"The herbalist invited me to visit Phu Thap Boek many times. He tried to persuade me by saying how beautiful it is, with fog everywhere, like heaven. He sent me many beautiful pictures."

In my heart, I thought, "There's only a cabbage patch. What are we going to see there? We're driving up a mountain again. I'm not a very good driver. Will I be able to do it?"

I've been busy lately, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to go. I've been working on a trip, but I haven't decided yet if I'll be able to join.

In short, I had some free time, so I decided to go along and help with the driving. It was a bit of a wild ride, but that's just how things go sometimes.

When packing, I brought Luang Pho Sothon with me, hoping that he would help me drive up the mountain.

Departing from home, the rain poured down, welcoming Monday morning. Grabbing a pair of flip-flops, I quickly hailed a taxi to the designated meeting point. Along the way, I gazed at the sky and prayed that Phetchabun would also be experiencing rain, hoping for thick fog to create a beautiful and exhilarating atmosphere. However, the road was dry even before reaching the herbalist's house. Sigh. We left Ram Inthra around 7:30 am and stopped for breakfast at Baan Suan 2 rice and curry restaurant (GPS coordinates 14.279032, 100.808710). With an abundance of food options, the three of us opted for pork porridge to avoid overeating, as we had a lunch appointment to savor the famous dishes of Wichit Buri.

As you drive along, just past the Wichai Buri intersection, you'll see a large chicken waving its hand. Wait, it should be flapping its wings! Turn your car and park.

Bua Tong Grilled Chicken Restaurant (GPS coordinates: 15.647690, 101.041530) is a local favorite. If you're passing by, it's a must-try. You'll regret it if you don't.

The restaurant's bathroom is also very cute. There is an additional gender-neutral bathroom that anyone can use. As for the men's bathroom, the herbalist explained that the idea is very good. After using the toilet, you have to wash your hands, and the water from washing your hands will flow to flush the toilet, as shown in the picture.

After a hearty meal, we headed towards Phu Thap Boek (GPS coordinates 16.897529, 101.105541). A word of caution: make sure to fill up your gas tank before ascending the mountain. I once had the unfortunate experience of running out of gas while driving up with friends, and the fuel prices on the mountain are significantly higher.

The route to Phu Thap Boek is not difficult, with clear signage throughout. While the doctor drove, I sat still, fearing he might get excited. When the road started to get steep, I couldn't help but grab my amulet for comfort. It certainly gave me peace of mind. 555555

The road is actually not that difficult. There are some minor road repairs, but other than that, the asphalt is in good condition. Just drive slowly and use low gears, and you'll be there in no time. Make sure to check your car's condition beforehand for peace of mind.

Upon reaching the entrance of Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, there will be a right turn leading down to Phu Thap Berk. Drive a short distance further, and you will arrive at the mountain.

The doctor drove very calmly. At first, I thought he wasn't nervous. But when we got off the mountain, he revealed that he was actually very nervous, so much so that his hands were sweating.

Upon exiting the vehicle, I was taken aback by the transformation of the landscape. It had been four years since my last visit, and the scenery had undergone a significant change. After a moment of bewilderment, I proceeded to the Phutubberg Community Tourism Enterprise to inquire about tent rentals. A four-person tent was available for 700 baht, including blankets, pillows, and a mat. A 1,000 baht deposit was required for the tent. The tents were already set up, allowing visitors to choose their preferred location. For those bringing their own tents, a service charge of 50 baht per person per night was applicable.

After setting up the sleeping area, I went to explore the bathroom. It cost 5 baht per person to enter, and there were toilets and showers with buckets. At first, I didn't think much of the 5 baht fee. However, after a while, the weather turned cold, and I found myself needing to use the bathroom frequently. Soon, I was spending 5 baht every few minutes. I decided to exchange 50 baht for tokens so I could use the bathroom as much as I wanted.

