(Hello everyone, I would like to start by saying that this is my first review, so please forgive me if there are any mistakes.)
The Beginning

... It all started with my friends and I enjoying putting ourselves through some hardship

by going on hikes and climbing mountains.

This was the second time I had gone hiking with this group of friends.

Members

There were a total of 10 members on this trip, starting with myself, my girlfriend, and 8 other friends.

Boom, Trai, Mink (who had previously gone on a hiking trip to Khao Luang Sukhothai together)

Brother Bo (our senior)

Brother Ning and Sister Yui (Trai's work seniors)

Noon and Kwan (my girlfriend's friends who also invited us)

Getting Ready

Our rough plan was to leave Bangkok on Friday night and arrive in Tak the next morning. We would buy fresh ingredients to cook our meals on the mountain, spend one night there, and then return to Bangkok.

We decided to rent a van because the cost was comparable to taking a bus. We also needed to buy supplies and visit the local government office, so my partner contacted Palipili Thailand. He had previously organized a trip to Doi Luang Tak and found someone to share the cost.

Lung Boed was our driver and guide.

Contact number: Lุงเบิด 094-3238597

Another friend, Boom, booked our ascent with the local government office. They limit the number of people who can climb the mountain each day, usually around 50. However, the number can vary depending on the situation, so it's best to call and book in advance.

Contact number: พี่เงิน 084-8225812

Once we had transportation and confirmed our climb, it was time for some shopping. My partner and I had heard from friends that Quechua brand equipment was good and affordable. We searched on Google and found a Decathlon shop at Lotus Rama 4.

We headed over and were amazed by the vast selection of sporting goods. After browsing for over an hour, we bought a two-person tent and two small backpacks.

The Journey

…

The morning of the trip arrived, and everyone went to work as usual.

Although it's still Friday, my mind is already at the foot of the mountain.

Time passed quickly. In the evening, I hurried back to prepare for my departure.

We have arranged to meet Uncle Beed at PTT Sanam Pao. We will depart around 10 pm.

Once all the friends had arrived, it was time to set off on their journey.

Arrived in Tak city at 6 am.

Uncle Beed stopped by to treat us to rice porridge, pork blood soup, coffee, and deep-fried dough sticks. The shops are all located next to each other.

After finishing lunch, we stopped by Rimping 3 Fresh Market to buy some groceries.

We didn't plan what to eat up there.

After much deliberation, we settled on ground pork and pork belly, as Boom's friend wanted to make them.

And then Korean instant noodles with kimchi, because my friend Sai wanted to make it.

Buy 10 more eggs, mushrooms, sausages, and some vegetables.

The journey then continued to Ban Tak District.

Along the way, we stopped by the market to buy fried pork, fried chicken, and sticky rice to eat for lunch while we were walking up.
The distance was incredibly long.

We took a pickup truck to the starting point of the walk to the city hall.

The friend has already contacted a guide and two porters.

A porter can carry approximately 20 kg.

We therefore had the porters carry the communal supplies up.

The remaining luggage was carried by themselves. It didn't take long to reach the starting point of the hike by car from the municipality.

The total distance of the hike up Doi is 11 km.

The trail is divided into two sections: from the foot of the mountain to the campsite, and from the campsite to the viewpoint.

The first 2 km of the walk were easy and relaxing.

It is recommended to take plenty of photos before continuing, as the path ahead is steep and challenging.

We walked along the waterway, with the forest on the left and the stream from the waterfall on the right. It was beautiful and shady.

The trail continues to ascend gradually between kilometers 3 and 5.

After walking for a while, they sat down to rest and then continued walking.

Our stomachs grumbled as we walked, but our plan was to have lunch at the designated rest stop.

Before reaching the rest stop for lunch, we had some snacks to tide us over. "Hey, want some?"

Our porter is taking a break. Our belongings aren't too much, are they?

Upon reaching the designated lunch spot, the group eagerly dropped their backpacks and immediately requested food.

Here it is, the lunch we've been waiting for: "2 fried chicken skewers, 1 grilled pork skewer, and 1 bag of sticky rice."

However, it must be said that this amount is not enough to satisfy hunger.

This 5km walk was truly grueling. The heat was oppressive, and there was hardly any breeze.

The path was still steep, and it took a lot of energy to climb.

After finishing their meal, they sat down to enjoy the breeze and the view.

Some people, when they have the strength, want to become porters.

It's time, before my eyelids close.

With backpacks on, we continued our trek, steadily ascending along the ridge.

The journey is accompanied by beautiful scenery on both sides.

Despite being exhausted and walking with their heads down,

The place where I took the picture is called "Sankhommid".

After walking for a while, we arrived at the lawn. We rested for a while before continuing our walk.

I walked and rested intermittently until I reached this point.

Wow!! Reaching this point, the scenery before me is breathtaking. Just this view alone makes the climb worthwhile.

Let's climb up and enjoy the view from another angle.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

In the distance, that is what they call a "lion's head".

I can't see that part. It's the municipality. My brother pointed out where we've been walking, but I can't remember. Haha.

That's another viewpoint, but we didn't go there. We didn't have enough time because we only stayed for one night.

Let's take a picture.

And here are the photography techniques of my friend Sai.

That's enough chit-chat, let's get down to business.

For this is not our true destination.

There it is, our destination for today. The bald mountain in the distance. It's time to get going again.

The path from this point is where many tourists are afraid.

It is a banana grove that is said to be teeming with snails.

When it rains and the air is humid, you're lucky enough to see little slugs come out and greet each other.

