A Solo Motorcycle Adventure to Pa Pong Pieng Rice Terraces

From October 1st to 2nd, 2016, I embarked on a solo motorcycle journey to Pa Pong Pieng Rice Terraces, a breathtaking destination I had long dreamt of capturing with my camera. The countless stunning photos I had seen online had ignited a burning desire within me, but time had slowly eroded that yearning. However, a recent post by a friend rekindled the flame, and I found myself revisiting those captivating images. The allure was undeniable, and I knew I had to make this dream a reality.

Upon researching the location, I discovered that Pa Pong Pieng lay nestled within the Doi Inthanon National Park, a familiar territory I had explored on two previous solo motorcycle adventures. Although my past journeys lacked extensive documentation, I was confident in my ability to navigate the route. With unwavering determination, I set out on this new expedition, eager to document my experience and share it with others.

Given my lack of a personal vehicle, I opted for a combination of public transportation and my trusty motorcycle. The journey commenced with a bus ride, followed by a shared taxi, and finally, the exhilarating freedom of my motorcycle. This mode of travel not only aligned with my budget but also offered a unique opportunity to connect with the local community.

With everything in place, I embarked on my solo adventure, ready to embrace the unknown and capture the beauty of Pa Pong Pieng Rice Terraces. Let the journey begin!

The first step was to take a bus from the Sombat Tour Center on Vibhavadi Road. In the past, I would take the only bus from the Bus Terminal that went to Chom Thong District. Taking this bus was convenient because I could rent a motorbike and go up to Doi Inthanon right away. However, since I wanted to sit comfortably and recline, I decided to splurge on a VIP bus ticket for 759 baht. The only downside was that I had to call to book the ticket, as there was no online booking system. It took a while for someone to answer the phone. After that, I took the MRT to Phaholyothin Station in front of Central Ladprao. I walked across the sky bridge and caught a bus. I don't remember which bus it was, but it didn't matter because they all seemed to pass by. I haven't taken a bus in ages! "How much is it?" I asked the driver. Everyone on the bus looked at me. Haha!

We have arrived at the Sammati Tour Center on Vibhavadi Road. There are many shops, including cafes, 7-Eleven, and restaurants. Everything you need is here.

The outdoor coffee shop is also enjoyable. Those who arrive early or are waiting for friends can relax there. As for me, I'll head to 7-Eleven.

Passengers waiting to board the bus or pick up relatives can only stand and watch, waiting for the seats to become available. As soon as they do, they rush to grab them! The next bus doesn't leave until 9:30 PM, even though it's not yet 7:00 PM. But it's good to arrive early, so there's no need to rush. Just relax and take it easy.

I boarded the bus and was pleasantly surprised to find movies available for entertainment. However, I always end up falling asleep before the movie finishes. Ironically, I struggle to sleep at home despite being wide awake. The seats recline, offering some comfort, but I wouldn't say they are exceptionally comfortable. Ideally, I would prefer to sleep through the entire journey.

I opted for the lower deck, front row, which provides some legroom. The bus will make a stop at Krua Ton Kamphaeng in Kamphaeng Phet for a meal break, signifying the halfway point of our journey. The restaurant offers a diverse menu, including rice porridge, salted eggs, pickled vegetable salad, stir-fried preserved radish with eggs, stir-fried basil with minced pork, peanuts, and various浇汁 dishes.

We have 20 minutes to eat as much as we can before re-boarding the bus. Remember to note the bus number, as it may not park in the same spot upon our return. I once had difficulty locating my bus and ended up being the last passenger to board.

I remember arriving at the Arcade Bus Terminal around 7:30 AM. I collected all the snacks, water, and cold towels that were distributed on the bus, thinking they would be useful as provisions during the journey. I didn't brush my teeth or wash my face, planning to do so at the Phra That Sri Chom Thong Temple, where I would also have breakfast. From the Arcade, I had to take a red songthaew to Chiang Mai Gate. The fare was 40 baht. I had read that it should be 20 baht, but I figured it wasn't much of a difference. However, I was surprised when I gave the driver 100 baht and he said he only had 50 baht change. That's how I got scammed - it's a common practice with red songthaews in Chiang Mai. Haha! From there, I took a yellow songthaew to Chom Thong District. It was conveniently parked next to the red one, and it was about to leave, so I hopped on.

The yellow shared taxi wasn't captured in a photo… a shame. But the fare from Chiang Mai Gate to Wat Phra That Sri Chom Thong in Chom Thong district was 34 baht. I asked the other passengers on the ride… you have to know how to ask, know how to talk. But don't ask too much or talk too much… oh, I forgot, I hadn't brushed my teeth yet… haha, just kidding… I quickly counted the money to make sure I had enough.

