"Doi Luang Chiang Dao"

Many people may be familiar with this name. It is a place that everyone says is like going to heaven.

Who would believe it easily? You have to try it yourself to see if it's really like heaven.

Doi Luang Chiang Dao, standing at 2,225 meters above sea level, is the third highest mountain in Thailand.

This 3-day, 2-night trip was planned to maximize our time on the mountain after the arduous climb.

We opted for a local tour service to handle meals, sleeping equipment, and other necessities.

This proved to be a wise decision, as we were relieved of the burden of cooking, carrying water, and setting up tents and sleeping bags.

With a record-breaking 19 participants, this trip brought together friends from various groups.

Total Expenses

Transportation:

• 2 vans (fuel + highway tolls + overtime) = 24,000 THB

Local Tour:

• 7 meals + transportation = 2,000 THB per person

Average Cost:

• Approximately 3,300 THB per person

Additional Information:

• Please visit our page: https://www.facebook.com/wetraveleverymonth/
• We also recommend the tour page of Mr. Max: http://www.facebook.com/นำเที่ยวดอยหลวงเชียงดาว-แม็ก-1510153999290454/?ref=brrs0153999290454/?ref=brrs

Date:

• January 26, 2017

Our journey began at 10:00 PM with two rented vans. (Vans were chosen for their convenience.)

January 27, 2017

We arrived in Chiang Dao at approximately 7:30 AM.

Before we get started, let's take a shower first, as we won't be able to shower for the next two days.

Visitors can take a refreshing dip at "Chiang Dao Story Camp".

Amenities include hot water, soap, shampoo, and towels. The bathroom has multiple stalls. The cost is 30 baht per person.

While waiting for our friends to finish showering, we took a walk around the resort to take some photos.

After everyone had finished showering and taking care of personal matters, it was time to meet the local tour guides we had arranged to meet.

We will meet at the parking lot of Wat Tham Chiang Dao. My brother said that there is a large space, so it will be convenient.

After meeting with the guides, we sorted our belongings. Items for the porters were set aside, while the rest were packed into our backpacks.

With preparations complete, the team distributed lunch and water to each participant before everyone hopped onto the back of the pickup truck.

However, after driving for a short distance, our guide took us to a shoe store because some of us had not brought appropriate footwear for the hike.

This allowed me to shop for "Stud Doi" shoes, renowned for hiking, which are sold here for only 65 baht a pair.

Remember to bring a face mask, as the journey will be dusty. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Everyone is ready and has been waiting for a long time. Let's hurry up and get on the bus to start our journey. It's already very late.

Our group took the Khad Hin Ngam Trail up and descended via Pang Wa.

The journey to the starting point involved a grueling 4x4 ride that lasted over an hour. The bumpy terrain and winding roads left passengers feeling exhausted even before they began their hike.

The road conditions vary from smooth concrete to bumpy gravel, with occasional craters that jolt the vehicle. Dust billows constantly in the air.

We have finally arrived at the starting point. Upon arrival, we are greeted by the sight of blooming pink "Dok Phaya Suea Krong" flowers.

The sight before me made me forget everything that happened on the way here. 555 I had to come during this time, otherwise I wouldn't have seen this.

Approaching noon, we decided to have lunch before continuing our journey, avoiding the burden of carrying it further.

Eat, pack your things, and get ready to go. Don't forget to use the restroom.

Before we set off, we have to take a picture with the sign. It has become a tradition.

After taking the photo, they set off in earnest. At first, they walked in a line like a train.

The initial phase of the trail is relatively flat, with only gentle inclines to break up the monotony.

We strolled along, taking photos and chatting as we went.

He walked and rested for a while, and soon he arrived at a three-way intersection. (He thought to himself, "Wow, this is so relaxing!")

Initially walking in a neat line, they have now split into three smaller groups.

We were in the middle, walking with just the two of us. We couldn't catch up with the group in front, and it took too long to wait for the group behind. Haha.

However, we met the group behind us at this intersection, which means they were not that far behind us after all.

After a break to replenish their energy by stealing snacks from their friends, it was time to continue their journey.

The three forks are the real deal. You will encounter flat terrain, gentle slopes, and steep inclines that even porters need to rest frequently.

