My life took a dramatic turn after my first trip to Mon Jong. Similar to this time, I gathered 20 people from the PALAPILII Thailand Facebook page and led them up to the mountain called "Mon Jong." Before the trip, I was nervous and excited, wondering what this place had in store. However, after passing the "Dog Panting Hill" (a challenging section of the journey), I found myself falling in love with this place. It was during that trip that I met someone who would change my life forever.

The word "change" in my life at that time? It was a good thing, something I had never paid attention to. I wanted to tell my friends, but I thought it was better to keep it to myself. Let it be a friendship, love, and good memories on this mountain. And the purpose of me coming back here again is to do the same things in the same place at the same time as before, so that I can think about those things one last time before leaving that friendship, love, and memory behind. Alright, "We are ready… to start our new life…"

Doi Mon Jong is located on the central Thanon Thongchai mountain range. It is currently located in Nan Thuri district, but was originally located in Mae Tuen sub-district, Omkoi district. The word "Mon" in the northern Thai language means "mountain" or "hill," while "Jong" also in the northern Thai language, pronounced "Jong," means "gable," the highest triangle. Doi Mon Jong is ranked among the top 10 highest peaks in Thailand. The highest point of Doi Mon Jong is called "Head of the Lion" because it resembles a lion's head, standing at an altitude of approximately 1,929 meters above sea level. In the past, Doi Mon Jong was a land of diverse animals that lived freely, such as goral, wild horses, and serow, as well as herds of wild elephants. However, these animals are now rare and difficult to spot.

The allure of Doi Mon Jong: Golden grasslands, breathtaking sunsets, and a unique floral spectacle.

Doi Mon Jong captivates visitors with its stunning scenery, featuring rolling hills and towering mountains. During the winter months, the grasslands transform into a mesmerizing golden expanse, creating a breathtaking panorama. The location also boasts magnificent sunrise and sunset views, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Adding to the allure of Doi Mon Jong is the presence of the "thousand-year rose," also known as "Kham Daeng." This unique species blooms spectacularly during the winter months, particularly between December and January. The vibrant flowers adorn the slopes of the mountain, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Notably, Doi Mon Jong is home to the largest known Kham Daeng tree in Thailand, further enhancing its botanical significance.

The journey is straightforward. Simply search for "Muzer Village, Mon Chong Subdistrict, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai" on Google Maps to avoid getting lost. The primary goal is to reach Hod District. Then, follow Highway 108, which offers scenic attractions along the way, such as Ob Luang and Bo Kaew Pine Forest, ideal for photo opportunities. Turn left onto Highway 1099 at Yang Piang Subdistrict, and you will soon arrive at Muzer Village.

The Ob Luang, a natural wonder located within the Ob Luang National Park, is a narrow gorge formed by a sheer rock face that constricts the Mae Chaem River, creating a deep chasm. The gorge's depth, measured from the Ob Luang Bridge to the normal water level, is approximately 32 meters, with a narrowest point of 2 meters and a length of approximately 300 meters. Nature has crafted this remarkable geological feature with awe-inspiring artistry.

The term "Ob" or "Aob" in the local language signifies a narrow passage, while "Luang" translates to "large." Ob Luang is a specific name given to this colossal rock gorge through which the Mae Chaem River squeezes its way. Alternatively, it can be described as a valley carved by the meandering river that flows through the cleft in the mountain. The gorge at Ob Luang is characterized by steep cliffs and a narrow passage that constricts the flow of water, resulting in a swift current. The sound of the water crashing against the rock face is deafening, yet the surrounding area near the water's edge is adorned with lush vegetation that provides constant shade.

A bridge spans the gorge, allowing visitors to stand and admire the scenic beauty of Ob Luang. Additionally, prehistoric archaeological sites have been discovered within the park's boundaries. For thrill-seekers, whitewater rafting through the narrow gorge of Ob Luang is an exhilarating adventure.

