Over the past month, I have been intensely photographing the blooming of the Wild Himalayan Cherry blossoms. I have been ascending the mountains every week, resulting in an abundance of pink hues flooding my Facebook feed. After months of capturing these blossoms, I am starting to feel overwhelmed by the color pink and am eager to explore new and unique subjects for my photography.

The Milky Way over a Sea of Mist: A Journey to Baan Jabo

Driven by a desire to capture the ethereal beauty of the Milky Way, I embarked on a journey to Baan Jabo, a village nestled in the mountains of Pang Ma Pha district, Mae Hong Son province, Thailand. Renowned for its breathtaking sea of mist, Baan Jabo promised a celestial spectacle unlike any other.

My research revealed that the village boasts skies so dark that they rival the darkest zones identified by the Dark Zone Finder. This pristine darkness, coupled with the mesmerizing sea of mist, presented the perfect opportunity to photograph the Milky Way in all its glory.

I envisioned a breathtaking image: the Milky Way, a celestial river of stars, illuminating the night sky, while the ethereal sea of mist, like a soft, billowing carpet, would rise from the valley below, framing the scene with an otherworldly beauty. The prospect of witnessing this celestial dance filled me with anticipation and a deep desire to capture it with my lens.

A Short Road Trip from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son

This short trip, a two-day and one-night journey by car, began at my home in Chiang Mai. We spent the night in Jabo, explored Mae Hong Son, and returned to Chiang Mai the following day.

The journey follows the map in the image, using the route Chiang Mai - Huai Nam Dang - Pai - Pang Ma Pha, then turning right to enter Ban Ja Bo.

The hamlet of Sergeant Bo, a small village nestled on a mountain ridge, is located just 3 kilometers off Highway 1095.

The first stop was the famous hanging-leg noodle shop, a must-visit spot for tourists.

A simple bowl of pork noodle soup with a clear broth, seasoned to perfection. No need for additional condiments or fish sauce. Just gazing at the mountain scenery before you enhances the flavor all on its own.

After finishing the noodles, I went to check in to the accommodation I had booked.

I have booked a homestay at the village headman's house for 300 baht per person per night, including dinner.

The houses for adults will have both double and quadruple occupancy options.

The location of the house is excellent for Milky Way photography, as the house faces southeast. During the months of January and February, the Milky Way rises directly in front of the house.

The house has a balcony with a beautiful view, which my girlfriend loves. Usually, when she wants to take pictures of the stars, she has to drive out late at night.

From the balcony of our room, we could sit and photograph the stars.

The accommodation is basic, with bamboo walls, a mat floor, and a clean mosquito net and bedding.

The house is equipped with basic amenities, including two charging ports and four light bulbs, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in nature. While Wi-Fi is unavailable, 4G connectivity is accessible.

This is the condo on the mountain, my bed for tonight.

Visitors to Jabo's house typically engage in activities such as:

• Enjoying coffee
• Hiking
• Foraging for vegetables

However, I had to go to Mae Hong Son for a short business trip. After settling into my accommodation, I went into Mae Hong Son town to run errands, visit a temple, and catch up with an old friend. When I returned, I went straight to sleep.

Next time, I hope to be able to soak up the atmosphere more thoroughly.

Anticipation fills the air as we await the sunrise and the potential spectacle of the Milky Way. Will the skies be clear, revealing the celestial tapestry above? Only time will tell.

Before going to bed, I tried taking a picture of the stars rotating for fun.

- When will the elephants arrive?

From the Star Chart app on the early morning of January 20th.

The heart of the Milky Way will rise from the horizon in the southeast direction from 5:30 am.

In the constellation of Scorpius.

Around four o'clock in the morning, the roosters began to crow, their calls echoing throughout the village. I woke up before my alarm clock and set up my camera on the balcony.

This was one of the most comfortable stargazing experiences of my life. Usually, I have to drive out to a remote location to set up my equipment.

This time, you can sit on the balcony and take photos with your sleeping bag, pillow, drinks, snacks, and 4G signal.

At around 5:30 AM, the Milky Way began to emerge from the sky in the southeast direction, as indicated by the app.

The scene before us was a sea of mist below, just as we had imagined. The sky was truly on our side that day, not a single cloud to disturb the view.

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After shooting for about half an hour, the sky turned blue as the sun began to rise, signaling the approaching dawn.

After the elephants, as the sky began to brighten, the sea of mist became clearer.

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The breathtaking view is truly captivating. Its pristine beauty and soul-stirring charm are a constant source of wonder.

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Standing on the mountain ridge, we gazed upon a vast sea of mist. It was so close that if the mist could be transformed into water, a single leap from the balcony would plunge us into its depths.

Pressing the shutter endlessly without getting bored.

Turning back to where I was sitting, wow, what a person! Carrying three or four tripods at once, with another large one still in the car.

After taking photos to their heart's content, so much so that the camera begged for mercy, it was time for breakfast.

Last night, I didn't have dinner here, so Na, the homestay caretaker, made me breakfast instead.

Sister Na's meals are simple fare, like clear soup, stir-fried vegetables, and plain omelets, served with soft sticky rice. Enjoying these dishes with a million-dollar view is simply the best.

It's time to say goodbye. I'm sure we'll be back again soon. This trip was too short, and I didn't even get to climb to the top of the mountain. Next time, I'll stay here longer.

Finally, stop by for a coffee before leaving at the Doi Dek Coffee shop @Sergeant Bo.

A Latte with a View: A Sensory Experience

This cafe's latte is extraordinary. Before preparing it, the barista, Chumn, inquired about my preference for a strong or mild brew. Opting for a smoother option, I requested a "gentle" latte.

What arrived was a latte with velvety foam and a luxuriously smooth taste that surpassed all expectations.

Sipping the warm latte amidst the breathtaking view of the misty ocean, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of the sea, I wished I could order twenty cups and spend the entire day immersed in this sensory paradise.

This concludes my short trip.

Besides capturing stunning photos of stars, the Milky Way, and a sea of fog,

This brings immense joy and satisfaction.

Thank you to all readers who have visited my post.