Lost in the North #2: 4 Days 3 Nights Northern Escape 'Sleep Wherever Night Falls' Lampang-Chiang Mai-Lamphun

A four-day, three-night trip during the recent long weekend, with no plans in advance.

Embark on a spontaneous road trip, letting the open road guide your journey. Sleep wherever nightfall finds you, embracing the unknown and seeking adventure along the way. This is the essence of a "dab na" trip, where every turn holds the promise of new experiences.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

After consulting with my colleagues, we unanimously agreed to proceed as planned. I respect everyone's opinion.

Fine! But we have already decided that our destination will be the North.

After venturing south, it's time to head north for a change.

This trip, I must say, was quite unexpected. In fact, initially…

We were determined to travel to Doi Luang Tak. The itch to go hiking was real... but in the end,

Just a few days before the long holiday, the park announced that there would be a lot of people visiting (it's a long holiday, after all).

My friends and I decided to change our destination. We were worried that going to a crowded place wouldn't be as fun or exciting.

Since we were determined to travel anyway, we decided to just go our own way.

Lost is lost, it's better to go wherever you go. Then let's see what our two hands can do.

Where will it force the steering wheel and lead us astray?

Check out the teaser for a sneak peek before reading.

Watch the video

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Before setting off, we stopped by the gas station to refuel both the car and ourselves.

When 7-Eleven says #HungryAnytime, even if I'm not hungry, I'll still stop by.

Stock up and get ready, tonight is going to be a long one.

Despite my appearance, I am literate. Just in case anyone didn't know. 555+

Oops! I grabbed the wrong book! I was actually looking for a travel guide. (Seriously!)

I don't know how I ended up grabbing the wrong book.

I'm confused. The cover made me think it would be about tourist attractions.

My older siblings went around looking for food.

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

We believe that eating well and sleeping soundly are the cornerstones of travel.

Oh, really?! What do you think, my friends? Easy to eat, easy to live, you can eat anywhere, even if the place…

Note: The sentence is incomplete in the original Thai. I have translated the complete portion and provided the beginning of the remaining phrase.

With full bellies, it's time to head north.

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

Good morning! We've arrived in Lampang, but we haven't decided where we'll be sleeping tonight. We'll figure it out closer to bedtime.
This morning, we found ourselves at the market. The atmosphere of the old market still has a scent that we can experience.

It's time to embark on our journey to the first destination of our trip.

Translation:

My brother walked over and negotiated for a while, and they finally agreed on a fare.

We will rent the whole car!

Translation:

"This is our driver, everyone! Don't let his appearance fool you, he's actually very kind. As for us, we arrived here with our heads completely empty."

The man, whose name is Uncle Somnuk, has no specific destination in mind.

Let's just say that if you feel like going anywhere, you can take us there. Take us all over Lampang.

After we agreed to rent the entire car with Uncle Somnuk, the agreed price for the entire car rental was 300 baht per trip.

Translation:

Our guide, a friendly older gentleman, will take us on a thrilling tour around Lampang city, stopping at various points of interest for sightseeing and refreshments.

Translation:

From 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, it felt like having a personal local guide.

The first place my uncle took us to was Wat Si Chum.

The atmosphere of Wat Si Chum is quite beautiful. It was the first stop on our trip.

It is auspicious to visit a temple and make offerings to the Buddha before embarking on a journey.

Out of respect for the temple, we all behaved ourselves. It wouldn't be appropriate to cause any trouble, so we followed the rules and remained orderly.

After leaving Wat Si Chum, I had no idea where Uncle Somnuek would take me next.

Let's continue our journey by car, taking in the sights of the city. Hmm... seeing this makes me miss home a little.

After visiting the temple, Uncle Somnuek decided to take us to the next place, which is 'Buayun Khao Soi Restaurant'.

Translation:

When visiting the northern region of Thailand, one dish that immediately comes to mind for many is undoubtedly Khao Soi. So, while you're there, why not...