The Bo Kaeo Pine Forest Research Station, also known as the Bo Kaeo Pine Garden, is located in Hod District, Chiang Mai Province. It is a popular stopover point for travelers to stretch their legs and take a break from the winding roads. Visitors can enjoy taking photos with the rows of pine trees that stretch as far as the eye can see. The Bo Kaeo Pine Garden is an experimental site where the National Park Department has planted various species of mountain pine from countries such as Australia, South Africa, and Taiwan. The aim is to find suitable species to use as pioneer trees for reforestation efforts in degraded forests in the northern mountains. The pine trees planted here are over 40 years old, having been planted between 1966 and 1967. Thousands of trees are planted in neat rows on the open field in front of the station.

The Son Son Park is part of a project to explore raw materials for paper pulp and is a test plot for planting three-leaf pine and eucalyptus on a total area of 2,072 rai. The weather is humid and cool all year round. When traveling through this route, you will notice a large number of pine trees. However, the most prominent and attractive to tourists is the line of pine trees in front of the road on the left-hand side, which are planted in a beautiful line on both sides of the road. Many tourists stop by to take beautiful photos as souvenirs. The beauty of this place has earned it the nickname "Nami Island of Thailand". Haha, you don't have to go all the way to Korea. We have it here in our country. Inside the park, there is a road that leads to a grove of tall pine trees. The soft sunlight in the morning and evening creates a romantic scene that many people can't resist visiting at least once in their lives. The best time to visit is during the winter season because in the morning you can see a curtain of fog covering the upper half of the pine forest, coupled with the soft sunlight shining down, just like in the picture.

Our journey to Mon Jong begins at the Community Tourism Promotion Center before 1 pm. From there, we will take a 4-wheel drive for about 1.5 hours on a rugged road. The challenging terrain adds to the excitement of the adventure. After reaching the starting point for the hike, we will trek for approximately 6 kilometers to the campsite. The summit of Doi Mon Jong (Pha Hua Singh) is another 2 kilometers from the campsite.

Based on the latest updates, the service fees are as follows:

The cost to climb the mountain is 3,000 baht per vehicle, with a maximum capacity of 12 people (including porters).

Admission fee: 40 Baht per person.

Tent rental fee: 40 baht per tent.

Entrance fee: 50 Baht

The cost per person is 600 baht (maximum weight per person is 20 kg).

Tent and sleeping bag rental costs 100 baht each (not sure about this).

This trip is suitable for novice tourists, as the hike is neither too difficult nor too easy. Essential items to bring include warm clothing, two liters of water per person, medication for any pre-existing conditions, and muscle pain relief spray (as this hike involves a lot of walking). Don't forget your personal belongings and, most importantly, photo props, as the stunning scenery at the summit provides the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable memories.

Hikers typically reach Dog's Panting Hill within two hours, while occasional visitors or those who rarely hike may take an additional one to two hours, bringing the total time to three to four hours. Dog's Panting Hill is the final ascent before reaching the designated camping area. It is notoriously steep, long, and continuous. But what awaits us after conquering Dog's Panting Hill? If you can't guess, let the images paint a picture of the breathtaking scenery that awaits.

We paused at this spot, starting at five in the evening. Sipping beer, playing music, the cold wind, the smell of the earth, the smell of grass, the sound of the shutter, the sound of birds, the sound of crickets, the warm sunshine, and the warmth of friends. We didn't know each other very well before, but this moment gave us the opportunity to talk more and get to know each other better. We were all calm and quiet, watching the sunset together. Even though we didn't come with our partners, the moment was perfectly romantic in its own way. Glad to have met you.

That day, we were lucky. After the sun had set, the sky exploded, glowing with an orange-red brilliance, showcasing the perfectly interconnected power of nature. It looked like a poster for the movie "Your Name," haha!

After setting up camp, the porters pitched some tents and built a fire for us to cook on. Our meal that evening consisted of freshly made omelets, grilled marinated pork, stir-fried vegetables, and canned fish. We also shared grilled chicken, red chili dip, and shredded pork that some of our friends had brought along. It was a truly delicious meal.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

It is undeniable that when we come together like this, we need to connect through competitive games. Our gang often plays games like "Doraemon," which is a game that helps people get to know each other very quickly. We also play games like "Seven," "Provinces," and "Dolphin." We all try to find games to play together. It was a good story that night, which helped us get to know each other faster. When the atmosphere in the circle began to fade, it was time to go stargazing on Mon Jong Hill. And Mon Jong never disappoints me.

