Readme before you journey
Hello everyone. As the title suggests, today I would like to share my experience as a volunteer with CP ALL. This special trip took place on February 4th, with the aim of encouraging everyone to participate in developing society and various communities. The activities vary each time, and this time we chose to visit Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province.
...Why this location?... This is the story of our trip.
The "Sharing Smiles, Sharing Happiness" volunteer activity was held at Ban Arunotai School in Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province. The event was organized by CP ALL to provide participants with an opportunity to learn about the life journey of a young student who overcame challenges and achieved success. The goal was to inspire other children to persevere and strive for their own goals. The school chosen for the activity was the alma mater of the student, who serves as a role model for many.
"Xiao Fang Yang": A Model of Perseverance and Determination
Xiao Fang Yang, a young woman from a humble background, embodies the spirit of perseverance and determination. Despite facing significant challenges, including poverty and limited access to education, she has risen above her circumstances to achieve her dreams.
Growing up in a remote mountainous region, Xiao Fang assisted her parents in their farm, sacrificing the opportunity to experience a typical childhood. This hardship, however, fueled her desire for a better future. Through sheer willpower and unwavering dedication, she pursued her education, eventually graduating with a bachelor's degree from the prestigious Panya Indra University.
Today, Xiao Fang's hard work has paid off. She has secured a fulfilling career that allows her to support her family and improve their living conditions. Her story serves as an inspiration to others facing adversity, demonstrating that with determination and resilience, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome.
Xiao Fang stated that...
"The future is something that must be created. Even if we are not born with the same opportunities as others, if we learn to create opportunities for ourselves and never give up in the face of obstacles, our dreams and a bright future are not far away. I am a child who was not fortunate enough to have the financial resources or social status of others. But one thing I received from the Learning for Life Fund was the opportunity to receive an education. This has enabled me to graduate and now I am getting a good job and have an income to support myself and my family."
Xiaofang graduated from the Faculty of Arts, majoring in Business Chinese, at the Panyapiwat Institute of Management.
This journey was filled with stories and experiences that I'd like to share. Aside from visiting the way of life at Ban Xiaofang and participating in volunteer activities, Mang Noi and her friends also explored various tourist attractions and restaurants. They made the most of their trip, trying everything that seemed interesting and delicious. So, without further ado, let's hop on the train and chug along to follow their adventure!
The journey began on the evening of February 2nd aboard a Thai train. The team wanted participants to experience a change of pace by trying out the Thai train service again, believing that many people had not ridden a train in a long time, or some had never even been on a Thai train. This was a good opportunity for us to experience it and share our stories.
This express train, named "Special Express Train No. 9: Utrawithi," operates on the Northern Line. It was first launched on November 11, 2016, and runs daily from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Chiang Mai Railway Station. Departing at 6:10 PM and arriving at 7:15 AM, the train maintains an impeccable punctuality record.
To book a ticket, please call 1690 and provide the following information: route, ID card number, class type (1 or 2), and bed preference (upper or lower). Upon successful booking, you will receive a 10-digit booking code. You can then collect your physical ticket at any train station within the next day before 10:00 PM. The station will issue the actual ticket upon presentation of the booking code.
The atmosphere inside the train station remains unchanged (Note: I've been a train enthusiast since childhood, frequently taking the southern line back to my hometown, so I feel that nothing much has changed here). The scene of people queuing to buy tickets, carrying or dragging large suitcases, and juggling Balenciaga shopping bags is still present. People are sitting or lying down around the seating areas on both sides, some even placing their bags on chairs to reserve them for others. This is the charm of Hua Lamphong. Inside, there's no need to worry about the heat, as there is air conditioning. There are restrooms with a 5 baht fee, and shower rooms that often have a sign saying "Out of order...no showering allowed." If your train is about to depart, it's better to board the train directly. It's convenient and doesn't cost extra.
The fare for the Utarawithi train is as shown in the table. The train stops at all major stations in each province, except for sub-stations. If you need to get off at another province, please ask the staff again.
Stepping onto the platform, one can still feel the classic atmosphere. Childhood memories come flooding back, and it's clear that foreign tourists are still very interested in using the train service.
A brand new train, shiny and beautiful, isn't it?
Let's take a look at the second-class carriage first. The seats are arranged in the same way as before, facing each other in pairs. The carriage is new and clean, with soft red fabric seats. In the middle, there is a table that can be folded out to place belongings and drinks. There are also power outlets for charging batteries and lights for reading books.
Note: If you are sitting on the lower bunk, there will be only one power outlet available, as the other outlet belongs to the upper bunk. You will only be able to use it once the staff has adjusted the bed to a two-tier configuration.
Each carriage is equipped with CCTV cameras and a display screen that provides real-time information, including the current time and the station where the train is located.
