The phone rings.

Hello.

Friend: I'm going to visit the north.

Me: Which day are you free, Saturday or Sunday? I'm free and I want to go to Pa Bong Piang. Are you interested?

Friend: Let's go! What are you waiting for?

She: "Traveling is so easy, really. Let's go together."

Our journey is a learning experience. When our hearts are ready, we must go.

Another Weekend Trip: A Picnic Adventure in the North

The call of the north beckoned, and a friend's desire for a weekend escape sparked the creation of this unique picnic adventure. Embark on a journey with us as we delve into the heart of Thailand's northern region, experiencing the charm of local culture and the beauty of nature.

Day 1:

Morning:

• Arrival in Chiang Mai, the vibrant cultural hub of the north.
• Check into a charming guesthouse nestled amidst lush greenery.
• Immerse yourselves in the bustling atmosphere of the local market, savoring the sights, sounds, and aromas of fresh produce and handcrafted goods.
• Indulge in a delightful lunch at a traditional Thai restaurant, relishing the authentic flavors and warm hospitality.

Afternoon:

• Embark on a scenic drive through the rolling hills and verdant valleys, embracing the breathtaking landscapes.
• Arrive at a hidden gem – a serene waterfall cascading down moss-covered rocks, inviting you to cool off and reconnect with nature.
• Spread out your picnic blanket beneath the shade of towering trees, enjoying a feast of local delicacies and refreshing beverages.
• Engage in lively conversations, laughter, and games, strengthening the bonds of friendship amidst the picturesque surroundings.

Evening:

• Witness the mesmerizing sunset paint the sky with vibrant hues, casting a magical glow over the landscape.
• Return to the guesthouse, sharing stories and reminiscing about the day's adventures.
• Unwind with a relaxing evening, enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings and the company of loved ones.

Stay tuned for Day 2, where the adventure continues with exciting discoveries and unforgettable experiences.

On the first day, we met in Chiang Mai with a total of 6 members. It is important to note that we needed to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle due to the challenging road conditions. We departed from Chiang Mai city at 9:00 AM. The journey takes approximately 2 hours without any stops, and follows the same route as Doi Inthanon.

However, on our way through Chom Thong district, we stopped at this restaurant: Baan Ton Mai (Side Lake Pizzeria), also known as Tree Pizza. You can call them at 086 022 7471 or follow their page on Facebook: PizzA พิซซ่าต้นไม้ อ.จอมทอง เชียงใหม่. Trust me, delicious food awaits you there.

The menu is extensive, so you won't have any trouble finding something you like. The owner is very friendly and will help you choose. The ingredients are all carefully selected and healthy. I followed the owner's recommendations and ordered five dishes. I trust the owner, so I'm sure they'll be delicious.

"We can't remember the name of the dish, but our server highly recommended it and it was delicious. Feeling full, we continued our journey."

Head straight towards Doi Inthanon.

Or you can follow the coordinates here: https://www.google.co.th/maps/place/%E0%B8%9A%E0%B…

Thank you for the picture of the terraced rice fields in Chiang Mai.

The pizza shop is located in Chom Thong district. Then we will travel to Doi Inthanon. There will be a left turn to Pa Bong Piang village.

Note: Accommodation options are limited in this area, as homestays are typically managed by individual families who can only handle one booking at a time. It is highly recommended to book your accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment.

Fortunately, we called Macchipo Homestay, but it was already booked. Luckily, the brother of Mr. Wichai (the owner of Macchipo Homestay) had another house available. We were so relieved!

The road leading to the accommodation is quite challenging, with steep and winding sections. Local drivers refer to it as "หนังหมู" (meaning "pig skin"), which suggests its slippery and treacherous nature.

For those without a car, there are options to hire a car from Chiang Mai or rent a motorbike. However, if you are not comfortable riding a motorbike, it is recommended to take a car or park your vehicle at the designated parking area at the village entrance. From there, you will need to arrange for a village vehicle to pick you up, as the road leading into the village is unsuitable for most vehicles.

The road will be like this all the way. It has been raining lately. After a while, with a sense of trepidation, everyone was calm. Finally, we arrived at Ban Pa Bong Piang. When we reach the fork in the road, we will turn right, not straight into the village. Turn right to the accommodation.

Finally arrived, and I must say, it did not disappoint. I almost screamed! It's beautiful. The rice field atmosphere is exactly what I was hoping for.

Our house is amazing! I love it! If you're interested in staying here, please contact us at this number.

Uncle Sin's Mon Na Homestay is incredibly charming.

As a gibbon enthusiast with a strong focus on bathroom facilities, I was eager to see what this place had to offer. Upon inspection, I was pleasantly surprised to find it clean and with refreshingly cool water. However, it's important to note that there is **no electricity** here, so showers should be taken promptly as it gets dark quickly. The accommodation provides candles for lighting. Additionally, the price is **500 baht per person, including dinner and breakfast**.

The highlight was that we all brought our own dishes to share, creating a potluck feast. The barbecue added to the ambiance, making it an unforgettable experience.

The menu unfolds seamlessly, blending elements harmoniously (or does it?).

Spicy minced pork salad with dried fish strips

Crispy Three-Layer Pork Belly

Activities include barbecue skewers and Boy Scouts. There is also a fire pit (northern people call it "dang fai"). The accommodation provides a stove for rent, but you need to inform the uncle in advance. He will arrange it for you, but you need to buy charcoal and wood yourself. There are many shops along the way, so it's not difficult to find them.

Let's take a look at the chefs' faces. Even if they are boiling spicy soup, they can still bring it with them without going hungry.

While everyone else is busy cooking, I find myself most suited to preparing drinks. It seems this is my calling.

