Hello everyone, I recently had the opportunity to visit Chiang Mai again. I'm excited to share some photos of the beautiful scenery and atmosphere. This trip was long-awaited, as my friends and I had difficulty coordinating our schedules due to conflicting commitments. After a year of waiting, we finally made it! Let's embark on this journey together.

16 February 2017 - Day 1 (Greetings again, Chiang Mai)

The journey commenced with an eleven o'clock flight operated by Thai Lion Air. The arrival time was approximately 12:30 p.m.


Our initial plan was to visit the Queen's Garden. I've seen many pictures of it taken by other people, but I still wanted to see it for myself.

We arrived there around two in the afternoon. At first, the sun was very strong, and I thought it would be scorching hot. However, when we got out of the car,

Despite the intense sunlight, a refreshing breeze provided constant relief, making the experience enjoyable. Initially, our driver took us to the 3D museum, which appeared to be newly opened. The museum offered extensive information about various plant species, presented through informative boards reminiscent of science fairs and interactive exhibits. However, the upper floor was closed for renovations during our visit, leaving its contents a mystery. We spent a limited time at the museum, as our primary interest lay in exploring the Iron Bridge and the surrounding greenery. Escaping the urban landscape, we yearned for the sight of foliage and the natural world.

The bus driver suggested we go to the Saphan Lek Bridge first and then walk to the Krating Phet Zone, as the Saphan Lek Bridge Zone seemed to close earlier than the other zone. This is the Saphan Lek Bridge Zone. Actually, while walking, I saw signs along the way saying there would be flying lizards, but I didn't see any. 555555555 At first, I thought it would be similar to the PTT Green Park in Bangkok, but in comparison, I think this place is more comfortable to walk around. It might be because of the weather. Here, the sun is strong, but there is a cool breeze blowing constantly, making it feel like you can walk continuously without feeling too tired.



Next, we walked into the tree zone. The highlight here is probably the cactus zone, which everyone seems to visit. Upon entering, the zone is well-organized, with the cacti thoughtfully arranged. The various zones are also designed to be visually appealing and photogenic. It's easy to see why so many people come here to take pictures.

After visiting Suan Phra Nang Jao, we started to feel hungry. We debated whether to return to our accommodation for dinner or find a restaurant near Doi Inthanon. Ultimately, we decided to head to Mon Cham.

At first, I was worried that I wouldn't make it in time because I was afraid that the mountaintop would be closed to visitors. However, when I inquired, I learned that the restaurant, along with all other areas of the attraction, would remain open until around 6:30 PM. This was fantastic news, as it allowed us to enjoy a delightful dinner with stunning views. The weather was perfect, with a cool breeze and breathtaking scenery that brought a sense of peace and tranquility. The food was delicious and well worth the price. We relaxed and enjoyed the atmosphere until around 6:00 PM, capturing the breathtaking sunset. Surrounded by fields and gardens, it felt like a much-needed escape from the city life of the past few months.

After a satisfying meal, we headed to our accommodation for the night. For the first night, we had booked a stay at "Camp Chiang Mai," located near Mae Rim. Given that we had female friends on this trip, you can probably understand why we chose to stay here. We arrived at the camp around 7 pm, paid at the counter, and then took our belongings to the campsite we had reserved. As it was a weekday when we visited, the camp was relatively quiet.

The number of guests staying here is relatively low, which is a good thing as it creates a peaceful atmosphere. We opted for two Family rooms, each accommodating three people. These charming little tents were surprisingly spacious and comfortable. The color scheme of...

The bedding in the room gave us the feeling of being on a Boy Scout camping trip. We played around for a while before making plans to go barbecue in the dining area near the camp entrance. This is a popular activity for most people who come here, and it's hard to find a place to do it in Bangkok.

The menu offers a variety of meats for grilling, including chicken, pork, and sausages, with prices ranging from 10 to 15 baht per skewer. Sausages are slightly more expensive at 80 baht. It is recommended to choose cuts of meat and grill them yourself, as this is more cost-effective and ensures even cooking. Skewers tend to cook unevenly.

After a hearty meal, we returned to our respective camps and took turns showering. The central lights here are turned off around 10 pm, so it's best to return early to avoid being in the dark. However, the place is quite charming. When we checked in, they gave each of us a miniature flashlight, a small but useful item for those who might need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. The bathrooms here are shared, similar to those in a hostel. There is a hot water heater for those who are afraid of cold water, but be sure to adjust it carefully. Otherwise, you might end up with either boiling hot or freezing cold water. Overall, I was quite impressed with the first night. It was a true pleasure to stay in a place we had been longing to visit. It wasn't anything extravagant, but it felt like a simple getaway, staying in a place everyone wants to stay. That's all that matters. Good night, Chiang Mai.


