This is the first time I've traveled with strangers. Isn't that right, "strangers"?

The story began with the discovery of the Backpacker page, which I had been following for some time. Then, a young woman posted an invitation to visit Phu Soi Dao.

After careful consideration, the decision was made to reach out and inquire. Surprisingly, a connection was established, leading to the creation of a group chat. Members were invited to join the trip, and the planning process commenced.

Some people knew each other beforehand, while others were complete strangers. Oh, I wonder how this trip will turn out. I can't imagine, but let's give it a shot. Just a backpack and a whole lot of heart.

Essential Gear for a 2-Day, 1-Night Backpack Trip:

Clothing:

• T-shirts
• Sweatshirt or light jacket
• Sandals or comfortable walking shoes

Toiletries:

• Shower gel or soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Facial cleanser
• Painkillers (e.g., paracetamol)
• Antihistamines
• Insect repellent
• Wet wipes

Essentials:

• Wallet
• Mobile phone
• Camera
• Phone charger
• Flashlight
• GoPro camera
• Two large water bottles

Only 8 kilometers, a breeze! Let's go, conquer the high mountains, fight to the death!

The day of the trip finally arrived, and I was filled with excitement.

We divided the journey into two groups: the first group traveled from Bangkok, and the second group traveled from the north.

We decided to meet at the Old Bus Terminal in Phitsanulok (we will transfer to the park here).

The first group traveled from Bangkok. They decided to take the third-class train.

For those who want to check the train schedule, you can check it at this link: http://www.railway.co.th/checktime/checktime.asp

The second group traveled from Chiang Mai and Lampang. They decided to take a bus by voting.

We took the NCA bus, which is quite affordable. You can check the prices on their website: http://www.nca.co.th/ or http://www.nakhonchaitour.com/nct/schedules.php.

The northern line arrives in Phitsanulok around 1-2 am, approximately. The mood is sleepy and lethargic.

The tour bus will stop at the new bus terminal. However, we need to transfer to the old bus terminal to continue our journey.

Don't worry, the new bus terminal has a taxi service that is not expensive. From the new bus terminal to the old bus terminal, the price is 70 baht.

We arrived before the other members, and by 3:30 AM, everyone had gathered at the Old Bus Terminal.

We're all here now. What should we talk about next?

While waiting for the car, which is scheduled for 4 am, if there are many people, it is recommended to rent a car for convenience.

If you're interested in booking a private car, please call this number: **081-532-1757**. Our roundtrip rate is 4,400 baht for 11-12 people, but we're open to negotiation.

Those who did not book like us can join other groups. There are many cars available to rent to go to Phu Soi Dao National Park. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Chat Trakan District and then take another bus to the park. There are many options to choose from.

Our group also invited 4 more people to join the trip, who are also travelers like us. Oh wow!

Of course, let's find out what happened on this trip and what we encountered. Join us on our journey.

At 4:00 AM, the journey began, and what we encountered on Phu Soi Dao unfolded before us.

"He" brought us together.

• Renting a car with friends from different places.

The journey began with a pickup truck carrying 12 passengers, heading towards Phu Soi Dao National Park. We chatted amongst ourselves, but exhaustion from the journey eventually led some of us to doze off, as evident in the photo.

• Morning shopping extravaganza

After about two hours of driving, the car stopped for us to buy supplies at the Pa Daeng Municipal Fresh Market. Everyone ordered their own food, and let me tell you, the amount of food we bought would last us a whole week! It was seriously a lot.

**

Despite the hardship, they still smile. Look at the food they have: "Auntie, four kilograms of sticky rice, please. We're hungry."

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Across from the fresh market, there are both Lotus Express and 7-11 convenience stores, offering a variety of shopping options.

• A passage that is more than just a passage

We were about an hour away from the park when we woke up to a beautiful sunrise. It was the perfect way to start our day.

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Upon arrival, it is highly recommended to book a porter in advance. During peak hours, porters may be unavailable, and you will be required to carry your belongings up the mountain yourself, which can be extremely strenuous. (Note: If you arrive after 2 pm, you will not be able to ascend the mountain on the same day and must wait until the following day.)

