Upon arrival at the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, after making a reservation by phone and providing the names of the members and the number of porters via email, we proceeded to register and prepare to board a pickup truck to the starting point of the hike at Den Ya Khad. Visitors can inquire about available dates, porters, and pickup trucks directly with the sanctuary at 053-456623 or 081-1116203. Booking details, including names and dates, can be sent to [email protected] (limited to 150 people per night). After contacting the officials, visitors can load their belongings onto the truck and proceed to the starting point of the hike.

The road leading up is quite rough and steep, with both uphill and downhill slopes. It is advisable to hold on to something sturdy for support while seated.

After a bumpy one-hour car ride, we arrived at the Khun Huai Mae Kok Forest Protection Unit. I arrived around 10 am and had breakfast to fuel up for the long journey ahead. Remember to bring water with you, as the porters can only carry 20 kg per person. My group hired two porters, and just carrying our backpacks and 1.5-liter water bottles almost filled their quota. Therefore, we had to carry our personal belongings ourselves. (There is no water or electricity on the mountain, so be sure to bring enough water, as you will need it for drinking, cooking instant noodles and coffee, washing your face, and other purposes. I also recommend bringing plenty of wet wipes.)

The prominent grass-cutting trail starts from the Khun Huai Mae Kok Forest Protection Unit, covering a distance of 8.5 km. After carrying the backpack and taking pictures with the sign, I was already tired. 555 But I thought that the view from the top would be worth it. So I gathered my strength and started walking up.

The trail offers a diverse range of terrain, including flat paths, steep hills, rocky climbs, tall grass, and slippery mud, providing a comprehensive hiking experience. Despite the challenging terrain and physical exertion, the surrounding natural beauty provides a constant source of joy and wonder.

After an 8.5 km trek through the forest, which took us around 6 hours (was it too long? ><), we finally reached our campsite. As we arrived, we were lucky enough to spot a goral, a native animal of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, walking on the rocks behind our tent. If you look closely, you might be able to see one yourself. As it was almost 6 pm, we decided to set up our tents, boil water, cook dinner, and rest. The campsite offered a breathtaking view of the starry sky. After taking some photos of the stars, we went to bed early to prepare for our 4 am hike to the South Wind Gap the next morning.

The morning air was frigid, and after waking up, I had just enough time to boil water for coffee, wash my face, and brush my teeth before setting off for Giw Lom Tai. We started early while it was still dark, and the path included steep, rocky sections. Headlamps are highly recommended for everyone. After about a 30-minute hike, we found a spot to wait for the sunrise. Looking out, we could see city lights and a thin layer of fog, while behind us were the Doi Sam Pee Bong mountains and faint stars. The view was breathtaking in every direction.

After enjoying the beautiful scenery for a while before sunrise, we encountered thick fog that obscured the view. However, after waiting for a while, the fog gradually cleared, revealing the stunning landscape in its full glory.

A short walk from this viewpoint is another scenic spot called "Pha Ham Hot," which features a rocky outcrop that extends outward, offering another unique angle for capturing photographs. From this vantage point, you can gaze out into the distance and catch a glimpse of the peak of Doi Inthanon. However, if you choose to venture out onto the rock formation for a photo opportunity, please exercise caution.

After taking in the breathtaking views from the southern Kiw Lom, I made my way back down to the tents for some lunch and relaxation. During the afternoon, not knowing where to go or what to do, I decided to go birdwatching, hoping to catch another glimpse of the elusive goral. Chiang Dao is home to a variety of beautiful birds, but I must confess, I don't know the names of most of them. Haha! ^^"

The fatigue of the climb vanished instantly upon reaching the summit. The breathtaking panorama before me erased all traces of exhaustion. Nature's artistry was on full display, a masterpiece of beauty. As the sun gradually dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the intricate mountain silhouettes, everyone present was captivated by the spectacle. The sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant hues, eventually giving way to the twinkling stars. It was a truly unforgettable moment.

This concludes my Chiang Dao trip. I hope it will be helpful for those who are planning to climb Doi Luang Chiang Dao. If there are any mistakes or omissions, please forgive me. For those who are planning to travel, I wish you a good trip and enjoy your journey.