"Go talk to the sky."

Meet the bird's gaze.

Tell jokes to the fog.

Go tell Chiang Khan about your disastrous exam scores.

For those who are too lazy to read the long text, please scroll down to the end of the trip where you will find a summary of the trip, budget, and the phone number of the uncle who drives the three-wheeled vehicle.

Follow or inquire for more information on IG: nompracharot or IG: onlypraeww.

Camera used: Nikon D5300, Lens: 18-55mm kit lens.

Introducing a subpar review...

#Measamaleeinchiangkhantrip

October 23-25, 2015

Hello... Hello. I won't go into too much detail. This trip was inspired by my classmates who were enthusiastically sharing travel posts on Pantip.com, which triggered my wanderlust. One of my travel companions, who frequently shared travel posts, was named "April." We didn't plan much for this trip and decided to wing it, especially regarding the bus schedule and accommodation (as all the accommodations were fully booked). The night before the trip, we agreed to wake up at five in the morning and catch the six o'clock bus. However, as is often the case, things didn't go as planned, and we both overslept. We left our dorm at around 7:30 am and took a motorcycle taxi to the bus terminal, which cost 20 baht each. At 8:00 am, we boarded the bus from Nakhon Phanom to Udon Thani. We tried to negotiate the fare but ended up paying the full price of 195 baht.

8:15 a.m. The wheels started rolling, and the two of us fell asleep immediately. Four long hours passed, and I wasn't sure if we were sleeping or practicing for death. After a long time, the sleeping princess was awakened by the prince's kiss (wait, that's not right) at Udon Thani Bus Terminal at 12:15 p.m. As soon as our feet touched the ground, we were immediately approached by motorcycle taxi drivers and three-wheeled taxi drivers. I asked the ticket seller what to do to get to Loei Province because there were no buses going there. He told me that I had to go to the new bus terminal because this was the old one. From here, a three-wheeled taxi ride cost 40 baht each (wow, that's expensive, uncle). There was a cheaper option, which was the number 7 songthaew. We had to walk out and wait in front of 7-Eleven. After a while, the number 7 songthaew that we were waiting for arrived and took us to our destination for only 10 baht.

Due to the limited budget, the trip to Udon Thani was canceled. The bus ticket was also rejected. The fare was 91 baht, and the bus was scheduled to depart around 1 or 2 pm.

According to numerous online discussions, a genuine Udon Thani to Loei bus will always have an auntie selling steamed buns onboard. If you don't see one, you're either on the wrong bus or a copycat. 5555+ You have to try it!

Over 3 hours... finally arrived at "Loei City" at 5:33 PM. I had already planned to hitchhike to Chiang Khan on this trip, but if I couldn't get a ride, my backup plan was to take the last songthaew to Chiang Khan at 7 PM. So what are we waiting for? There's still plenty of time to hitchhike. I headed out of the songthaew queue to the nearby market, thinking that people from Chiang Khan might be buying things at the market and taking them back to sell. So I started hitching, waving my arms left and right...

Two young girls shouted in hopes that a car would stop for them. "To Chiang Khan?" they asked repeatedly. Some cars sped past, ignoring their pleas. As they began to lose hope, they crossed the road to the other side of the bus queue. They encouraged each other not to be shy, as no one knew them. They continued to wave with determination. A kind man, old enough to be their uncle, approached on his bicycle and told them that they needed to flag down cars on the main road, as only local villagers' cars passed by on that street. The girls were disappointed and quietly boarded a waiting songthaew. These girls were April and Mali (me). We are grateful to the kind uncle for his advice. People in the countryside truly have beautiful hearts. Thank you.