I'm afraid it will be bland and useless. I'm not hungry, haha.

Oh, wow, the aroma is so enticing! My mouth is already watering.

However, I am not someone who readily tries new foods. My diet typically consists of a limited range of familiar favorites. Ultimately, what do I eat?

Oh, my favorite! I can eat 30-40 skewers by myself without hesitation. Let's eat until our stomachs burst!

Simply put, if I don't eat until I'm stuffed or until the restaurant closes, I won't stop eating.

Tender and juicy marinated pork skewers with a delicious dipping sauce. So good, you won't be able to stop eating them!

Alright, we've reached the last temple... Wat Phra That Don Tao. This time, I'm truly filled with merit.

What is that?! When you come to Lampang, if you don't have a horse-drawn carriage, it's like you haven't arrived. So I had to take some pictures.

After we had driven around the city of Lampang with our personal guide, Uncle Somnuek,

Translation:

May everyone be filled with merit.

After that, we took a songthaew to Lampang Bus Terminal, returning to our starting point.

Translation:

The journey back was filled with breathtaking views, so much so that I almost drifted off to sleep.

Translation:

We have arrived at the Lampang Bus Terminal. After settling the payments, let's continue our journey.

Translation:

The journey continued, but suddenly, heavy rain began to fall, making it impossible to see. The windshield wipers couldn't keep up with the downpour, and we were forced to find shelter. Even after the rain stopped, visibility remained poor, making driving hazardous.

Therefore, for the sake of our safety and the protection of our vehicle, we decided to invest in new windshield wipers.

Translation:

On our way to Lamphun, we got lost and ended up driving around in circles trying to find our way to Li District.

I looked around but couldn't find the sign, but I did find a dessert shop instead. Oh, food again! There are so many delicious things to eat, I'm starving!

Wow, it's overflowing! Looks delicious, doesn't it? If you see this and want to eat it,

After reading this picture, let's find a nearby restaurant to eat while we wait.

Come to Lamphun and try our delicious food. You won't be disappointed.

Why is the car door open?

No, not yet... I'm just saving my energy. We'll continue to Kaeng Ko, where my friends and I plan to take everyone.

Let's go and enjoy the refreshing water of the Ping River. Follow me to see the beautiful scenery.

After we were fully charged, we continued our journey. Our destination was Li District, Lamphun Province.

I recall that there was a tourist attraction there, namely the Khao Luang Waterfall.

As we were heading towards Ko Luang, my brother, whom we call 'Dab Biaw', suddenly said:

Translation:

Ku wants to go to the Kukkik waterfall.

What is a "Kukkik" waterfall, my friends? I've never heard of it before in my life. 5555+

Intrigued and eager to discover the path leading to Khao Luang Waterfall, we decided to directly contact the park officials.

The officer suggested how to get there, which coincided with my lingering curiosity about 'Kook Kook Waterfall'.

"I asked the officer directly, and they replied, 'There's no Gukgik Waterfall, only Gig Field.'"

My jaw dropped. My saber, without any regard for nature, named itself.

Upon arrival, we decided to approach the staff for some recommendations on places to visit.
We inquired about potential destinations, and the staff responded with a clear and audible voice.

"If you're planning to visit the waterfall during this period, be aware that the water level is low and might be murky, making swimming impossible. The rapids might also be dry," they informed us.
We couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment upon hearing this news.

However, we remained determined to make the best of our trip. As warriors, we wouldn't let the battlefield intimidate us.

Let's head to the waterfall now. It's about a 500-meter walk from the parking lot.

Translation:

Strolling leisurely, pointing out birds as birds and trees as trees, we ambled along the path.

And then... what is in front of me

Upon hearing the officer's words, I braced myself for the worst. However, seeing this, I am now at ease.

Oh! Scorpions, be careful when walking. Don't run around and accidentally step on them.

Despite the officer's subtle hint that there might not be any water, I remain hopeful.