As for ordinary people like us, what can we do? We rest more often than porters, ten times more. The path is very steep, like spending a long time on this slope.

Fortunately, the weather was not too hot on the day we walked. There was some sunshine, but it was mostly shady, which prevented us from getting more tired than we already were.

We are almost at our campsite after this hill. Just a little further!

During the climb, one of the climbers experienced cramps in both legs, requiring assistance with massage. The cramps were severe, affecting both legs simultaneously.

We have finally arrived at our campsite. We can now unpack and settle into our tents.

The porters who came before us have already set up the tents for us.

Bags were dropped and a well-deserved rest was taken, as everyone arrived around 5 pm, exhausted.

While some energetic individuals ascended Doi Luang to witness the sunset, the majority opted to rest and conserve their energy.

Although we don't have any personal photos from the summit, we do have some great pictures taken by others who have been there.

This is the face of a hardcore person. They went up to eat first with 5 people and made their friends wait a long time for their food. (Just kidding!)

Surprisingly, they encountered a "serow," a creature many people hope to see when they climb here.

As they descended to the tent, darkness had fallen, marking the long-awaited moment for dinner.

The porters prepared all our meals, so our only job was to eat and ask for more.

The food was incredibly delicious and the portions were so generous, it was practically a buffet. You could eat as much as you wanted and still not finish it all.

After lunch, the group participated in a brief bonding activity before retiring for the evening.

The first night was very cold. Before going to bed, the temperature was no more than 10 degrees Celsius. I slept intermittently due to the cold.

We have an appointment to watch the sunrise at the top of Kiew Lom Tai at 4:30 AM tomorrow morning.

January 28, 2017

4:00 AM. The porters woke us up with the sound of "Giw Lom, Giw Lom," signaling that anyone who wanted to go to Giw Lom had to wake up.

After washing their faces and brushing their teeth, the group prepared their supplies and set off at 4:30 AM. Due to the darkness and steepness of the path, they were sure to bring flashlights.

It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the top of Kiew Lom Tai. Once you arrive, find a seat and set up your tripod to wait for the sunrise.

Meanwhile, the porter brought out a gas stove and a kettle, along with coffee, Ovaltine, and snacks.

This place even offers a coffee brewing service! 555 Having a hot cup of coffee really hits the spot.

After that, sit and wait for the sun to rise (find a suitable seat, preferably one that is sheltered from the wind, as it can be quite strong).

The sun didn't rise until 7:00 am due to heavy clouds. As a result, the sunrise was not visible, and by the time the clouds cleared, the sun was already bright.

The sea of mist was partially visible, but not in abundance. Before heading back, we took some photos.

After taking photos, the sun began to get stronger. We walked back down to the tent, where breakfast was waiting for us.

The meal was delicious and filling, making it a heavy breakfast. After the meal, some went to rest while others prepared to walk around the mountain.

My friends and I set out to explore the cliffs of Doi Luang.

Five friends ventured to conquer the summit of Kiew Lom once more, while the rest of the group sought refuge in their tents to conserve energy for the evening ascent to Doi Luang.

After waiting for a long time, the lemur did not appear. So, we took photos of ourselves instead.

After taking some photos, my girlfriend and I walked back down to the tent, while Mr. Phong stayed behind to take a few more pictures.

Upon reaching the tent, I noticed some friends had already gathered outside the communal area. I joined them, and despite it being midday, the air was still pleasantly cool.

Meanwhile, our friends who went out to explore the Khim Lom area have just returned and have some photos to share with us.

As we rolled along, the hawker brothers asked if we wanted to eat. Of course, we couldn't refuse. So we ate, my friend.

After a satisfying meal, we sought an activity to pass the time. As our group included a card game enthusiast, we decided to play cards while waiting for the sunset.

This is not a bookmaker. This is a study of the theory of ten together.

After studying for a while, he switched to playing poker. Look at how he's anticipating his cards. He's no slouch, my friend.

The game went on for a very long time, with the players extending the playtime repeatedly. Initially, they aimed to finish by 3 am, but even at 4:30 am, they were still going strong, having gotten lost in the enjoyment of the game.

Let's go! It's time to climb to the top, or else we'll miss the sunset. Let's regroup and get ready to hike.