Throughout my travels, Mon Jong stands out as one of the most breathtaking stargazing destinations in Thailand. The night sky unfolds in all its glory, inviting you to witness its celestial wonders. Pack your sleeping bag and join me on an unforgettable adventure under the stars. As we gather around a crackling bonfire, sharing stories and savoring the remnants of our meal, the atmosphere becomes truly magical. The night culminates in a game of truth, where hidden secrets are revealed and laughter fills the air. Even I couldn't resist sharing a few of my own well-kept secrets. It was a night of laughter, revelation, and a profound connection with the cosmos.

The night before, we gradually returned to our tents below at three in the morning. It was freezing cold above, so cold that we were unconsciously chattering our teeth. We climbed back up again at around five in the morning to watch the sunrise. My goodness, is this heaven or Thailand? The morning of November 20, 2016, will be another day I will never forget.

Isn't it beautiful? If my friends saw it in the picture, it's beautiful. I would say that the real thing is much more beautiful. Okay, after I watched the sunrise and took beautiful pictures as I wished, it was time for me to conquer Doi Mon Jong. Last time I came, I didn't walk to Pha Hua Singh. If I walk there this time, it will be my intention. And I will not come back here again unless necessary.

The trail from the campsite to Pha Huasingh is approximately 2 kilometers long. It feels like it will never end, especially the steep final climb to the summit. However, the view on the right side of the trail is so breathtaking that it makes you forget about the fatigue.

Normally, a trip to Mon Jong is suitable for 2 days and 1 night. If you stay longer, there won't be much for you to do. After conquering Pha Huasing, I walked back to the camping spot. Everyone was packing up and preparing to leave before 10 am. Of course, with this kind of strenuous hike, many people will experience muscle soreness or injuries to their lower body.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience, it is recommended to carry muscle pain relief medication on all outdoor adventures or strenuous activities. Applying the spray before and after physical exertion can help warm up muscles, prevent injuries, and alleviate muscle fatigue and inflammation. During this particular trip, I brought Uniren Spray, which effectively treated muscle pain for the entire team.

In addition to saving money, don't forget to take care of your health. Thailand has more than one mountain for us to visit, so taking care of ourselves is equally important. Uniren Spray is easy to carry and use. Just spray it on the area where you are experiencing pain, and it will help relieve your symptoms. At first, I had prepared some pain relief medication that I had received from the clinic at work, but I forgot to bring it with me. So I stopped by a pharmacy on the way, and my teammate recommended this product. Wow, it's really good! It's easy to use, just spray it on the area where you are experiencing pain. You can let it soak in or massage it gently for extra comfort. I personally love it and will probably bring it with me on every trip from now on. Haha!

It's time to go home. According to statistics, everyone should descend the mountain before 10 am because it takes another 1-2 hours to walk down and another hour to drive back to the community center. Oh, I forgot to mention that there is no place to shower on the mountain, so everyone will feel sticky and need to shower downstairs at the community tourism promotion center.

This trip has left a lasting impression on me, just like the first time I set foot here with my trusty green shoes. If the opportunity arises, I would definitely return, but two visits to this place are enough for now. I will miss Mhon Jong dearly, as this mountain has changed my life. I will cherish the memories and the bond we have formed. To my fellow travelers, thank you for reading this far, and to the 21 companions who joined me on this journey, I look forward to crossing paths with you again.

:: Follow us ::

Youtube: https://goo.gl/rVqoVe

Fan Page : https://goo.gl/kDE9eh

Facebook: https://goo.gl/S42XZq

Instagram: https://goo.gl/60tM0B

Twitter: https://goo.gl/wx2I34

Pinterest: https://goo.gl/P1FsxN

Google+

Link

Website: http://www.palapilii.com/

#palapilii

#wanderlust

#YOLO