One afternoon, while scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled upon a photograph that sparked the inspiration for this trip.

I: Hey, Aon, I want to donate stuff to Nan and go sightseeing there.
Aon: I'll see if I'm available (flat tone).
I: Okay, but the problem is the pickup truck we'll use to transport the stuff.
Aon: I'll ask my uncle (flat tone).

[Image of a clock's hands spinning rapidly like in a movie, trying to cut out the protractedness]

Three months have passed.

: : The music of hope gradually rose. It came with good news. Yes...we got a pickup truck from Uncle On, but...but again, the continuous donations filled the back of the truck and couldn't be transported all at once. Not to mention the items from 2-3 other friends that haven't been picked up yet.

: We packed as much as we could and left on Thursday, the 26th. We collected supplies with friends in Bangkok and sorted them until 1 am, which meant we only got 3 hours of sleep. There were three of us on this trip: me, On, and Uncle Seua (On's uncle). At 5 am sharp, we left Bangkok and arrived in Bang Pla Ma around 7 am to pick up some more supplies from a friend. After that, we drove straight (with a few stops) to Lampang, only to find out when we arrived that we had taken the wrong route. We lost 100 km, but it was worth it for the amazing scenery along the way.

: : 5:00 PM. We arrived in Nan and asked for directions. We bought 500 baht worth of snacks for the children tomorrow. In addition to the children's snacks, we also bought food for the adults for tonight.

The journey from the bottom to Mae Kha Ning Subdistrict took approximately two hours by car. The winding road, with its steep ascents and descents, was a challenge to navigate, especially after a three-hour nap and a day's worth of accumulated fatigue. With the battery nearly depleted, the driver persevered, demonstrating remarkable endurance. By the time they reached their destination, it was almost dusk.

: Our accommodation for the night is Phukeng School, located in Huai Yawak Village, less than a kilometer from our donation point. After talking to Mr. Zhang, who was waiting to welcome us and facilitate everything from making a fire to grilling and finding us rice, we all went our separate ways to do our own tasks. Aon and I pitched the tent, while Uncle Seu marinated the pork (and was the chef for the whole night).

The Mlabri people (new name), formerly known as the Phi Tong Luang, are primarily employed in general labor and foraging for food. They reside in the Rong Kwang district of Phrae province, as well as the Wiang Sa and Santisuk districts of Nan province. With a population of 100-125 people, they were traditionally nomadic, but have now established permanent settlements in villages.

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For more information, please visit:

[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden texthttp://www.tpso10.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83&Itemid=136

As the night wore on, the temperature began to drop, promising a chilly evening ahead. During our conversation, I excused myself to take a shower. The bathroom boasted a Jacuzzi shower with an open-flow system, providing a refreshing stream of water. The water, sourced from the nearby mountains, was pleasantly cool, sending shivers down my spine. In less than three minutes, I found myself toweling off, unable to withstand the cold. I barely managed to lather up with soap before calling it quits.

"My brother is cold."

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It was a restless night due to the loud engine of Aon's car, particularly the turbo and gear whine. (It sounded like snoring.) Fortunately, the temperature did not drop further; otherwise, I would not have been able to sleep.

Waking up to the view before me, as you can see, is a sensory experience that goes beyond sight. The sounds of birds, wind, and rustling leaves create a tangible sense of joy.

: : I immediately got out of bed to pack up the tent and take a shower. My eyes scanned the surroundings and the camera lying next to me. I had 1 hour to take pictures before going to donate the items.

: : The long-awaited moment finally arrived. I didn't expect so many adults to be waiting to welcome me. Honestly, I had planned to make a quiet donation without any ceremony, just to act as an intermediary to deliver the goods to the villagers and then continue my travels. However, I must express my sincere gratitude to the Mae Kha Ning Subdistrict Administrative Organization for their participation and assistance. I would also like to thank my friends and siblings for their generous contributions. Ultimately, we all share the same goal: to do good deeds together and find joy in the process. Both the giver and the receiver experience happiness, just as Christopher McCandless etched on his car before his death:

"Happiness is only real when shared."

