This trip was from the end of last year…I saw that Doi Luang Chiang Dao was trending lately, so I decided to go.

Actually, I didn't plan to go on this trip, but the trip I booked was canceled one day before. So Sad!

Our goal was to climb the mountain, and our bags were packed. However, the trip was suddenly canceled, so we had to find a new one urgently. That night, we rushed into the room with our backpacks to see if anyone was going hiking on December 10-12, 2017.

A Serendipitous Trip to Doi Pha Hom Pok and Doi Luang Chiang Dao

This sentence describes a fortunate encounter with a planned trip to Doi Pha Hom Pok and Doi Luang Chiang Dao. The speaker initially faced disappointment when the trip was fully booked, but their persistence in requesting to join the group paid off. They had previously experienced two cancellations from friends who were supposed to accompany them, leaving them to embark on the adventure solo.

Fortunately, I was able to find a trip at the last minute. We had to drive from Mae Sai District on the 9th to Fang District to wait for the others. Luckily, I knew someone there who let us stay at their house, saving us a night's accommodation. They even treated us to a meal! It was a great experience.

---

December 10, 2017

The others traveled from Bangkok in a van. They initially said they would arrive around 4:00 AM, so I left at 3:30 AM to meet them at the designated gas station in Fang town. However, they ended up arriving closer to 6:00 AM due to heavy traffic during the long weekend. It was okay, though, I waited patiently...sleeping in the car.

Waiting for the 4WD truck that the students had arranged to pick us up at this gas station.

....Doi Pha Hom Pok is the second highest mountain in Thailand after Doi Inthanon, with a height of 2,285 meters. The park entrance fee is 50 baht per person. There is a campsite here called Mon Kiew Lom. We traveled up in a 4WD truck, which the students had booked in advance. The road up is a dirt track...but I believe there is another way to get up without using a 4WD.

It is recommended that if you are not an expert or familiar with this type of driving, park your car and rent a vehicle instead.

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The journey from Kiw Lom to Doi Pha Hom Pok requires a 3-kilometer hike uphill, making for a 6-kilometer round trip.

The summit is a vast, grassy plain exposed to strong winds. It also features high cliffs offering panoramic views.

As we were the only group ascending during our visit, most others likely opted to stay overnight and hike up early to catch the sunrise. However, we started our climb relatively late in the day, encountering strong winds upon reaching the top.

After enjoying the scenery and taking numerous photos, we promptly descended.

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

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Let's take a group photo as a souvenir...

Upon arriving at the bottom, we were all famished, having expended a considerable amount of energy. We decided to order food from the restaurant located within the park.

They ate heartily, as everyone was tired from the journey.

The group then went to have coffee at Doi Mek Coffee Shop. They took a van, but we had to drive behind them.

At that moment, I felt exhausted from all the walking and driving, especially since the van driver was speeding.

My mind was debating whether to turn back or continue, as my body was starting to feel the effects of waking up early.

However, I reminded myself that I had come this far, so I might as well go all the way. After all, I didn't know when I would have the chance to climb Doi Luang Chiang Dao again.

Today was my chance, so I decided to push on.

Day 1 complete.

🎉

Today's warm-up walk was only 7 kilometers. Tomorrow morning, we'll be hiking up Doi Luang Chiang Dao.

✌
Always joining in the funI'm the oldest one here, you know

Laughing out loud.

---

What to Pack for a Mountain Trip?

1. Be physically prepared, especially with strong legs, and have a determined mindset.

2. Tent (rent or share with others if unavailable)

3. Sleeping bag

4. Prepare all fresh/dried food for every meal we will eat.

5. Bring sufficient drinking water, as some parks may not have readily available water sources. However, some parks do provide water for visitors.

6. Flashlight, Wet wipes

7. Footwear: Choose shoes with good traction to prevent slipping and falling.

9. Snacks or sugary drinks that will provide energy during your walk (we're partial to chocolate).

10. Medications for fever, pain relief, and diarrhea treatment

11. Prepare your winter clothes, hats, gloves, and socks.

When you're all set, let's go!

November 12, 1960

...I almost gave up because my legs were getting tired after getting out of the blanket, and I had to drive to follow the younger ones. But since I was already here, I decided to push through.

...Before ascending Doi Luang, we spent the night at a campsite near Den Hin Chat. Fortunately, the friendly staff allowed us to pitch our tents inside a guesthouse, where we all gathered comfortably in one room. A bathroom was available for our use downstairs, making our stay quite pleasant.

...The day we were supposed to go, the pickup truck we had hired came to pick us up. Oh my, by the time we reached the straight road in Den Hin Ngad, I was already exhausted. I was so tense and had been holding on to the car the whole way that my shoulders were sore and my butt hurt. It took quite a while to get to Den Hin Ngad. The road was really torturing my body...

...Doi Luang Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai Province is the third highest mountain in Thailand, reaching an elevation of 2,275 meters above sea level.

...Doi Luang Chiang Dao limits the number of people who can climb to the summit to no more than 150. To obtain permission, you must contact the Chiang Dao National Park office at least 15 days in advance. (We joined a group, and they handled the arrangements.)
...There are two routes to the summit of Doi Luang Chiang Dao:
1. The Den Ya Khat-Ang Salung route is the easiest to walk but requires a car to reach the starting point, which takes about 1.5 hours. This is the most popular route because it is not very steep, but it is the longest, stretching approximately 8.5 km from the starting point to the summit. The hike begins at Den Ya Khat (Khun Huai Mae Kok Unit).

