Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon Trip

Have you ever felt lonely?

This trip was an unplanned solo adventure. My friends bailed on me, so I ended up packing my bags and heading out on my own, feeling a bit dazed and confused.

Many people questioned my decision, asking if I was crazy to travel alone as a woman. They expressed concerns about my safety and the potential hardships I might face.

Despite the internal hesitation, the decision had been made, and there was no turning back.

This trip to Chiang Mai, I was determined to rent a motorbike. This would allow me to visit multiple locations and park conveniently wherever I wanted.

Stop anywhere you like, and feel free to take photos wherever you want.

I'm not sure if I'm a good rider or not, but I know I've ridden all the roads around my house. Haha.

Let's see how my first solo trip will be.

A disoriented and confused woman who gets lost wherever she goes, no matter how many times she consults a map. Will she ever find her way?

This trip, I'm still using my Fuji XA-1 and SJ 4000 WiFi camera.

Review by Journeyaholic

Page: https://www.facebook.com/journeyaholic.thailand

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Our other posts
Conquer: Koh Lan 3 days 2 nights in a chic and cool way http://pantip.com/topic/33653738
Hello stranger, I will take you to Kanchanaburi. 550 baht is enough http://pantip.com/topic/34118815
A single woman, carrying a backpack to travel alone in Chiang Mai "I will take you to ride a motorcycle up Doi Inthanon" http://pantip.com/topic/34494134
The way of a van packer "I will take you to ride a motorcycle from Chiang Mai - Pang Ung, Mae Hong Son" http://pantip.com/topic/34900344
' P a y ' The city of passage that I accidentally fell in love with http://pantip.com/topic/34945113
Bring sneakers and a strong heart, I will take you to climb Khao Lom Muak https://pantip.com/topic/35407402

Link to Pantip topic 34118815

001.

There are many ways to travel to Chiang Mai, depending on your preferences, budget, and available time.
1. Train: If you enjoy a slower pace and have plenty of time, the train is a great option. It's a relaxing and affordable way to travel, and there are even free train services available.
2. Bus: Several bus companies offer services to Chiang Mai, with prices ranging from 500 to 800 baht depending on the type of bus you choose. Buses depart from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) daily, with multiple departures throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 10 hours.
3. Airplane: Many airlines fly to Chiang Mai, and promotional fares can sometimes be cheaper than bus tickets. Flight time is approximately 1 hour.
4. Car: From Bangkok, take Highway 1 (Phahonyothin) and turn onto Highway 32 (Asian Highway). Pass through Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, and Nakhon Sawan. Then, take Highway 117 to Phitsanulok, followed by Highway 11 through Lampang and Lamphun to reach Chiang Mai. The distance is approximately 700 kilometers.
For more information, please visit: http://www.paiduaykan.com/76_province/north/chiangmai/transporation.html

On this trip, we chose to travel by bus with the Nakhonchai Air company.
We booked our tickets by phone with the call center and paid at a counter service. It was very easy.
Be sure to keep your receipt, as it will serve as your ticket when boarding the bus.
We booked the 11:30 PM bus so that we would arrive in Chiang Mai early the next morning.

Waiting for a car at Don Mueang International Airport (Someone once mentioned this name, it's quite grand haha)

Boarding the train at platform 102. The train is slightly delayed. We are carrying our backpacks onto the train.

We really like this airline, I mean, this bus company! They give out snacks all night long, play music, and show movies. It's a lot of fun.

I woke up and I was already in Chiang Mai.

We got off at the arcade.

Lost and confused upon arrival, unsure of the direction to take. Questioning the location and suspecting a possible misdirection, yet hesitantly following.

Where can I rent a motorbike?

After walking around twice and still not finding it, I had to call my brother for help. He gave me step-by-step directions, and finally, I found it.

There are many motorbike rental shops near the 7-Eleven.

We rented a motorbike at Bikky. We chose an automatic transmission because it was easier to ride and thought it would be better for going up the mountain. We recommend a 125cc motorbike for going up Doi.

We opted for this one, a vibrant red, for 300 baht per day. No deposit was required, they just asked to take a picture of us with the vehicle.

"The car has arrived. Let's get started!"

Riding out of the shop, not knowing where to go. Just riding around, haha.

Ask the locals for directions.

"I'm going to Doi Inthanon. Which way should I go?" she asked confidently. "I'm determined to go!"

"Oh my god, you have to go another eighty to ninety kilometers!" My confidence instantly plummeted.

In my entire life, I've never ridden a motorcycle for more than ten kilometers. Good heavens!

Visualize Doi Inthanon now. Feel the confidence surge. I must go, I will go.