The two-way fare from Loei to Chiang Khan is 30 baht. The bus departs at 7:10 PM and takes 1.30 hours. We haven't eaten since morning, so we vowed to eat until we burst when we arrive in Chiang Khan/Walking Street. 55555 It's satisfying. 8:40 PM. The bus arrives in Chiang Khan... We get off the bus and see a tricycle driver waiting for passengers. We were about to not get on because we didn't want to spend money, but since we didn't have a place to stay yet, we hesitated for a while. "We have to get on now." We got on, and who knew that the tricycle driver was kind? As soon as we got on, he handed us his business card. Wow, every tricycle here has a business card to give out! Tourist city, indeed. As we researched in various threads, we learned that you can camp for free at the Border Patrol Police 246 Chiang Khan. There's also water and electricity. So, the two of us were determined not to pay for accommodation. We don't have a tent. Let's just wing it! We told the tricycle driver, "To the Border Patrol Police, please." Let's go!

Our destination was the 246th Border Patrol Police Company. Since all the accommodation was full, we decided to camp out and experience the cool night air of Chiang Khan. It was an amazing experience, to say the least.

However, Chiang Khan is holding a Buddhist Lent festival! What perfect timing! Everything is sparkling. We arrived at the 246th Border Patrol Police Company (not that quickly). The entrance is a bit dark. We started to look at each other with wide eyes. Like, will we be able to stay here? P.S. The photos on the tricycle are very blurry.

Upon entering, we were greeted by a large crowd. Several tents were pitched near the grassy field. "We're on the right track, April," Uncle Samlor said as he walked with us. He offered to help us find accommodation if we couldn't stay here. We hadn't brought our tent with the intention of renting a space here, but it wasn't quite cold enough for the police to have set up tents yet. The police were very kind and asked us a few questions. "Are you two here for the event? We don't have any tents available." When they said they didn't have any tents, our faces fell. April said in a sad voice, "I'm easygoing and can sleep anywhere. I can even sleep guarding the front of the company." Mali added, "Yes, we can sleep anywhere. We don't need pillows or blankets." The police officers, perhaps out of pity or annoyance at the two of us, said, "If you come in here, you'll have a place to sleep. We won't let you go outside because it's dangerous and it's late. Besides, there's an event going on." It was true. The concert outside the fence was loud and clear. After that, we paid the three-wheeled uncle 30 baht each. The police told us to wait a moment while they arranged for a tent. Then, they rode off on a motorcycle and returned with a tent from another officer.

Please set up the tent for us. Also, find two pillows and two blankets for each of us.

The location chosen by the police for camping is in front of the flagpole, near the concert stage. It's so close that I could cry. The kindness of the police officers at the 246th Border Patrol Company is unmatched. After packing and changing clothes, it's time to hunt for food. The lovely police officer suggested a route. Walk past the Buddhist Lent festival and the concert stage for 400 meters, and you will find a walking street. Along the way, who knows how much I had to restrain myself from stopping at food stalls because I had already made a vow to eat and try everything at the walking street. It would be more enjoyable and worth the long drive.

And then patience pays off, I finally arrived at the walking street! However, it was almost 11 pm and most of the shops were closed, leaving only a few open. Since I had already come this far, I decided to make the most of it and eat whatever was available.

Next, we had grilled sticky rice, two sticks for 10 baht each. They were delicious and piping hot! As we continued walking, we started to feel thirsty. Luckily, we passed by a coconut water stall and each grabbed a bag to quench our thirst.

As the shops began to close one by one, we realized that most of them were already shut. Disappointed, we decided to head back to the "Pansa" festival to continue shopping. We ended up walking down the same street we had just come from.

We were fortunate to arrive during the "Ok Phansa" festival, which offered an abundance of delicious food. The sound of DJ Soda's "New Thang" playing in the background made us want to dance. Following the music, we stumbled upon a friendly vendor selling fried squid eggs. For 30 baht, we received a generous portion. The vendor was kind enough to give us an extra serving, which made us laugh. It was a delightful experience.

I bought a 20 baht Coke, it was huge! Then I got some grilled squid for 30 baht, it was delicious. Finally, I finished with 20 baht of grilled meatballs.

- Armed with delicious food, let's head to our little tent of love.

