Long weekend to welcome the Buddhist Lent, decided to travel to the north again

However, during this rainy season, there is no serious planning of tourist attractions.

We have 3 main destinations that we definitely need to visit:

  • Sutongpe Bridge
  • Pang Ung
  • Huai Nam Dang

My journey began in Bangkok, where I boarded a bus from Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Chiang Mai's Arcade Bus Terminal. The trip was a bit of an impromptu decision, so I hadn't planned my bus route or sightseeing destinations in advance. Additionally, flying with two people on such short notice wasn't feasible. If you're planning a trip during a long weekend, I highly recommend booking in advance. Even with the bus, all regular services were fully booked. I ended up taking an extra bus, which departed Mo Chit Bus Terminal at 8:30 PM and arrived in Chiang Mai at 7:00 AM. (Fortunately, the extra bus was quite comfortable.)

But the rental car I booked is scheduled to be delivered at noon. So, where should I go with the remaining time? But I'd rather save my energy first by finding a daily room near the arcade. 200 baht. The aunt is nice. The room is as it is, but it has water to bathe. 200 baht. There is free WiFi. Fan room. Plus TV 555 so that I can take a shower, wash my face, and take a nap.

It's time. I'm waiting to pick up the car at the McDonald's near the arcade. While I'm waiting, I'll order something to eat to keep my stomach full. The car company I used was recommended by someone. Eat, travel, rent a car, Chiang Mai kinteawrentacar I have to say that their service is excellent. I was impressed from the first time I used their service. I chose to use a car because it is the rainy season and I can't guess where I will encounter rain.

Note: For those who want to listen to music while driving, I must inform you that there will be no radio signal once you start climbing the mountain. It is recommended that you prepare your own music to play in the car.

After picking up the car you booked, the first destination is Sutong Bridge.

This drive was very challenging due to the sheer number of curves. There were both steep and sloping roads, from Chiang Mai to Pai and from Pai to Mae Hong Son. Therefore, you must be mindful at all times.

And then we arrived at the Sutongpei Bridge, which took about 5 hours from Chiang Mai, including the time we spent parking the car.

As we arrived at the Sutong Bridge in the evening, there were very few tourists left. Another advantage of visiting during this season is that you don't have to compete with anyone for photos. You can just walk around and relax.


Looking closely, there is no one except the monks and novices. They are also walking around taking pictures.

This rainy season is as beautiful as any other. The rice plants are very lush, I must say.

This is what I want to see. Nature gives it to me. Mountains and fog But if you stand and watch the view for a long time, you might encounter rain too. ^^


After that, I went to sleep in the city of Mae Hong Son, where I had booked accommodation in advance. When I arrived at the accommodation, I found that there were many rooms available, all at the same price. I guess it's because it's the rainy season, so there weren't many tourists. After I put my luggage away, I thought I'd go for a walk at the walking street, but unfortunately, it was raining, so there was no walking street market. Plus, all the shops were closed. I ended up at a roadside tom yum noodle shop because there were a lot of people eating there, so I decided to give it a try. The taste may not be familiar, but it was still delicious.

Day Two: Pang Ung, Rak Thai Village, Tham Pla National Park

On the second morning, I left my accommodation at six in the morning and headed to Pang Ung because I wanted to see the fog.

I've been to Pang Ung once before, in January 2012. At that time, I came with a tour group that I bought from Pai, so I didn't really pay attention to the road up. Since I was sitting in a van, but this time I had to drive up myself. Every curve that passed, I must say... I was so nervous... whether our car would make it or not 555 But it made it today, I was very lucky. It didn't rain ^^ I got to experience the cool air all the way up to Pang Ung.

We have finally arrived at Pang Ung! The water level has receded, and we arrived a little late, so there is no more fog. It's a bit of a shame (I did my best with the timing, but the route wasn't as conducive as I'd hoped, so I decided to drive slowly and safely). At least we enjoyed the fog on the way up to Pang Ung.

This is a splash of color for this place, these two black swans. They swim without fear of people, I guess they've been photographed so often that they're used to the camera. They even swam up to people. I sat and watched them for a long time, it was very enjoyable. The weather was cool and comfortable.

Someone placed flowers on the seat, probably for a photo shoot. Let me take a picture then.

This one must be guarding someone, playing with everyone, not afraid of anyone at all. I'd like to take a picture of it. I hope I can see it again next year.

**Rak Thai Village, a village in the mountains** Visit the tea plantation and enjoy free tea tasting (a variety of teas are available). Take the same route as the one to Pang Ung. There will be a clear sign at the intersection between the way to Pang Ung and Rak Thai Village.