We let the doctor take photos while we explored the area, reminiscing about the past. I remembered that when I last visited, there were fields of kale and paper flowers. Back then, I thought there was nothing here except kale. Now, I wish the kale would return instead of all the brightly colored resorts and numerous restaurants. I wish we could turn it back into the old days with roasted sweet potatoes. But it's probably too late now. It's so sad. Sigh.

The summit of Phu Thap Boek is often shrouded in mist, which drifts up intermittently throughout the day, even in the afternoon. The thick fog creates a mesmerizing spectacle, offering a delightful visual experience.

As the cool evening breeze swept in, we opted for a hot pot meal in the hope of warming ourselves up. I couldn't help but envy those with ample body fat, like Dr. Ya, who seemed unfazed by the cold. "That's the benefit of fat," she remarked. We chose "Taep Kob Fah" restaurant, drawn by its giant flip-flop sign and its proximity to our tent. The hot pot was flavorful, but the service was agonizingly slow, despite only three or four tables being occupied. Notably, the restaurant lacked restrooms, and we were directed to use the public facilities nearby. The owner explained that the community enterprise regulations prohibited them from building their own restrooms.

Permission was granted to bring grilled chicken from Wichian Buri to eat at the restaurant. Even with just one set of chicken and dipping sauce, it wasn't enough. Another set was added. It just so happened that there was a mission to gain weight. A health check-up had just been done, so the doctor wouldn't say that the weight was too low. As we ate, the charcoal ran out, interrupting the meal. By the time the charcoal arrived, we were already full. In the end, we couldn't finish it all. What a waste.

Pork Jjim Jjim set for 290 baht.

Eat your fill and take a refreshing cold shower. (Please bring an S-hook for your convenience in hanging your belongings while showering.)

We have a date tomorrow at the mist, don't forget our date. Sleep now... snoring... fell asleep since eight o'clock in the evening. When I woke up again, it was midnight. I went out to watch the fog outside the tent. It started to come a little bit, making me feel relieved. But it wasn't time for our appointment yet. I went back to sleep and set the alarm for five o'clock. I let the doctor go take pictures alone. I couldn't wake up. 555

The alarm clock rang. I went out to find the doctor, but I couldn't find him. My girlfriend was gone. I looked for her around the tent, at the observatory, and at the pavilion, but she was nowhere to be found. Where did she go? I went back to the tent to sleep again. Wait! I went to ask my girlfriend's mother. Her mother said she was downstairs. Downstairs where? I just walked around looking for her. I was already at the parking lot downstairs.

Looking over, there it is, standing alone on the verge of falling down the mountain.

The fog was sparse, disappointing the photographer. They grumbled as they took photos, only capturing a small amount of fog. They suspect they will need to return to improve their shots.

After taking photos to our satisfaction, we went back to the same restaurant as yesterday for breakfast. We ordered rice porridge with pork, steamed buns, and steamed pork dumplings. The taste was acceptable, but not delicious. After a short walk, we decided to change our accommodation. The doctor wanted to take pictures of Wat Pha Sorn Kaew with the mist, so we planned to find a room at Pino Latte (GPS coordinates 16.794313, 101.042263). However, it was fully booked. There were only 5 rooms available. We had to change our plan to have some snacks before going out to find a nearby room instead.

The view from the restaurant is stunning, attracting many photographers.

Entered the shop and ordered the following desserts:

Fancy rocky brownie, 145 baht. Delicious with ice cream.

Green apple Italian soda 75 THB / Honey lemon soda 85 THB, refreshingly tart and satisfying.

Mania milkshake, 125 baht. Rich cocoa, sweet and creamy. I ended up fighting over the cornflakes! 555

After finishing our meal, we continued our search for accommodation. We stopped by a guesthouse near In and Out Valley, but it was closed for room renovations.

Don't give up. Continue to The blue sky resort khao kho (GPS coordinates 16.779384, 101.020015). When inquiring about rooms, the response was that they were fully booked due to a tour group. So sad. T T

It seems like a popular tourist destination on weekdays, it's fully booked.

It's almost noon, so let's have lunch at The Blue Sky Resort Khao Kho.

