The sea of mist, which I have been searching for for almost a year, is finally within my grasp. I want to be enveloped in her embrace forever.

A Journey to Sawan Ya Luang Garden: A Challenging Climb with Breathtaking Rewards

Nestled amidst the mountains of Nan Province, Thailand, Sawan Ya Luang Garden sits at an impressive 1,600 meters above sea level. Accessible by car, this unique destination offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure and breathtaking views.

Reaching Sawan Ya Luang Garden requires a dedicated journey. From Bangkok, travelers must navigate hundreds of mountainous kilometers to reach the village of San Charoen, the starting point for the final ascent. Here, a challenging 12-kilometer off-road journey awaits, traversing muddy, steep, and winding paths along the mountainside. Coffee plantations line the route, offering a glimpse into the local agricultural landscape.

During the rainy season, the path becomes even more treacherous. Fallen trees and impassable roads can force travelers to embark on a 4-kilometer hike to reach their destination. While the option of staying overnight in a local homestay exists, some choose to push forward and camp at the summit for a truly immersive experience.

The climb is not without its challenges. Fog and rain frequently descend, adding to the difficulty of the terrain. However, the rewards are well worth the effort. As you ascend, the surrounding landscape transforms into a sea of clouds, offering panoramic vistas that leave a lasting impression.

For those fortunate enough to encounter a passing vehicle, a ride to the summit can be arranged for a nominal fee. This option provides a welcome respite from the arduous climb, allowing travelers to conserve their energy for exploring the wonders that await at the peak.

Sawan Ya Luang Garden stands as a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature. The challenging journey to reach its summit is a rewarding experience, offering breathtaking views and a deep connection with the surrounding environment. Whether you choose to conquer the climb on foot or seek assistance along the way, the memories created at this unique destination will undoubtedly linger long after your visit.

Doi Suan Ya Luang is located approximately 77 kilometers from Nan Province (according to Google Maps). In the past, Doi Suan Ya Luang was a large opium-growing area. Later, King Rama IX transformed the area into a coffee-growing region, providing villagers with a sustainable livelihood.

::Recommendations::
1. Prepare your body for the possibility of walking, especially if heavy rain prevents vehicles from ascending.
2. If you are able to take a vehicle, brace yourself for a bumpy ride, as the road conditions resemble the lunar surface.
3. Be prepared for the impact of fog on the mountaintop, which can be quite forceful.

#Little_boy_walking_slowly
#Walking_past_to_tease

Despite being a 4x4 vehicle, chains were still required on the wheels due to the extreme difficulty of the uphill terrain.

After driving 8 km on a 4x4 through the villagers' coffee plantation, we encountered a fallen tree blocking the road. Unable to proceed further by vehicle, we were forced to carry our belongings on foot for an additional 4 km.

After walking for about 1 kilometer, we encountered a local villager's car. We asked him for a ride to the top of the mountain, as the remaining distance was considerable and the path became increasingly steep. Everyone was tired from carrying heavy loads. During the car ride, it rained continuously. However, upon reaching the summit, the sun emerged, signaling a promising prospect of a stunning sea of mist the following morning.

That's the peak of Suan Ya Luang, where the Thai national flag and a sign are located at the top.

The weather is perfect. As soon as we arrived, we had to set up our tents. We set them up on the top of the mountain. Someone told us that the wind is strong at night. We like it. This is the real atmosphere.

The camp where we cooked and some of our friends slept was located in a pavilion below. It was a pavilion built by the villagers with sturdy pillars and a tiled roof that provided some protection from the rain. The roof was quite old, but it was still sufficient to shelter us.

The arduous journey took a considerable amount of time. Despite the availability of transportation, the ride was far from comfortable. Hunger pangs gnawed at our stomachs, prompting us to seek sustenance. Our dinner menu for the evening consisted of a delectable barbecue feast.

The sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the scene. As the day drew to a close, a sense of rejuvenation filled the air. People gathered, eager to share laughter and create lasting memories. Cameras clicked, capturing the essence of the moment.

This event also included a pre-wedding photoshoot.

The Royal Park of Medicinal Plants can be accessed from both Phayao and Nan provinces. We chose to ascend from the Nan side. At night, the stars are visible from both sides, especially when there is a sea of fog, creating a breathtaking view.

This morning, we woke up at 5:30 a.m., feeling a bit groggy. The air was cool and comfortable, and we thought to ourselves that there must be sea fog because it had rained the day before.

And then, the long-awaited moment finally arrived: the sea of mist.

The sea of fog today is truly breathtaking, contrasting beautifully with the golden light of the morning sun. It is a sight beyond words.

The fog still blankets the horizon at 9:00 AM.

It's getting late. It's time to pack up and head down from the summit.

We will collect everything you brought.
On the way down, we need to walk down to the point where the tree fell to take a car down to the village.

On the way down, we stopped to pay respects to the Buddha statue by the roadside. Nearby, there are also restrooms and water available. You can rest here.

And so we arrived at the area where we would board the vehicle to return to the village.

Although the road is already on a downward slope, it is still necessary to dig down and level the ground to fill in the potholes so that vehicles can pass through smoothly.

In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Bia, the organizer of the #WalkingTrailEatingTrip, for arranging such an amazing trip for us to enjoy.
I would also like to thank Beauty, the stunning model from the A Sexy Journey page, for being our model.
Thank you to all my fellow trip members.
And please follow our humble page. We will be back with reviews of beautiful tourist destinations for you to follow soon.

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