Hello.

Today, 'Travel with Fun' will take everyone to take cute photos at 'Hokkaido', or simply called Hod City, Chiang Mai. The origin of this trip came from the question:

"Ploy, are you free this weekend? Let's go on a trip to Chiang Mai."

'Okay'

Where shall we go?

"Big Uey, choose whatever you want. They always follow their own heart anyway."

Okay, I'll do some research first.

After three days of research, I compiled a comprehensive travel plan for Chiang Mai, including sightseeing attractions, charming accommodations, delectable restaurants, and time-saving travel routes. I presented options A, B, and C to N'Ploy for her selection.

Plan A: Chiang Dao. Not many tourist attractions, but beautiful accommodation.

"Plan B: Doi Ang Khang. The accommodation isn't great, but the views are supposed to be beautiful."

Plan C: Mon Cham, a nearby location with numerous attractions and stunning accommodations.

After nearly 10 minutes of elaboration, N้องพลอย responded that

"They want to go to 'Hod' city."

The first question that came to mind was…

What are the past three days called? T^T

No worries! I believe that Hod also has many lovely tourist attractions. So, I put plans A, B, and C in the drawer and planned a trip to Hod instead.

Hod is a small district located in the south of Chiang Mai province, approximately 100 kilometers from the city center. The journey takes less than two hours, and there are numerous tourist attractions to visit along the way. Some travelers extend their trip to Mae Hong Son, creating a circular route that offers a captivating experience.

This two-day, one-night trip was a leisurely road trip with a focus on photography. Our main destinations were Ob Luang and Bo Kaew Pine Forest, often referred to as the "Nami Island of Thailand." Having never been to Nami Island, but familiar with Koh Kret in Nonthaburi, we were eager to capture stunning photos amidst the lush green pines of Bo Kaew Pine Forest.

We departed from Chiang Mai around noon, taking the Hang Dong-Jom Thong-Hot route. It didn't take long to reach our first stop.

'Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai'

Grand Canyon Chiang Mai: A Hidden Gem

The Grand Canyon Chiang Mai, also known as the Hang Dong Grand Canyon, exceeded my expectations. While older reviews described it as a deserted quarry with stagnant water, it has undergone significant development and now resembles a water park.

For a mere 50 baht entrance fee, visitors can enjoy swimming, diving, and life jackets are provided. The site boasts restaurants, cafes, changing rooms, and even accommodation options. Additionally, there are diving platforms, zip lines, and rock climbing facilities (although the latter's availability is unclear). Lifeguards ensure safety, and I regretted not bringing my swimsuit for a refreshing dip. At such an affordable price, the Grand Canyon Chiang Mai offers a unique and enjoyable experience.

Let's take a walk and explore the Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai together.

Grand Canyon Chiang Mai

Zipline

Swim for only 50 baht.

Grand Canyon



A zip line is also available for an additional fee.

Life jackets are available.

The afternoon was waning as we emerged from the Grand Canyon Chiang Mai, and rain loomed on the horizon. Deciding to seek shelter before the downpour, we faced the challenge of finding accommodation without prior reservations. As I navigated the roads from Hang Dong through Chom Thong towards Hod, my companion, Ploy, diligently compared lodging options on Agoda. Her search revealed a hidden gem: Heuan Huk Hod The Resort, a budget-friendly haven nestled at the entrance of Ob Luang National Park. Its cleanliness and affordability made it an irresistible choice.

'Book it yourself then.'

"We can't be sure. We need to call and check the price first. Sometimes, the walk-in price is cheaper than the price on the website."

As Ploy had anticipated, the walk-in price was only 500 baht per night, significantly lower than the 600+ baht advertised on the website. Ploy's travel experience saved the group over 100 baht.

The sun had not yet set when we arrived at our accommodation.

'The Love Hut Resort'

Huern Huk Hod The Resort is a small resort located at the entrance of Aob Luang National Park. It offers approximately 10 rooms in 3 types: standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and triple rooms. Standard rooms are priced at 500 baht and are located close together. Deluxe rooms are priced at 800 baht and are individual houses. Triple rooms are priced at 900 baht. (Prices are for low season.)

