"Well, well... Who said there's nothing to see here?"

Greetings, fellow travelers!

This travel review marks my first foray into the world of writing, driven by a desire to share my experiences and provide valuable information that can guide your own adventures.

A Journey to Nan: Escaping the Pressure of University Exams

This trip was born from the pent-up frustration of university friends who had just endured months of intense final exams before the New Year. The stress and pressure were real, so a friend asked me, "Where should we go on a trip?" As someone who enjoys traveling and, more importantly, reading countless travel reviews, I jokingly suggested, "Let's go to Nan! It's far, but from what I've read, there are interesting places to visit."

Fueled by my friends' enthusiasm, we started planning our trip in December, even though we were still in the middle of exams. Talk about procrastination! We created a Line group and meticulously planned our three-day, two-night itinerary for January 6-8, 2016. We booked our bus tickets with Somバットour for both the trip there and back, and secured accommodation at two locations: a tent on Doi Samer Dao, managed by the National Park, for the first night, and Heuan Nitra in Nan city for the second night.

After finalizing our bookings, we eagerly awaited the end of our exams. Believe it or not, when I told my mother about our trip to Nan, her response was, "Nan… what's there to do there?" To which I confidently replied, "Just wait and see, Mom. I'll show you."

This is a post I wrote previously, which may be helpful as a reference.

Phu Soi Dao. I know. https://pantip.com/topic/35926892

#CNXbeforeMdie Travel before dying before presenting research https://pantip.com/topic/36018061/comment4

Sukhothai: More Than Just a Stopover

This passage describes a journey to Sukhothai, a city in Thailand. The author emphasizes that Sukhothai is a destination worth visiting in its own right, not just a place to pass through on the way to other destinations. The passage provides details about the author's travel plans, including their departure time, meeting point, and transportation arrangements.

When it was time, we loaded our luggage onto the bus. The bus was in good condition, the seats were wide, and they reclined. There were U-shaped pillows and blankets provided. Most importantly, there were snacks! As big eaters, we were all smiles. They gave us two pieces of bread in a box, a bottle of Jumex juice, and a bottle of water. Our bags weren't too big, so we could easily store them on the bus.

As the bus departed, everyone prepared to sleep or find something to do. My two friends, who are a couple, were engrossed in watching Harry Potter. Meanwhile, my other friend and I listened to some relaxing music. At 1:30 am, the bus arrived in Phitsanulok, where we had a rest stop. We were able to exchange our bus tickets for coupons for rice porridge, which came with a variety of side dishes. My friend, who had apparently already eaten before boarding the bus, proceeded to devour the porridge with gusto. We then continued our journey, and after a while, everyone was dozing off and waking up intermittently until we reached Nan. I forgot to mention that we had to inform the bus staff that we were getting off at Wiang Sa. We arrived in Wiang Sa at 5:45 am. The weather was cold, around 17 degrees Celsius, and there was a lot of fog. We only managed to get a little sleep.

We asked the locals if there was a morning market (ตลาดเช้า). There was, so we went to check it out and find something to eat. We ended up eating again (555). As we walked through the market, we saw a wide variety of fresh food and ingredients. We bought some

Sticky rice, grilled pork, a bag of crispy pork rinds (a bunch with several small bags), northern Thai sausage, sticky rice with custard, and the water and snacks distributed on the tour bus were still there. After that, everyone brushed their teeth and ate deliciously. But there was a lot of sticky rice, probably about a kilogram, that wasn't finished, so they took it to eat later.

At approximately 7:30 AM, we boarded a green bus from Wiang Sa to Na Mon, paying 40 baht for the ride to Na Noi, where we would transfer to a bus to Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park. After an hour-long journey, we arrived at Na Noi and disembarked at the PTT gas station.

Initially, we had no plan on how to get to the top, as most people who visit Doi have their own vehicles. We had no information on transportation options and were prepared to hitchhike if necessary. Fortunately, upon arrival, we encountered a local driver who offered us a ride. We were a group of four, and coincidentally, we met another group of four young adults also visiting the mountain. After negotiating with the driver, we agreed on a price of 60 baht per person for the ride to the top. However, as we wanted to stop at the Lesser Stone Pillar, the driver charged us 70 baht each. Before arriving at the meeting point, we were approached by another driver in Wiang Sa who offered a private car for 700 baht for the four of us, which we found expensive, especially considering it was only for the ascent. Fortunately, opting for the shared ride from Nan was a more affordable option. The driver's vehicle was an open-top pickup truck, which proved to be significant later on.