I have arrived at Wat Phra That Sri Chom Thong Worawihan. I expect to be here around 9-10 am. The first thing I will do is brush my teeth and wash my face. Then, I will enter the temple. As is my custom, I will pay respects to the sacred objects and pray for a safe journey. I will also buy a lottery ticket in the hope of winning a prize.

After being spiritually nourished, let's nourish our bodies with some delicious food. The rice and curry shop is located next to the temple, near the area where they sell amulets. This set costs 40 baht.

The shop is located opposite the temple. It's a motorbike rental shop that charges 300 baht per day with a 1,000 baht deposit. I arrived around 11 am, and the owner charged me for the whole day, which was great. Recently, new shops have opened next to the owner's, but I still choose his shop. I believe he takes good care of his rental bikes because he's a local and has been in business for a long time. He knows what kind of bikes are needed to climb the mountain. However, if you drive recklessly, you can't blame anyone. I've used his services four times over the past four years.

As we drove towards Doi Inthanon, we passed Mae Ya and Mae Klang waterfalls. However, I had never visited Wachirathan Waterfall before, and it was truly breathtaking. I wish I had brought my larger camera, but I was unable to take any photos. I spent almost an hour there, enjoying a coffee and charging my phone while taking in the scenery.

After driving for a while from Vachirathan Waterfall, we passed Sirithan Waterfall. However, I didn't see many cars parked there, and even if we did park, we would have to walk in. I decided not to stop, as I was worried about my motorcycle being stolen. We continued driving and finally arrived at Mae Klang Luang Village.


The following is a translation of the provided text from Thai to English, maintaining a simple and concise tone:

I might not be a very good photographer… From Baan Mae Klang Luang, I continued on to the second checkpoint. Along the way, it started to drizzle, and I didn't have a raincoat… The air was getting colder, the higher I went, the colder it got… When I reached the checkpoint, I stopped to use the restroom. Oh no! My keys! Oh no! My keys are gone! They must have fallen out. Will the engine turn off? How will I continue? How will I start it if it turns off on the way? Then, I decided to turn off the engine. I looked down to see if they had gotten caught in the engine, but I couldn't find them. I thought to myself, "This is bad…" I immediately thought I should call Uncle Tee… During that time, I thought that I would definitely have to hotwire it. Uncle Tee told me to find any key that was similar and try to insert it. I hung up the phone immediately and thought of a key, the key to my house that I had brought with me. I inserted it, but it wouldn't turn. I had to go to the park ranger. I inserted it, but it still wouldn't turn. The ranger told me to hotwire it. Hmmm… I guess that's what I have to do, but I don't want it to get out of hand… "Brother, can I borrow your motorcycle? I need to go find my car keys. It's 11 kilometers from here to Baan Mae Klang Luang. It's about a 20-kilometer drive. It's raining, but oh well, I'll find them. I have time… haha. If I don't find them, I give up. Brothers, please hotwire it for me…" The park ranger was very skilled and experienced. After he hotwired it, there were wires hanging out for starting the car. As for the gas, I didn't have to worry. Since I filled up the tank, I hadn't closed the seat… I immediately stuffed paper in it so that when the gas ran out, I could open it to refill it. Thank you very much to the park ranger. I offered him money to help with the cost of the gas for the motorcycle I borrowed, but he wouldn't take it, so I had to force it on him…

The new system… will start, so I tied it with copper wire… I also wrapped it with a tube, fearing it would fall in.

It's possible...!!! Don't forget to find something to hang your keys on your waist................

Continuing from checkpoint 2, turn left onto the road leading to Mae Chaem district. Along the way, I saw villagers and stopped to ask for directions. They told me to head towards Huay Sai Luang Waterfall. I drove on, following the signs. As I continued, I passed what looked like a guard post, and a voice shouted, "Stop! Pull up your pants and take off your sneakers. Reverse!" I was confused. What kind of thorough inspection was this? Haha! In reality, the road ahead was muddy due to the heavy rain that had recently fallen. However, the rain had just stopped when I arrived, so I considered myself lucky. I met a guy who was also riding solo, just like me. "Let's go, brother! We'll tackle this together..."

There it is, I found it... the clone!! Eyes wide open, hands, arms, and legs working in perfect harmony. Don't fall, don't fall, absolutely not.