17.02.2017 - Day 2 (It's like a waterfall of love, isn't it?)

Good morning on the 2nd day!

The temperature is a pleasant 18 degrees Celsius, perfect for a refreshing morning. After showering, we headed to the breakfast area. The breakfast spread was delightful, offering a variety of options including garlic-fried pork, grilled chicken, grilled pork skewers, boiled eggs, grilled sticky rice, coffee, and Ovaltine. The food was delicious and filling, setting us up for a great day ahead.


We have arranged to meet the driver around eight or nine in the morning. Today's plan is to visit Mae Klang Luang Hill. We will stay there to relax and wait to climb Kiew Mae Pan the next day. However, if we go there now, it might be too early. So, we decided to go for a walk and have coffee at "Kao Mai Lanna". This place is both an accommodation and has a restaurant and coffee shop at the front entrance.

After enjoying snacks and drinks, we stopped by Vachirathan Waterfall on our way to our accommodation. This was another place that was recommended to us. The atmosphere there was quite cool and peaceful. We had lunch there to save time. The food was just okay for me, still not as good as the food at Mon Cham yesterday. 5555555555

After lunch, we continued our journey to our accommodation. Our booked accommodation for the night was "Mae Klang Luang Hill". In fact, there are many accommodations in the Mae Klang Luang area with different viewpoints. Our house was located at a point where we could see the panoramic view of the fields from a high angle, which was very beautiful when looking down from the window of the house.



The accommodation here does not have air conditioning, but the air is cool and comfortable for sleeping. However, if you arrive and stay at the accommodation, it can be quite boring, right? So we chose to explore the forest. The trail we explored is called "Pha Dok Siao Waterfall Nature Study Trail". I think the trail is easy to walk, but it can be a bit stuffy. This may be because the forest has a lot of leaves, which makes it difficult to breathe. However, it is not so tiring that you cannot walk. Our walk starts from the accommodation and follows the watercourse until we return to the accommodation again.

The Pha Dok Siew Waterfall is a popular tourist destination, especially for fans of the movie "Love of Siam." However, I was so engrossed in the scenery that I forgot to take any pictures. It wasn't until later that I realized I had missed the opportunity to capture the iconic waterfall. What a shame!

The walk takes about two to three hours, depending on how much time you spend taking photos. I enjoyed the walk, and on the way, I met some locals who were picking strawberries. I stopped to buy some from them, and they were delicious! They were sweet and crunchy, and the price was very cheap. In Bangkok, a single pack costs over 100 baht, and they're not as tasty as the ones here.

We continued exploring the trail, which seemed to follow the layout of the water pipes leading to the village. It felt like we were in a scene from a Ghibli film. If you're looking for a nature experience, I highly recommend exploring this trail.

After a long day of exploring, we finally returned to our accommodation. For dinner, we indulged in a delicious hotpot meal at a local restaurant. The combination of the cold weather and the steaming hotpot was the perfect way to end the day. After dinner, we charged our devices and prepared for an early morning wake-up call. The next day, we were set to embark on a hike to the Giw Mae Pan, the highlight of our trip. I was particularly excited about this hike, as it was the main reason I had organized the trip. Until tomorrow, Giw Mae Pan!

18.02.2017 - Day 3 (Thank you for taking care of us)

This morning, we woke up at 5:00 AM to be one of the first groups to arrive. Since it was a Saturday, we expected a large crowd, especially those who wanted to witness the sunrise. We left our accommodation around 5:30 AM, and everyone dressed as if they were attending Seoul Fashion Week. We had to dress warmly, as we heard from the driver yesterday that the temperature at Kew Mae Pan was in the single digits.

We set off from our accommodation to Kiw Mae Pan. Upon arrival, we found a crowd waiting. We dispersed to grab some food to fuel up. The local shops offered grilled pork, grilled chicken, sticky rice, and rice porridge. The food was surprisingly delicious, not just something you have to eat because it's the only option. It was genuinely good. For those worried about staying warm, the shops also sold additional items like beanies and gloves, with prices varying depending on the desired fashion style. It was then time to begin our ascent of Kiw Mae Pan.

I'm not sure how my friends who came along felt about the hike, but I felt a lot of things. It was actually because I got dumped that I felt so many different things. 55555 When I arrived, I was hoping to take in everything I could see from the beginning of the trail to the end. The hike up here requires one guide per group. My guide was a lovely woman who led the way and explained the different points along the Giw Mae Pan trail. The air gradually got cooler. At first, everyone got tired easily, and some people might have felt a little lightheaded. This is because the trees were competing for the air we were breathing, and the path was quite steep. But I had already hiked up Mon Jong before, so this place immediately became a very easy hike for me. We walked through the first forest zone, and I thought that if I came back again before Giw Mae Pan closed, during the rainy season, this zone would be even more refreshing.

