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Known as the "Royal Medicinal Garden" in Nan Province, many people have seen pictures of the atmosphere above. Images of green meadows covering the mountains, overlapping in layers. Images of the first golden light of the sun rising above the sea of fog in the morning. Images of the journey that requires a ride in a four-wheel drive vehicle from the bottom to the top of the mountain. However, many people may not be able to imagine if the road used for travel is broken, the route is cut off, and the car cannot reach the top of the mountain. What can be done? "Walk" of course. And this is a trip that we organized with friends on the "Pack Your Bags" page. We thought that the car would be able to go all the way to the top, and if not, we would just walk a little bit. But when we actually got there, there was a surprise! We couldn't go any further because the road was broken and damaged. The uncle said he didn't dare to go any further. So, we had to walk. What will our journey be like? Where will we stay, eat, and live? What will the weather be like on the mountain on the day we go? I'll tell you later.

Our journey begins in the heart of the Royal Medicinal Garden, where we embark on a picturesque adventure to the summit. Our journey commenced from the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, where we boarded a van bound for the quaint village of San Charoen in Tha Wang Pha district, Nan province. Arriving at our destination in the afternoon, we were greeted by the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. The village's remote location, nestled deep within the mountains, presented a unique challenge as we navigated the winding roads. Despite occasional moments of uncertainty, we persevered, guided by the unwavering support of our local guide, Kri. Upon entering the village, we were captivated by the majestic landmark that stood proudly at the center of the road, a grand roundabout that served as a testament to the village's rich history and cultural heritage.

Upon arrival, we parked the car at Mr. Krit's house and prepared our belongings. We transferred the luggage to another pickup truck. During this time, we met Mr. Krit's son, Nong Kaeo, who was incredibly adorable. >\\<

We will use this pickup truck to drive up to the Royal Botanical Garden.

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This is the group of 10 people who will be sharing this experience: Tid, Aoy, Rung, Por, Aom, Aen, Ploy, Poo, Kes, and me. The age range in this group is impressive, spanning from 20 to 50 years old. It's truly a diverse and exciting mix.

The road we had to take was like this: the first part was a dirt road, and later on, there were rocks, holes, and puddles. Some people in the back of the car were sitting, while others were standing. The people who were standing had to constantly dodge branches and leaves along the way. It was like playing a game, an extreme adventure. Everyone had to find something to hold on to because the car was swaying and lurching all the time.

After driving for half an hour, we passed a waterfall on the side of the road. When we reached a sharp bend, the uncle stopped the car. Everyone looked at each other and wondered if we had arrived. Why did he stop? What was going on? The uncle got out of the car and said that he could not continue driving because he was afraid. The road was damaged and there was a gap. The rest of us had to walk up the hill. Huh... I mean... do I have to walk now? Isn't it too early? At that time, I threw away anything that was not necessary. I kept it in the car and carried the essentials up the hill, with the uncle leading the way.

All members are now ready. Let's go!!!

At approximately 4:15 PM, we each carried one or two backpacks and walked while taking pictures. The roadside began to be coffee plantations, which were a beautiful dark green. As for the path, it goes without saying…it was as rough as Mars.

Everyone was walking and complaining. Our seniors teased us, asking if we had tricked them into coming. They had asked if the car could reach the top of the mountain, and we replied, "I was also tricked by them, haha." Honestly, I don't know how they managed to get the car up there, but I didn't know the road would be broken. This is how travel goes; anything can happen. But it was a different kind of experience, the taste of hardship.

Most reviews of Suan Ya Luang focus on the beautiful scenery at the top of the mountain, with stunning photos that make it seem like an idyllic destination. However, there are few images or descriptions of the journey itself, leaving viewers wondering what challenges they might encounter on the way to the summit. This review aims to fill that gap by providing a glimpse into the experience of reaching the top.

After walking for almost half an hour, we finally reached our destination. Surprisingly, the first to arrive were the two participants aged 53 and 51. One of them, a 51-year-old woman (let's keep her name anonymous), is an avid traveler who frequently visits foreign countries. This was her first time joining a group trip, and it turned out to be quite challenging. Despite the difficulty, she remained positive and energetic, even surpassing the younger members of the team. Initially, we informed her that the trip would be relatively easy, with a short walk after reaching the summit by car. However, the reality proved to be quite different, and we ended up leading the participants on a strenuous hike.

Along the way, we will encounter coffee plantations, some of which already have red berries. The locals here rely primarily on coffee farming for their livelihood.

The guide informed us that these red coffee beans were edible and sweet. Initially, everyone looked at each other in disbelief, as coffee is typically known for its bitterness. However, one brave individual volunteered to try it first, assuring the others that it was not bitter and would not cause any harm. After taking a bite, they confirmed that the beans were indeed sweet and delicious.