2. The Pang Wa-Ang Slung Trail, approximately 6.5 km long, is quite steep in the initial section. It starts at Pang Wa (Ban Na Lao Mai) and has rest stops at Dong Phai Hok and the final destination at Ang Slung. Cars can be parked at the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary Office. (As of 2023, this trail is reportedly closed.)

…However, we opted for the scenic route up the grassy ridge and descended via the cow pasture. The grassy ridge trail offered a comfortable hike with stunning views throughout the journey.

On Doi Chiang Dao, there are no amenities available. You must bring your own food and water.

Including other necessities we may require.

...On the summit of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, there are no natural water sources.

All drinking and utility water must be carried in by porters.

To save on porter fees, please carry your own luggage.

😅

...#No bathroom #No need to ask for a toilet #Just see the bushes #Spread your legs and go in hahahahahaha

👣

However, there is actually a pit toilet upstairs, but I didn't dare to use it.

A group photo with everyone looking fresh and cheerful.

We will walk along the mountain to the three-way intersection that connects to the Pang Wua Trail.

To reach the tent site, the distance is approximately 8.5 kilometers.

10:50 AM: The release has begun! Walk at your own pace and take breaks when you need them.

The golden sunflowers bloom on the mountaintop. ^^

And then we arrived at a three-way intersection, where the Pang Wa and Den Ya Krad paths meet. We have only walked halfway, and we will have lunch soon after this point.

We embarked on our leisurely hike at approximately 10:50 AM, reaching the summit of Doi Luang around 4:00 PM. The journey took a leisurely five hours, leaving our legs pleasantly weary.

👣

..Each person arrived and left their backpacks behind..

...I ate all the snacks I brought along the way so my bag would be lighter. I quickly drank water so I could get rid of some of it because I was carrying 1.5 liters of water in one bottle and 0.6 liters in two bottles. It was so heavy! The water was the heaviest part.
...When we reached the top, we rested until we weren't tired anymore. Then we helped each other set up the tents. Around 4:00 PM, we had to hurry to #climbhell to reach the highest peak #to watch the sunset.

It's time to walk to the highest peak, Doi Luang, to watch the sunset.

The path to the viewpoint is so steep that we almost have to crawl. The queue is long, and everyone is inching forward.

There are so many people at the top! What are they all doing here? Oh, they're here for the same reason as us.

Unfortunately, the fog is thick today, so the sun is only peeking out occasionally. It doesn't seem very eager to show itself.

The deeper we ventured into the darkness, the colder the air became, and the wind picked up.

We had only brought thin jackets, and our lips were turning blue, our bodies trembling as the cold seeped into our bones.

Perhaps we should take a quick group photo and head back down.

Descending, we immediately indulged in a feast of sukiyaki, as our friend had promised. However, the wait was considerable, prompting us to enjoy some milk-soaked bread in the meantime. The bread, at that moment, seemed exceptionally delicious.

Before the bread bag could even be placed down, another hand swiftly grabbed a slice. It was clear that everyone was famished.

...You're full and can rest now... It's starting to get cold...

Tomorrow, some of the students will wake up to watch the sunrise at the top of the Kiw Lom.

As for me, I'm not going. I'll just look at the pictures from the students who went up. But it's really beautiful. I still regret it.

I'm starting to get exhausted... I've come this far, and I'm so tired. And I have to drive back home. I'm afraid I'll pass out on the way.

---

December 12, 1960

This morning, we woke up early and stood outside to watch the stars in the early morning. It was very refreshing.

The weather was quite cold, but not too bad.

This morning, we waited for the group that went to the top of the mountain to come down, and then we made instant noodles with the leftover vegetables from last night.

Many bird's nest ferns were found on the way down... If you don't observe carefully, you might miss them. They like to hide.

The final destination at Ang Silaung.

On the way down, we took the Pang Wa route. At first, it seemed easy, but after a while, it became very difficult.

The path is very steep. Anyone who climbs this path deserves respect. We, along with three others, walked to the very end of the group.

As the other friend had a leg injury, we decided to walk together (just an excuse for us, hehe).

We took our time, and eventually all four of us arrived at 1:00 PM.

We then boarded the pickup truck and returned to the original location where they were already waiting.

And today we said goodbye to the children at the shelter... to go back home.....

...This trip cost us around 1,600 baht... including fuel and food expenses for our self-driven journey.

Estimated individual cost...which is the total cost divided among 11 people.

1. Water package: 65 baht
2. Transportation to Doi Pha Hom Pok: 2700 baht
3. Guide fee for Doi Pha Hom Pok: 450 baht
4. Food cost for Doi Pha Hom Pok: 880 baht
5. Entrance fee for Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park: 500 baht
6. Evening expenses: 1900 baht
7. Morning expenses: 1003 baht
8. Transportation + entrance fee + accommodation in Chiang Dao: 2230 baht
9. Porter fee for 2 people: 2000 baht

Thank you to the many cameras that captured this moment. Thank you to the students who invited me to join in the fun.

...Fun, exciting, and affordable travel...I love it so much...