Our journey began in Bangkok, where we boarded a bus that dropped us off at Ban Wang Luang, the gateway to the Karen village of Pa Pae. We disembarked in a daze, the first light of dawn breaking. We waited at the pavilion, hoping for the rice shop across the street to open. To our dismay, the owner appeared at the window and announced that the shop was closed for the day! However, moved by our weary appearance, Phi Yim, the owner, kindly cooked us a simple meal of two or three dishes and packed us lunch for the road. This was a meal we will never forget, as Phi Yim refused any payment. Shortly after, the village headman of Pa Pae arrived in his pickup truck and kindly offered us a ride.



Unfold the map

Doi Pa Pae, the highest peak in Lamphun Province, is located in Pa Plu Subdistrict, Ban Hong District. It is a revered site for the Pa Pae Karen people and a distinctive mountain. When viewed from the village, it resembles a reclining elephant. The summit features rocky terrain interspersed with dwarf trees and stone cairns, which have been accumulated by ancestors for over a century. This sacred mountain prohibits women from ascending to the peak or the elephant's head.




Step by step

The truck that the king sent to pick us up was in working condition, with metal bars on both sides to prevent falls, as it sometimes had to carry a large number of people. At first, we were still brave and excited, standing by the bars and watching the view. But at one point, we had to turn to face each other and wonder if we would make it through. Some sections of the road were very narrow, with precipices and muddy surfaces due to the daily rain. Red clay stuck to the wheels and all over the truck. By this point, we had all switched to sitting down. Even though some sections of the road were paved, they were steep. By the time the truck stopped for us to walk, our whole bodies were aching.


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The second time was just as exciting, even though we drove ourselves. It was especially thrilling when cars passed us on the road. After everyone was ready, we started walking from the village, cutting through what seemed like a local garden, passing a large tree at the fork in the road. This tree was a sight to behold. The first time we came here, we passed this point without any problems, but why did someone get lost and turn the other way the second time? It caused a lot of confusion, and we shouted for each other for a long time. What's more, the person who got lost was the one who had been here before. They were teased about it for a long, long time.



After traversing the dense forest for some time, we stumbled upon a rice paddy, a sight we had not anticipated. During our first visit, it was the rainy season, and everything was lush and vibrant. The rice plants were thriving. However, when we returned a month later, the rice had been harvested, leaving only bare stalks. It was a pity, as we imagined the golden expanse of ripe rice would have been a breathtaking sight. We continued our journey at a leisurely pace, hoping to catch up with any stragglers who might have gotten lost.




After this point, we continued walking at a leisurely pace, with occasional uphill sections. We passed large trees and bushes, with occasional glimpses of the view. The path was relatively clear, suggesting regular use. We encountered a few locals riding motorbikes in the opposite direction.


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The initial atmosphere was refreshing due to the occasional light rain, accompanied by the melodious tunes of our guide, who could only sing one verse repeatedly. He seemed cheerful and had a unique sense of style, sporting a brightly colored raincoat and a vibrant plastic shower cap. This time, we ascended to pitch our tents at a higher elevation, offering a breathtaking view of the mountain range. However, we only witnessed the initial vista, as the rest of the time was shrouded in mist and rain, which began even before we finished setting up our tents. That night, both the wind and rain intensified, leaving us shivering in our tents until late morning, when we emerged to a scene obscured by a white sky. We decided to descend and vowed to return another time.




This time was completely different from the first time. The sky was clear and bright, and we arrived earlier than before and pitched our tents below. We then walked along the path to the viewpoint, sometimes following the ridge line. The sun was setting and the wind had died down. Finally, we arrived and saw the elephant's head in the distance.


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We are currently at the elephant statue. After taking countless photos under the clear sky, the men went up to the elephant's head while the women could only wait to watch the sunset from here, gazing wistfully. When we travel, we must follow the rules.




The long twilight, whether viewed from below or above, is equally beautiful. This time, the sky seemed to be on our side, the light was beautiful, and when it got dark, the stars filled the sky. From above, you can see a 360-degree view of both the stars in the sky and the stars on the ground.




The next morning, we left our tents before dawn and walked back along the path we had taken the previous day. Everyone took their positions, with the men climbing to the viewpoint above as before. This viewpoint features a stone pagoda that has been accumulating stones for over 100 years. The women posed for photographs below. We remained at the viewpoint until late morning, then descended and returned to our tents before continuing our journey back.



Not just the destination

This place is brimming with flowers and lush greenery, retaining its abundance and vibrancy. It is truly heartwarming to return here, even though only a month has passed. Nature's creations have transformed in numerous ways, yet their beauty remains constant.



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Gleanings

The first trip was marked by cold weather, forcing us to spend most of our time inside the tent due to the wind and rain. However, when we finally ventured outside, we were greeted by clear skies and beautiful scenery. The return journey was marred by a car getting stuck in mud, requiring everyone to help push it out, except for me, who continued to enjoy the moment. This trip was led by Giant, who provided us with some memorable moments, such as claiming that bamboo shoots come from banana trees and mistaking a type of eggplant for a different vegetable. The laughter was endless. On the second trip, Giant managed to outdo himself by getting lost, this time with M, the trip organizer who was also on their second outing.

An Avid Traveler: "Volunteer Travel"

Seeking to Enrich Travel Experiences

This passage describes an individual who enjoys traveling and believes in the transformative power of "volunteer travel." They aspire to create travel experiences that go beyond mere sightseeing, offering deeper engagement and meaningful impact.

Website Reference:

The website www.rsatieow.com is mentioned, potentially providing further information about the individual's travel philosophy or volunteer opportunities.

# Nan
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