As everyone loaded their belongings onto the pickup truck, they took their seats in the back. As soon as the truck started moving, a cold wind hit everyone's faces simultaneously. Oh, it's cold! After a while, our faces started to feel numb. Soon, the truck arrived at the small earth pillars. When we got out of the truck, our uncle introduced us to a new and surprising tree called the "Digitaria" tree. What's so strange about it? He showed us by rubbing his hand on the tree trunk, and the leaves and top of the tree started to shake. Wow, how is that possible? We all had a lot of fun playing with it.

We then went to take photos at the small stone pillars, which resembled the Ghost City of Pae. Everyone got some great shots.

As we walked back, the uncle called us to see something else that surprised us. "Huh, there's more?" It was the clock grass. "Ah, confused? How is it a clock?" The park rangers showed us. They dipped the grass in water and then distributed it to everyone. We were instructed to hold it between our thumb and index finger. The grass in our hands started to rotate clockwise. I was confused, wondering how it could rotate. The rangers explained that this type of grass uses this special feature to help it reproduce. The part of the grass that we were playing with was probably the flower. It was a strange thing to see. We had to try it ourselves. Then we got back on the bus to go to Doi Pha Hom Pok. We were tired again. The road up was not very steep, with some curves and not too far. There were trees and rice fields alternating along the way.

Upon arriving at Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park around 10:00 AM, we paid an entrance fee of 20 baht per person. After disembarking from the truck, we agreed to hire a car to descend the mountain the following day for 50 baht per person. There was also a green bus service running from Na Noi to Wiang Sa, and we opted to take the 8:20 AM bus.

We then contacted the staff about the tents we had booked. Each tent could accommodate three people, and we had booked two tents for our group of four. This meant that we would each receive a pillow, a sleeping mat, and a sleeping bag. After storing our belongings in the tents, we went for a walk and took some photos. Doi Pha Hom Pok has a wide, open grassy area on top of the mountain, which reminded me and my friends of Teletubby Hill.

The group strolled around and took photos for a while. As it neared noon, the weather became hot. They borrowed a mat from a staff member to sit on. Initially, they intended to return it soon, but they ended up using it until the next day.

As noon approached, the heat became unbearable. We borrowed a mat from the staff and settled down to relax. Initially, we intended to return the mat promptly, but we ended up using it until the following day. In the afternoon, we ventured down to find something to eat. A small eatery serving cooked-to-order dishes was located a short walk downhill. Driven by hunger, we opted for pork fried rice and stir-fried minced pork with crispy pork belly. The crispy pork belly was particularly delicious. After satisfying our appetites, we paid the bill. The friendly owners informed us that they also offered a barbecue dinner in the evening. They also shared a crucial piece of information: there were no charging facilities available at the staff quarters. However, they generously offered us access to three free electrical outlets located under a pavilion a short walk back. We eagerly retrieved our mat and settled down to enjoy snacks, charge our phones, and embrace the slow pace of life in the afternoon. The scenic view of the Nan River and the surrounding forest provided a tranquil backdrop as we sang songs and occasionally took naps.

Around three or four in the afternoon, due to everyone's fear of the cold, we decided to take a quick shower. The water was refreshingly cool, as expected. Afterwards, we found a shady spot on Teletubby Hill and spread out a mat to sit on, snacking and chatting away. By four or five o'clock, the air began to cool down, and the intense sunlight softened into a warm orange glow. A cool breeze swept through the air.

As hunger pangs set in, the group yearned for a traditional Thai barbecue feast, ideally enjoyed under the cover of darkness and a cool breeze. However, their impatience outweighed their desire for the perfect ambiance, leading them to indulge in a snack of crispy pork rinds and sticky rice. Initially skeptical of the combination, they were pleasantly surprised by its unexpected appeal, perhaps fueled by their ravenous appetites. One friend, a native of Chiang Mai, demonstrated a unique technique for opening the pork rind bag: using the rubber band that secured the bag, they wrapped it around the entire package and flicked it, causing the bag to tear open. This revelation sparked amusement and a newfound appreciation for the simple act of opening a snack. Despite devouring the sticky rice, the group's hunger remained unsatisfied. They then ventured out to capture the fading sunlight casting its golden glow on the nearby hills, creating a picturesque scene that offered a different kind of satisfaction.