This zone is a large bathroom with ample space, designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
The next room we will visit is the VIP room on the first floor. This room has two seats with a private door. It is fully equipped with a charging station, reading lamp, and a sink and mirror. There is also a private information board so you don't have to share it with anyone. In addition, this zone has a bathroom with a hot water heater. It's perfect! Especially if you come with a family of four, you can choose to rent the whole room and open the door to connect to each other. Wow, that's interesting!
In my opinion, the package price for a room for a family of four is very reasonable. If you travel in the evening and want to arrive in the morning, you can save one night's accommodation. After resting, you can continue your trip without anyone being tired.
Advantages of taking the train: Driving yourself can be tiring and time-consuming. The journey time is comparable to driving, and flying requires a significant amount of time for check-in and other procedures. Additionally, traveling to airports without train service can be inconvenient. In contrast, Hua Lamphong Railway Station is easily accessible. If you are traveling with a group, taking the train and then renting a car in Chiang Mai can be a convenient option.
The doors connecting each carriage must be manually opened by pressing the button for safety purposes.
The middle carriage houses the "pantry car," which sells food, snacks, and drinks. There are a decent number of tables available, and free Wi-Fi is accessible, but only within this carriage.
Would you like some dim sum or steamed buns? Or perhaps a microwaveable lunch box? We have a wide variety to choose from, just like a 7-Eleven.
The pantry is bustling with activity around 7-8 pm, mostly with international guests. If there are no seats available, you can take your food back to your cabin to enjoy.
Mang Noi had the opportunity to try the vacuum-sealed grilled chicken from Khao Suan Kwang. It was delicious and tasted nothing like frozen chicken. It tasted as if it had just been grilled.
After exploring the entire train, I returned to my seat and was surprised by the team. They presented me with a personalized train ticket and a commemorative card with the schedule, which was both stylish and adorable.
As this is a large group, the staff has provided a selection of beverages for you to choose from. Normally, you would need to order these yourself at the snack bar.
The team was worried that there wouldn't be enough food, so they ordered a large set of Japanese food from Oishi instead. It was excellent.
Passengers will each receive a bottle of drinking water.
After the meal, Mr. Banyat Kumnuanwattana, Assistant Managing Director of CP ALL (Red Brother), welcomed all participants and explained the purpose of our gathering today.
Another kind-hearted executive, P'Waw, also greeted and welcomed the trip participants.
The trip began with the introduction of the talented young lady, Xiao Fang Yang.
The ice-breaking activity commenced shortly after. Notably, the train setting proved to be an excellent choice. The private carriage allowed for uninhibited noise without disturbing others. The spacious interior facilitated movement and interaction. The train's smooth ride, devoid of swaying or dizziness, created a conducive environment for the activity. It was akin to having a mobile seminar room at our disposal.
The event was very fun and lively. The "Mang Noi" team won the first prize by answering the questions correctly. 555
After the activity is finished, around 8 pm, the staff will come in to make the bed. It takes no more than 3 minutes. They are very professional. We will also get a new sealed blanket.
The first floor is slightly larger than the second floor. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference.
After adjusting the bed, it will look like the picture. Climbing may require a little caution, but it is not dangerous. The adjustable seat fits the body perfectly. The standard size is for Thai people, but foreigners who are tall may find it a bit small.
At 7:15 AM, the train arrived punctually at Chiang Mai Railway Station. A van was waiting to take everyone to the first destination, Ang Khang, the Land of Wonders. The journey took approximately two and a half hours.
Before we begin, let's address the importance of breakfast. Our team took you to sample the offerings of "Kiat Ocha Restaurant," located near the train station. This establishment is known for grilling thousands of satay skewers daily. Their menu focuses on chicken rice and satay, both of which are generally considered to be flavorful dishes. With our stomachs full and satisfied, we continued our journey.
After driving for a while, we stopped at Mon Roming for a bathroom break. The name is quite charming. This spot resembles a rest stop, offering food, drinks, souvenirs, and scenic views of rice fields. Several picturesque corners are arranged for photo opportunities. After taking care of business, we continued our journey directly to Ang Khang.
Arriving at Ang Khang at noon, we immediately had lunch (again) at "Ting Ting Restaurant", a famous restaurant in Ang Khang. The menu here mainly consists of Yunnan Chinese cuisine. Overall, the food was delicious. I recommend the stir-fried shiitake mushrooms with soy sauce and the stewed pork ribs with ginseng.
Tonight, we are staying at Ang Khang Villa, which is located directly opposite Ting Ting Restaurant. This makes it very convenient for us to access the Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station without having to transfer to another vehicle. The rooms are located on a hill, which may be difficult for elderly guests to climb. There are stairs, but they are quite steep. Even for able-bodied people, the climb can be a bit tiring.
The room is comfortable and has good Wi-Fi. However, the soundproofing is not very good. The room uses a gas system to boil water, and guests are advised not to shower for more than 10 minutes. There is a sign on the bathroom door of each room with this information.
We will have a barbecue party here at night, just like a campfire. The atmosphere is expected to be very cold, possibly around 10 degrees Celsius.
