Embracing the Rainy Season: A Serene Escape to Mae La Noi

As the rainy season arrives, a sense of rejuvenation fills the air, inviting us to embark on journeys that refresh our souls. While some may shy away from the dampness and mud, nature enthusiasts find solace in the vibrant greenery that emerges during this time. This trip is a testament to the tranquility that awaits those who seek refuge in the embrace of nature.

Leaving behind the blue glow of screens, we set out on a quest for verdant landscapes, seeking respite from the digital world. Our itinerary was guided by a simple yet profound desire: to immerse ourselves in the beauty of mountains and rice fields, all within a budget-friendly timeframe and without the need for additional leave from work.

Our destination, Mae La Noi, a serene district nestled within the embrace of Mae Hong Son province, proved to be the perfect answer to our yearning. Let us delve into the wonders that unfolded during our two-day, one-night escape to this tranquil haven.

This review is based on my own personal experience and I did not receive any compensation for writing it.

Travel to the area on August 20-21, 2016 (departing on the evening of August 19, 2016).

The total cost for two people was 5,163 baht, which is 2,581.5 baht per person (if my calculations are correct). This includes all expenses from Mo Chit until the end of the trip, excluding souvenirs. A detailed breakdown of the expenses is provided at the end of the review.

The photos in this review were taken with an iPhone SE and a Sony a5000, and edited using the LR application.

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In late 2015, we embarked on a memorable trip to Mae Hong Son, the enchanting "City of Three Mists." It was our first visit to this captivating destination, and we were thoroughly impressed. We even wrote a review about our experience.

Backpacking in Mae Hong Son during the winter (Pai-Ban Jabo-Huai Nam Dang-Pang Ung) >>> https://th.readme.me/p/2805

Having witnessed the mesmerizing fog during the winter season on my previous trip, I yearned to experience the enchanting combination of fog and rain. Thus, I embarked on another journey to this captivating destination.

We traveled on Friday night with Sombut Tour. We booked tickets in advance for both the outbound and return trips.

The bus departs from the new Mo Chit bus terminal and the destination is Mae La Noi. The round-trip ticket price for 2 people is 2,300 baht. There are only a few bus trips to Mae Hong Son per day. You can find more information at >>> http://www.sombattour.com/

After finishing work on Friday, we joined the "5-jump gang" and ran out of the office. We had one hour to catch the 6:00 PM bus at Mo Chit.

Have you ever run out of the office? Get off the BTS at Mo Chit and call a motorcycle taxi to the new Mo Chit bus station. The motorcycle taxi driver asked me with good intentions what kind of car I was taking and where I was going. I told him that I was taking theสมบัติทัวร์ bus to Mae Hong Son. The motorcycle taxi driver then suggested that I don't have to go to Mo Chit because on Friday evenings theสมบัติทัวร์ bus stops at Vibhavadi and doesn't go into Mo Chit. If you go to Mo Chit, you'll have to take a motorcycle taxi out, which will cost you more money! I was confused because it was my first time taking a bus from Mo Chit. What is Vibhavadi? What does it mean that the bus doesn't go into Mo Chit? I didn't have much time, and if I made the wrong decision, I would miss the bus. When I picked up my ticket, it said in big red letters, "Get on the bus at Mo Chit only!!" I insisted on going to Mo Chit. The motorcycle taxi driver's last words were, "I told you so!"

Thank you for your kind concern. However, if I had followed your advice that day, I would not have arrived on time. I spoke with the tour bus staff about my experience, and they confirmed that some buses to Mae Hong Son do not stop at Mo Chit. However, the 6:00 PM bus does depart from Mo Chit. If you book your ticket in advance, be sure to confirm the departure location. The journey has already begun with excitement!

The journey was marred by the unfortunate choice of a seat near the restroom. I urge Sombut Tour to consider this feedback for improvement. While the snacks were delicious, the air conditioning was cool, and the blankets were fragrant, the constant odor from the restroom was disheartening. I vaguely recall numerous sharp curves, causing me to wake briefly as the bus braked. Despite my considerable skill in sleeping on buses, I managed to doze off throughout the journey. However, the passenger beside me couldn't sleep (I overheard the sound of their seatbelt clicking repeatedly during the winding sections). For safety reasons, it's advisable to wear your seatbelt from the start of the trip.

We arrived at Mae La Noi around seven in the morning. The bus stop is located opposite the 7-11 convenience store near Mae La Noi Hospital. We met two other people staying at the same guesthouse and called them to pick us up.

The accommodation for this trip was Herntai Resort. The resort offers a variety of room types at affordable prices that vary depending on the season. The owner, "P'Net", provided excellent service from the time of booking until check-out. You can view the resort, check prices, and contact information at >>> http://www.herntai-resort.com/

The van sent by Net picked us up and took us to our accommodation, which was not far from the drop-off point. There was no charge for this. The rain that had just stopped made the small, quiet village come alive with a vibrant freshness. The air was very pleasant this morning.

