Hello again!

This time, I'm back from a trip to Pa Pong Piang Forest, a place I've been wanting to visit for a long time. Since it's September, the rice fields are lush and green. I didn't waste any time and planned a trip. This time, I decided to up the difficulty by continuing on to Pa Son Wat Chat. I found the shortest route, which turned out to be an exciting adventure along the mountain's edge. We encountered landslides, rain, got lost, had no signal, and even came across a road that had completely disappeared! It was a trip I'll never forget, filled with unexpected events.

Here's a glimpse of what happened:

• Day 1: We started our journey from Nan and headed towards Pa Pong Piang Forest. The road was scenic, winding through mountains and lush greenery. We arrived at the campsite in the afternoon and set up our tents. In the evening, we enjoyed a delicious dinner cooked over a campfire.
• Day 2: We woke up early and went for a hike in the forest. The air was fresh and cool, and the sounds of birds filled the air. We saw a variety of plants and animals, including monkeys, deer, and birds. In the afternoon, we went swimming in a nearby waterfall.
• Day 3: We packed up our things and said goodbye to Pa Pong Piang Forest. We then continued our journey to Pa Son Wat Chat. The road was even more challenging than the previous day, with steep climbs and narrow turns. However, the views were breathtaking. We arrived at the temple in the late afternoon and were greeted by the friendly monks.
• Day 4: We woke up early and watched the sunrise from the top of the mountain. The view was incredible, with rolling hills and valleys as far as the eye could see. We then said goodbye to the monks and started our journey back to Nan.

This trip was an unforgettable experience. It was challenging, exciting, and rewarding. I learned a lot about myself and the beauty of nature. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure.

Note: This is just a short summary of the trip. The full story is much longer and includes many more details. I encourage you to read the full story if you are interested in learning more.

Rough Trip Itinerary for September 7-10, 2017

Leaving Bangkok on Wednesday evening, I found refuge at my sister's house in Lamphang. The next morning, I headed straight to Wat Chelimphong, followed by a visit to Mae Kampong. Despite the rain, I ventured up Doi Inthanon and checked into a guesthouse in Pa Pong Piang.

The second morning, we left Pa Pong Piang Forest and headed to Kalyaniwattana District. We had a fun-filled day on this route and arrived at the pine forest at Wat Chan in the evening. We spent another night there.

The exhilarating Mae Sa-Sop Mae Daed route. Just how exhilarating it is, let's take a look at the blue line we'll be taking.

On the third morning, we left the pine forest and ran into Pai, passing by the hot springs of the mine. We stopped at Huai Nam Dang, cut through to Kong city, visited Doi Luang Chiang Dao, and entered Chiang Dao Cave. We went to sleep in the city (the original plan was to go up to sleep in Nuan, manage the headwaters of Mae Ta Man, and San Pa Kia, but today there was an unexpected event, so we went back to sleep in the city).

Another exciting route cuts through from Huai Nam Dang to Kong City.

On the fourth morning, depart from your accommodation and head to Doi Pui to witness the mist. Pay respects at Doi Suthep and Doi Kham temples, and conclude your trip with a visit to Phu Fin Coffee before returning to Bangkok.

All photos were taken with a Nikon D7200 with a 18-140mm kit lens, a 50mm f/1.8 lens, and a GoPro Hero 4 Silver.

Watch the video first for a fun journey. It's in the middle of the clip. Please also visit Liem's Travel.

The journey began on the evening of the 6th. We packed our belongings into the car in the afternoon. This trip, the car has become black. The new color was just launched in Japan, which perfectly matched our preferences. However, we couldn't wait any longer and decided to do it ourselves a long time ago. We used black matte stickers, which cost 150 baht per meter, to cover the entire car. We opted for a DIY approach to save money. The car was in a mess after we went off-roading at Khao Chom and Khao Nang Hong with our group members. Now, let's get to the main point of this trip. We went alone again, but we brought a lot of stuff. We had a tent, a flysheet, a camping stove, a field kitchen, and a 40-liter waterproof bag that could hold a lot of things.

This trip, I tried securing the spare fuel tank with a 20 baht green rope from a local store, tying it to the rear rack's hooks. It worked well and didn't get in the way when refueling, although I had to tilt it slightly. However, it's mainly for backup on mountain roads, as I wouldn't normally use it. I also added two car wash sponges and sewed leftover fabric around them to create a cushion for the pillion passenger (which didn't work, haha, maybe it was too small; the length was fine, but the width wasn't, so I only used it on the way there and it didn't work, haha, I'll try making a new one).

It has been almost a month since my registration expired, and I still haven't received the new one. This is a very long time to wait. I have already taken two long trips without a registration, and I just received it when I returned from Chiang Mai.