While waiting for dinner, we also waited for the food that our uncle would bring us between 5 and 6 pm. Without hesitation, we grabbed our mobile phones and cameras and went to the rice fields to enjoy the scenery. Let the pictures tell the story. It was amazing, so amazing that I can't even describe it. Really, I'm not exaggerating!

Walking to take photos quite far, almost falling several times. My stomach is growling now.

The uncle just delivered the rice, so I can start eating. I'm so hungry!

A Delicious Spread from Uncle

This sentence describes a delicious meal prepared by "Uncle." The menu includes:

• น้ำพริกกะเกรี่ยง: A spicy Thai chili paste served with fresh vegetables.
• ไข่เจียว: A fluffy Thai omelet.
• หมูทอด: Deep-fried pork.
• ผักนึ่ง: Steamed vegetables.
• อาหารเมนูเราทำเอง: Additional dishes prepared by the speaker.

The phrase "แน่นเลยคุณท้อง" suggests that the meal is so plentiful that it will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

The barbecue is done. I'm so lucky to have a chef with me. My stomach is happy.

After 6 pm, it starts to get dark. We light candles and gather around to talk. It's the perfect way to end the day, spending time with friends, cooking together, and enjoying the natural beauty around us. We talk about fun things, about our lives, and we exist in a world without competition. This is the best way for us to relax and recharge.

The candlelight flickered and died, plunging the room into darkness. Only the sound of the falling rain remained.

This is true nature therapy. Relax and recharge. ZZzzzzzz....

Day 2

Good morning on a rainy Sunday.

I woke up feeling hungry, even though it was still early. The delivery guy hadn't arrived yet, so I nudged my friend to go get something to eat.

The uncle had mentioned that the village had instant noodles, eggs, and snacks for sale, so we decided to take a walk and support the local businesses.

The path after the rain, it seems to be in tune with our hunger. Food is a big deal, and a path like this can't stop us.

The price is not too expensive. Please support the grandmother who sells it herself.

Now that we're in the village, let's take a walk. The village is a small community with only a few households. The villagers still maintain the traditional way of life of the Karen people, which makes us smile.

We ordered instant noodles and after a while, the uncle brought us coffee, Ovaltine, and breakfast.

Mackerel, omelet, pumpkin curry, and grilled pork from last night.

Another creative menu has emerged: poached egg with avocado. It's delicious, I love it.

After finishing our meal, we quickly packed up and continued our journey. There are many places to visit near Ban Pa Bong Piang. We decided to stop by Doi Inthanon for some photos before continuing our journey. It was raining, so there must have been a lot of fog. From the village entrance, it was only about 10 kilometers away.

As expected, fog has descended. The ascent to the peak is not difficult. We encountered a yellow car, which may have been chartered by someone. If anyone wants to come up, you can take the yellow car.

Please call 089-554-7826 for more information. Chom Thong - Inthanon

We can take photos continuously without feeling tired or fatigued.

It is raining today, the fog is very thick, and the air is cool. But we like it, it is comfortably cool.

Reaching the viewpoint, we snapped photos with wide smiles, capturing the breathtaking scenery.

The nature trail is beautiful all the way. At the end of the trail, there is a rest stop with information to read. If you want to know more about Doi Inthanon, you can read the information here.

For those who want to buy souvenirs or enjoy coffee on the mountain, there are service points available. So, you won't have to go hungry anymore.

After taking photos, we continued our journey. We talked about finding something to eat in Chom Thong and then ending our trip in Lamphun before going our separate ways.

Before anything else, we need to find something to eat. Driving to Chom Thong, I stumbled upon this restaurant. The entire place is made of coconut shells, and even the utensils are made of coconut shells. They have a wide variety of food, including Khao Soi and Som Tam. If you're passing by, be sure to check it out! Khao Soi Ga Kholong Restaurant, Chom Thong District

Follow this link to find the location: https://wego.here.com/p/e-eyJuYW1lIjoiXHUwZTAyXHUw...

After we are full, we will close the trip in Lamphun.

A must-visit destination in Lamphun is Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a revered temple housing the sacred Phra That Hariphunchai stupa. Visiting this temple is considered an essential part of any trip to Lamphun, akin to not truly experiencing the city without paying respects at this holy site.

As I walked out of the temple grounds, I stumbled upon this shop: Cheak Guay Mukda. What caught my eye was the claim that it serves the "most delicious cheak guay in the human world." Just reading the sign made me want to try it, and the price was affordable too - only 20 baht! Not bad at all.

There is another place we would like to go. Our friend from Lamphun recommended a cute cafe called "Rong Cha". They have a wide variety of teas, desserts, and drinks. The atmosphere is lovely, and it's not far from the temple. The menu is extensive, with a wide selection of pizzas and other dishes. The cafe is small but offers high-quality food and drinks. They even have durian tea, mango tea, and angel tea. If you're curious about the taste, you'll have to try it for yourself. It's hard to choose just one!

http://www.facebook.com/rongchaa If you want to try it, you can follow the coordinates on this page.

Sigh, the fun is over. I wish I could stay for another 3 days. (Thinking to myself) But this is enough for now. 2 days and 1 night, I'm full and have recharged my energy. Let's go eat before we go our separate ways.

The time for fun is over. It's time to go our separate ways.

Note that the rice fields will still be green during September and October for those visiting Pa Bong Piang.

However, if you go during November-December, the color will likely be golden yellow.

We will find time to travel together again. Thank you for the friendship of our fellow travelers. Activities that took place in Ban Pa Bong Piang. Uncle Wichai and Uncle Sin.

And we will meet again with Ing Ing on tour.........Ing Ing Ing Bye Bye Bye Bye