We checked in immediately as the room was vacant. Room number 5, named "Toop Sung," has a bunk bed, air conditioning, a water heater, a refrigerator, a TV, a fan, a hairdryer, towels, face towels, and even a sanitary bag. Breakfast is included! This is a room for two people and costs only 700 baht!!! Let's take a look at the pictures of the main room for hundreds of baht.

In addition to the bunk bed that sets this room apart from others, the top bunk can be opened to gaze at the stars or enjoy the view.

The view from the room is like this, with lots of greenery. ^^

The surrounding atmosphere of the accommodation.

We contacted the accommodation to rent a motorbike, as there are no motorbike rental shops in Mae La Noi. Therefore, the motorbikes for rent will belong to the staff. The rental fee is 250 baht per day. However, if there are many people or if you cannot ride a motorbike, there are two-row cars available to take you on a tour. You can inquire about the details and prices from P'Net, the owner of the resort.

Today's travel plan: A scenic motorcycle ride to Ban Huai Hom and the Mae La Noi Royal Project Development Center.

The roundtrip distance is approximately 80 kilometers. The road is paved but has some small potholes and moderate inclines interspersed with flat sections. Be cautious of cows and buffalo grazing along the roadside. If you encounter them blocking the road, proceed slowly and carefully.

Riding a motorbike to the destination:

• Fuel: Before leaving the resort, the staff provided excellent advice on attractions, photo spots, directions, and even the location of gas stations. However, we were unable to locate a gas station, and our fuel was running low as heavy rain began to fall. We were unable to return or continue, with approximately 20 kilometers remaining to our destination. Fortunately, a village along the way had a small gas station selling fuel in bottles.
• Gas station locations: On the return trip, we discovered that a gas station is located near the post office before turning onto Route 1266. Additionally, there is a small gas station after turning onto Route 1266 (or the road opposite the post office). Keep an eye on the left side of the road.

The rainy season is upon us, so be sure to pack rain gear and waterproof equipment for your trip.

Strangely, no matter how wet or cold I was, I didn't feel any discomfort at all.

The rain must have soaked through to my heart, because I feel as refreshed as leaves after a downpour.

As we rode into the mist-shrouded path, we took deep breaths, wanting to fill our lungs with the fog.

The roadside was a tapestry of verdant hues, with soybean fields, rice paddies, and trees painting the landscape in shades of green. The vibrant foliage contrasted sharply with the wispy white steam rising from the earth.

The words fail to describe the beauty of the rainy season. Nature truly comes alive during this time.

The scenic view at Km 7-9 is perfect for taking photos, but please park your car away from the curve for safety reasons.

Road signs are provided throughout the journey. Understanding the kilometer markers will also help you navigate.

After an hour and a half drive in the rain, we arrived at Ban Huai Hom. The reason for braving the wet weather was to try the renowned Arabica coffee, known for its exceptional flavor and used by Starbucks. Unfortunately, the rain prevented us from exploring the farm and visiting the sheep, but we weren't deterred. Since sightseeing was out of the question, we turned our attention to food! Lunch was a delightful experience, featuring local dishes with incredible flavors. Even the rice was cooked to perfection, soft yet with distinct grains. We couldn't resist indulging in multiple servings, and the best part? The price was a mere 70 baht per person! This remarkable deal allows you to order as many dishes and rice refills as you desire, with the only condition being that you finish everything on your plate. The menu offers a variety of options, as follows:

While waiting for the food, I ordered a hot coffee for only 20 baht. No need to add cream or sugar, it's already delicious. (I drink strong coffee anyway.) The aroma is amazing. Hot coffee, natural green color, and the atmosphere of the rain falling… it's perfect.

I bought some back for my colleagues at work. The aroma filled the entire office. There were red packets with whole beans and gold packets with pre-ground coffee. The price was reasonable.

The only table available for dining was a large wooden one that could accommodate several people. Besides the two of us, there were also seasoned travelers, each riding their own BMW motorcycle, who joined us for the meal. It was surprising how much fun it was to share a meal with complete strangers (us) and engage in conversations about travel. They even asked us not to be in the photos they were sending back home. Haha!

A popular photo spot, the shirt is still wet from the rain...

Homestay available for 150 baht per person per night. Meals are 70 baht per person per meal. For inquiries, please contact 0895553900.

For more information, please visit our Facebook page: กาแฟสดห้วยห้อม ผ้าทอขนแกะ โฮมสเตย์

The Mae Lan Noi Royal Project is an agricultural tourism destination featuring beautiful terraced rice fields and organic vegetable plots nestled amidst mountains. When approaching from Ban Huai Hom, look for a small sign on the left-hand side. After turning into the village, you may find yourself unsure of the way. However, two young men approached us and, despite being in a remote location, greeted us with a warm "Hello." Their kindness and helpfulness guided us to the Mae Lan Noi Royal Project Development Center. During August, the terraced rice fields are lush green, transforming into a radiant golden yellow by late October. Accommodation and meals are available. For more information, please contact 053619533-4 or 0833243062.