Departed from Don Mueang at 4:00 PM, picked up my girlfriend at Lad Phrao after work at 4:30 PM, showered and got dressed, and left Lad Phrao around 4:30 PM.

The traffic is still bad as usual. This time, I took the main road, Vibhavadi Rangsit. When I reached the second PTT on the Asian Highway, it was already past 6 pm and almost dark. I was getting hungry, so I stopped to find something to eat.

This sentence describes the preparation for a long journey, specifically mentioning the need for reflective clothing due to nighttime travel. The writer also notes the high cost of some reflective clothing options.

Here's the translation:

This round, there's a lot of equipment. I even have a reflective vest because I'll be riding through the night to Lampang. It's important to be safe. Reflective vests aren't hard to find, but some stores are expensive. I got mine for 150 baht.

The evening sky today

Leaving the gas station, it was almost dusk. I pushed the throttle hard, maintaining a speed of over 120 km/h most of the way. However, I kept the speed around 120 km/h due to the heavy load. The remaining distance was used for overtaking. The fuel consumption was significant, requiring a refill after 150 km for safety reasons. I couldn't stop for long stretches, only for refueling. I arrived in Tak city after 11 pm and had dinner at Khao Tom Khoracha, a restaurant located by the road. The food was good and the prices were reasonable, ranging from 40 to 50 baht.

After driving for another hour or so, I arrived in Lampang city at around 1:00 AM. The 7-hour journey from Bangkok wasn't bad, and I had plenty of time to spare. I stopped by my sister's place to sleep, as she had just moved to Lampang. Thank you again for everything.

Waking up at 6:00 AM, I prepare for the day ahead. I stop by the Saphan Ratchadaphisek market to buy sticky rice and pork.

Our First Destination: Wat Chedi Phra Kiat Phra Chom Klao Rachanusorn (Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng)

The journey to our first destination, Wat Chedi Phra Kiat Phra Chom Klao Rachanusorn (also known as Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng), was filled with the beauty of a cool, misty morning. Arriving at 7:00 AM, we were greeted by a breathtaking landscape shrouded in a veil of fog. Due to safety regulations, personal vehicles are not permitted on the mountain road leading to the temple. Instead, we opted for the convenient and affordable pickup truck service, which cost 100 Baht per person for a roundtrip ride.

This morning, there were no officers yet. We ate sticky rice and waited until 8 am. Then, the officers and service vehicles arrived, and we paid and prepared to board.

The following is a translation of the Thai sentence "นั้งรถมา10นาทีก็ถึงจุดเดินเท้าครับ" into English:

It takes 10 minutes by car to reach the walking point.

The fog still blankets the area, so it seems we'll miss the chance to see the morning mist over the sea.

The walkway is a metal staircase that can be slippery. Please use caution.

Let's take a break. I'm feeling a bit tired this morning.

It only took 15 minutes to walk here. It's just a short distance.

It didn't take long for us to reach our destination, leaving us drenched in sweat.

Upon arrival, one is greeted by a scene of pristine whiteness.

There is no view to see.

However, there was a glimmer of hope, like the sun trying to break through the fog. We held our breath, cheering for the sun to win and grant us a glimpse of the view for at least 5 minutes. 555.

The provided text is an empty paragraph containing only a line break. As there is no actual content to translate, I cannot provide a translation in this instance.

Please provide the actual text you wish to be translated, and I will be happy to assist you.

Returning to the pavilion on the other side, I sat down to rest. The atmosphere on the pavilion was excellent.

I decided to sleep and wait until 9:30.

The mist playfully dances around, creating a beautiful scene. However, it would be even better if the view were clearer.

This morning, there were two other groups of tourists who came up with us.

The fog drifts in and out, sometimes revealing and sometimes obscuring the view.

From this angle, with a little imagination, it resembles a beautiful heart.

I can't wait until 9:30, or I'll miss the next stop. I'll come back later, but this view is nice too.

We reached the parking spot and could see the ground, but the fog was still thick, obscuring the view.

We arrived back at our car around 10 am.

Continuing on to the next destination, Mae Kampong Village. It's a pity that at first I remembered looking at the route and saw that there were two ways, a short way and a longer way. I was going to take the short way, which is to cut through Jae Son National Park to Mae Kampong. But when I looked at the GPS on the day I went, it told me to take the longer way. I forgot, so I just stopped at the entrance to take pictures and continued on the longer way.

I remember this intersection well. If you've read my review of the Mae Hong Son-Chiang Mai route from two years ago, you'll recall that I took my lowered Vios on that trip. On the last day of the trip, I left Chiang Mai and planned to visit the Chalermprakiet Temple. The map led me to this very intersection, but the road ahead, the one I'm driving on today, was in terrible condition. It was full of potholes and extremely winding. I hadn't done my research for that trip, so I gave up and turned back to visit the Grand Canyon instead, wasting over an hour. That was another time I felt frustrated that I couldn't fully explore a place because of my car. So, I kept that feeling in my heart until I finally got my CRF 555. However, today, the road from the Chalermprakiet Temple to this point is paved and in excellent condition. It looks like the asphalt is new, so the road must have been recently completed. In any case, it's now a comfortable ride for any vehicle. The road is narrow and winding, but the scenery is beautiful.