As dusk settled, we descended to indulge in a sizzling feast of grilled pork. We returned to the same eatery where we had enjoyed a cooked-to-order lunch earlier that day. A set of grilled pork, priced at 300 baht, comprised a single egg, a packet of glass noodles, vegetables, sukiyaki dipping sauce, and a meager portion of pork. The meagerness of the pork was truly remarkable. As we began grilling, the food vanished with astonishing speed. Despite the rapid consumption, I found myself wanting more.

After finishing our meal, we ascended the hill to lie down and gaze at the stars. We spread out a mat and lay down. I can confidently state that the name Doi Pha Hom Pok truly reflects the experience. The stars were abundant and clearly visible due to the open terrain. It felt as though we could almost touch them. Eager to identify the constellations, we purchased a laser pointer and began our search. We managed to locate the Big Dipper and Polaris, but the sheer number of stars made it difficult to distinguish others. With the help of the Skywalk app on our phones, we identified a few more. As dusk approached, hunger pangs struck again, and we indulged in delicious, chewy grilled eggs. We then brushed our teeth and settled in for the night, anticipating the sunrise the following morning.

The second day, we planned to wake up at 5:00 AM, but it was so cold and comfortable that we didn't get up until 5:30 AM. After brushing our teeth, we went up to the hill to watch the sunrise. There were more and more people on the hill because in the morning, people from the bottom of the mountain would also come up to watch the sunrise. At around 6:45 AM, the sun rose, revealing the cold weather and mountains. Luckily, there was also a sea of fog that day. We breathed in the fresh air and soaked up the atmosphere.

After taking photos, we waited for the uncle to pick us up from the mountain. We then rode in the same open-top pickup truck, leaving earlier than before and feeling even colder.

Upon descending from the mountain and arriving in Na Noi district, we were naturally hungry. We searched for food and bought roasted chicken with hot sticky rice. As soon as we finished our purchase, the green bus arrived, perfectly on time at 8:20 AM. Once on board, everyone enjoyed their sticky rice and chicken to their satisfaction.

The journey from Nan Noi district to Wiang Sa district took about an hour by car. We then took a bus to Nan city, which took approximately 45 minutes. We decided to get off at Nan Transportation Center. Upon arrival, we confidently followed Google Maps to our booked accommodation, Heuan Nan Nidra, which was supposedly 2 kilometers away. We decided to walk, but it turned out to be quite a distance. As we walked, we passed by the Nan City Pillar Shrine around 11:00 am and decided to pay our respects.

Nearby, there is also the famous Nan restaurant, Khao Soi Ton Nam. Since we were in Nan, we had to try its deliciousness. The four of us tried the beef and chicken khao soi. The beef was not very tender, while the chicken came with drumsticks. There were side dishes such as pickled vegetables, shallots, and lime. After mixing everything together, we tried it and found that the taste was quite good. If you want it spicy, the restaurant provides chili oil. However, those who prefer a richer khao soi might be disappointed as the curry is not very thick.

After a satisfying meal, we continued our walk, still some distance from our accommodation. Around noon, we arrived at "Huern Nan Nidra," a charming wooden and concrete house with lush greenery, owned by the hospitable Aunt Nidra.

After checking in, everyone took a shower and changed their clothes, some of us prepared to explore the city of Nan. We rented bicycles from Pa Ni Thara for 25 baht each and were ready to cycle around the city. Pa also provided us with a map. It was around noon and the sun was quite hot. We were all up for the challenge. Our first stop was Wat Phra That Chae Haeng. We cycled across the bridge over the Nan River, which drained the energy of our female friends because it was a steep uphill climb. We continued cycling for another 2 kilometers. It was definitely hot along the way, but we persevered.

Upon arrival, everyone paid their respects at the temple, strolled around taking photos, rested for a while, and then cycled back along the same 2-kilometer route.

The next temple we cycled to was Wat Phumin, located in the heart of the city. The temple features a unique four-faced Buddha statue and stunning murals. The most iconic image, however, is the "Pu Maan Ya Maan" painting, depicting a courting couple. "Pu" and "Ya" are northern Thai terms for adult men and women, respectively, while "Maan" originates from the Burmese language, reflecting a period of Burmese rule in Nan. This renowned artwork, often referred to as "Whispers of Love Heard Around the World," captivated us. We paid our respects, offered prayers, and captured the scene in photographs.