Essentials to bring include a flashlight and a warm jacket, as it will be dark and significantly colder when descending.

Let's get going, or we won't find a spot to set up our tripod. Everyone else is already heading up.

We have arrived! Wow, there are so many people here. Find a seat and wait for the breathtaking sunset.

While waiting for the sunset, visitors can engage in the activity of spotting the elusive serow, a wild goat-like mammal.

The elusive nature of the Sunda pangolin is further accentuated by its remarkable camouflage abilities. Its scales blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, making it virtually invisible to the naked eye. Only through the keen eyesight of experienced trackers, aided by powerful binoculars, can these elusive creatures be spotted.

Some people saw it, some didn't. You have to observe carefully. It's a pity that I don't have a picture to show you.

As my eyes began to tire, I decided to watch the sunset instead. Today's weather was better than yesterday's, with some clouds but not too many.

The wind is strong up here. The sun hasn't even set yet, but I already need to put on a sweater.

The sun gradually dipped below the horizon, revealing a golden glow against the azure sky.

It makes me want to stop time right here.

As the light gradually faded, everyone carefully made their way down to their tents.

Less than halfway through the walk, the sky was already pitch black. We immediately took out the flashlights we had prepared and walked slowly, taking our time.

We all arrived safely at the tent and it was time for another meal. We feasted like kings.

After a satisfying meal, they engaged in lively conversation before retiring for the night.

We have an appointment to watch the sunrise at Doi Luang again tomorrow.

Note: The temperature at night when we went, before going to bed, was around 7-8 degrees Celsius. However, it is likely that the temperature dropped further during the night.

The first night was cold, but the second night was even colder. I barely slept. Anyone coming here should bring warm clothes.

January 29, 2017 (Last day on the mountaintop)

5:00 AM. Wake up, wash your face, brush your teeth, and get ready to climb the mountain. We're walking up faster than usual this morning, probably because we have more experience now.

As we reached the summit, the first hints of orange light began to appear.

The sun is out, let's take a group photo!

Having reached this point, not taking a picture with the summit sign would be like not having come at all. Let's take a quick picture before heading down.

The summit has been conquered, and it's time to descend. But look, a sea of fog during the descent.

While those who ascended to Kiew Lom today may have witnessed a spectacular view, I accept my fate and continue my journey with determination.

Upon arrival, the food was already prepared. Could there be anything more convenient? This is precisely why I booked a tour.

This is the last meal on this mountain. The vendors have brought everything they have left, probably because they don't want to carry it back down. 555

After finishing their meal, they prepared to pack up, folding their tents and loading their bags.

Let's take a group photo as a souvenir before we set off.

We then proceeded to descend gradually, starting our trek around 9 am via the Pang Wua route.

This path is notorious for its steepness. The initial section before the three-way junction is relatively easy, but beyond that point, the incline becomes significantly steeper.

However, I am one of those who cannot take it. It is really unbearable. Even just walking down is tiring. It's a good thing it didn't rain, otherwise I would have been crawling more than walking.

The view of the village suggests that the cacophony of car horns, honking and blaring, will soon fill the air.

We finally arrived! Our tour guides picked us up with our lunch (the last meal of the tour).

To our immense delight, our host greeted us with chilled soft drinks and water. We eagerly grabbed them and quenched our thirst.

Oh, for lunch today, our tour leader, Max, bought us some Khao Kha Moo Chiang Dao to try.

The taste is good, delicious. But I would like to have more rice. The pork leg is not balanced with the rice at all. 555

Our large group split into two. My group arrived first, so we decided to go ahead and shower at the previous resort.

After we finished bathing, another group arrived and took turns bathing. Meanwhile, I went to clear the items that the porters had brought for us.

Everyone is ready, so we can get in the van. The van driver said that we will stop to eat and buy souvenirs in Lampang.

We bought some food and then drove straight back to Bangkok. We arrived in Bangkok around 1 am and then went our separate ways home.

And that's the end of our trip!

"

Thank you to all my friends who made this fun trip happen. It's amazing how quickly we all got along.

Thank you to Max, Pai, and Lookhaob for taking such good care of us. You guys are amazing and so friendly.

And thank you to fate for bringing us all together. It might have been a tiring trip, but it was so much fun.

"