We soon arrived at Mae Kampong.

I drove past the village and reached Wat Kanthaphrueksa.

I drove up to the Chom Nok Chom Mai coffee shop. The road leading into the village is quite narrow and the uphill climb is quite steep, so be careful. Throughout the village, houses are lined up along the steep slopes, and even though the distance to the coffee shop is not far, the view of the village below is breathtaking.

Recharge with a sweet treat before noon.

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Please provide the actual text you would like translated, and I will be happy to assist you.

The cake tastes good.

Then drive down to the village.

Park the car and take a walk around the village.

There are a moderate number of tourists today, but the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing.

We then continued our journey to the intended destination of this trip.

Leaving Mae Kampong, the sky was beautiful and the sun was blazing. I rode my motorcycle without a care in the world, but as I approached the road leading up to Doi Inthanon, a heavy downpour began. I had to stop at the entrance to Inthanon and eat a sandwich I had bought at a PTT gas station before turning in. I sat and watched the rain for a while, but it showed no signs of stopping. I couldn't take it anymore, so I put on my raincoat and went for it. Luckily, I had been to Inthanon three times before, so I knew that the climb wasn't that scary. It was steep, but the road was wide and in good condition, so I went for it. At first, I thought riding a motorcycle up a steep hill would be scarier than a 4-wheeler, but as I went along, I felt confident and not as scared as I thought, even though I was riding in the rain. I kept riding in the rain until I almost reached the second checkpoint, and then the rain stopped. The road was completely dry. After the second checkpoint, I turned left. We didn't have to pay the park fee because we were going to Pa Pong Piang. The closest entrance to Pa Pong Piang is at Mae Pan Waterfall. There is a sign that says Mae Pan Waterfall, but there is no sign for Pa Pong Piang. I turned right and entered the waterfall park. Cars can still get here, but from here on, it's about 4 kilometers of muddy road like the one in the picture.

The entire 4 km stretch maintains this condition, but it's not particularly challenging. Motorcycles, except for heavy big bikes, can easily navigate it. While not extreme, heavier vehicles may encounter some difficulty, though not insurmountable. Pickup trucks without a lift and two-wheel drive are not recommended due to the deep ruts created by four-wheel drive vehicles. Low-clearance vehicles may struggle, but during the dry season, it should be manageable.

And then we arrived at the sky after the rain just in time. The fog will float low and very beautiful.

A zoom shot from a car parked on the side of the road.

After calling several places, the price of accommodation seems to be the same at 500 baht per night, including dinner and breakfast. I stayed at Weerasak Homestay, and the locations are not far apart. Therefore, the view is similar, and you will enjoy your stay wherever you choose.

The following is a translation of the Thai sentence "เดินลงมาสำรวจนิดนึง" into English:

"Come down and explore a bit."

That's our accommodation. Actually, there are two rooms, but the other one is unoccupied, so we have the whole place to ourselves.

Dining seat

The bedroom is very comfortable.

This photo was taken from the balcony in front of my room.

The sky after the rain is truly magnificent.

Dispatch a surrogate for exploration.

Let's explore the surroundings.

Let's take a look at the picture.

A pair of legs with a remote control.

Distant sea of mist over there.

The kit 140 can only zoom this far.

After taking photos to their heart's content, it was almost 6 pm when they returned to their room. The younger siblings had just delivered their dinner in a tiffin carrier.

We lit candles to set the mood, although it was already getting dark and the light was fading. We had four dishes: stir-fried eggs with vegetables, canned fish with a spicy sauce (which was delicious!), and more. The portions were generous, and we were all stuffed. Even with the girls eating very little, we couldn't finish everything in the single food container.

The sun dipped below the horizon, but we couldn't see it due to a storm that brought relentless rain throughout the day. It rained at least five times since our arrival. After taking a few photos, the rain started again, and we saw something white and clear. We set up the camera to capture the sea of fog, but unfortunately, the thick clouds completely obscured the moonlight. It was incredibly dark, even though it was only a little past seven in the evening.

The light helped me to drag the speed for 30 seconds. There was light from what seemed to be tourists taking pictures. The atmosphere at that time was cold and rainy, with no stars visible that day. And throughout the trip, the sky was overcast every day. It's a pity, but when you come during the rainy season, you have to understand that nature is unpredictable.