We reached the highlight of the trip, a spot where everyone has likely captured countless photos. It's truly breathtaking. Reaching this point solidified my belief that this was a place I absolutely had to visit. Everything here is simply magnificent. The scenery is captivating from every angle, especially at the designated photo spot, which left a lasting impression on me.

As I mentioned earlier, the reason I was looking forward to coming here was because I had promised someone that I would visit this place. It's been about a year since then, and I didn't end up coming. But now I'm finally standing here on the top of Doi Kiew. I'm sorry, Doi Kiew, that we're a little late, but it's okay. We're here now. It's just as beautiful as we thought it would be.

Leaving the disappointment of being stood up behind, we continued our journey down the remaining path. We were incredibly lucky to encounter a pheasant (or was it?) along the way, seemingly posing for beauty shots for tourists. The bird was quite adorable and not at all skittish. I found the trail to be relatively easy to navigate, and I encourage anyone interested to give it a try. In fact, if anyone is free, I wouldn't mind joining them for another hike. I genuinely want to return because reaching the summit brought an unexpected sense of joy. It was evident that we were city dwellers, as we were thrilled and took photos of even slightly dry trees. We stood there, lost in our own little world, laughing hysterically.


The journey through the Mae Pan Nature Trail took us approximately 2-3 hours. We descended around 8:00 AM, almost 9:00 AM. We then boarded a vehicle to continue our ascent to visit the Kaeng Krachan Dam. Oh, by the way, goodbye Mae Pan. If we have the opportunity, we will return to visit you again. We promise.


The journey from Kiw Mae Pan to Ang Ka takes only ten minutes. Ang Ka serves as a natural exploration path, showcasing a diverse range of tree species. The lush greenery provides a refreshing atmosphere, with occasional glimpses of leaves changing color to orange and red. The experience evokes a sense of scientific exploration, venturing into a mysterious forest.

After exploring the Ang Ka Reservoir, we continued our journey to Pha Tang, eager to see the sheep, sometimes referred to as "Mon Nong Kae". From what we had seen in various online forums, the sheep here seemed to have beautiful wool and did not appear as listless as those we had seen in other parts of Thailand. We were excited to meet them in person. Upon our arrival, we found the sheep diligently grazing on grass. The sun was quite strong as the area was an open field. However, the sheep were adorable. One of them even let out a warning bleat when we arrived, as if to say, "Hey, what's up, humans?" It continued to bleat, and we couldn't help but laugh. We weren't sure what was wrong with it.

After visiting the sheep farm, we headed to "Kao Long" restaurant for lunch. This restaurant serves Khao Soi in a unique way, using coconut shells as bowls. The Khao Soi broth was rich and flavorful, and a squeeze of lime was all it needed to be perfect. The Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage) was packed with spices and delicious. One of the best things about this restaurant is that they offer free refills of fresh coconut water, which was perfect for the hot weather.

After three days of using the red car, it was time to part ways. We hired the driver for 5,500 baht for the entire trip, including fuel. Considering that none of us could drive, I believe the price was reasonable. We received both a driver and a car for the price. The driver dropped us off at the bus station. We debated whether to go to our lodging or explore Mae Kampong. We ultimately decided to take a taxi to our accommodation and save Mae Kampong for the following day.

Our accommodation for the day was at Tharn Thong Lod Lodge. I found it in a review and thought it looked very inviting. It resembled a vacation home with an interesting atmosphere, so we decided to stay there. Before heading to the accommodation, we stopped for a snack near the Royal Project Development Center at Doi Inthanon. The cake here was delicious. I ordered the coconut cake, which was quite good.

After enjoying the fresh air for a while, we took a car back to our accommodation. Upon arrival, we truly felt relaxed. The atmosphere here was fantastic and the place was incredibly spacious. I believe anyone staying here would feel comfortable. There were many houses available, and the prices were quite reasonable. We stayed in a group of six, and the house cost 3,000 baht. We chose the "Hin Ngam" house because everyone seemed to enjoy the basement, which was a large bedroom decorated with stones, giving the impression of living in a Flintstones-like house.

The day was physically demanding, so we decided to rest early before nightfall. The atmosphere here is incredibly relaxing, especially at night when the sound of the waterfall fills the air. The cool breeze eliminates the need for air conditioning or fans. If you're looking for a place to bring your family, I highly recommend this location. The ambiance is ideal for a family getaway.