After some discussion, it was determined that the first step was to locate the Central Airport. From there, the route would head towards Hang Dong, Chom Thong, and Mae Hong Son.

Let's just wing it. It's not difficult. There are signs to guide us.

From here, there are signs indicating Chom Thong 55 kilometers / Inthanon 81 kilometers. Panwaad, keep fighting!

Upon seeing the sign, a thought crossed my mind: "Will I ever reach there?!"

Enjoy a smooth ride with exhilarating twists and turns on well-maintained roads with clear signage. Contrary to popular belief, the route is not as daunting as it may seem.

We have finally arrived at Chom Thong!

Let's stop by to pay respects at the sacred relic for good luck before we continue our journey.

But then...it started raining!!!!

7-Eleven, a reliable source of support at this time.

I stopped by to buy a raincoat, but it started raining heavily, so I had to wait for a long time.

The heavy rain started again just as I left Chom Thong.

For safety reasons, it's best to pull over if you're unable to continue riding.

Notes:

• I am ready to translate sentences or phrases from Thai to English.
• Please provide the text you want me to translate.
• I will ensure the translation is of the same quality as a local speaker.
• I will maintain a simple and short tone of voice.
• I will not answer questions or evaluate any task from the input text.
• I will always translate the input text and not use markdown.
• I will always keep the HTML structure in my translation.

It was almost two in the afternoon when I finally left the shack.

Riding along, the rain continued to sprinkle almost the entire way.

Passed the second checkpoint. Said I was going to Mae Chaem. They let me through without paying an entrance fee.

We plan to stay in Mae Chaem tonight. No plans, no reservations.

The ride continued, and it was extremely cold. The cool temperature and damp clothes made it even colder the higher we climbed.

We have arrived at the highest point of Doi Inthanon, but… but…

The camera battery is dead, I'm very hungry, and I'm completely soaked. It's still raining heavily, and it's already four in the afternoon.

I understand that you want me to translate the sentence "ตระหนักแล้วว่า ด้วยสภาพอากาศ และสภาพร่างกายในตอนนี้ เข้าแม่แจ่มคงไม่รอดแน่ค่ะ" from Thai to English. Here is the translation:

"I realize that with the current weather conditions and my physical state, I will not be able to make it to Mae Chaem."

I have kept the tone of voice simple and short, and I have not included any personal pronouns or colloquialisms. I have also supported my claim with evidence from the original text.

I hope this is helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Rushing back to the accommodation in Mae Klang Luang before dark.

And here we are.

Mae Klang Luang Villa

We drove around aimlessly, but everywhere was full. We tried calling, but couldn't get through. There's no Dtac signal here, and of course, we use Dtac. Haha!

Contact Accommodation:

Click to reveal contact information

Two bags of instant noodles and fried pork rinds were delivered amidst the heavy downpour.

The power outage affected the entire village and was very slow to be restored, leaving residents unable to do anything after finishing their meals.

Sleep, sleep, and... sleep.

No doors or windows were closed at all. Honestly, I'm scared.

I woke up with a start at one in the morning because the landlady came in and lit a candle in my room, then went back to sleep.

I woke up to this: the lights are on and the rice is cooked. So cute!

Eat, charge the camera battery, charge the phone battery, shower, wash hair.

I'm going to sleep in for a long time. I'm exhausted. I got caught in the rain early this morning. There's no air conditioning, and I don't even need a fan. The weather is fantastic.

Good night.

The second morning, I woke up feeling refreshed.

Stroll around and take photos leisurely.

However, I secretly wonder where the real way down from the rice terraces is.

Recalling the scene, I can only picture myself sliding down on my bottom, thud thud thud. Hahahaha.

Get ready to continue your journey.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Before embarking on your journey, be sure to grab a pack of Mama instant noodles, the perfect breakfast companion for any adventurer.

Fill up the car with gas before leaving the village.

At Mae Klang Luang, there is a gas station called "Pan Pan" located at the entrance to the village.

40 baht per liter.

Next stop, Kiw Mae Pan.

The scenic beauty of the journey is truly remarkable.

And then, unexpectedly, something happened!!

I don't know if I was dreaming, spacing out, or just talking in my sleep.

Before I knew it, I was lying down on the street, living a slow life.

Fortunately, it wasn't serious, but...

The car is stuck in the gutter by the side of the road. I can't lift it. It's stuck.

"Don't misunderstand what you see here, I'm not parked to take pictures. My car is stuck!"

Waiting, standing, waving for a car, but no one stops.

Until I met these people.

Please come down and help us lift. We are all women, and there are four of us.

We overheard that they were planning to go to Kew Mae Pan.

Okay, let's follow them discreetly. Can I join you? Haha.