That night, I slept very comfortably. This place has electricity, which is generated by a large battery-powered generator. I'm not sure if all rooms have it, but the entrance made me think there wasn't any electricity, so I charged all my devices.

Good morning, the atmosphere is very good.

This morning, there is no need to hope for the sun. Sitting on the balcony and enjoying the view is enough to make me happy. I can soak up the atmosphere without having to walk anywhere, which is tiring. Just sitting here is a pleasure.

Breakfast is here, same old lunchbox.

Sing, dance, and have fun as you go. Haha, I don't know how to play.

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Please provide the actual text you want translated, and I will be happy to assist you.

Enjoying the mist until after 9 am

The mist persists throughout this morning.

The original text appears to be a Thai song lyric. Here's the translation:

Look over there, the lovebirds, chirping away. The male bird is guarding his nest, looking for a mate. Haha, the music is playing too.

The following is a translation of the provided text from Thai to English:

Let's continue. Our destination today is to sleep at the pine forest of Wat Chan, Khlong Lan District. There are many routes to get there, but I wanted an adventure, so I chose the shortest route. However, I asked the off-road riders in Chiang Mai who knew the area, and they said that our off-road vehicle could handle it. So, what are we waiting for? Let's go! The blue route that we will take passes through Mae Na Chor, Ban Mae Sa, and then cuts through the mountains from Ban Mae Sa to Mae Sop Daed before reaching the main road.

Let's take another route to get to the place we mentioned. The view from this side is also beautiful.

The provided text is an empty paragraph containing only a line break. As there is no actual content to translate, I cannot provide a translation in this instance.

Please provide a sentence or phrase that requires translation, and I will be happy to assist you.

Very beautiful.

This way also leads back to Chiang Mai, you don't have to go back the same way.

I checked the car before I left, but I forgot to set the chain. This is not good, haha. It's been loose and making a loud noise since yesterday. I found a motorcycle shop, but they refused to do it because they thought it was a big bike. One shop said it was an Africa Twin and they couldn't do it, and told me to go to a bigger shop. Should I be happy about this? Haha. Anyway, it's not too bad yet, so I can keep going.

Every sign I saw, I stopped to take a picture of it, just in case I got lost. I didn't see any other cars, there were so few.

The scenery on both sides of the road is breathtaking.

Continuing on, we reached a familiar intersection. This was the same route we took from Inthanon to Tung Bua Tong last time. However, this time we will continue straight towards Ban Mae Sa.

There are many houses.

Stop, it's beautiful.

Empty streets, a perfect opportunity to show off.

A leisurely drive with scenic views, stopping to take photos along the way, with plenty of time to spare, without knowing what the road ahead holds.

The weather is pleasant with no rain and mild sunshine.

The road curves throughout this section, which is still in excellent condition with asphalt paving.

The photo below shows an orange ridge near the power lines. At first, we joked that this was where we were going, but we didn't think it was real. However, it turned out that this was the path we were going to take.

To get to Mae Sa's house, go straight until you reach a point where you are unsure of the direction. According to the map, turn right into the village and ask the villagers for directions. They will tell you that it is possible to get there and point you in the right direction, which is reassuring.

The road turned into a concrete path that led uphill. After a while, the concrete ended, but the power lines continued. I realized the real adventure was about to begin. I stopped to check my GPS, which still had a strong signal. I was ready to continue.

The road remains like this for approximately 30 kilometers. It is a red clay road, and some sections are steep. If you are riding alone, it is recommended to drive slowly for safety.

We continued our journey, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. However, we didn't stop much as there were no lampposts or villagers in sight.

Deeper and deeper, the path of joy, a light adventure.

On steep slopes with slippery soil, for safety reasons, we let her walk down.

After driving for almost an hour, we finally came across this sign. Oh, it's a relief. We've come a long way and haven't seen any villagers for a long time. Seeing this village sign means that there are people living here, and it's a new sign too.

The slope is usable, but it doesn't look steep in the photo.

At this point, the phone signal is lost, but the GPS is still guiding me along the original route. It tells me to turn right, so I do.

The atmosphere became increasingly joyful after the turn.

Landslides all along the way, trees falling continuously. This route is not suitable for pickup trucks. It is likely due to the heavy rain and storms that caused numerous landslides.

And here we are. Wow!

An uprooted tree blocked the path, seemingly fallen some time ago. Locals cleared a passage for motorcycles, but larger vehicles like pickup trucks would be unable to pass due to the tree's size.

Even a pickup truck, let alone a large big bike, would have difficulty if it got stuck in here alone.

Another checkpoint cleared. I've been on edge ever since I entered this course, like I'm playing a suspenseful game, wondering what's coming next.

This area is characterized by deep ravines.

Wow, the view is beautiful. Let's stop for a bit. We're both tired. As soon as we passed the bend with the trees, we both shouted "Yay!" We found a concrete road. We're definitely close to the exit now.