A little further up the path, you will find the houses where the villagers stay when they come to harvest coffee. The area may seem quiet, deserted, and even eerie.

It took us half an hour to walk to the hut, almost a kilometer away. When we arrived, we immediately put away our belongings. I changed into flip-flops because my soles were very sore and tired.

We will sleep together here tonight, eat dinner here, and then wake up at 3:00 AM. We need to walk to the top of the Royal Botanical Garden, which is about 4 kilometers away and will take 2 hours, to catch the sunrise.

While changing my shoes, I unexpectedly encountered a leech crawling on my foot. I suspect it hitched a ride during my shortcut through the coffee plantation. The area is humid and covered with fallen coffee leaves, providing a suitable habitat for leeches. Fortunately, no one was injured.

During this time, we took a break. Some people went to take a shower because they were very smelly. The water came directly from the source through a pipe to the huts. It wasn't filtered water, but it had been settled, so it was usable. However, it wasn't very clean. What can you do? We were on a rough trip, so having water to drink and bathe in was already a blessing. Some people who were waiting to shower and had free time went to take pictures. The location was the villagers' huts, which were quite classic.

After spending nearly a day together, we finally took a proper group photo. It felt like we were witnessing the vows of the newlyweds. Haha.

This uncle is our driver, cook, photographer, and will be our guide to the Royal Herb Garden tomorrow.

My uncle cooks using firewood and boils rice using a method called "wiping water." He uses a PVC pipe to blow air, making it easier to light the fire. At that moment, I could only watch, as I didn't know how to do it. Wow!

At night, there is no electricity here. We only have flashlights and batteries, which is fine and convenient.

The food is almost ready, and it looks so delicious that my mouth is watering.

This green and purple leaf is called "Bai Cha Pla Pueng". We are not very familiar with the Hmong language, but if we have to say it in a way that is easy to remember, it is "Bai Ja Ao Mia". This is the closest pronunciation to what the Hmong people say.

Bitter melon soup with chili paste, sweet and delicious.

After a long and arduous day of hiking, the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal is a reward beyond compare.

A steaming bowl of rice, served on a simple green banana leaf, accompanied by a medley of fresh, pesticide-free vegetables foraged from the roadside. A dollop of spicy shrimp paste dip adds a burst of flavor, while the vibrant purple "bai cha plu" soup soothes the throat. Grilled pork, sizzling with smoky aroma, sits alongside stir-fried bitter melon with tender pork slices, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. Hands reach across the table, filling plates with generous portions, sharing the bounty with loved ones. Laughter fills the air, a testament to the simple pleasures of a shared meal. (One loud gulp is permitted, of course.)

After dinner, we gathered for a chat session, sharing stories and experiences in our own unique styles. As the night wore on, those who felt tired received back massages, stretching, and even some qigong energy channeling. Feeling refreshed, we all went to bed.

At 3:30 am, the alarm clock rang, and everyone woke up and washed their faces. We were about to climb the Doi Suan Ya Luang, a 4-kilometer hike that would take about 2 hours. A flashlight was essential because it was very dark, and the path was muddy, slippery, and uneven. The air at 3 am was cold, but after walking for less than 10 minutes, we felt hot and took off our thick clothes. We stuffed our jackets into our backpacks and continued walking. We were sweating all over and getting tired. The trail became steeper, with inclines ranging from 15 to 45 degrees, alternating with flat sections.

After a 4-kilometer, 2-hour hike, our group of 10 finally reached the summit of Suan Ya Luang. As we ascended, the sun had yet to rise, prompting everyone to race to the top to capture the first rays of light. It was unclear where they found the energy, considering the altitude of 1400-1600 meters above sea level.

Did you know that the "Royal Medicinal Garden" is under the responsibility of the Doi Kad Watershed Conservation Research Unit, Pong District, Phayao Province? At the highest point of the watershed ridge is the peak of Doi Kad. On one side, the water flows to the Yom River basin, while on the other side, it flows to the Nan River basin. Doi Kad peak is 1,600 meters above sea level and offers 360-degree panoramic views. It is considered an interesting viewpoint and has trails along the mountain ridge that converge at the Royal Medicinal Garden. Visiting this garden is like visiting two provinces at once, as it is located at the border of Pha Thong Subdistrict, Tha Wang Pha District, Nan Province, and Pha Chang Noi Subdistrict, Pong District, Phayao Province. (Source: https://goo.gl/hlOEaJ)

May I borrow some props from the person who brought their motorcycle up here to capture the first light of dawn?

The sky gradually changed color to a very pastel, sweet color. It was beautiful.