Here we are at the Border Patrol Police station! ^^

"Mesamalee" had dinner under the moonlight, with a little dew in front of the tent. The atmosphere was amazing! Did you see the concert lights? The music was great, the atmosphere was good, the food was delicious, and the drinks were so good! I'm so jealous of myself right now. While we were eating and enjoying the atmosphere, a plan for tomorrow popped up. We're going to Phu Tok tomorrow... Now, how can we get there in the most economical way?

Thank you. ><Day 2

Unzipping the tent, we were greeted by thick fog, a consequence of our heavy indulgence the previous night. Opening our eyes at 6:30 AM, we showered and called Uncle Samlor to pick us up from the Phu Thok checkpoint. Arriving at the checkpoint after 7:00 AM, we realized we were quite late. Tourists were already making their way down the mountain, having arrived as early as 4:00 AM, while we were still comfortably asleep in our tent.

We have arrived at Phu Tok. It is very crowded. We paid the uncle who drove the three-wheeled vehicle 100 baht each. The uncle said he would wait for us below because the 100 baht we paid was for both the trip up and the trip back down.

Before going up to the viewpoint, you must purchase a ticket for 25 baht. Then, queue up for the car to pick you up. Let me tell you, the driver is very fast, like Fast 8: Furious and Furious on Phu Thok. After surviving the Fast 8 experience, you will be rewarded with beautiful and refreshing views. Here you are at Phu Thok... the mist of Chiang Khan.

The soft, white mist covered the entire area. We took a leisurely walk to enjoy the atmosphere, initially hoping to catch the sunrise here, but it was already too late as the sun was high in the sky.

Two hours of joy and fun on Phu Thok. "Oh, the battery is dead!" We had to say goodbye reluctantly. Before going down, let's pray together. 'May this trip go smoothly. Amen, Amen.'

The three-wheeled uncle came to the Border Patrol Police. Two young children walked shyly and asked the police, "Um, is it... is it... my battery is dead, where can I charge it?" The kind-hearted policeman immediately arranged a place to charge the camera and phone. Yay <3 Done.

Unable to resist the rumbling of my empty stomach, I ventured out of the Border Patrol Police headquarters in search of sustenance. My quest led me to a local eatery, where I indulged in a delectable plate of "khanom jeen nam ya pa," a spicy fish curry served with rice noodles, and a bowl of "kuay teow saeb e lee," a flavorful noodle soup. The explosion of flavors was truly unforgettable.

After a hearty meal, we sat by the Mekong River to digest. However, as the saying goes, "a full belly leads to sleepy eyes." We decided to walk back and recharge our batteries for a bit. At 11:30 AM, time flew by, and by 2:40 PM, both April and I woke up soaking wet. The midday sun was scorching our little tent, a true testament to the strength of the Thai sun. We woke up to an exciting opportunity: the police officer invited us to jump from a 34-foot tower, a popular activity for tourists. However, we politely declined, as April was too scared. Despite being invited by Mali, she refused to jump. So, she simply put on the gear and took some promotional photos for the police officer.

As the evening grew cooler, more and more tourists arrived to pitch their tents.

We watched him jump from the building for a while and then went back to take a shower. However, the most shocking thing was that the bathroom the police allowed us to use this morning was the commanding officer's private bathroom. My heart sank to my ankles. 'Hmm... do you think I'm a favorite?' (At this point, I still don't know who the commanding officer is. It could be that person, it could be this person, it could be any of the police officers we talked to, right?) After finishing our mission, we went to get the camera battery and phone that were charging on the police officer's desk. Our next mission was to "get revenge" on the "walking street" because last night we arrived late and the shops were closed. Today, we have to visit every shop.

The first sign reads "ice cream" for 10 baht, but the amount you get is so small that it disappears in two breaths. "Wow, it's gone!"

Found it! Deep-fried dough sticks stuffed with filling in a review for 30 baht. The taste is like spring rolls. Oh, so delicious!