After walking for about 300 meters, we couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow!"

The road is completely broken. It's not just a small crack like the ones I usually see on the side of the road; it's a complete break across the entire lane. Oh my god, I've been driving for almost two hours now. I took a moment to compose myself. Now, I'm completely lost. The GPS signal is useless because the location is no longer accurate. I don't know when it went off. But the way I came wasn't difficult; there was only one intersection a while ago. I made a decision. It was just past noon. At first, I walked around and saw a path leading down to a stream. I don't know if I can cross to the other side, but there was no one around. So I decided to go back the way I came. It's impossible to go any further.

The car drove until it reached a large fallen tree. We managed to escape and stopped to rest. At that moment, we felt a little discouraged. Why did we have to encounter this? We had come a long way. We heard the sound of a two-stroke motorcycle, "Paed paed paed paed," coming from afar, as if it were accelerating up a hill. It seemed like there was hope. We waited to see who it was. Then, heaven smiled upon us. A local man arrived on his motorcycle, making a "tlung tlung" sound. We asked him where he came from. He said he came from the other side, crossing the water. We were surprised and asked if he could cross the water. He must have found a way down. He said he crossed the stream and rode up into the cornfield, emerging on the other side. The main road was not far away. We asked him to help us because our car was heavy and we were afraid we wouldn't be able to make it up the other side. He was happy to help.

Looking back from this point, you can see that the water level is not high enough to cross. Once you cross the water, you will reach a path leading up to a cornfield. However, the soil there is very muddy due to constant exposure to water, making it difficult for vehicles to pass.

The vehicle tipped over, likely due to a heavy load. The cargo was removed from the rear of the vehicle to lighten it, and it was then righted.

The truck is extremely heavy.

This straight path doesn't seem like a road, but since the road is broken, people use this path instead. It's not far, but it's steep.

With the combined effort of two people, we finally managed to lift the car. If it weren't for the help of this kind stranger, I wouldn't have been able to do it on my own. As a token of my appreciation, I offered him a small reward and took a picture with him. I am truly grateful for his assistance.

Come out right now, this way out.

The bridge has been broken for almost a month, and no one has come to fix it yet. People are using the water crossing instead. Small vehicles can still pass, but we saw a 10-wheel truck carrying a tractor coming in when we were leaving. I think they might be coming to repair the road. If you are passing by, you can check if it has been repaired.

While there is reason to be optimistic, it is important to remain cautious as there is still a significant distance to cover. Currently, there are no clear signs of how much further we need to travel, but we have been assured by our guide that it is not too far. We have also encountered a few houses along the way, which provides some reassurance. For now, we must rely on asking locals for directions, speaking to everyone we meet. Fortunately, we are likely to encounter more villagers in the coming hours, which will offer some comfort.

The situation here is a bit messy, and it's causing some problems.

We passed by Ban Sop Mae Daed. It's raining now. Luckily, we didn't encounter rain earlier. We should be nearing the exit soon.

After driving out, I encountered another intersection. This time, there were electric poles, which gave me hope that I could finally exit. However, the intersection had power lines running across both the left and right sides. I tried to check the map, but it was still unresponsive.

So I decided to drive to the left.

Encountering a plethora of village signs, I decided to inquire about directions.

Deep in the village, there are beautiful terraced rice fields. But at that time, it started to rain heavily and I could only take one picture. I rode into Ban Huai Pu and asked for directions, but it turned out I was on the wrong path. There was no way out of this village, so I had to go back to the intersection of Ban Mae Sop Saet and then go straight.

After more than 3 hours of driving from Mae Sa, we finally reached the black road.

The milestone opposite the alley I came out of is this milestone. The number is beautiful. I'll keep it for you. If anyone wants to try it, please do. This road is actually very fun if you have two or three friends with you. It's not as exciting as this. I survived. Hooray!

Fortunately, since I started riding a motorcycle, I've taken my girlfriend with me everywhere, no matter where it is. Even on rough enduro trails, I've taken her as a pillion, so she's experienced much more difficult terrain than this. When she came along, she didn't scream in fear because she had already encountered much rougher roads. However, every time we went, there were a lot of people, so it wasn't scary. This time, we're coming alone, so it's a bit daunting. 555

We continued driving and arrived at Wat Chan. We stopped for lunch, as it was already past 3 pm.

The condition is not good.

Next, take a photo at Wat Chan.

And then we arrived at the Royal Project Ban Wat Chan, also known as the Wat Chan Pine Forest, or by its many other names.

I originally planned to pitch my newly purchased rainproof tent, but the designated camping area was quite far from the staff and deserted today, with no other tourists around. I inquired about the accommodation price, which was 800 baht per night, but I managed to negotiate a 200 baht discount due to the rainy season. Despite the temptation to save money by camping alone, the eerie atmosphere convinced me to splurge on a comfortable room with a hot shower. It was definitely worth it after such a long day.