: : After a while, a female officer from the Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) suggested that I visit the childcare center. I brought along two educational materials to give to the kindergarten teachers. The officer told me that the annual budget per child is 1,700 baht. I had forgotten what this budget covers and why it seemed so low. While I was there, I took photos of the children and talked to the teachers about what the childcare center still needs. : : Education budget is very important, especially for children. Our country is in their hands in the future. As for the adults who are corrupt, no matter how much they get, they won't be able to take anything with them in the end, not even a single penny. If anyone wants to donate educational materials, I recommend going there in person. You can also visit the place. If you want to send things, no matter how much or how little, here is the address: Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) Mae Kha Ning 199 Moo 3, Mae Kha Ning Subdistrict, Wiang Sa District, Nan Province 55110. Please write "Donation for Mae Kha Ning Childcare Center" in parentheses.

: : I walked back up to the village to take pictures around the village.

: : Strolling through the village, I didn't expect to encounter a hyena. It even growled at me. Relax, I come in peace.

After a brief conversation about rattan bags last night, Mr. Zhang took us to see how they are made today. The process is far more intricate than the TV shows portray. It takes an incredibly long time to create just one bag. However, the price is reasonable considering the time and effort involved. The rattan is spun on the shins to make it more durable, then woven. The colors are natural or dyed with tree bark, resulting in a muted palette. Bags range in size from small enough to hold a phone to large enough to hold a tablet, with prices ranging from 150 to 500 baht. The production time is 1 to 2 months. If you're interested, you can order through me (excluding shipping). I can confidently say that these are 100% handmade, and I have no personal interest in the sales. ; )

: : Brother Zhang told me that the Mlabri people are very generous to each other. A single pig can be shared among the whole village, and no matter what one house asks for, the other house is ready to give it immediately. One villager told me that if one house asks for rice, their own house will give it to them, even if they don't have enough to eat themselves.

Before reaching the city center of Nan, we stopped at a noodle shop called "Anusawari Chai" to satisfy our hunger. The first bowl of noodles disappeared quickly, leaving no time for a photo. I ordered both soup and dry versions, and there was no doubt about their deliciousness. However, I still had some space in my stomach, so I ordered a coconut ice cream. Feeling thirsty, I finished with a coffee from the shop next door to the noodle shop.

: The next destination is Phumin Temple. I feel like something is missing if I don't go to the temple when I travel. Besides worshipping Buddha, I can also admire the murals of Pu Man and Ya Man. The more I read about the murals, the more I want to come here, just like me.

Read more at

[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden texthttp://www.sanook.com/men/12181/

: : I could stand and admire the world-famous Whisper of Love painting all day long.

The original text describes an experience where the speaker encountered a fearful child outside a temple. The speaker then accompanied the child inside, where the atmosphere was dark and unsettling. The speaker felt a sense of fear and believes that the experience reinforced their belief in karma.

Here is the translated text:

As I walked around the temple taking pictures, I came across a child standing outside looking scared. I asked them why they weren't going inside, and they replied that they were afraid. I decided to accompany them, and as we entered, the atmosphere felt dark and oppressive. I even had to turn on my camera flash to see properly. Looking back at the photos, I still feel a sense of unease. This experience has further strengthened my belief in karma as I grow older.

I strolled along, taking photos, until I reached a postcard shop owned by a friendly-looking grandmother. I smiled at her and chatted about the scorching weather before buying a postcard to send to a friend in Suphan Buri. The grandmother's shop is directly opposite Wat Phumin.

: : Departing from Wat Phumin around two in the afternoon, the next destination was Khun Sathan National Park. We followed the GPS, and I don't remember the exact distance because we stopped along the way to buy barbecue supplies and grills. For those who plan to stay at Khun Sathan, don't worry about stoves and grills; they are readily available. All you need to bring is food for grilling.

The first step out of the car was a rush of happiness and a sudden chill. I was delighted to soak in the atmosphere. My camera and I were trying to make sense of our surroundings.

The welfare shop offers instant noodles, snacks, and coffee sachets, with free hot water available. Tent rental costs only 100 baht with a 100 baht deposit, including charcoal and a grill. I and Uncle Seu stayed at Baan Tawan 2, which does not have an ensuite bathroom, but the bathroom is nearby, just a few steps away. The price depends on what you offer. Initially, I offered 1000 baht, but the staff looked confused and said it was too much. So I changed it to 600 baht, which is very reasonable. The room is not too small and can comfortably accommodate three people. The room is fairly clean, but there may be some insects as we are surrounded by forest.