I heard that the Blue Sky salad is delicious, so I ordered it. It costs 220 baht. The taste did not disappoint. It was delicious. The vegetables were fresh and crunchy. The salad dressing was sweet and sour. I don't know what kind of dressing it was, but it was delicious.

The Green Curry Spaghetti, priced at 220 baht, was quite delicious. The presentation was very appetizing.

The doctor, who dislikes noodle dishes and prefers meaty options, ordered a 380 baht sirloin steak. However, he was not satisfied, complaining that it was dry, tough, and not to his liking.

The plain water here is surprisingly expensive. A small bottle costs 25 baht. I suspect it might be mineral water, but I didn't notice.

We were full and wanted to sleep, but we didn't have a place to stay. So we decided to find a place near the temple. Earlier, while driving, we saw several places. We drove and found Phu Fah Sai Resort (coordinates 16.770402, 101.049361) at the entrance of the resort. There is a 7-Eleven.

The resort offered a glimpse of the Pha Sorn Kaew temple. It seemed like a short drive to the temple for photos, so we decided to inquire about rooms. Surprisingly, there was a vacancy, and they were offering a discount, bringing the price down to 1200 baht. During high season, it would cost 2700 baht. The room could accommodate four people and did not include breakfast. We decided to stay here…yay! After a satisfying meal, we decided to relax and rest for the afternoon.

After relaxing until 4 pm, we went to Route 12 (coordinates 16.791096, 100.986875). The shop is adorable, with many corners and toys for taking pictures. The atmosphere is great, and it's right next to Highway 12. It must be packed on weekends.

"Doctor Mom, can I have a cool picture to show off to my friends? You're so spicy, even at 51 you don't look old. You take such good care of yourself. Tonight, I'm going to whisper and ask you what your secret is. What do you eat that makes you look so young?"

After taking photos to her heart's content, Mom started to feel hungry. She wondered if she was getting hungry too often and decided to look for another place to eat. Dr. Ya decided to drive to a restaurant she had been to before, Khao Kho Highland (coordinates 16.747526, 101.025680). However, to our good fortune, the chef was away doing merit-making, so we missed out on the chance to try the salt-fried chicken. Apparently, it's incredibly delicious. What a shame!

Following our meal, we embarked on a culinary adventure to Rai Chanram Resort (coordinates 16.662512, 101.023120). Despite the considerable distance from our accommodation, the allure of delectable cuisine proved irresistible. It is noteworthy that dining options in the vicinity are somewhat limited.

After a long drive, we were famished. However, the journey was worth it as the food was exceptional. Every dish was delicious, so much so that we had to order a second serving of the stir-fried bitter melon with egg. The dish was a hit with everyone.

The view is beautiful amidst the mountains. If there was a little fog, it would be amazing. If you come to Khao Kho, I recommend this restaurant. The taste is not disappointing, I confirm. Give it 5 stars.

After returning to my accommodation, I quickly took a shower and went to bed, as I had another appointment with the doctor the next day. I woke up at 4 am and waited for the doctor near Pino Latte. I stood there awkwardly, looking around until the security guard came out to greet me. Haha, it wasn't even dawn yet. Anyway, I greeted him and made some small talk.

The doctor led the way through the tall grass, fearing snakes might appear. Eventually, the grass became too high to continue, so they decided to take photos next to the water tank. Fortunately, they had brought a mat, so they sat and waited. They waited and waited, but the fog never came. It was getting cold, and horseflies buzzed around their heads. Despite the disappointment of missing the fog, they were lucky to witness the beautiful morning light instead. It was truly breathtaking.

After capturing the sunrise to our satisfaction, we headed to Wat Pha Sorn Kaew. Several areas within the temple were closed for renovations, particularly the Ubosot of the Five Buddhas, which was inaccessible. We inquired with locals who informed us that the floor was undergoing repairs, hence the closure. Consequently, we opted to explore the opposite side, which housed the Phra That Pha Kaew.