A Culinary Adventure in Northern Thailand: Exploring Local Flavors at Heuan Hom Restaurant

After a fulfilling day of exploration, our appetites roared once again. Craving the authentic flavors of Northern Thai cuisine, we set our sights on Heuan Hom restaurant, conveniently located near the renowned Wat Phumin temple.

Opting for the traditional "khantoke" seating, we were fortunate to have our Northern Thai friend guide us through the culinary experience. With his expert recommendations, we ordered three delectable dishes: "nam phrik ong" (Northern-style chili dip), "kaeng hang lay" (ginger-infused pork curry), and "larb neua" (spicy minced meat salad).

Before indulging, our friend demonstrated the art of "khao niew" (sticky rice) manipulation. He expertly molded the rice into bite-sized balls, dipped them into the "nam phrik ong," and savored the combination with various side dishes like boiled vegetables, crispy pork rinds, and boiled eggs.

Eager to emulate his technique, we attempted our own "khao niew" creations, albeit with less finesse. Our initial attempts resulted in a few stray rice grains escaping into the chili dip, a testament to our novice status.

Moving on to the main courses, the "nam phrik ong" impressed with its balanced flavors and lack of excessive spice. The "kaeng hang lay," while slightly salty and lacking in pork belly, boasted a fragrant ginger aroma. The "larb neua" emerged as the clear favorite, captivating our taste buds with its perfect blend of spices, minced pork, and crispy pork skin. The accompanying fresh vegetables provided a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors.

Overall, our culinary adventure at Heuan Hom offered a delightful immersion into Northern Thai cuisine. The friendly atmosphere, expert guidance, and authentic flavors left us with a lasting impression of the region's rich culinary heritage.

After a satisfying meal, we continued our journey to the Nan National Museum. However, it was closed for renovations, so we could only take photos at the popular spot, the Trumpet Vine Tunnel, located nearby. It was a hipster experience.

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We then proceeded to pay respects at Wat Chang Kham, located opposite the Nan National Museum.

He then cycled to Wat Si Phan Ton, which boasts a magnificent golden ubosot that is dazzling to the eyes and remarkably grand.

After paying respects at the temple, I cycled to the farthest temple, Wat Phra That Khao Noi, which is about 2-3 kilometers from Wat Si Phan Ton. I cycled steadily until I reached the foot of the hill where the path to the temple begins. Feeling energetic, I shifted to a lower gear and started cycling uphill. As I continued, I felt extremely tired and sluggish. The other three people pushed their bikes up the hill. Eventually, I also started pushing my bike.

After a while, we reached the path leading up to the original temple. The stairs were incredibly high, and everyone parked their bikes because they were too lazy to push them and didn't know how much further it was. We all started climbing the stairs, which were more than I expected. By the time we reached the top, everyone was out of breath and looked like a mess. Our legs were sore, so we took a break to catch our breath. One of our friends even took a nap.

As the sun began to set around 5:00 PM, we paid our respects at the temple and captured photos at the popular spot featuring a golden brass Buddha statue against the backdrop of Nan city's skyline and the vast sky. Wat Phra That Khao Noi serves as a scenic viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the entire city below. After soaking in the serene atmosphere and resting our weary legs, we descended the hill before darkness enveloped us.

Everyone was tired and had low blood sugar, craving sugar. So, the next destination was Auntie Nim's dessert shop, located opposite Wat Sri Phandawn. It was almost six o'clock when we arrived at the shop. There were many desserts to choose from, both hot and cold. Hot desserts included tao suan, sago, black sticky rice, and bua loy (a popular menu item here, but they only start selling it at six o'clock). Cold desserts included Singaporean chendol, salim, and crispy ruby. What was fun was that we could mix different menus, hot with cold, or the same type with multiple items. Since my friends were hungry, they ordered before me because I was waiting to eat bua loy at six o'clock. My friends ordered coconut ice cream with tao suan and coconut ice cream with crispy ruby, and they said it was delicious.

As the clock struck six, the crowd began to swell, eager to savor the bualoy. The once-empty shop was now bustling with a queue of customers, all craving a taste of these sweet dumplings. Seizing the opportunity, I indulged in a generous portion of bualoy with egg and ice cream. The combination, though seemingly unconventional, proved to be a delightful symphony of flavors. The coconut ice cream provided a refreshing base, while the chewy bualoy offered a satisfying textural contrast. The soft-boiled egg added a subtle savory note, harmonizing perfectly with the sweetness of the coconut milk. The key to the dish's success lay in the perfectly balanced sweetness, avoiding the cloying aftertaste that often plagues overly sugary desserts.