The accommodation is a beautiful house.

We got the first room because there was no one else, but when it got dark, another car came in. In conclusion, tonight there is only me and another pickup truck in the whole project.

After retrieving the lost item and changing clothes, I went for a bike ride around the project.

The weather is very good.

The view from the top of the dam is breathtaking, with a vast expanse of pine forest stretching as far as the eye can see.

We are alone today.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Shake the bob once.

That night, I slept soundly. The bed was very comfortable, and the cool air was just right. It was a shame that it didn't rain last night, though.

This morning there was no fog because the weather was just cool. This photo was taken in the morning when we drove to the same place.

Capturing the surrounding atmosphere before moving on.

Double the work, double the fun.

After taking the photo, they prepared to continue.

Heading to the pine forest at Wat Chan.

This morning, the weather is excellent, with no rain and plenty of fog.

The scenery along the road is beautiful. I forgot to mention that the road is now paved with asphalt throughout the entire stretch. It is almost completely finished.

As I drove along, I came across a hot spring from a mine, located right next to the road.

The initial heat was intense, so watch it lightly at first.

However, as she got closer, the water pressure increased significantly, causing Khwan to jump high in the air, as if someone had suddenly turned up the water flow. 555

It is also quite beautiful.

The following is a translation of the provided text from Thai to English:

Another viewpoint along the way, but it's a bit neglected. The trees are blocking the view now.

We finally found a shop that could fix our car before entering Pai. In reality, if we had explained that our car was actually similar to a small motorcycle like a CBR, they would have been able to fix it. They just hadn't seen its large size and assumed it was a big bike.

Let's continue to the historic Tha Pai Bridge. I've been here before and took some photos.

We then returned to Pai to fill up both the car and the spare tank, and also stopped for breakfast.

The next step is to tackle the real goal of the day, which is to climb up to the ridge of the forest to sleep at the source of the Mae Ta Man River. Another tough route, especially during the rainy season. Will we be able to make it?

However, from the route we checked this time, there is another shortcut from Huai Nam Dang to Muang Kong, only about 20 kilometers. Let's go, because if we go the normal way, it's a 100-kilometer detour. But the road is very good, the road is now finished.

We took a shortcut and ended up at Huai Nam Dang. We stopped to take photos because the view was amazing. This place would be perfect for an overnight stay. Maybe next time we will come back.

It seems like it might rain when I arrive here.

If there were a sea of fog in the morning, it would be very beautiful.

There are many flowers.

The strong, cold wind made me shiver.

Let's continue. It's past noon.

The road from Huai Nam Dang is narrow, but in better condition than yesterday. It is a concrete road, but only the center lane is paved, with dirt on either side. The road is not wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other.

Fortunately, after a short drive on a mix of paved and dirt roads, we encountered a local pickup truck. We asked the driver for directions to Muang Kong, and he informed us that he was also heading there. We followed him, and as a result, we didn't have time to stop and take any pictures.

The scenery along the way was breathtaking.

The actual route only has two forks, so it's unlikely to get lost. It's easier than yesterday's route, with occasional muddy sections and winding paths along the mountainside.

This is a clip from a GoPro video, so the image quality may be a bit unusual.

The first water passage was a breeze.

The view is beautiful, and the second river is relaxing.

The final stream before reaching Kong city. If we crossed this, we would be there. With a sense of complacency after having crossed two streams and a flooded canal, we approached the last one. This stream was more turbulent than the others, but we saw a pickup truck cross it with only a slight bump. We didn't think much of it and decided to follow. We charged into the water, fighting the current for the last 3 meters before reaching the bank. The water was strong but not too deep.

A large pothole suddenly appeared in the middle of the road where I had just ridden my motorcycle. The other rider's vehicle was tall enough to clear it, but I was startled when I hit the pothole. My rear wheel remained high, but my front wheel dropped down. I tried to accelerate, but the motorcycle wouldn't move. It came to a stop in the middle of the pothole, and I had to put my foot down. Unfortunately, my left foot didn't reach the ground. The ground gave way, and I fell over to the left. I have to give credit to my passenger, who jumped off the bike like a pro. My GoPro didn't fall off either, but I was almost half-soaked. The worst part was that my camera bag, which I was carrying on my front, was completely submerged in water. To make matters worse, the motorcycle fell over. I had to lift it up quickly before water got into the engine.

With great effort, I managed to lift the heavy motorcycle, despite the slippery surface and the awkward angle. Fortunately, the camera bag did not fall into the water, but it was soaked through. Water had seeped into the edges, but thankfully, the 7200 camera and the fixed lens were spared. However, the 18-140 kit lens and the iPad were definitely affected by the water. I wiped them down and found a bag to store them in. I then rode to a rest stop near the bridge in Muang Kong.