Riding a motorbike into the village was very quiet, as if no one was there. The thing to watch out for when driving is the chickens.

They tend to forage on the side of the road, and when a car approaches, they scatter in all directions, potentially crossing the road in front of the vehicle.

The lush green scenery was refreshing. We walked down to see the rice paddy and the organic vegetable plot below.

The rain shows no sign of stopping. My flip-flops flicked up mud, staining my clothes completely. ^^

For stunning views of the terraced rice fields, head to the Royal Project and take a ride up the mountain. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramas.

We rewarded ourselves with bingsu after being drenched in the rain all day. It's cold again!!! Even Mae La Noi has a bingsu shop called "Snow ice and Dessert by jang". The price is not expensive. Besides bingsu, there are also bakery and drinks. It's located opposite Mae La Noi Drunsikkha School, just a little past 7-Eleven Mae La Noi.

For dinner, we entrusted our stomachs to the Hein Tai Resort. The dining table in front of our accommodation offered a fantastic atmosphere, although the mosquitoes were a bit much. Being surrounded by nature, this is to be expected. It's a good idea to bring mosquito repellent spray or cream. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. This evening, we enjoyed our meal under candlelight and rice paddies. ^^

This morning, the mountains were shrouded in mist. I peeked out the window, not wanting to miss the view, even though I hadn't brushed my teeth or washed my face yet. Breakfast was a buffet, with options like rice porridge, salad, fried eggs, bologna, milk, and orange juice. The highlight was the black sticky rice with custard, which was perfectly sweet and had a wonderful aroma of pandan leaves.

We need to check out at 11 am today. There are no plans, just waiting to take the bus back to Bangkok at 5 pm. So I would like to rent a motorbike to ride around nearby places. The place that Brother Net recommended is the suspension bridge located on the right bank of the Mae Yom Wildlife Sanctuary.

For lunch, we went to eat papaya salad near Mae La Noi Hospital. We ordered papaya salad and minced pork salad. And this is what we got.

We stared at the minced pork salad for a moment, then asked ourselves what we had ordered. Was this minced pork salad?

The left plate is laab, a northern Thai dish with a flavor similar to stir-fried pork with garlic.

As I have eaten Isaan laab before, I must try northern laab when I come to the north.

The Thai papaya salad also included green eggplants, which I had never seen before. We ate both of them. ^^

Riding a motorcycle in the rain, I kept going, looking for shelter. Whenever I came across a scenic spot, I would stop to take pictures.

Mae La Noi is a tranquil town nestled amidst majestic mountains and verdant greenery.

After a satisfying bike ride through the lush greenery, we returned to the resort to relax with a cup of coffee while waiting for our bus. Even though we had already checked out, the resort owner kindly allowed us to stay and enjoy the amenities. As we were about to leave, the rain started to pour heavily. It seemed like our trip began and ended with rain. Before the downpour, a resort staff member thoughtfully provided us with an umbrella, anticipating the rain and ensuring our comfort. Their attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile left a lasting impression on us. Our driver, Net, then drove us to the departure point for the Sammatour bus to Mae La Noi.

สมบัติทัวร์แม่ลาน้อย's phone number is 0987918402.

Visiting Mae Hong Son never disappoints.
We saw the mist during the rainy season, the rice terraces, and the mountains as we had planned.
The beautiful nature and the kind-hearted people made it a very happy short trip.
Heun Tai Resort is a value-for-money accommodation with beautiful room views. The owner and staff took good care of us from the time we arrived until we left.
Ban Huai Hom, unfortunately, we didn't get to see everything. We would like to have the opportunity to stay overnight. The atmosphere is good, the nature is beautiful, and most importantly, the food is very delicious ^^.
I like the resilience of the people in the village. They have their own occupations and good things.
Even though the weather didn't cooperate, the places we went to impressed us a lot.
You can still come here without a private car, but it's more convenient if you have one.
Come visit Mae Hong Son during the rainy season, it's really good for the heart ^^.

Thank you for following and reading the post up to this point. ^^

Total Expenses (excluding souvenirs)

- Accommodation at Hinta Resort for 700 baht

• Bus fare 2,300 baht
  

• Motorcycle rental for 2 days: 450 baht.

• Convenience store purchase: 319 baht.

- Fuel cost 170 baht

• Lunch and coffee at Ban Huai Hom for 180 baht.

• Bing Su and Milk Tea 149 Baht

- Dinner @ Heintai 420 Baht

- Papaya salad, stir-fried minced meat, sticky rice 50 baht

• 2 cups of coffee @ Hein Tai 80 baht

- The day before returning, I had two plates of stir-fried minced pork with basil over rice at Hein Tai for 150 baht.

• Purchased snacks and meatballs @ Mae Sariang 60 baht.

• Taxi fare 135 baht
  

The sum of 5,163 and 2 is 2,581.5.