Hello everyone.
From November 4th to 6th, 2016, we had the opportunity to breathe fresh air at Doi Inthanon National Park. We would like to share our experience and provide information for those who are planning to visit Chiang Mai. If there are any mistakes, we apologize in advance.

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This trip consists of 6 members. We will be traveling for 3 days and 2 nights by taking an overnight bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, arriving in the morning. On our return trip, we will take an overnight bus from Chiang Mai, arriving in Bangkok in the morning. This will allow us to maximize our sightseeing time. Haha!
On the first night, we will camp at Doi Inthanon National Park, and on the second night, we will return to Chiang Mai city to rest. We will be riding motorbikes throughout the trip to fully immerse ourselves in the atmosphere.

Before we go, I would like to share a post about Chiang Mai during the rainy season.
http://pantip.com/topic/35428599

Enough chit-chat, let's get going! ...

3.11.59
The first night of the journey.

We have successfully booked a bus ticket with Sombat Tour for the 8:10 PM departure. The ticket price is 569 baht per person.

Upon arriving at Mo Chit, we were famished and immediately headed to the nearest 7-Eleven.

Is this amount of luggage enough to move to Chiang Mai? *-*

After a satisfying meal, we headed to the platform to await our departure for Chiang Mai.

As soon as they got in the car, everyone immediately went into private mode.

See you tomorrow morning in Chiang Mai.

4.11.59

First Day in Chiang Mai

…We arrived in Chiang Mai around 6:30 AM. As we stepped off the tour bus, we were greeted by a pleasantly cool breeze. It felt refreshing, and we couldn't help but feel happy, as always. After taking a moment to breathe in the fresh air, we went our separate ways to freshen up.

After completing our personal errands, we walked to Bikky, a motorbike rental shop located near the arcade.

From the arcade, you will see this yellow sign. The owner and staff here provide excellent service.

We rented a Honda Click I 125 for 3 days at a daily rate of 300 baht. However, as members of the shop, we received a discount of 25 baht per day. In total, we paid 825 baht.

Upon receiving the vehicle, we immediately embarked on our journey. Let's go!

Our first stop was a food stall. We were starving, so we headed straight to Jok Ton Payom. This stall is located on Suthep Road near Ton Payom Market. The menu offers a variety of congee options, as well as chicken rice.

Hot pork and egg congee has arrived, the taste is delicious and the price is 40 baht per bowl.

After a delicious meal, it's time for dessert... We continued our journey with coffee at Ristr8to.

This restaurant is easy to find. It is located on Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 3, right at the entrance of the soi.

The atmosphere inside the shop...

...fully charged and ready to continue the journey...

Our first destination is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is located near Nimmanhaemin Road.

Before ascending to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, we will first pay respects to Phra Khru Ba Srivichai for good fortune.

A short drive brought us to the Kruba Srivichai Monument, located at the foot of Doi Suthep. The area was relatively quiet, perhaps due to the early hour. It was unclear whether most visitors had already ascended Doi Suthep.

After paying respects and making offerings at the temple, it was time to continue our journey.

After a motorbike ride of approximately 10 kilometers up the mountain, we arrived at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

…we must climb all 306 steps.

The question of whether or not this has been counted can be answered with a resounding "no".

The climb was so strenuous that I could barely breathe.

And finally, we arrived at...

Upon entering, one encounters the majestic Doi Suthep Chedi.

I feel like the stupa looks more magnificent this time than before. Or am I just imagining things? *--

After leaving the temple, there is a viewpoint. When looking down from the viewpoint on Doi Suthep, you will see the city of Chiang Mai.

After paying respects at the temple and admiring the beauty of Doi Suthep for about an hour, we started to feel hungry again.

However, as we were walking towards the car, we encountered the local residents…

After that, we descended from the mountain and headed to "Mae Sai Khao Soi Restaurant." However, if you arrive late, you might miss out on the opportunity to eat there.

Upon arrival, we ordered chicken rice, oops, I mean chicken khao soi. Haha. *--

Served in less than 3 minutes...

Wait, why did the khao soi change? Hold on, these are the side dishes (5 baht, 10 baht, really?)