Translation:

It's better to take a chance and go. If there's water, we'll have a blast playing in it, stripping down, and jumping in to celebrate.

On the way, I dozed off in the back seat, feeling a bit tipsy.

Due to the winding nature of the mountain path, I overheard my brother telling the sword that it was bent.

Although we call him "Sword," he is not actually a member of the military. It's just a nickname we use for him.

If you want to know what the Ping River looks like when it's full at Kaeng Ko, you can ask Google.

How is it different from our Kaeng Ko? I don't dare to open it... Have you ever seen 'what you think and what you find'? 5555+

Look at this! Where else can you run and play in the Ping River like this? We are so lucky!

However, one thing I have learned is that even when the water dries up, the beauty of what lies before us does not disappear.

It simply adapts to the environment and seasons.

Translation:

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Translation:

Taking a moment to capture the atmosphere at Kaeng Ko. This place will stay in my heart for a long time.

We will soon find out what life will be like for us here tonight.

After we have settled down, it's time to prepare our provisions for tonight.

Suddenly, we realized that we were out of water! There were three of us, but we only had one small bottle of water left.

That's not enough!

Ensure all belongings are securely stored within the tent. My companions, concerned for my safety as I was alone, left me an axe for self-defense.

Translation:

I would definitely be living with the Ping River and just one ax.

The local shops are quite far from this point, several tens of kilometers away. However, when my companions returned,

I'm so relieved! I thought you were already driving back to Bangkok. Haha!

Once everyone had arrived, we sat down for a hearty meal. It was a typical men's dinner.

This instant noodle dish with egg and canned fish is a difficult one to think of and even more difficult to make. Let me warn you.

We just throw everything in and mix it all together. It's done in less than 3 minutes, so you can eat it right away.

#Canned fish stir-fried instant noodles. I think it's a good mood in this kind of atmosphere.

Simple, everyday things, when done and eaten in a place like this, are incredibly enjoyable.

As dusk settled and our bellies were full, we ventured out to gather firewood together. The increasing number of mosquitoes prompted us to seek refuge indoors.

There are a lot of insects, so we thought we'd light a fire to chase them away. Then we'll dance around the bonfire like we used to do when we were in the scouts.

The morning has arrived. My brother and I woke up early, while Dab Bia is still sleeping. As the saying goes, "the early bird catches the worm." If you sleep in, you might get pranked like this. My brother and I decided to prank Dab Bia by taking down his tent while he was still asleep. He's a strange one, sleeping in a tent like that.

As evening approached, I found myself alone, tasked with guarding the belongings and meticulously storing them within the tent.

However, as I was enthusiastically carrying my belongings into the tent, I completely forgot to close it!

Oh, what a night! At first, I didn't think anything of it, but when I woke up, I was heartbroken. The bugs got into the tent when I forgot to close it.

As midnight approached, I closed the tent zipper and went to sleep with them.

Translation:

In the morning, don't ask how I am... My body is covered in red spots and bumps.

It's alright, it will heal. Next time, we need to be more careful.

After packing our belongings, we prepared to continue our journey.

To satisfy our morning hunger, we decided to stop by a local eatery.

While driving, I stumbled upon this restaurant. The owner, Phi Lada, is incredibly kind and welcoming.

Eating is more serious than working, I'm telling you. 5555+

Let's continue our journey. Today, we plan to visit Chiang Mai.

Translation:

Even though I've been here many times, it still feels like a place I can always come back to.

Feeling relieved, we finally arrived at our destination: the Five Relics Pagoda Temple.

The meticulousness and finesse of every line, which is called "mesmerizing," really impressed me.

Inside, the little dog is taking a nap. It must be too hot outside.

Seeking refuge from the heat, we find solace and comfort here.

And now it's time to say goodbye to Lamphun. Our next destination is Chiang Mai. Let's go!!

Translation:

The drive to the parking lot was quite pleasant.

