predators.
Glow in the Dark Mushrooms grow in damp, decaying wood or forest litter, thriving in high-humidity zones. They can be seen in areas untouched by artificial light, which is why they are so commonly found in deep rainforests like those in Surat Thani.
If you ever get a chance to join a night jungle walk in Khao Sok or Sri Phang Nga, ask your guide about the glowing mushrooms—they might lead you into a part of the forest where the ground lights up under your feet.
Why These Mushrooms Matter
Both the Chicken Star Mushroom and the Glow in the Dark Mushroom are rare and elusive. Their short life cycles and sensitivity to environmental conditions make them difficult to find, which is part of their charm. But more than that, they serve as reminders of the rainforest’s complex ecological web.
The Chicken Star Mushroom’s emergence tells us the soil is thriving and the forest is breathing naturally. The Glow in the Dark Mushroom, with its light-emitting enzymes, reminds us how nature evolves in ways both functional and beautiful.
In a world where much of nature is under threat, encountering these mushrooms feels like discovering a secret the forest wants to keep—unless you’re willing to slow down and look closely.
Tips for Mushroom Spotting
If you plan to search for these mushrooms on your travels, here are a few respectful and practical tips:
- Do not touch or harvest wild mushrooms. Many are fragile, and some are toxic.
- Use a red light setting on your flashlight during night walks—it’s less disruptive to both mushrooms and wildlife.
- Stick to guided eco-tours. Local guides know the safest, most responsible ways to observe sensitive species.
- Wear proper footwear—you’ll likely be walking in humid and muddy terrain.
These experiences are not about trophies or selfies; they are about connecting with something wild, rare, and meaningful.
Where to Go Mushroom Watching
Thailand’s Southern region offers multiple rainforests and national parks where mushroom sightings are possible, especially during the green season (May–October):
- Khao Sok National Park
- Cheow Lan Lake trails
- Sri Phang Nga National Park
- Ratchaprapha area in Surat Thani
The Rock Journey offers guided trekking tours that highlight natural phenomena like these mushrooms, making sure travelers see more than just waterfalls and monkeys—but also the hidden lifeforms that quietly shape the forest.
Contact The Rock Journey
Whether you’re a nature photographer, a mycology enthusiast, or just a curious traveler seeking something different—this is the kind of adventure that stays in your memory long after the trail ends.
📌 Plan your mushroom-spotting journey with us:
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📱 WhatsApp: +66 96 652 9653
📧 Email: info@therockjourney.com