After indulging in delicious snacks, we cycled back to our accommodation to rest for a while. Of course, my friends and I were not yet satisfied. Around 8:00 p.m., we left our accommodation to have dinner near our lodging. There were many restaurants to choose from, ranging from noodle soup, Pad Thai, oyster omelets, stir-fried dishes, kaya toast, and Yen Ta Fo. However, we opted to eat at a location with multiple restaurants so that we could try a variety of dishes. I had oyster omelets and rice with pork in oyster sauce and a fried egg. The taste and quantity were excellent, and the price was reasonable.

After a hearty meal, everyone retired to their accommodations and promptly fell asleep, exhausted from the day's strenuous activities. We had cycled extensively under the scorching sun, ascending hills, a stark contrast to the previous day's leisurely lounging on Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park.

On the third day, we woke up at 6:30 AM. After showering and packing our belongings, we went out for breakfast. The accommodation had a variety of food prepared for us, including minced pork porridge with carrots, taro, and corn. There was an electric pan for frying our own fried eggs, toast, coffee, and Ovaltine. We cooked and ate in the garden next to the house. The atmosphere was very good. After breakfast, we said goodbye to Aunt Nidra, the owner of the accommodation, who was very kind and lovely.

We continued our journey to Nan by renting a red taxi to the bus station. The fare was 100 baht. We then boarded aสมบัติทัวร์ bus back at 9:00 AM and arrived at the bus station on Vibhavadi Road around 7:15 PM.

Total travel expenses for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Nan

สมบัติทัวร์วิภาวดีรังสิต - น่าน Roundtrip 958 Baht (Ticket 479 Baht each)

Heuan Nan Nidra offers accommodation for 800 baht per night. Rooms can be configured with either two single beds or one double bed, accommodating two guests per room. An additional bed can be added for 200 baht.

Tent on Doi Samer Dao 345 baht (with pillows, mats, sleeping bags, 2 sets per tent) National park entrance fee 20 baht per person.

Total 6282 Baht

Day 1

- Kad Jea, Wiang Sa District

- Sticky rice, 40 baht per kilogram, divided into 4 bags.

- Pork crackling 1 pack 40 baht

- Grilled pork, 20 baht per bag, 5 skewers per bag (80 baht)

- Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage), 10 baht per piece (30 baht for 3 pieces)

- Sticky rice with custard, 5 baht per pack (15 baht) very delicious and a lot. Total 205 baht.

- Green car Wiang Sa - Na Muen 40 baht per person

- Upon boarding the vehicle, the driver inquired about our destination, specifically whether we were headed to the mountain. Coincidentally, upon arrival at the PTT gas station, a green pickup truck appeared, and the driver offered to transport us to the mountain for 60 baht. He then proposed a detour to the "Sao Din" landmark for an additional 10 baht, bringing the total fare to 70 baht.

• Park entrance fee is 20 baht per person (80 baht)

- Lunch costs around 30-40 baht per plate, and iced Ovaltine is 15 baht.

- Pork BBQ 300 baht, Grilled eggs 6 pieces 40 baht, Singha water large bottle 20 baht

Total first day = 1070 baht

Day two

- Bus fare down 50 baht (200 baht)

- Roasted chicken, 15 baht per pair, sticky rice 4 packs (60 baht)

- Green taxi, 40 baht per person = 160 baht (08:20-09:17)

- Blue car from Wiang-Mueang 25 baht (100 baht)

• Khao Soi Ton Nam, beef 50 baht, chicken 35 baht (170 baht total)

- Seven bought water for 13 baht.

- Check in at Huen Nan Nita and rent a bicycle for 25 baht, available all day and night.

• Homestay 375 Baht
  

• Sweet snacks from Nim's shop 245 baht

• Oyster omelet 40 Pad Thai 50

• Food order 140, grilled chicken 40, water 20.

Total for Day Two = 1713 Baht

Day Three

- The red car costs 100 baht per month.

Including trips

Accommodation + car booked in advance = 6282

Food and travel expenses for 2 days = 2883

Total 9165 Baht

Approximately 2500 Baht per person (2291.25 Baht) for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Nan.

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Traveling may tire us sometimes, but it is always worth it when we look back and see what we call "shared experiences" that will always be etched in our hearts. See you again on our next journey, fellow travelers.