Chapter 2: Baan Rak Thai

This is a continuation of the Pang Ung story.

Read Part 1 Pang Ung https://th.readme.me/p/14806

Read Part 3 Baan Ja Bo https://th.readme.me/p/14810

Leaving Pang Ung, stopped to refuel at the junction. 1 liter for 40 baht. It's a basic pump.

Arriving at Rak Thai Village in the late morning felt like stepping through a portal into China. The village boasts a variety of fragrant and flavorful tea varieties. Sipping tea by the water's edge in the morning, surrounded by mist blanketing the village, is an unforgettable experience. As the mist dissipates, it transforms into wisps of fog hovering above the water. The sound of roosters crowing and the simple, peaceful way of life evoke a sense of envy for the residents of this idyllic village.

As usual, the first thing we did upon arrival was to find a place to stay. We didn't book any accommodation for this trip because it was a weekday, so we figured there would be plenty of vacancies.

Accommodation Recommendations

1. We recommend Liwaen Rak Thai Resort for its stunning mountaintop views. While the resort allows non-guests to access the viewpoint for photography between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, the most breathtaking views occur during the early morning hours (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM). Alternatively, Cha Sa Rak Thai offers accommodations on a mountain with unrestricted access for photography. However, Liwaen Rak Thai boasts more aesthetically pleasing accommodations, particularly when capturing the morning mist surrounding the houses.

2. Thon Phattra Baandin Resort: Our accommodation for tonight. Contact 084-8549397. This resort is located by the river, opposite Ban Rak Thai. New, large, and affordable rooms with hot water, TV, and two 6-foot beds for 800 baht. The view from here offers a glimpse of Ban Rak Thai, Cha Sa Rak Thai, and Da Li Sa, three popular resorts.

After settling my luggage, I spent the afternoon exploring the village. There were many restaurants and souvenir shops. I stopped by Lee Wine Rak Thai for a bite to eat. I was actually hoping to try the mantou and thousand-year-old pork leg, but I was alone and afraid I wouldn't be able to finish it, and it was expensive too (haha). This is a budget trip after all.

After eating, you can explore the Rewine Rak Thai guesthouse, but please do not disturb the guests. The time limit for non-guests is 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The house is located in Chaisarayrakthai, next to Ban Rak Thai. It also has a miniature Great Wall of China.

In the late afternoon, we were chilling by the river. The air was getting cooler, and there was already mist floating on the water from the night before.

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Another long-awaited morning has arrived.

This morning at 7 am, the fog was so thick that we could only see a few feet in front of us. We hurried to the spot where we were going to take pictures.

Around 8:00 AM, the fog that obscured the view began to dissipate. The view that unfolded before us was breathtaking, beyond words. It was like stepping into a dream village, as beautiful as the pictures we had seen others take. The sunlight gradually emerged, casting a warm glow over the scene. The village resembled an ancient settlement in China or Japan, with the sounds of roosters crowing, monks collecting alms, and the daily routines of the villagers. Children could be seen walking to school, adding to the idyllic atmosphere.

I've moved myself to Leevine Rak Thai's coffee shop. I want to sit and drink coffee, sip tea, but there are so many people. I want to sit quietly and let my mind wander.

Walking alongside, I noticed Coffee Ban Din. Surprisingly, there was no one there. It was quiet, yet I could still relax and enjoy the atmosphere. I ordered tea, which cost 30 baht per jug, and they offered free plums and peanuts to snack on.

The tea plantation offers stunning views, attracting millions of visitors. Around 9 am, the mist begins to dissipate, revealing the breathtaking scenery. The ideal time to visit is between 7 am and 9 am, as the morning light creates a magical atmosphere. Those who miss the opportunity to witness this spectacle during the early hours will undoubtedly feel a sense of regret.

It's late, we'll continue our journey to Ban Ja Bo. See you in the next episode, Episode 3: Ban Ja Bo.

Link: https://th.readme.me/p/14810