Upon arriving at the pavilion to check the equipment, it was found that the camera was functioning normally and had not been affected by water. However, the 18-140 lens had water droplets around it, leaving a damp stain. Additionally, the lens slipped from my grasp and fell to the ground.

In summary, from now until the end of the trip, I will only be using the fixed lens due to the fogging issue with the 18-140mm lens. During the trip, I discovered that only one lens was damaged. After returning home, I left it in the sun, and it miraculously came back to life and is now functional. However, the image is blurry on the right side. I'm unsure if this blurriness is due to the fall or another issue. As a result, I am currently limited to the 50mm fixed lens and the old 18-55mm lens at home. On the bright side, this incident provides an opportunity to upgrade my lenses. The 18-140mm lens has served me well for a long time, and it's time for a replacement. On a positive note, purchasing new lenses could potentially lead to better image quality. I am currently planning to purchase two new lenses, and I will definitely share a review of the new lens set in my future posts. Stay tuned to see if the image quality improves!

After a brief break at the pavilion, I realized it was already past 2 pm. Looking at the route to Doi Mae Taman, I saw that it would take over an hour to ride back down to Chiang Dao from Khong Town before reaching the trailhead. By the time I started the climb, it would be around 4 pm. I wasn't sure how challenging the trail would be, and I only had a fixed lens with me. I worried that I might reach the summit after dark and wouldn't be able to take any photos. So, I decided to change my plan and rode to Khong Homestay instead.

I inquired about accommodation, but it was fully booked due to the high number of tourists today. Therefore, I was unable to stay overnight and only stopped by to take some photos.

The atmosphere is excellent.

Then return the same way.

I can now smile. What is lost is lost, and we cannot change the past. However, we can learn from it to minimize future mistakes.

Beautiful and peaceful city of Kong.

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After riding for a while, we finally arrived at Baan View Rabeang Dao. The camera angle is a bit narrow, haha.

Take a break for afternoon tea around 3:00 PM.

The scenery remains beautiful, as the story goes.

The area was heavily congested with both cars and motorcycles.

Continuing our descent, we took a detour to Chiang Dao Cave, as we were no longer in a hurry to reach the summit. It was our first visit to the cave, so we decided to explore it.

Each person pays 20 baht.

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The interior is a very large cave.

A small number of people can be scary in some places. Hehe.

Exquisitely beautiful, don't forget to stop by if you pass by.

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On the way out of Chiang Dao

The shortest and easiest route to San Pa Kia is via the entrance on Road 107, which is 21 kilometers long. However, arriving at 5 p.m. and being alone, I decided not to risk it. I'll save San Pa Kia for the winter. After having lunch near the entrance, I inquired about lodging options with locals. They suggested Chiang Dao, which I had previously visited, or Doi Ang Khang, which I had also been to. As it was getting dark, I opted to return to the city. After days of exploring the outskirts, I decided to experience the city's nightlife. Surprisingly, I had never properly explored the city.

After a long drive of over six hours, I arrived in Chiang Mai. I checked a few guesthouses, but they were all over my budget. Then I remembered a place I stayed at during my first visit to Chiang Mai. I called and they had a room available for 490 baht, which was within my budget. The Sirinart Garden Hotel is located near the Chiang Mai airport, so you can sometimes hear airplanes. However, I was okay with that because the room was clean, the air conditioning was cold, and I felt safe because it is a large hotel that mainly caters to tour groups. The price was also reasonable. After checking in, taking a shower, and changing clothes, I decided to explore the city's nightlife. Not knowing where to go, I ended up at Tha Pae Gate.

Standing in a hip pose like him, I've been lost in the mountains for many days. It's good to be back in the city.

Then continue to the Wualai Walking Street.

The event was packed with people from both Thailand and abroad.

Unsure of where to go next, we rode to Nimmanha. Entering a bar seemed excessive for just two people, and we didn't want to get too drunk. So, we decided to grab some food and head back to our room to sleep. We have to wake up early tomorrow to prepare for our return home.

This morning, I woke up early at 6 am as usual. Today's trip is short and simple, Doi Pui and Doi Suthep. Today's temple tour is to worship the relics of Doi Suthep and Doi Kham. 555 It's not because the camera broke, I like to go to the temple anyway.

Finally made it to Doi Pui after my first trip to Chiang Mai. I used the same Vios for this trip as the one I mentioned in the previous post where I tried to go to Wat Chedi Luang but couldn't. On that same trip, I accidentally drove into Doi Pui. As I drove further, the road became increasingly narrow and steep. I couldn't turn around because oncoming cars were coming, and my car was too low to drive off the side of the road. I had to wait for them to pass. I ended up turning around at the entrance to the temple, my legs shaking the whole time for fear of damaging the car. That was another reason why I started thinking about getting an off-road vehicle, which eventually led me to the CRF.