Strolling and snacking, oh my, life is good right now! The hardest part about eating while walking is finding a trash can. I held it in my hand until it got wet before I could throw it away. Finally found one, phew!

Next up, the 'umami' grilled shrimp skewers. They're spicy and flavorful, only 10 baht each. Eat too many, and you might lose all your hair. Well, mine's already falling out anyway.

This looks delicious, that tastes amazing, the atmosphere is fantastic, let's keep going all night long.

As the clock struck 11 pm, the auspicious hour had arrived. With a spread of delicious food, we settled down in front of our tent, gazing at the stars. The roar of my big bike's engine filled my heart with joy. The tent next to us had just arrived (I wonder why they came so late). April and Mali sipped their drinks and chatted for hours. Suddenly, we remembered that we had to return the next day to fulfill our responsibilities. We quickly called Uncle, our three-wheeled taxi driver, to pick us up the following morning. Before heading to bed, we brushed our teeth and washed our faces. However, we had to switch to the female tourist bathroom. We didn't dare use the original one anymore, even though it was equally clean and beautiful. The only difference was the lack of a hot water heater, unlike the officer's bathroom.

Day 3

4:30 AM. Woke up to pack up the tent and my belongings. I really didn't want to leave! I came here innocent, but now I'm leaving like a thief. What the heck? Let me tell you, I couldn't even say goodbye to anyone, not even the police, because it was so early in the morning that there wasn't a single soul around. The tents next to me were all quiet. The tricycle uncle came to drop me off at the bus stop. I said goodbye to him and paid him 20 baht each. Now the whole road is ours.

The bus arrived shortly after 5:30 AM, taking me to Loei City by 6:30 AM. The Loei City to Udon Thani bus departed at 7:00 AM. Before leaving, I grabbed a quick bite, enjoying a 20 baht steamed bun and an 8 baht dim sum.

Arrived in Udon Thani at 10:00 AM after a 3-hour journey. Took a local bus (Songthaew) number 15 to the old bus terminal. The bus dropped us off at a four-way intersection, and we walked a short distance to the terminal. The bus from Udon Thani to Nakhon Phanom departed at 12:00 PM. The fare was lower than the previous trip, at 150 Baht per person. The bus stopped at Sakon Nakhon bus terminal for 1 hour due to a shortage of passengers. We arrived back at the dormitory safely at 5:30 PM.

Not yet finished!

Trip Summary

Dear police officers, thank you very much for your warm hospitality. We are both very impressed. We are very grateful for your kindness. - Thank you for going out to find a tent for us to sleep in at three or four in the morning. - Thank you for the four blankets, two pillows, and two sheets.

- Thank you for letting me sleep warm in the tent. - Thank you for the advice. - Thank you for letting me charge my battery. - Thank you for the smiles and laughter. - Thank you for everything.

I haven't taken leave yet. So I'll take leave here. P.S. In case you come across this.

This trip is dedicated to the police officers who are our knights.

To the kind tricycle driver, thank you for waking up late at night to pick me up. Thank you for talking to me along the way. Thank you.

Chiang Khan, a place of memories and wonderful experiences.

Summary of expenses

Day 1 Nakhon Phanom - Udon Thani 195 Baht

The red songthaew to the Old Bus Terminal costs 10 baht.

Udon Thani - Loei 91 Baht

Songthaew to Chiang Khan - 30 baht

A three-wheeled vehicle to the Border Patrol Police for 30 baht.

Day 2 Three-wheeled vehicle to Phu Thok 100 baht

The entrance fee to Phu Tok is 25 baht.

Breakfast 35 baht

Day 3 Songthaew for 30 baht

A three-wheeled vehicle to the waiting point costs 20 baht.

Bus from Loei to Udon Thani - 91 Baht

The red songthaew to the Old Bus Terminal costs 10 baht.

Udon Thani - Nakhon Phanom 150 baht

Note Roundtrip fare 817 baht

Food and beverage expenses for 3 days: 683 baht.

Total trip cost: 1,500 baht

Goodbye.