Service Fee: Porter 30.- / 1km

**Rental fees for those who wish to rent tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats: 200.-/ 120.-/ 80.-**

Garbage deposit: 200 THB (Bring the garbage down from the mountain to receive a refund)

**Entrance fee to the national park: 40 THB/person**

Luggage tag deposit fee: 35 THB.

• Cutting in line to get on the bus

After booking and paying for everything, it's time to take a connecting vehicle to the starting point of the mountain climb. There are both pickup trucks and "cow pen trucks" (self-named) available. Whichever team is ready can jump on the truck according to the queue.

And from this point, "he" brought us together.

We are a group of travelers with a passion for exploration. We never imagined that we would experience such profound connections with people we met, whether acquaintances, strangers encountered for a mere 24 hours, or even individuals we crossed paths with for just 5 minutes. Yet, these connections unfolded before us.

Sometimes, when people shed their masks and let go of the burdens they carry, beautiful stories unfold.

And with the difficult path, every step brought about sharing, concern, care, and mutual support. And most importantly, it created beautiful friendships without us even realizing it.

And all of these things are what gave rise to the friendships we have.

++++Hill after hill++++

The 6.5-kilometer hill we had to climb, which took 5-6 hours, was where the distance forged friendships.

Let's take a look at the names of each hill. Just the names alone make my legs tremble. T_T Having the right people by your side is crucial.

++++Walk and rest, rest and walk++++

The arduous climb, the fatigue, the hardship, all brought an involuntary smile to my face.

Just someone sitting down to rest, just someone shouting encouragement, just someone asking if we're tired - hey, it makes us smile so wide.

++++Nature Therapy++++

Along the way, we encounter waterfalls, flowers, mist, sunlight, and light rain. All in all, it's incredibly charming and refreshing. This is what they call nature therapy. For us, #travelers.

++++Carrying pole race++++

**One of the things that keeps us going on the Phu Soi Dao trek is the sight of the porters. They are so strong and resilient, and if they can do it, so can we. Let's keep going!**

++++Walk in the middle of the dirt, eat in the middle of the dirt++++

An army marches on its stomach. The food was exceptionally delicious, incredibly satisfying. I was very hungry, so everything tasted amazing at that moment.

Bring a packed lunch and water, as these are essential supplies. Gather around and share your food, enjoying the delicious feast together.

++++Goal to create smiles++++

Of course, after a six-hour walk, seeing the sign fills me with joy. The purple cockscomb flowers at Lan Son Phu Soei Dao have finally arrived.

**However, if you visit during August, there will be more purple **Crested Serpent** flowers. We went in October, and there were still some, but not as many.**

**Seeing only 4 of us left, I can tell you these are the kids who sit in the back of the class. They're not following the others, they're just walking so fast you can't even see them.**

The place with the most bedrooms and the most kitchens.

The campsite has arrived. Resting point, cooking point, bathing point (To use the bathroom, you have to scoop water from the stream yourself). The gathering point for conversation, the center of friendship, learning, humor, jokes, trip planning, sharing, and friendship from the people around. Love it!

++++Waiting for the stars at night, waiting for the light in the morning++++

The stars are beautiful at night, there are so many of them. If you have a camera and a tripod, you should definitely take some pictures.

The morning was a bit foggy, but the clouds were thick, so the sun was barely visible. However, it was still a refreshing morning. I woke up earlier than I usually do for work.

Two Countries in One Trip: Exploring the Border of Thailand and Laos

This article explores the unique opportunity to visit two countries in one trip by exploring the border region between Thailand and Laos.

Our two-day, one-night trip came to an end. We descended from the mountain around 8-9 am, and the chartered car was waiting for us at the parking lot near the shops. After breakfast, we set off without booking return tickets. The driver dropped us off at the new bus terminal, where he informed us that there were frequent buses available to the north, south, and Bangkok. From there, we went our separate ways.

This short trip was filled with immense joy and countless friendships.

Thank you to all 12 fellow travelers for the kindness you shared. We will journey together again.

Until we meet again, a-ru-mai-like team backpacker.

The journey to Phu Soi Dao has ended, but our adventures continue. See you on the next trip, Love, Love, Aing Aey on Tour.