After everyone had showered and taken care of personal matters, it was time to visit the beauty of the Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station. The entrance fee is 50 baht per person, with an additional 50 baht per car for transportation. Since we came as a group today, the Ang Khang officials came out to welcome us and tell us about the history of Ang Khang.
The 80-year-old garden is home to a wide variety of beautiful cold-weather flowers. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant colors and unique shapes of these blooms, but unfortunately, there are no signs indicating the names of the flowers. This makes it difficult for visitors to identify the specific species they are admiring. Despite this, the garden remains a popular spot for photography and relaxation.
With such a beautiful view and everyone present, let's take a group photo as a souvenir.
Souvenirs are sold opposite the 80th Anniversary Garden. They come in a variety of styles and prices.
The next stop was 2000 Tea Plantation, a place with a fantastic atmosphere and stunning views. Anyone who comes here to sip hot tea while enjoying the panoramic scenery is guaranteed to be delighted. The further you walk down, the more beautiful it becomes. I fell in love with Ang Khang at this point. I secretly thought that if I could watch the mist in the morning at this spot, it would be an unforgettable experience.
Don't miss the terraced strawberry farm, where the plants are grown in cascading rows along the hillside. If you want to pick your own strawberries, the farm charges 300 baht per kilogram. Taking photos with the blue sign also incurs a fee, which helps maintain the site.
The diverse plum orchard is another must-visit spot. If you remember the movie "Timeline," this is the location where the filming took place.
Don't forget to highlight the entrance with a dazzling display of colorful cauliflower.
Ang Khang is a land of wonders for several reasons. Firstly, the diverse flora blooms at different times throughout the year, offering a unique experience with each visit. Secondly, the consistently cool climate ensures a pleasant experience regardless of the season. Finally, the highlight of the year, from late December to mid-January, is the spectacular blooming of the Wild Himalayan Cherry, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking scene reminiscent of a foreign land.
Stepping outside the Kaset Station, you'll find yourself amidst a bustling array of shops selling souvenirs and local delicacies. This vibrant scene resembles a miniature walking street, offering a delightful selection of goods to tempt your taste buds and shopping desires.
The herbal drinks are very delicious.
Yunnan rice noodles with dumplings are truly delicious.
We had a fun-filled barbecue party amidst the chilly weather tonight. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and went to bed with full stomachs, ready for the activities that await us tomorrow.
Good morning! It is currently 7:00 AM. The breakfast provided at Ang Khang Villa is sufficient, and CP ALL has kindly provided an additional special salad set. After breakfast, there is still some time to walk around the market and buy some souvenirs.
This morning, the temperature is 5.5 degrees Celsius. Taking a shower and washing my face makes my whole body feel numb with cold.
The first program of the day was a visit to the home of Xiao Fang in Chiang Dao district to follow her life path. Her family warmly welcomed us, offering various types of beans as a customary welcome and grilling Yunnan rice flour, similar to grilled sticky rice, for us to try. It was delicious and unique. (Many people commented that the taste of the flour was similar to Chinese rice cake.)
Inspired by Xiaofang's story and impressed by her positive attitude, determination, and hard work, the next program is to prepare for the "Sharing Smiles" activity at Ban Arunotai School in Chiang Dao District.
Before reaching our destination, we stopped for lunch at the famous "Da Yong Restaurant". The place was packed, and the noodles were delicious. However, the highlight was the dumplings. None of us had ever tasted anything like it before. It was incredibly delicious, but words cannot describe the flavor. You have to try it for yourself. P.S. The Karen chili is extremely spicy, so be careful when adding it. In fact, it's best not to add anything at all, as it will only detract from the already delicious broth.
CP ALL's "Smile and Share Happiness" volunteer activity provides employees with opportunities to contribute to society and local communities. The initiative aims to cultivate kindness and compassion among participants. During this event, volunteers engaged with over 500 children, providing them with sports equipment, essential medicines, snacks, souvenirs, and participating in games.
The vibrant atmosphere was filled with smiles, laughter, and the joy of giving and receiving. It was a heartwarming scene that I couldn't help but share.
Seeing the children's happiness fills my heart with joy. This entire experience has been about passing on happiness from one group of people to another, with the hope of creating positive role models for the future of our nation. It opens up new opportunities for learning, expands worldviews, and teaches the importance of giving, sharing, and building friendships. After all, living in a society requires us to rely on one another. I sincerely hope that more meaningful volunteer activities like this will continue to take place, spreading smiles and happiness to everyone.
Our final stop was at the "Suan Pak" restaurant near Chiang Mai Airport. It was the perfect way to end our trip, with delicious food and excellent service. Thank you to the team and to the organizers of this wonderful event, which will give Mang Noi and her friends happy memories to cherish forever.
"Sharing Smiles with Happiness" with CP ALL at Ban Arunotai School, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province: February 2-4, 2017.
Malang Lunla
Friday, October 4, 2024 3:14 PM