Fortunately, we were unlucky because it hadn't rained for several days, so there weren't many leeches to be seen.

Despite the low risk, we still wore leech socks for peace of mind.

(In fact, I already bought it, so I might as well use it. It looks better, right? 555)

The banana grove mentioned is in the lower left corner of the picture.

Those who are afraid of leeches after seeing the view at this point should know that they need to protect themselves from them.

Note: As there is no text provided for translation, I am unable to complete this request. Please provide the text you would like me to translate from Thai to English.

The victor's triumph

We finally arrived at the campsite. Our group took a little over 6 hours to get here.

Upon arrival, we were surprised to find that we had arrived at the campsite late.

The camping area is already fully occupied.

The officer then led us a little further to find a new spot to pitch our tents.

Despite the need to clear the grass and prepare the area ourselves, the experience still offered a sense of wilderness, which was somewhat comforting.

After clearing the area, we started pitching the tent.

Translation:

After setting up the tent, it was time to watch the sunset. However, some of my friends and I did not go up to see the sunset.

The reason was that we thought it would be better to help cook first (but the real reason was that our legs were tired, haha).

Let's take a picture from the tent first.

Our dinner tonight consists of deep-fried pork belly with fish sauce, fried sausages, and minced pork omelet, served with hot steamed rice.

The photo only shows sausages. By the time I remembered, I had already finished many things.

The sun had not yet set, but the sky was already overcast. Mist, seemingly out of nowhere, filled the air, and the temperature suddenly dropped.

We gradually gathered to eat, illuminated by flashlights and the cool breeze (as there was no electricity upstairs).

After finishing their meal, they packed up their belongings and gathered together in the tent.

Engaging in a seminar discussion as it is just past nine o'clock.

Our original plan for tonight was to photograph the stars and hunt for elephants.

Unfortunately, the sky was overcast, so we couldn't see any stars. On top of that, we were worried about the rain. T^T

After a brief discussion, we decided to call it a night around 9:30 pm.

The next morning, we set off on our journey home.

Set an alarm for 5 a.m. to wake up and watch the sunrise.

After finishing their personal business, they gradually walked up to the top of the mountain.

The sun did not show up today as expected, but the scenery before me is just as beautiful.

The sun's rays pierce through the mist, revealing layers of mountain ranges, accompanied by a cool breeze, creating a truly breathtaking atmosphere.

Translation:

This is another photo of a street vendor, taken discreetly while we were taking a group photo.

Translation:

From this point, you can also see the spot where we pitched our tent.

Translation:

There is a path leading up to another hill, but I didn't go because I was too hungry.

After soaking up the atmosphere and taking photos, we went down to make breakfast.

The sentence translates to:

"I came down to find dew on the tent. Was the dew really heavy last night?"

The wind is definitely there, my tent can handle it, it's made for this.

(Selling something, but not for a percentage.)

This morning's menu is Korean instant noodles with kimchi… My goodness, I didn't think it would be so delicious, or maybe I'm just hungry. 555

Hot coffee, Ovaltine, and sausages.

Translation:

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After a satisfying meal, it was time to pack up. By the time everything was in order, it was already 9 am.

This is the officer who is taking us on a walk.

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It's finally time to head down. I really wish I could sleep for another night.

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Descending, we encountered another swarm of leeches.

Stop at the viewpoint for another photo.

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Passing through the same pine clearing where I once sat and rested.

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

And then, with a loud thud, I fell! Don't worry, I just slipped. 555

One hand holding a camera, the other holding a cane, passing by the place where I used to sit and rest, I captured the image in my memory for a moment.

Translation:

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

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

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

Strolling and taking pictures, I came across my friend who had slipped on the loose sand and was lying with a broken leg.

We've only walked about 2 kilometers, my friend.

"Oh my god! There are still 6 kilometers to go. Can I make it? But she's so determined, she's walking faster than us. Boom is also carrying our backpacks for us."

The real short-form string is here.

Translation:

After a leisurely walk, we reached the foot of the mountain. We stopped to wash our faces and bodies in the cool stream, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

The villagers also took the buffalo to graze on the hill. They saw it walking by while it was soaking in the water.

The officer said they would release it back into the wild on the mountain.

Once a month, they check to see if any of the animals are injured. If any are found to be injured, they are brought back down to the lower level for treatment.

Many villagers were unable to reach the top in time, and some died there.

Translation:

After that, we continued walking to the pick-up point. In total, it took us about 5 hours to walk down.

They then loaded the belongings onto the truck and returned to the municipality.

Hooray! Time for a shower at last. After all, there's no electricity and no bathroom upstairs.

The municipal building has two bathrooms with shower facilities.

Across from the city hall, there is a shop that offers bathroom services for 10 baht per use. If you don't want to wait, you can use their services.

After taking a bath, we packed our belongings and boarded the van to return to Bangkok.

However, we cannot return to Bangkok without having dinner.

Uncle Beed stopped by the roadside for lunch at this restaurant, which serves flavorful and delicious food.

There is also wild food. Those who like it can come and eat.

After finishing our meal, we embarked on our journey back to Bangkok, arriving around 10:00 PM.

And then everyone went their separate ways to go home. That's the end of the trip.

Expenses

• Round-trip transportation (van rental) 8,500 baht
• Park staff (600 baht per day) 1,200 baht
• Porters (600 baht per day * 2 people) 2,400 baht
• Pickup truck from the office, round trip 600 baht
• Food and supplies 1,990 baht

The total cost was 14,690 baht, which was divided equally among the participants, resulting in a payment of 1,469 baht per person.