: : The early morning is especially noteworthy, with the cold and the mist knocking on the door, almost welcoming you into the room. The temperature is around 16-17 degrees Celsius, not cold enough to see your breath, but still chilly for someone like me who is sensitive to the cold. Being here, I feel my mind clear and open, and I can't help but shout in my heart,

“I don't want to go back to Bangkok anymore.”

: : The scene cuts to me sitting at my desk, surrounded by buildings. I ask to return to the previous world for a moment. : : I find joy in watching the clouds and mist drift with the wind. I watch them pass by, group after group, just like life itself.

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We continued our ascent to take some photos, but as we walked, we both felt a strange sensation in our stomachs. We wondered if we were both experiencing the same thing. "Do you feel like you need to use the bathroom?" I asked. Aon replied that she couldn't wait any longer and needed to go right then and there. We walked a short distance into the forest, and while Aon did her business, I took some photos of the surrounding area. Suddenly, I felt an itch on my leg. I looked down and saw a leech! I had only seen them in pictures before, and I had never been afraid of them. But when I saw one in real life, I screamed like a girl. I dropped my camera and frantically pulled off my socks and shoes. I wanted to continue climbing to take more photos, but I was too scared. I ran to a nearby log that I thought the leech couldn't reach and quickly removed it. I then slowly and cautiously made my way down the mountain, still feeling afraid. I even slipped and fell, landing on my butt. Thankfully, a kind person saw me fall and helped me up. I was so embarrassed that I wanted to laugh at myself. I thought about getting revenge on the leech by throwing Aon's poop on it, but I decided against it.

The final stop of the day was Huai Rong Waterfall. On the way, we stopped for a coffee break at a shop with no name but a million-dollar view and ten-baht coffee. I walked around looking at the strawberries for two rounds before asking the saleswoman, a young woman, how long they could be kept. "For months," she replied. After that, I got some souvenirs for my mother. Walking past the coffee shop, less than 10 steps (I counted), I came across a view, and a view. Everywhere I looked, there were beautiful views. I could sit there all day with just a book and a cup of fragrant coffee. The more I looked down, the more I wanted to walk down. I was curious to know what they were planting, the names of the trees, and their uses. Maybe I could plant some when I go back to my hometown in the countryside.

: : At the end of the day, we visited Huai Rong Waterfall, also known as Huai Long Waterfall. For each location, I recommend using GPS navigation as I haven't provided detailed directions. In the past, I used to print rough maps and ask for directions along the way, which often resulted in wasting time when I got lost. As a "forest person," I finally had to learn to use GPS. : : To reach Huai Rong Waterfall from Nan, follow the Phrae-Nan road and turn left at Ban Huai Rong. There will be a sign indicating the entrance to the waterfall. Continue for 4-5 kilometers to reach the destination.

A Journey of Growth and Gratitude

For me, every journey is more than just a way to pass the time or a simple vacation. It's an opportunity to revitalize my spirit, broaden my perspective, and adapt to unfamiliar environments. This trip was especially enriching thanks to the incredible people who joined me.

First and foremost, I'm grateful to Uncle Seu, who served as our driver, chef, and owner of the vehicle. Without him, the journey would have been much quieter, and the supplies for the Mae Khaning community wouldn't have reached their destination.

I'm also deeply appreciative of my university friend, Aon, who always inspires me with his positive energy. This was the second time I'd dragged him along on one of my adventures (haha), and I'm truly thankful for his support. A big thank you also goes to Aon's two friends who contributed supplies for the children.

My gratitude extends to the Mae Khaning School for providing us with valuable information, the Head of the Mae Khaning Subdistrict Administrative Organization for facilitating our efforts, and Mr. Jang Phao Mhong for taking care of us throughout the day. Finally, I'm incredibly grateful for all the donations and contributions towards fuel costs.

This journey was a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative impact of travel. It was a reminder that even the smallest gestures can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

Translated by:
Thanakrit Rumataku
Danupat Thamkratok

“Travel humbles you. It shows you that the place you call home is just a tiny speck on this vast planet.”

Gustave Flaubert.

Watch the animation here

[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden messagehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6820ktbmas

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[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden message.

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