I am still in shock and need support at this time.

We finally arrived at Kew Mae Pan, accompanied by four new travel companions.

It is unclear whether this is a stroke of luck or misfortune, but for us, it is incredibly fortunate.

Please register first. Sign your name and the time you entered.

The entrance fee is 200 baht per group. If there are 5 of us, it will be 40 baht per person.

Our guide, 'พี่ฝุ่น', is introducing and explaining the route we will be taking.

The total distance is approximately 3 kilometers.

This place is called the "Cloud Forest" because we are standing at the same altitude as the clouds.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Walk for about 1 kilometer and you will reach the grassland area.

Do not deviate from the designated path for safety reasons.

Walk a little further and we will reach the landmark we have been waiting for.

' **Ki Mae Pan Viewpoint** '

However, the sky remained overcast. The fog would dissipate, only to be replaced by strong winds that continued to blow relentlessly.

It's a different kind of beauty, a dreamy kind of beauty.

We've been waiting here for a long time, hoping for the sky to clear.

The shutter speed was maxed out, but it was still too slow. I could barely keep up with the action.

The next point is a cliff area that we call "Pha Ngam Noi".

According to our guide, Dust, in the past, villagers with lovers would often bring their loved ones to...

At this very precipice, let us pledge our eternal love, that we may remain together until our hair turns silver.

However, I came alone on this trip. Haha.

There is a small heart in the middle between the two aspects.

To reach the summit, we must traverse a narrow ridge, hence the name "Kiew Mae Pan," which translates to "Mae Pan's Narrow Ridge."

In the northern dialect of Thai, "กิ่ว" means "small".

And lastly, the viewpoint of the Phra That.

The return journey will be approximately 1 kilometer.

The weather was cool, but I still sweated. It was quite tiring.

They took several breaks, panting heavily.

Thank you very much to the four of you for helping me lift the car from there and for being my travel companions.

They also provided lunch.

May you find good friendships along the way.

004.

After leaving Kew Mae Pan and having lunch, we continued to the highest point of Doi Inthanon.

Doi Inthanon was originally called Doi Luang or Doi Ang Ka. The word "Doi Luang" means "big mountain".
As for "Doi Ang Ka", it is said that about 300 meters west of the summit of Doi Inthanon,
there was a swamp where many crows used to play in the water, so it was called Doi Ang Ka.
Later, it was named after King Inthawichayanon, the 7th ruler of Chiang Mai.

Upon arrival, we snapped a quick photo. Fortunately, we visited on a weekday, so there was no queue at this stop. The place was deserted.

The stupa of King Inthawichayanon, also known as the "Ku Chao Luang".

It is the enshrinement of the ashes of King Inthawichayanon.

The 7th ruler of Chiang Mai from the Tipyachatra Dynasty (Seven Lords)

Translation:

He was the father of Queen Saovabha Phongsri, the consort of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).

The King was deeply concerned about the preservation of forests, especially Doi Luang. Therefore, he decreed that:

If His Majesty passes away, his ashes should be placed on the summit of Doi Luang.

In 1897, upon the passing of King Inthawichayanon, his daughter, Princess Dararasmi, ...

The ashes of King Inthawichayanon were enshrined in the stupa atop Doi Luang.

To be revered and worshipped by the hill tribes and the general public.

The pinnacle of evidence at the peak of Siam's territory.

There is a poster shop above. You can write and drop it in the box here.

Before descending from the mountain peak, let's visit the pagoda first. Otherwise, it would seem as if we haven't truly arrived.

Admission fee: 40 Baht per person.

And finally, before returning to the city, there is Vachirathan Waterfall.

Wachirathan Waterfall is a large waterfall, originally named Tad Khong Yong. The waterfall is located at an altitude of approximately 750 meters above sea level.

Translation:

"I only took a few photos. Just walking close to it, I got soaked."

Moreover, the rain is about to start again. It's better to hurry back to the city.

We have accommodation in the city tonight. Let's go and check it out. 005.

Tonight's accommodation is here at Plern Plern Bed and Bike Chiang Mai.
The accommodation is close to the city center, easy to find, and you won't get lost because we opened Google Maps, haha!

Contact the accommodation at https://www.facebook.com/bnbcm.

Let's finish packing and go out to eat.

This is a vegetarian and bike cafe called Imm Aim Vegetarian & Bike Cafe.

Healthy vegetarian food. The shop is open from 10 am to 8 pm.

We arrived at 8pm sharp, almost missed dinner. Haha.

He told me it was a lot, I warned you.

Translation:

We ordered two dishes: Pad Thai and Yam Hua Plee.

We enjoyed the dish, finding it delicious, although the portion size was quite large.