It's really here! The chicken khao soi looks delicious and tastes as good as ever. This bowl costs 40 baht. The shop is located on the left side of the road after coming down from Doi Suthep, a little way into the alley, opposite the Shell gas station, almost reaching Central Kad Suan Kaew.

After a satisfying meal, we set off on our journey to Doi Inthanon National Park.

Check the distance before you travel. ==

Over 100 kilometers.

We drove until our butts were sore, and finally arrived at... Checkpoint 1.

We paid the park entrance fee before ascending the mountain.

This will be the entrance fee to the park.

We continued our journey after that.

We will stop at Vachirathan Waterfall for photos before checking into our accommodation.

From checkpoint 1, it takes about 10 kilometers to reach Wachirathan Waterfall.

The waterfall is quite large, but the water flow is very strong. If you go near the sign, the water spray will reach you, and you can feel the coolness and humidity.

After taking some photos, they continued their journey.

We will be camping at the Dong Son campsite, where we have already booked a tent through the National Park website.

The tent rental fee is 225 baht per tent, which can accommodate 3 people. The sleeping bag, pillow, and sleeping mat set costs 60 baht.

Upon arriving at the Dong Son tent site, we attempted to register with the staff. However, we were informed that we needed to collect our tent and equipment at the park headquarters, approximately 1 kilometer further down the road. (Clearly, we had not conducted thorough research beforehand.) Consequently, we were forced to drive around in circles.

Upon arrival at the park headquarters, we proceeded to collect the tents and equipment that we had reserved for two tents. Initially, we assumed that the park rangers would transport the equipment to the campsite for us. However, to our surprise, we were required to carry everything ourselves.

Upon arrival at the office, only two vehicles and four individuals were present. (I thought to myself, "How am I going to transport all of this?")

After loading the items onto the vehicle for a while, we finally managed to do it.

Carry all the belongings in one go, feeling proud (where?)

Arrived at the campsite safely...

Upon arrival, they wasted no time and swiftly set up their tents with the expertise of seasoned professionals.

After a long debate, they finally asked, "Where should we start?"

Okay, first take it out of the bag. 555

Taking shape...

... Finally finished! Ta-da! ...

The tent appears to have not been cleaned for years.

But for adventurous souls like us, we're in our element.

Let's take a look around the tents.

The place is full of pine trees, as its name suggests: Pine Forest.

This is the bathroom. It's located near the tent.

Our friends are getting hungry after a long journey.

After packing our belongings, we will head to the mountaintop to breathe in the fresh evening air.

The journey requires an additional 10 kilometers of driving.

Just as I left my accommodation, I came across a group of students finishing school. It was a truly heartwarming sight.

Before reaching the viewpoint, you will pass through a second checkpoint where your ticket purchased at the first checkpoint will be checked.

The dense fog along the way made it almost impossible to see, but the air was refreshingly cool.

...and then we arrived at the viewpoint at Km 41.

Looking down, you can see the path we just climbed.

The fog is getting thicker, but the air feels refreshingly cool.

The group took photos enthusiastically until it was almost dark, so they had to quickly ride down the mountain and return to their accommodation.

Upon arriving at our accommodation, we were famished and decided to indulge in two sets of Thai-style barbecue.

Hot pork pan + cool air is something very enjoyable.

After finishing their meal, they dispersed to bathe and rest.

...Tomorrow morning, we will watch the sunrise at Kiew Mae Pan together.....

05.11.59
First light at Doi Inthanon | แสงแรกที่ดอยอินทนนท์

...The alarm clock blared at 4:30 am...

We hurriedly washed our faces and brushed our teeth, eager to reach the viewpoint at Kew Mae Pan in time to witness the sunrise.

The weather was so cold during the drive up that even with gloves on, my hands were numb.

Upon arrival, a considerable number of people began to occupy the available spaces.

Based on the blurry image, it's difficult to determine the temperature.

It has begun.

Here it is!

Good morning...

...Next, we will embark on a nature walk at Kew Mae Pan...

Before we start walking, we need to grab something to eat. There are shops and restaurants here that cater to tourists.