We have arrived at the Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai! The entrance fee is 50 baht per person. Let's go in with our tickets.

Let's take a look inside and see what the atmosphere is like. I think there are other activities to do here besides playing in the water.

However, most people will play in the water. There are also some safe spots, and there are now more safety measures in place.

After the three of us arrived, we took some pictures. Initially, we had planned to go swimming.

However, upon arrival, they changed their minds. It wasn't because they were scared by the news or anything like that. They just thought there were too many people (which is understandable, considering it was a long weekend!).

We decided to find a quiet, peaceful corner to play in the water somewhere else. Let's just say we've finally made it here.

Located near the moat, this place has beds like this. But we are three people. How do we sleep?

Translation:

Is there anything else I can help you with?

It is up to you to guess. Importantly, the bed did not move anywhere.

Translation:

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

Come on, let's go for a ride! Lately, I've been enjoying going on trips.

Rather than aimlessly riding a motorbike through every nook and cranny, I prefer to stop wherever I please.

While waiting at a red light, we decided to ask for directions. The friendly uncle driving the songthaew was more than happy to help.

The locals are very friendly and welcoming. Are the people of Chiang Mai kind?

Oh my god, my heart almost stopped! 5555+ I looked away for a second, and when I looked back, the sword was crooked and I was riding sideways.

Translation:

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

At first glance, I thought it was an official from Kaeng Khoi National Park following us, as they were dressed very similarly.

As the rain threatened to fall, we decided to find a place to park and take a break. We stopped by a coffee shop.

The exterior ambiance is pleasant, with a vintage aesthetic.

The casual atmosphere of the restaurant suits our three shameless men quite well.

Okay, here is the translation of the provided text:

"However, I'm feeling hungry now… Let's order something to fill our stomachs."

How do you feel about this vintage table and chair set? It's quite charming, isn't it?

It's time to awaken your inner girl and indulge in something like this.

Translation:

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

Overall, the design is cute and fits the style of the shop. The only thing that doesn't fit in is us.

"Before I could finish speaking, my brother went to sit in front of the store, acting cool. If you sit like that, other people won't dare to enter the store, brother!"

The first drink has arrived, offering a refreshing and well-balanced flavor. It's a delightful start to the experience.

The hot weather really helps.

After we had our fill, you might wonder where we went next? Well, we went to buy mobile phones!

Translation:

The moment I plug it in, sometimes the light comes on, but it shoots up super fast. Before charging, it had 20%, but as soon as I plugged it in, bam! It went up to 40%, just like that!

Upon arriving at the store, I browsed and tested various models before settling on the HUAWEI P9. After trying it out, I felt it was the right choice, and it was quite…

The camera support is excellent, but it cost over 17k. In conclusion, this trip was very expensive.

With the arrival of my new device, my old one met its demise on the spot, its battery on the verge of depletion.

The phone wouldn't charge anyway, so you're just going to take it without saying goodbye, right?

Although it's painful, it's probably for the best. As for me, life must go on. So tonight, I'm planning to visit Doi Suthep.

I wanted to capture the night view of Doi Suthep when the lights were on, but fate seemed to play a trick on me.

Translation:

Upon arrival, the store was closed??? Can someone please tell me what day it is today? Even the stores that are known to be open from dawn to dusk are closed on me. 5555+

Translation:

This probably means only one place: 7-Eleven. Even though it doesn't say #midnight, everyone knows it's open 24 hours.

I hope you can trust me. I will not run away from you.

Okay, let's go back to the room and sleep. We'll continue tomorrow.

And so, we must now embark on an 800-meter trek to the summit of the mountain.

Translation:

Normally, I love you, but I don't really show it. But when we're in a quiet corner surrounded by nature like this, I can't help but be sweet to you.

They have been arguing with each other throughout the journey.

Just before we got on the bus, I realized I was wearing sandals. I didn't have time to change into sneakers before we left.

