Despite the common fear of traveling during the rainy season, I find that every journey brings with it pleasant memories that help to dispel such anxieties. This time was no different, as I embarked on a trip to Ban Sai Mok Homestay in Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai.
My trusty Mazda 2, a 2012 model, has always been my faithful companion on every journey. It has never let me down, and its performance is excellent. (This is not an advertisement, but I must give it credit because it is truly exceptional.)
On this trip, I was joined by my younger brother, who was not only a fellow traveler but also the mastermind behind the itinerary. With everything prepared, it was time to embark on our adventure.
Traveling to Chiang Dao district is not difficult. Drive along the Mae Rim district route, passing through Mae Taeng district, and you will reach Chiang Dao district. The drive takes about 1 hour. From Chiang Dao district to Baan Sai Morakot Homestay, the distance is approximately 20 kilometers and takes about 30 minutes. The distance is not far, but the road is quite narrow. However, it is not too difficult to drive. Just be careful, as there are sharp curves. Before entering a curve, honk your horn to signal to oncoming traffic. There is also a checkpoint where you will be charged an entrance fee of 20 baht per person and 30 baht per car.
The first sight that greets you is a viewing platform amidst a sea of mist, with towering mountains as a backdrop, like a picture frame. It's absolutely stunning, no matter which angle you capture it from. Plus, the weather is perfect - you can take photos from any angle and they'll all be beautiful, and it's not even hot. This is even though we arrived at noon.
I have already booked my accommodation. Even though it is the rainy season, the accommodation is usually full. For those who want to breathe fresh air here, it is recommended to book in advance. As for the accommodation, it is currently charged per person. There are 2 types: a house for 600 baht per person and a tent for 500 baht per person. This price includes dinner and breakfast. Additional information: there are no activities to do here. It is mostly about walking and taking pictures at various points in the village, which can be accessed at every homestay because most of them are relatives.
This is a view from the central courtyard of the Baan Sai Mo Homestay. In the background is Doi Luang Chiang Dao, which appears majestic yet evokes a sense of gentleness, warmth, and indescribable happiness.
A landmark in the middle of a homestay where everyone comes to capture the atmosphere that is so chill, beautiful and shady.
The temperature at 12:00 p.m. is 25 degrees Celsius. The weather is very good.
As there were no other tourist activities available at the homestay, the young owner suggested visiting Kong, a village located approximately 20 kilometers away. He described Kong as resembling Pai in its earlier days, with vast rice fields offering breathtaking views. Intrigued by the prospect, I decided to explore the area. On the way, I took some pictures of the rocky cliffs, a landscape I particularly admire.
This place also offers affordable noodles for locals. Regular size costs 20 baht, while the special size costs 30 baht. Wow! From the picture, the 30-baht Yen Ta Fo looks amazing. Judging from the quantity and the taste I had, I ended up ordering 2 more bags of dry noodles. Unforgettable deliciousness! 555+
Here is a view of the rice fields during the new planting season. The rice seedlings have not yet sprouted, but I imagine it would be incredibly beautiful when the rice is in full bloom, just like Pai in the past.
The scenery here is breathtaking. Both sides of the road are adorned with vast rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. The fields themselves resemble a series of low-lying terraces, with subtle variations in elevation. When the rice is in full bloom, the fields are a vibrant tapestry of green, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
The road from Chiang Dao district to Baan Sai Moke Homestay is similar to the road from the district to the city. We must drive carefully. On the way there, I didn't take any pictures, but on the way back, I took a picture with the 1st kilometer marker before reaching Kong city.
After returning from Kong City, I stopped by to take pictures at the Baan Wiang Doi Luang viewpoint. This spot offers a clear view of Doi Luang Chiang Dao.
The swing seats offer a unique perspective, adding to the overall ambiance.
As the evening sets in, I capture a view from the front of my tent accommodation.
I've also made two new friends, Black and Brown. They seem friendly and follow me wherever I go (although, to be honest, they mostly follow me when I'm eating).
This is another view from the front of my tent.
This is a picture of the accommodation at Sai Morakot Homestay. On the day I stayed, the houses were all full, so I stayed in a tent. There are only two tents available.
The panoramic image was taken from the central courtyard of the homestay. Next to it is another nearby homestay, which also has a convenience store.
Picturesque view of vibrant flowers at the homestay.
For dinner at Baan Sai Morok Homestay, there is a pot of rice, omelet, tofu soup, stir-fried cabbage with fish sauce, and the homestay's special chili paste that goes well with everything. The chili paste enhances the flavor of each dish. I would rate this dinner as satisfactory.
After dinner, I started taking pictures of the village atmosphere. This picture is of the sunset behind the homestay. The light was beautiful.
As you walk up to the center of the village, you will find a central square. This area is likely public property and serves as a gathering place for tourists to capture the surrounding scenery.
The bamboo used to create the walls and floor of the photo platform gives it a classic and indie aesthetic. As dusk approached, we retreated to our tents to rest, anticipating the opportunity to capture the morning ambiance before our departure.
Upon arriving in the morning, we were greeted with coffee and Ovaltine, complete with hot water, ready to be served in front of our tent. This made us incredibly happy.
Enjoying a morning coffee with a view of Doi Luang Chiang Dao. What a delightful experience!
The morning glory flowers sway in the morning breeze, their vibrant colors captivating and mesmerizing. The atmosphere is so enchanting that one would never want to leave.
After a morning coffee, a hot bowl of minced pork rice porridge followed for breakfast. At 500 baht per person, it was an incredible value. I believe this place offers more than just satisfaction.
Before leaving, we took many pictures, not knowing when we would have the chance to soak in this atmosphere again. We kept taking pictures.
Beautiful light creates beautiful images and a wonderful atmosphere.
Relaxing at the homestay's landmark.
Bidding farewell to Baan Saimok Homestay, we embarked on our journey, accompanied by breathtaking mountain vistas and ethereal mist.
The mist amidst the mountains cuts through the view of Doi Luang, creating a breathtaking and refreshing scene.
Ultimately, we must return to our own life plans. Every journey brings us valuable experiences that help us refine our goals and give our life plans more meaning.
. . Ban Sai Homestay @ Chiang Dao . .
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
FreelyThailand
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 11:21 AM