It might seem a bit quiet, but I can tell you that all the rooms are full. If you're thinking of coming and staying right away, it might be difficult to find an opportunity. It's better to call and book.


A view of Rak Thai Village from the other side.

It is said that it is a liquor jar. I'm not sure if it's true or not, but it has been decorated to look beautiful and tidy.


What caught my eye was this lantern. It's beautiful in its own way.

After walking and tasting tea, enjoying the view, I headed to Tham Pla National Park. But on the way, I passed Pha Seu Waterfall, so I stopped to take pictures and walk around the waterfall (but there was very little water).

This is the advantage of the rainy season. Everywhere you look is green and refreshing, and the air is cool and comfortable.

Tham Pla National Park

This place is located on the roadside with a clear sign. It is on the way between Pai and Mae Hong Son.

Visitors must purchase an entrance ticket and have it stamped in their Passport To National Park of Thailand.

After exploring the entire park, we headed to Pai district to spend another night there. On the way back, we stopped for noodles at Sergeant Bo's Village (a restaurant with dangling legs, priced in the tens, with million-dollar views). The noodles were delicious!

The pork rinds here are only 5 baht each. I was a little surprised because they are 10-15 baht near my house. The amount is more than the price, I guarantee it. Plus, it's delicious, so I bought 3 more bags to take with me. I'm munching on them in the car.

Another viewpoint is the Kiew Lom Viewpoint

This viewpoint is a must-pass for all travelers, so I stopped by to take a breath of fresh air before continuing my journey. There were quite a lot of people here, as it is similar to a rest stop.

After that, we arrived at Pai district. We walked around the Pai Walking Street.

There are many things to sell, beautiful handmade things, and there are also Khanom Jeen sitting on the floor. But I'm sorry, I didn't take a picture of it and didn't get to try it because there were too many people. The things here are not as expensive as you think. They are sold cheaply and there are many beautiful things.


They say that if you come here and don't try the black sesame sticky rice, you haven't truly been to Pai. The taste is unique and delicious.

Day three, the destination was Huai Nam Dang, but we also stopped by a place along the way, which was

Coffee in Love at PAI

Another beautiful style, there are Chinese girls standing and taking pictures. They are trying to sit on the bike, but I'm afraid it will break.

PAI CANYON


There aren't many people. The weather is just right, hot.

Pai Historical Bridge

There was an old three-wheeled vehicle with two people in it. They were a couple, and I was also with a partner.

We arrived around eight in the morning. The weather was very cool, but there was no fog to be seen.

The park entrance fee is paid and the national park stamp is printed on the national park travel book throughout Thailand. The running route in the park is quite narrow, so be careful of oncoming cars when driving.

What I like most about this place is that it's truly natural. The green moss on the roof that has grown on its own is beautiful in a different way.

The beautiful wooden stairs are a perfect fit for the location.

After leaving the park, we headed to Chiang Mai.

We had half a day left, as we had to return the rental car at 5:00 PM. So we drove to visit Mon Cham and Maesa Elephant Camp.

We arrived at Mon Cham at around noon. It was very hot. I thought to myself, "The higher you go, the hotter it gets." This is the rainy season, you know? (I recommend visiting during the winter, hehe.)

Note: Avocados are very cheap.

As soon as I turned the camera towards her, she automatically posed for us to take a picture.

This person is chasing the ghost moth.

The flowers here are very beautiful. Even on a hot day like this, they are still beautiful.


This is a cabbage field, but they have already harvested it. But it can still be a photo spot.

Escaping the hot weather to take a walk at the Mae Sa Elephant Camp. We arrived at three in the afternoon, after the elephant shows had finished. So we just walked around the camp and saw the baby elephant named Nam Petch, who is a highlight of this elephant camp.

This is what my girlfriend was looking for. She asked the elephant keepers until she found Thong Sri and Nam Petch. These two mother and child elephants are very cute. I'm starting to understand when I found out that my girlfriend became a fan of these two elephants from Facebook. She was willing to pay the entrance fee to see these two. Nam Petch is 7 months old and is very naughty and cute.

The last trip to Maesa Elephant Camp

Total expenses for the trip for 2 people

Round-trip bus fare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for 2 people is 3,200 baht.

The car rental fee for 3 days at 1,000 baht per day is 3,000 baht (refundable deposit of 3,000 baht).

Gasoline cost 1,100 baht.

Accommodation fee for 2 nights 1,100 baht

Estimated food expenses: 3,000 baht (including park entrance fees, souvenirs, and other expenses)

Totaling approximately 11,400 baht

And this is the route for traveling during the rainy season, long weekend.











#mae hong son#chiang mai
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