The viewpoint at Doi Pui is amazing, with a lot of fog and beautiful scenery. It's a pity that there are only fixed lenses available.

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The fog is thick, but it's contained within the valley.

It's too cold to ride without a jacket now. I'm going to put one on.

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Then rode down to Doi Suthep, this round I tried walking. The tram was very crowded.

Using a wide-angle lens will result in images like this. 555

Oops, I forgot I have a GoPro! I've been using it to shoot videos lately, but I completely forgot about its time-lapse feature. That would have been perfect for this.

After paying respects, we stopped by a scenic viewpoint for a short break.

Next, we will continue to Doi Kham Temple. The way back to Bangkok.

The view is beautiful.

After that, we had lunch and finally ended the trip with a relaxing coffee shop before heading back in the afternoon. We had to have some refreshing drinks.

Phu Fin Coffee Shop

The scenic atmosphere lives up to the name "Phu Fin," located near the Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai. It features a restaurant zone and a coffee shop.

The view is amazing, and the smoothies are guaranteed to be delicious. Although they may cost around 100 baht, or even 100 baht for some glasses, they are blended so finely that you can drink them all without leaving a drop.

Are you ready for another 700 km of sore buttocks, my dear? 555

Let's go then.

Leaving Phu Fin at two in the afternoon, I cut through Lamphun and then onto the main road. I stopped for another meal near Tak.

After a long ride, I started to feel tired and realized I had used too much fuel. On the way back, I took it easy and kept my speed around 100 km/h. With one tank, I was able to cover 287 kilometers. However, I didn't exceed 100 km/h and rode slowly. I was worried because I couldn't find a gas station for 40 kilometers, but luckily, the engine didn't stall.

I've finally arrived in Nakhon Sawan! My head is throbbing from the accumulated tension. It's always a strange feeling arriving here, as it feels like I'm almost home, even though I still have several provinces to pass through. The main highway makes it feel like I'm almost there.

He then drove straight home, arriving at midnight precisely, having covered a distance of 2,146 kilometers.

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Riding a motorcycle can be a great way to experience the open road and enjoy the scenery. It's also a more fuel-efficient option than driving a car, especially if you're filling up with gasoline. While motorcycles don't offer the same level of protection from the elements as cars, they do provide a closer connection to nature. Additionally, motorcycles are much more maneuverable than cars, making it easier to navigate through traffic and find parking. On my recent trip back from Lampang, I noticed several cars that I had passed earlier in the day stuck in traffic. I was able to easily weave through the congestion and make much faster progress. Even on the highway, where I was maintaining a steady speed of 100 km/h, I was able to overtake several cars that had passed me earlier. With a larger motorcycle, I'm sure I could have reached my destination even faster.

Total trip expenses

Fuel cost

215 baht for 7.908 liters.

5.121 liters for 140 baht

6.89 liters for 190 baht

190 baht for 6.86 liters

160 baht for 5.71 liters.

210 baht for 7.447 liters

220 baht for 7.79 liters.

250 baht for 8.96 liters

180 baht for 6.383 liters

270 baht for 9.43 liters

210 Baht for 7.447 liters

Seven80

Dried rice 100

Grilled pork 50

The car is going up to Wat Cheli 200.

Mae Kampong 165

Seven 50

Pa Pong Piang 1000 Accommodation

Pepsi 15 for uncle 210.

Eat rice at Wat Chan 100

40 boiled eggs

40 cans of shampoo

Accommodation at Wat Chan 600

Breakfast at Pai 80

Set chain 20

Balcony of the Stars 70

Lunch 80

Chiang Mai accommodation 490

Ice cream 10, cow-patterned parking 20

Dinner 120

Breakfast 110

The cost of coffee is 100.

Lunch on the way back: 80 rice, 20 water

The total cost was 6,225 baht, which is 3,100 baht per person. If we had camped for two more nights, we could have saved a lot of money. However, it was still not expensive considering we traveled for four days. It was definitely worth it.

The total fuel cost for this trip was 2235 baht for 79.946 liters over a distance of 2146 kilometers, which is 1.04 baht per kilometer or 26.84 kilometers per liter. Is that correct? Yes, it is. As usual, I didn't eat much. On the way back and on the mountain, I drove slowly, so the fuel consumption was not high. If I had driven at 120+ km/h throughout the trip, the numbers would have definitely changed.

This was an unforgettable trip, filled with memorable experiences over the past four days.

The grueling and long distance truly tested the mettle of the pillion rider on this trip.

See you again on our next trip with the traveling couple. Today, goodbye!