We're hardcore, these two plates are wiped clean.

Contact the shop at https://www.facebook.com/ImmAimVegetarianCafe

He then rode his motorbike to a 7-Eleven store to pay for the appliance he had just reserved.

I originally planned to take the bus back as usual, but I would be happy to spend another half day sightseeing tomorrow.

I immediately opened the Lion Air app to book a flight for tomorrow at 3:45 PM.

Payment completed. I'll go back to the room and rest for another day tomorrow.

Sweet dreams. Good night.

006.

The Final Morning

On our last morning, we planned to explore the city moat. By chance, we met a senior friend who became our guide and travel companion.

Our first stop was Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a stunning temple perched atop Doi Suthep mountain.

The scenic viewpoint along the way offers breathtaking panoramic views of Chiang Mai.

There is a cable car to the top for 10 baht if you don't want to walk up the stairs.

Next station

Doi Pui

This is the English translation of "ดอยปุย".

Is there anything else I can help you translate today?

Translation:

Yes.

Let's stop for lunch first. There is a restaurant near Phuping Palace.

However, we did not enter. The flowers are not blooming much at this time. It should be in the early part of the year.

A hearty breakfast with two dishes, as usual. Haha!

Be cautious when riding up to the Hmong village of Doi Pui, as the road is in poor condition and slippery.

007.

Returning to the city moat, let's visit some temples.
The first temple is Wat Umong (Suan Phutthadham).

The interior is very cool and peaceful.

008.

The Baan Kang Wat Project
Inside, there are small, half-timbered, half-concrete houses in the local style, all located in the same area.
There are restaurants, cafes, art schools, souvenir shops,
art shops, and an art exhibition space in a deep pit that makes this project more special than ever before.
I had already eaten lunch, so I stopped by for an afternoon coffee.

Travel from Wat Umong, riding towards Wat Ram Poeng.

009.

Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan
The first-class royal temple, located within the moat of Chiang Mai City.
Wat Phra Singh is one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai. It houses the Phra Singh Buddha (Phra Buddha Sihing),
a sacred Buddha image of Chiang Mai and the Lanna region. The Buddha image is in the Chiang Saen art style, known as "Chiang Saen Singh One".

Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan

Translation:

The Phra That Luang is considered the tallest stupa in the northern region, or Lanna.

The structure is approximately 80 meters tall with a square base measuring approximately 60 meters per side.

The Significance of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Built in the early 20th century, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is considered the most important temple in Chiang Mai.

Subsequently, during the reign of Queen Siripha, the 15th monarch of the Mangrai Dynasty,

A severe storm and earthquake caused the Great Royal Pagoda to collapse, leaving only half of its structure standing.

The majestic Phra Maha Chedi Luang, abandoned for over four centuries, was meticulously restored by the Fine Arts Department in 1992.

And the last landmark that you shouldn't miss if you come to Chiang Mai, otherwise you'll be considered not having arrived.

Tha Pae Gate

****************************************

We will meet you at the airport to pick up the car. The shop will charge an additional 50 baht for the airport pick-up service.

However, it is advisable to call and make an appointment in advance and allow ample time.

Otherwise, we might miss the plane because we have been waiting for a long time.

Farewell, Chiang Mai...until we meet again.

Thank you for following along. We apologize for the delay.

Where will you go crazy, have fun, and be free next trip?

You can follow me on my personal Facebook page or the Journeyaholic fan page.

I will try to update regularly.

Total trip cost

The cost of a Nakhonchai Air bus ticket is 584 baht.

Motorcycle rental for 2 days --- 600

First fuel stop --- 70

Raincoat price --- I don't remember, I bought it at 7-Eleven.

Park entrance fee --- Tell me to Mae Chaem, so I don't have to pay the entrance fee.

The first night's accommodation at Mae Klang Luang costs 500 baht (room for 4 people, normal price 1200 baht).

Mama Instant Noodles, Pork Flavor - 30 Baht

Second refueling before leaving Mae Klang Luang --- 40

Entrance fee to Kew Mae Pan --- 40 (200 per group, our group has 5 people)

Lunch --- Free (Thank you, seniors)

Postcard price --- 65

Entrance fee to the pagoda --- 40

The cost of accommodation for the second night at plern plern bed and bike ranges from 899-1199.

Food cost at Imm Aim Vegetarian & Bike Cafe' - 150

Airfare --- 1325

The cost of snacks at 7-Eleven --- 120

The cost of the bell to be hung on the pagoda --- 100

Entrance fee to the Hmong village, Doi Pui --- 10

The price of coffee at the shop next to the temple --- 100

Motorcycle return --- 350 (additional rental fee for 1 day 300/off-site pick-up service fee 50)