Others may have different techniques, but I prefer to run straight through the lane where cars are driving. However, please do not drive fast. Take it slow and don't rush, as there are both uphill and downhill sections. The downhill sections are particularly thrilling, as the front and rear wheels start to go in different directions. The cable becomes like a snake!

The legs slide, it's fun, spreading the wings to increase balance, haha, but be careful because you might encounter rocks... I'm barefoot because I don't have sandals, haha, very close to nature.

The sunset is beautiful! I stopped immediately. I heard that the sunset here is very beautiful. I'll call the accommodation later. The motorbike is in bad shape, but it's okay because I didn't fall. The uncle who owns the accommodation called me all the time, asking where I was. He told me to go to his house first. Okay, let's go to the accommodation first and then come out to take more pictures. It took me a while to find the uncle's house. I got lost, haha.

The photo is not very beautiful. It was taken with an old Canon 40D, which is a tough camera but not very stylish. It was also a second-hand camera. I edited it with Photoshop.

It's getting dark. I'm going to stop here for today and grab some dinner. I'm starving!

The house I stayed in was not a house in the middle of a rice field, but it was Uncle Se's house. Uncle Se is the owner of the accommodation called Baan Pak Mon Na. Phone number 096-445-5746. Two days before, I called many places and they were all full. I called Uncle Se and told him that I could sleep anywhere, just let me stay. His house is fine. His bedroom is fine. We can squeeze together to keep warm. Haha. Uncle Se said that I could stay at his house. And before that, when I was parking my motorcycle, there were 3 people who wanted to stay. He tried to call me because I called him first. Otherwise, he would have given it to someone else. I think if it were somewhere else, they would have canceled me and taken the 3 people instead. Thank you very much, Uncle. Actually, you could have taken the 3 people to sleep with me. We can squeeze together again. Haha.

I'm hungry, let's eat. The uncle charges 500 baht per night for three meals, but I only had two meals, dinner and breakfast. I don't mind, I'll eat whatever is available. I wonder why the uncle brought so much food. I'd better ask for more rice. The rice came in a pot, and it's all gone. I'm full. There's no electricity here, but there are no mosquitoes either, so I don't need a mosquito net. The weather is pleasantly cool. But the water is so cold! I can't not take a bath. Okay, I'll take a bath. I can't help but wonder, I asked the uncle if there's really no electricity here. He said he's been living like this for 50-60 years. There is electricity, but it's solar-powered. They probably only use it when necessary. Some tourists like it this way, they say it's classic. After eating, I'll go to sleep. I hope there will be fog or beautiful morning light tomorrow. Just don't let it rain. It's a pity I didn't go out to see the stars. Thinking about the way out makes me feel discouraged, so I'd better rest.

Ahem...wheeze...ahem...ahem...I glanced at the clock. Oh my, it's almost 5 am! I jolted awake in a flash. I hurriedly changed my clothes, grabbed my camera, started the car...oh, I didn't brush my teeth... (thinking to myself) Well, that's normal for me anyway...hahaha...

I don't remember what time I arrived. It was foggy. I just pressed the shutter button repeatedly.

The mist occasionally rolled in, but I didn't flinch. At this point, having come this far, I could stand here all day. The scenery was breathtaking in every direction.

The homestay behind me is right next to the rice field. You can wake up in the morning and enjoy the mist and rice fields. However, this type of homestay needs to be booked months in advance. If you want to stay in this type of accommodation, you need to book in advance. It's always fully booked.

Descending the steps, I tread carefully to minimize damage to the rice paddies. Let's all work together to protect the crops. My destination is that hut over there. Although the fog is currently lifting, I'm confident it will return. I can wait; I'm in no rush.

The fog is starting to clear...!!! I think I can see the sea of fog again...

Walking past this point... what lies ahead is paradise... is this what they call "rural paradise"? (I'm really jealous of those two...)

Please don't get bored yet...

The fog has started to roll in again. Looking at the time, it seems like it's getting too late. I need to eat, shower, and get ready to head back, as I have to return the motorbike by noon. I still don't know what the return trip will be like, but I know I'll have to keep pushing through the mud.

Turning back, the sun had already risen, but the fog was so thick that no light could be seen.

Before I could take this picture, I had already become one with nature (I fell into the rice field and disappeared completely). I don't know if the person standing in front of me saw it, but at least there was no one walking behind me... haha.

This concludes my journey for this time... The information may be clear or unclear, and the pictures may be beautiful or not so beautiful. I apologize for that. This is my first time writing a review since I started traveling. This time, I paid the most attention to detail. I will write another review for my next trip.

#chiang mai
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