The sun finally emerged from the horizon of the sea of mist at 6:17 AM. ^^

The scene before my eyes resembled a painting, as if I were in a dream. It was truly worth the climb, and I was fortunate that there was no wind to disperse the mist. The trees stood together in a verdant cluster.

This is a time when everyone is taking out their cameras and snapping away. Above all, soak in the atmosphere. Take in the sights and sounds, and capture the feelings you experience in that moment.

Wildflowers wave to the rising sun, peeking over the edge of the sea of mist.

Many people would not miss this iconic angle: silhouette photography with the sun, offering endless creative possibilities.

Let's take a picture.

A person brought a paper doll to visit the Royal Herb Garden.

After the sun had risen for a while, we were able to see the greenery of the area.

We spent 1.5 hours at the Royal Botanical Garden. We started at 7:30 AM and walked back the same way we came. On the way back, we were able to see beautiful views that we missed on the way up because it was still dark.

Within 10 minutes of walking down, you will find another viewpoint with a standing Buddha statue. The abbot of Wat Pa Ko Wang in Nan Province, together with Wat Phutthanuphap Ban San Charoen and the Buddhist Faith Team of Ban San Charoen, along with the Nan Off-Road Team, have brought it to be enshrined on the top of Doi Suan Ya Luang to protect the villagers. The villagers can see the Buddha statue from the village and Wat Phutthanuphap. (Source: https://goo.gl/vl84zD)

"It's incredible that even while walking down at 8 am, there was still fog occasionally drifting across my face. It was such a delightful experience!"

Along the way, we encountered breathtaking natural scenery, including wildflowers, blooming flowers, diverse wildlife, mist, and clouds.

"Walk down the countdown for 2 hours straight. It's just as difficult to walk because you have to constantly dig your toes in."

We arrived at the hut before continuing our descent for another half hour. We ate to regain our strength, because an army marches on its stomach. The food was simple and home-cooked: rice porridge, omelet, garlic-fried pork, sprinkled with coriander, and fish sauce with various condiments. It's hard to believe, but it was really delicious. ><

After finishing our meal, we packed up our belongings and headed back down to the car park. The path was muddy, making us wonder if it had rained the previous night. Along the way, we spotted some beautiful wildflowers that seemed to wave at us as we passed by. We couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and joy.

This morning, we will go to the "Nam Ok Ru" waterfall in Ban San Charoen to bathe and wash ourselves. The "Nam Ok Ru" here is not just a small hole, but a very large one, so much so that it forms a waterfall. It is very beautiful, cool, and refreshing.

Soaked, we got in the car and headed to P'Krit's house to change clothes. Afterwards, we stopped by a noodle shop in the village for a bite before heading back.

Believe it or not, this delicious-looking bowl of "Guay Teow Jarm Toh" costs only 25 baht. You won't find this in big cities! More importantly, the taste is amazing. They even use a firewood stove. Every single person's plate was clean, not even a single noodle left. I highly recommend trying it. It's truly delicious! ^^

As we journeyed back, we couldn't help but notice groups of villagers huddled together, seemingly engaged in some intricate task. Curiosity got the better of us, and we approached one group to inquire. To our surprise, they were embroidering intricate patterns onto fabric. These patterns, we learned, belonged to the Mien ethnic group, and some designs could take years to complete. The villagers would work on these embroideries during their free time, in between tending to their coffee crops, which is their primary source of income. The finished embroidered pieces would then be sewn onto Mien-style pants. Each pair of pants required two embroidered panels, each costing 4,000 baht, for a total of 8,000 baht. This translates to a hefty price tag of over 10,000 baht for a single pair of pants, making them a true luxury item.

For those interested in visiting, please contact the Doi Suan Ya Luang Community-Based Ecotourism Group in Ban San Charoen for travel information. You can reach them at 086-3907737 (Mr. Krit).

This trip was very lucky. I got pictures from many cameras.
Thank you for the beautiful pictures from Tid, Oi, Rung, Por, Aom, Ant, Plai, Kes, and Poo. :")
Thank you for the sweet-colored raincoat, windproof, and cold-proof jacket from Man. It's really good. >> www.huyashop.com

I think this trip was very worthwhile. I got to travel.
I got to see the way of life of the villagers. I got to eat the most delicious ordinary food.
And most importantly, I got to know 9-10 people I didn't know before.
Who agreed to come and suffer together.
Come and walk up and down the mountain, carrying heavy backpacks together.

We have a belief that...
The fact that we met, got to know each other, and formed a good friendship.
Sometimes it's not a coincidence, but because we...
"Love to travel" the same way.

Thank you for the cute cartoon from Aom, page: The Colorsleeper
Thank you Plaifa for helping me, page: When will I go if not now?

For us, life has meaning again because of travel.
What is the meaning of your life?

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