19.02.2017 - Day 4 (Small but warm)

The crisp morning air greeted me as I opened the door to my accommodation. The refreshing atmosphere invigorated me as I embarked on a leisurely stroll around the expansive grounds. The resort's meticulously designed zones, encompassing a stunning waterfall, provided a unique blend of relaxation and aquatic adventure. The welcoming reception staff, particularly a kind-hearted aunt with a soothing northern accent, left a lasting impression with their warm hospitality.

Today's plan is to visit Mae Kampong Village. However, before going, I didn't know where to end up. So my friend suggested that if it's nearby, it would be The Giant Chiang Mai.

*My friend had been there once before and claimed that the food and drinks might not be very palatable, and the prices were quite high. When I went there, the prices were indeed high. I ordered a lime tea for 110 baht and had to drink it all. 5555555 As for the taste, I would say it was average. However, I suspect that the high prices might be due to the cost of the location and ambiance.*

The area was quite crowded, likely due to its popularity among foreign tourists. We didn't stay long, as some of us were getting hungry. We decided to hop back in the car and head to Mae Kampong, where we expected the food prices to be more reasonable.


The road leading up to Mae Kampong is quite challenging, requiring a skilled driver. Upon arrival, the village is exactly as I imagined: a charming, small community. We decided to have lunch at Lung Poot Pa Peng, a popular spot among visitors. Afterwards, we explored the area, walking up and down the hills until we stumbled upon a charming café. I ordered a peach tea and toasted bread, which were both incredibly delicious. The peach tea was exceptionally fragrant and perfectly balanced in flavor, while the bread, though seemingly ordinary, was toasted to perfection, creating a delightful combination.

Today's accommodation plan is to stay in Nimmanhaemin, truly returning to the city. The driver took us to the transportation station near San Kamphaeng, and then arranged an air-conditioned van for us to go to the city center.

The scene cuts to Nimmanhaemin Soi 17, where we will be staying for the night at The Pause Hostel. We opted for a six-person mixed dorm room with three bunk beds. Lockers are available for storing belongings, but since our group was complete, we hardly used them. Overall, I found the hostel to be quite comfortable and comparable to a standard hotel.

A Hidden Gem in Nimmanhaemin: A Review of [Hostel Name]

For those seeking accommodation in the vibrant Nimmanhaemin area, consider [Hostel Name]. While I initially harbored reservations about staying in a hostel, my experience at [Hostel Name] pleasantly surprised me.

The hostel boasts an exceptionally clean environment, exceeding my expectations. The staff's warm and welcoming demeanor further enhanced my stay. The common areas, including a pool table and snack bar, provided ample opportunities for socializing with fellow travelers.

The rooftop terrace offers stunning views, particularly during the golden hour as the sun sets. While the morning sun can be intense, the evenings provide a breathtaking panorama.

The group decided to indulge in a culinary adventure, starting with a visit to Kua Gai Nimmanha, a popular restaurant known for its delicious stir-fried chicken dishes. Despite the initial enthusiasm, the members soon realized they were still hungry and craved fresh vegetables. This led them to Salad Concept, a restaurant renowned for its abundance of crisp, vibrant greens. The experience proved to be a delightful one, with the group savoring the generous portions and the restaurant's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The culinary journey doesn't end there. After savoring the savory dishes, we ventured into the realm of desserts, stopping at Guu Fusion Roti. The set we ordered was an explosion of flavors and an excellent value for money, offering a variety of delectable tastes. Initially, we planned to call it a night after indulging in these delightful roti creations...

However, we couldn't resist stopping by a restaurant we had visited and loved on our previous trip. It was an unassuming place with extraordinary flavors, serving a delicious tom yum soup and grilled pork neck that left a lasting impression. As we were passing by on our way back, we decided to make a quick stop for a warm meal before bed.

The night ended with a satisfying meal, and it was time for some real rest. Our flight back tomorrow is quite late, so tomorrow will be another day of eating and exploring. When we wake up, I'll take you to eat some delicious food and snacks. Good night, Nimmanha.


20.02.2017 - Day 5 (If I throw a tantrum, can I stay longer?)

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

: Today is my last day in Chiang Mai. I woke up this morning with no plans to explore. I really wanted to go for a walk around Doi Pui, but I was worried about the cost of a taxi to get there. So, I decided to spend the day eating around Nimmanhaemin instead.

We woke up around eight or nine o'clock because breakfast is very important. We are going to hunt for dinosaur donuts, which our friends reported will be sold out before 11 am. So we have to hurry, for fear that the dinosaurs will become extinct.