The price has increased slightly.

This is a shop that sells rice porridge with egg. We each ordered a cup...

Price: 40 Baht

Let's get started!

Upon entering, there will be staff available to assist with inquiries.

The guide fee is 200 baht for a group of 10 people, which means 20 baht per person. However, even if there are less than 10 people, the total fee remains 200 baht.

This will be our group's guide. They will guide us throughout the journey.

The Mae Pan Nature Trail is a short loop trail of approximately 3 kilometers, located at an altitude of around 2,000 meters above sea level. The initial section of the trail traverses a dense, shady montane rainforest. The path then follows a ridge adorned with ancient rhododendron trees...

With the introductory information covered, it's time to embark on our journey...

The initial section is quite steep, and you'll likely find yourself out of breath after a short walk. However, there are rest stops located at intervals along the path.

The path alternates between ascents and descents.

After walking for a while, we came across a waterfall that everyone stops to take pictures of.

The journey continues, the path ahead is still long...

After walking for about 1 kilometer, we emerged from the forest and were greeted by a stunning view of a vast meadow.

The grasslands are still green at this time. The guide said that if you come in December, the grasslands will be golden.

The scenery along the way is breathtaking.

The view below is a panoramic one.

This breathtaking view makes all the effort worthwhile.

Graduates are taking photos here.

After taking photos at the scenic viewpoint, it was time to continue the journey.

The History of Kew Mae Pan

Found it!! The thousand-year-old rose... but it's a bit far away.

I only saw one tree during the entire walk. The guide said that if I wanted to see more, I should come back in December.

Continue walking along the ridge...

As you continue walking, you will reach a scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Nanthaburi and Naphraburi stupas.

From this point, it will be the way back. However, it is not the same way back. There will be a岔路口 going down.

On the way back, I met a little guide who was very capable.

The destination has finally been reached...

A quick selfie with the guide for a souvenir. Hey....

Departing from Kew Mae Pan, prepare to ride a motorcycle to the highest point of Siam.

After leaving Kiw Mae Pan, we rode our motorbikes up to the "Highest Point of Siam", the highest point in Thailand.
The air was very cold and foggy along the way.
After driving about 5 kilometers, we reached our destination.

Follow the signs.

Reaching the highest point of Siam, there were many people queuing to take photos. I squeezed in and managed to take this shot. *--

The place is extremely crowded.

No wonder it was so cold this morning.

5 degrees!

Our next destination is the two grand pagodas of Doi Inthanon: Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri.

Just a short drive from Kiw Mae Pan, you'll reach your destination. The entrance fee is 40 baht per person.

Due to the heavy fog, I wasn't able to take many pictures.

A short walk later, I checked the time...

Oh no! It's almost noon and we haven't returned the shared tent equipment yet.

We quickly sped back to our accommodation.

And we arrived just in time.

The night of the completion of the work, it was time to return to Chiang Mai city. Goodbye, Doi Inthanon, we will be back...

Before returning to Chiang Mai city, my friend suggested we take some trendy photos at the Grand Canyon.

Let's go!

Arrived at... Grand Canyon Chiang Mai, entrance fee is 50 baht per person.

The beach is mainly frequented by foreign tourists.

After taking some photos, we set off to check in to our accommodation.

We have already booked our accommodation through Agoda. The name of the accommodation is Le Plato, located in Nimmanhaemin Soi 17.

Beneath the accommodation lies a charming café. Unfortunately, I was unable to capture it in a photograph, as we were all quite exhausted upon arrival and immediately fell asleep upon reaching our lodgings.

After relaxing and taking care of personal matters, it was just the right time for the evening...

We strolled through the bustling night market of Wualai, indulging in a delightful culinary adventure. The aroma of street food filled the air, tempting us with its irresistible flavors. We couldn't resist the allure of the local delicacies, and our appetites were truly satisfied.

We prioritize food over shopping. Our concept is clear: we love to eat!

Takoyaki first...

Almost everything here is delicious.

Here it is, their signature dish: freshly-made meatballs.

Personally, I really like the "moo yor" here. It's delicious.