Embark on a journey to the city of Hod.

The House of Love Resort


Standard Room


Deluxe room and triple room

Front balcony of the accommodation

Swing in the backyard

In my personal opinion, Heuan Hak Hod Resort is an excellent accommodation option. It offers cleanliness, tranquility, and affordability. The resort owner is hospitable, and the dogs are adorable. If you're seeking value for money, I highly recommend Heuan Hak Hod Resort.

While checking into the resort, it seemed like there was nothing much to do except for dropping off our belongings, taking a shower, and relaxing. However, Noy accidentally noticed a field of wildflowers behind the resort with a beautiful mountain range in the background. As the sun was about to set, we looked at each other knowingly, threw our things down, grabbed our cameras, and headed out to the field to take pictures.

Very Hokkaido-like

As the sun set, we took a stroll around the temple near the roundabout and enjoyed a delicious bowl of rice porridge at Nong Bank's branch 2. The food was truly satisfying, and we slept soundly afterwards.






Temple fair atmosphere

After a satisfying meal, I returned to my accommodation only to realize that I had brought my camera, memory card, and battery, but had forgotten the charger. As a result, my camera battery died.

Put the camera away and use your phone instead.

The next day, we traveled to the 'Pine Forest of Bo Kaeo'.

This road cuts through the heart of Ob Luang National Park, running parallel to the Mae Chaem River. The road is shaded and scenic, and it doesn't take long to reach Bo Kaew Pine Forest.

My initial impression of Bo Kaew Pine Forest was that it was much more beautiful than I had anticipated. I had expected to see only a few pine trees, but instead, I was greeted by a vast expanse of lush green pines bathed in soft sunlight. A dirt road cut through the center, guiding the eye, and the air was refreshingly cool. I couldn't help but wonder if comparing Bo Kaew Pine Forest to Nami Island was an understatement.

Let's take some photos together.


Nami Island of Thailand

I think it's even more beautiful than Nami Island.

We crossed the street to eat sticky rice, papaya salad with fermented fish sauce, and half a crispy-skinned grilled chicken until we were full, and then we headed to the 'Theppanom Hot Spring'.

While passing by the rice terraces, we couldn't resist stopping the car and capturing some stunning photos.

The sight immediately sparked a desire to visit Ban Pa Pong Piang.

Stop by the terraced rice fields along the way.

A short distance further on, you will reach the Theppanom Hot Spring.

Upon first hearing the name "Thepphanom Hot Spring," I felt a pang of homesickness, as the name resembled that of my local village headman. I initially assumed it wouldn't be worth the visit. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a breathtaking and tranquil vista. The hot spring offers a unique opportunity to bathe in warm, mineral-rich waters. Private bathing rooms are available, ensuring both cleanliness and privacy, all at an incredibly affordable price. Although we peeked inside the bathing rooms, our limited time prevented us from indulging in the experience. We opted to continue our journey towards Aob Luang instead.


Atmosphere of Thep Phanom Hot Spring

A short drive from the Thepphanom Hot Springs brings you to the final destination of this trip: Aob Luang.

The towering cliffs of Aob Luang are carved by the raging Mae Chaem River, a testament to the forces of nature. Crossing the bridge over the Khao Khad gap reveals a nature trail, leading to the highlight: ancient cave paintings. These paintings stand as compelling evidence of the presence of early humans in this region.

After taking photos at Khao Khad, we hiked along the nature trail, climbed to the Doi Pha Chang viewpoint, and then returned.



Ob Luang and Doi Pha Chang Viewpoint

This is our two-day trip to Hot.

Those seeking a leisurely vacation with ample time for relaxation and photography will find this location ideal.

I guarantee that after two days in Hod, you won't want to let go of the embrace.

**********

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Thank you. ^^


#chiang mai#hot district
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