When it was time to climb the mountain, I found it difficult to walk in my flip-flops, so I took them off and put them in my bag. I walked barefoot like this.

There you have it... In the end, I made it. Now, I am the conqueror of this mountain.

In reality, it's a leisurely stroll through the forest and mountains, not too tiring. I think it's suitable for families with older members.

If you feel unwell, don't worry! Our staff are here to help with lozenges, inhalants, and balm. Even if the walk isn't too challenging,

However, safety is also important. In case someone has asthma or other conditions, they should know basic first aid. This is from this kind gentleman.

I am completely smitten with this place. After this image, I want everyone to fully experience the atmosphere here.

The exterior is beautiful, but the interior is equally stunning. The vibrant red contrasts beautifully with the gold accents, creating a truly breathtaking space.

Translation:

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

It looks remarkably prominent and grand.

Let's go and find a place to sleep in Lampang.

However, as we arrived with our stomachs rumbling, we began to unpack our belongings.

If you say so, you'll find out for yourselves. 5555+

The final morning of our trip has arrived. After packing our belongings and checking out, it was time to hit the road again. Early in the morning, we decided to stop by a coffee shop. As we drove, we came across this particular establishment. The exterior and location were so enticing that we couldn't resist stopping by.

This is a beautiful restaurant with a great location, nestled against the backdrop of a mountain. It's called Green Mountain Restaurant. If you're passing by, be sure to stop in.

Once inside, we immediately ordered food. What else could we order besides the egg dishes?

Translation:

Sweet and lovely corners are hidden in various spots, creating a charming and delightful atmosphere.

Translation:

He's so annoying that he might accidentally give us something bad to eat. Every time we mess with him, things go wrong.

We must wait patiently for the food. Today, we want to eat something delicious.

This place offers a relaxed American breakfast experience, perfect for enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee and a delicious morning meal.

(Well, you can just ask Google and tell me later. I usually call it "pang ping", "fried egg", "egg pan", etc., which is easy to understand.)

Translation:

P.S. Is my boss reading this review? I have a sudden chill down my spine.

My fried egg is coming soon. I'm sitting here with my mouth watering.

Here is your translation:

Here it is, our fried egg. Our breakfast never goes without something called an egg.

The taste is good, the price is not expensive....So, let's smear, pour the sauce, pour various ingredients as we wish, and then eat it all up!!!

Sitting at a cafe, gazing out the window.

What's so good about that?

Translation:

This is an empty paragraph. There is no text to translate.

Now I have forgotten Bangkok, forgotten work, forgotten debt, forgotten everything.

It's time for us to move on. Our next stop is Jae Son Waterfall. We've been here for several days now.

We will play on the last day, ending the trip with a water game after visiting all the places.

Translation:

Upon arrival, we continued our journey towards the waterfall. Lush vegetation lined the path, showcasing a diverse array of plant life.

Imagine walking through the Amazon rainforest. It's an exhilarating experience.

The crystal-clear water is so refreshing and inviting. If my camera were waterproof, I would jump right in!

Translation:

Translation:

However, the water resistance only works one way - it keeps water out. So, they had to find a place to put their belongings and change their clothes before playing in the water.

Translation:

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

After shedding our adult responsibilities, we frolicked in the water like children, running and splashing with carefree abandon.

Memories of the past come flooding back, taking me back to the days when the three of us grew up together, from the time we were children.

And then… it's time to say goodbye to this journey. With a trip that is called

Translation:

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

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Every journey, every passing moment, reminds us of the enduring nature of our friendship.

Translation:

No matter how far we've walked, no matter how much time has passed, and no matter how much we've all grown up, everything from that day remains the same.

It has continued to this day and has never really gone away...

Sometimes, traveling

Yet, we find joy in every step we take together.

On the path that 'we have chosen to walk'

Translation:

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

The journey of the lost has ended. See you again on the next trip.

Thank you for following and supporting my every journey. Thank you.