Several years ago, the glass wall of Wat Phra That Pha Gaew, which was made of plates, cups, and bowls, was completely shattered. Some people broke off pieces and took them home. On my recent visit, I saw a sign that seemed to be both a warning and a curse. The sign read, "Don't take sin home from the temple" or "Don't touch it, or you'll be cursed." I would like to ask my friends, brothers, and sisters who visit the temple to help preserve this beautiful place. Please don't damage it. Let's share its beauty with others.

The advantage of arriving early is that there are fewer people, making it easier to walk around. After walking for a while, we started to feel hungry and decided to have breakfast at Khao Kho Kitchen (GPS coordinates 16.769667, 101.044469).

The shrimp congee ordered by the mother was not very palatable. The taste was very ordinary, and it is not recommended to order it.

We ordered two dishes: stir-fried ginger flower with crispy pork, a unique dish we had never tried before, and minced pork omelet, a classic choice when we couldn't decide what to eat. The ginger flower had a faint, young ginger-like flavor and was quite delicious.

After having lunch, we returned to the accommodation to collect our belongings and check out. We then took a short trip to the Khao Kho area.

On the way, I asked the doctor to take me to the Khao Kho Post Office (coordinates 16.639744, 100.996972). At first, the doctor thought that Khao Kho had a large post office for taking pictures. When we arrived at the Khao Kho Post Office, I was confused as to why he brought me here. So I told him, "I just wanted to see the view, that's all." I heard that it is also a popular camping spot. Looking at it, I think it would be nice to stay here during the winter. Looking down, if there is a lot of fog, it will be beautiful because it is the Rattanai Reservoir below. There should be a lot of fog.

Proceed to pay homage at the Phra Borommathat Chedi (Coordinates: 16.640998, 101.000851).

The main stupa has one room inside that is worth visiting. There is a sign in front of the room that says not to tell anyone what is inside. If you go, please take a look and see what is there. It is almost 11 am, and it will be noon soon. My stomach is starting to growl again. What should I eat? My mother said she wants to eat "khanom jeen" from Lom Sak. I heard it is very delicious. However, I haven't found a place to eat yet. I opened Google and searched for a restaurant. Google recommended one restaurant, but I have to drive back to Lom Sak district. I searched the internet for information on the spot. The recommended restaurant is "Khanom Jeen Mae Boonmee" (GPS coordinates: 16.864373, 101.244574). It is located right on the main road.

A 20-minute drive will take you to the restaurant. Convenient parking is available, including spaces for large motorcycles. The colorful rice noodles are made with natural food coloring. We opted for the colorful options, leaving the plain white ones for the dog.

We ate until we were full. Two trays of rice noodles. The conclusion was that the highlight was the small, soft rice noodles. Everything else was average and can be found anywhere.

Before returning, we stopped by Rai Kamnan Jun 2 shop (GPS coordinates 16.262232, 101.048459) to buy souvenirs. The doctor bought a box of peeled tamarind.

On the way back, we took turns driving. The doctor's wife fed the baby tamarind, which he happily munched on, getting it stuck in his teeth. As we drove, we suddenly remembered a delicious puff pastry shop in Saraburi called Puff Stick (GPS coordinates: 14.525772, 100.913919).

After buying a puff pastry, I got in the car and continuously ate tamarind. As a result, I had diarrhea before reaching home while stopping to eat rice porridge.

Fortunately, the rice porridge shop has two bathrooms, otherwise there might have been a fight. The enemy is approaching very quickly... I think it's because I ate a lot of tamarind. Tamarind contains tartaric acid, which helps with bowel movements. Even I, who usually have difficulty going to the bathroom, found it easy to go. Some dietary supplements therefore use tamarind as an ingredient in laxatives. But I can assure you, Phetchabun tamarind is really good. You eat it and see the results immediately. Ha ha ha ha!

After a hearty meal, it started to rain heavily just before I reached home. Well, when I was in Phetchabun, I wished for rain, but it didn't rain at all. How could it do this to me?

If any of your friends are going, check the Meteorological Department carefully. Leaving a gap of one day between rains would be ideal. A junior recently went and got beautiful fog. That's all for today, goodbye.

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