The food options are becoming plentiful, so let's move on to appreciating some art.

The drawing is very beautiful.

This concludes our trip for today.

Return to accommodation, rest, and continue tomorrow...

06.11.59: The Final Day in Chiang Mai

This concise sentence marks the end of a journey in Chiang Mai, capturing the bittersweet feeling of departure on November 6th, 1959. The date and location are clearly stated, providing a specific context for the reader. The use of both English and Thai reinforces the cultural immersion experienced during the trip.

After an extensive search for breakfast options this morning, we ultimately decided on ไข่กระทะเลิศรส, conveniently located near the Chiang Mai Gate.

Having eaten our fill, we continued on our journey...

Our destination today is the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in Mae Rim District.

Located approximately 20 kilometers from Chiang Mai city.

Let's go!

We arrived at the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in less than an hour.

Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission fees: Adults 40 baht, Students 20 baht, Seniors (over 60) and children under 12 free. Parking fees: Cars 100 baht, Buses 200 baht.

...After paying the entrance fee, we headed to the Canopy Walkway first.

Canopy walkway, translated into Thai, is ทางเดินเหนือเรือนยอดไม้.

The walkway is made of steel with a grated floor, which is quite thrilling, like living life on the edge. 555

The point at which we entered

Let's move on to the next zone, the Glasshouse Complex.

Calling all hipsters...

Greenhouse zone for desert plants (drought tolerant)

This zone features a variety of beautiful cacti, providing ample photo opportunities for hipster enthusiasts.

It's already past 11 am after a short walk...

We quickly rode our motorbikes back to check out before noon.

...I arrived back around noon, but the person in charge of the accommodation didn't mind at all. They were very kind.

After checking out of our accommodation, we will head to Kad Luang (Wua Lai Road Market) to buy souvenirs.

Upon arriving at Kad Luang, we headed straight to the renowned Damrong Restaurant.

This place offers a wide variety of souvenirs, including pork crackling, northern Thai sausage, and chili paste.

One-stop solution.

After finishing buying souvenirs, we left our bags at the arcade for 20 baht per bag. The souvenirs were bundled together with the bags.

Let's go find something to eat.

As we were all very hungry at the time and couldn't decide what to eat, we opted for the nearest option, which led us to the Khao Soi Samoei restaurant (Fhahaam).

I'm not very hungry, so I only ordered Khao Soi Gai and Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao. (You're not hungry?)

The price is 40 baht per bowl. The taste is strong and good.

After a satisfying meal, drowsiness sets in. (But hold on, not just yet!)

We visited nine temples to pray and make merit, but we didn't take photos at all nine temples.

After visiting nine temples, we were feeling the heat and craved something refreshing. We decided to head to The Volcano, a restaurant located behind Chiang Mai University.

Upon entering the restaurant, grab a letter tile and bring it to your table. Then, place your order and include the letter tile on your order form.

Here it is.... Our menu

After indulging in sweet treats, our final destination is the vibrant Tha Pae Walking Street...

It will be located at Tha Pae Gate, continuing to Ratchadamnoen Road.

The walking street here is incredibly vast, and we were unable to explore it fully due to our need to catch the bus back to Bangkok.

After a short walk, he had to rush to return the motorbike to the shop and prepare to return to Bangkok.

It's time to return to Bangkok.

Though our hearts may not be ready to return, we must continue to fulfill our duties.

Total trip expenses per person

Round-trip bus fare 569*2 1138 baht

Motorcycle rental fee for 3 days: 825/2 = 412 baht.

The rental fee for tents and equipment is 135 baht per person.

Park entrance fee and transportation fee: 60 baht.

Admission fee to the botanical garden and transportation cost 55 baht.

Accommodation in the city center costs 1,378/3 459 baht.

The entrance fee to the Grand Canyon is 50 baht.

The cost of fuel is 200 baht.

Food and beverage expenses: 1000 baht

Deposit value 300 baht

Total cost per person: 3809 baht

This concludes my review. Thank you for your patience in reading this far. ^^

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. If you would like to see more photos, please visit my Instagram page below.

https://www.instagram.com/im_jakapan/