Upon arriving at the shop, we were greeted by a growing crowd. Eager to try the famed dinosaur-shaped youtiao, we quickly joined the queue. Our group of six ordered six of these behemoths, and when they arrived, we were astonished by their size. Despite our best efforts, we could only manage half a youtiao each. Overall, the youtiao was delicious, boasting a satisfyingly crisp texture without any hint of oiliness. As we savored each bite, we couldn't help but think how perfect a bowl of steaming hot congee would be as an accompaniment.

Okay, here is the translation of the text you provided:

After checking the bill, we hailed a taxi and headed to Jok Tohn Phayom for some delicious congee. The congee was incredibly smooth, and I ordered the one with ribs, which were even more tender. It was the perfect way to end our morning meal.

After that, we dispersed. My two friends and I went to find a bookstore called "Rao Lae." Upon entering the store, we were greeted by a charming atmosphere. It was a small bookstore with a curated selection of books. Upstairs, there was an exhibition titled "Unfold & Reread" by an artist named Poypoy. The artwork was delightful, and I encourage anyone interested to visit. I'm unsure how long the exhibition will last.

For those who prefer English books, I recommend another bookstore across the street called The Booksmith. The storefront is beautifully designed, giving the impression of being in a foreign country. Inside, the atmosphere is quiet and offers a wide variety of books.

After spending some time in the bookstore, we started to feel sleepy and wanted to have some coffee. We decided to go to The Barisotel bt The Baristro, a white-colored shop that looks clean from the front to the inside. Today, we had the chance to try it out. There weren't many people, probably because it was a weekday. I ordered a drink that I can't remember the name of, but it tasted just right, with a sweet and sour flavor. The desserts we ordered were delicious, especially the coconut ice cream served with shredded egg yolk threads. It was so good! I think the price is cheaper than at The Giant, and with the artistic presentation of the drinks and desserts, I think the price is reasonable.

After leaving our charming coffee shop, we embarked on a quest to find the renowned banana fritter shop in Soi 17, known as "Aun Na's Banana Fritters." Auntie Na is incredibly kind and generous, even offering us extra fritters. The taste was exceptional, and the price was very reasonable. However, it's advisable to arrive before 3 pm to avoid disappointment, as they often sell out. Auntie Na starts selling early in the morning, so if you're in the area, be sure to stop by and try her delicious banana fritters.

Following our morning activities, we ventured to a restaurant called Seoul Mind for lunch. Drawn by the unanimous desire for Korean fried chicken, we opted to try this establishment. The restaurant boasts a charming ambiance, adorned with authentic Korean décor. Its spacious layout alleviates concerns about seating availability. The highlight of our culinary experience was undoubtedly the delectable chicken, exceeding expectations with its flavor and affordability. Notably, the prices were significantly lower compared to those found in Bangkok's Korean fried chicken establishments. Moreover, the absence of VAT further enhanced the value proposition.

The movie was already playing when we arrived at the theater, so we decided to go to the Ang Kaew Reservoir at Chiang Mai University to relax. We took a red taxi and sat by the reservoir. There weren't many tourists today, so the atmosphere was peaceful and quiet.

We left Ang Kaew around six o'clock and headed back to Nimmanhaemin for our last meal before flying back to Bangkok. We chose to eat at Cheevit Cheeva because we felt like having bingsu. The restaurant is very cute, and I liked the lighting and the way it was decorated. When we arrived, we all ordered bingsu. I also ordered red velvet cake because I can't resist it. I have to say, the cake was delicious! It was very dense. After this meal, I think I'll be able to sleep soundly on the plane.

The time has come to fly back... Honestly, I don't want to go back. Every time I come here, I always feel like I don't want to face reality. But every time I come here, I feel good. Chiang Mai is like a place where we can recharge and bring back happiness every time. Especially when we come to their nature, just sitting still, capturing the atmosphere with both our eyes and camera, it's enough to make us happy.

This is a rough summary of the car and accommodation prices. To be honest, traveling like this with a large group is quite affordable, but if you go with a small group, you might end up vomiting from the high cost. It's quite brutal, haha. I'll keep posting pictures.

Instead, it is now available here (Instagram: mathahuan #MATHAHUANxWINTERTHINGS). If you have any questions or want to know more details, feel free to ask. Lastly, let's find time to visit Tteokbokki Yeon together. : )


*I previously wrote a post about traveling to Chiang Mai during the rainy season. If you're still unsure where to go and the winter season has passed, you can check out my rainy season travel plan for a different but equally enjoyable experience. : ) https://pantip.com/topic/33983492

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