Readme before you journey
This travelogue recounts a trip on April 13th to Doi Pha Hom in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province. Despite being in the summer season, the weather was surprisingly cool. In the morning, there was a light mist and the air was quite chilly.
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Once upon a time, at Doi Pha Hom, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great traveled to help his people. In the past, the journey was quite difficult, so he had to ride a horse up the mountainside. This is the origin of the photograph that I believe many people have seen. The photograph shows high mountains all around, looking arid, with only a few houses of hill tribe people and a prince riding a horse looking majestic. That photograph and the land I am about to take you to experience, "Doi Pha Hom".
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The journey from Chiang Rai city center takes you towards Mae Sai district. Approximately 7 kilometers before reaching Mae Sai, you will find a left turn near the Jangkabaak vegetable shop. Turn left and continue for about 3 kilometers to reach Ban Pha Mi. The road is well-paved with asphalt, with a slight incline just before reaching the village. Cars can easily access the area.
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Our journey began at Mae Fah Luang Airport in Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, we headed straight to the bright yellow ChicCarrent booth. We had already booked our car online, so the process was quick and easy. After presenting our documents and following the staff's instructions, we were on our way in no time.
The booking process is as simple as booking a regular flight. First, go to the website http://www.chiccarrent.com/ and specify the pick-up location, date, and time. Then, specify the drop-off location, date, and time. Finally, click Find a Car.
After filling out the form, the system will display available car models for you to choose from. You can select the model that best suits your needs, such as a larger car for larger groups or a smaller car for smaller groups.
The rental car will be parked in the airport parking lot. An agent will escort you to the car, explain the fuel policy, and point out any pre-existing damage.
In addition to Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport, ChicCarrent also has 10 branches in major tourist cities.
Ready for the Chiang Rai trip! After picking up the rental car from the airport, we headed to Mae Sai district. Even though it was Songkran, there wasn't much traffic. About 7 kilometers before reaching Mae Sai district, there will be a sign to turn left to Ban Pha Mi. This intersection is near the Jan Ka Pak restaurant. Once you see the sign, turn left and drive for another 3 kilometers to reach Ban Pha Mi.
Upon arriving at Pha Mi village, a modest settlement with approximately 300 households, one is immediately struck by the sight of the "Ozone Pha Mi" coffee shop. The village's inhabitants are predominantly Akha hill tribe members, and the houses, reflecting the passage of time, are a blend of concrete and wood.
On Doi Pha Hom, there are now several cafes with similar styles, offering scenic views and coffee or light meals. This particular cafe uses corn cobs as a unique decorative element.
The scenery is similar at every restaurant, surrounded by oddly shaped limestone mountains.
This restaurant is located opposite the Ozone Pha Hom Restaurant, named 71. It offers a scenic view of the beautiful limestone mountains.
The view from 71 is stunning, even in the summer. More importantly, the prices of the desserts, food, and coffee here are not as expensive as I thought.
After a short hike up the mountain, we arrived at "Doi Pha Mi Coffee Shop," the most popular spot among Uncle Muang's current destinations. Just the exterior's classic beauty enticed us to step inside.
The interior of the shop is beautifully decorated, spacious and airy. Uncle Muang was struck by this old photograph, which depicts the Akha hill tribe in the old days. In addition to this photograph, there are many other beautiful old photographs.
The scenic view from Doi Pha Mi Coffee Shop is equally stunning as the previous two cafes.
A short walk up the mountain leads to the most famous restaurant on Doi Pha Hom, "Phu Fah Sajaeh". The first step into the restaurant's grounds is met with this eye-catching image, which is attached to the side of a large house.
Upon entering our shop, we are greeted by numerous images of King Rama IX from his visit to Doi Pha Mi, displayed around the establishment. One such image depicts a coin used as an identity card, bestowed upon the local hill tribe people by the King. This coin served as a symbol of their Thai citizenship, granting them the same privileges and ease of travel as any other Thai citizen under the King's benevolent reign.
The scenic views at Phu Fah Sajaeh are just as stunning as other establishments. The restaurant offers a variety of food, snacks, coffee, and beverages, allowing patrons to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Additionally, Phu Fah Sajaeh provides accommodations for tourists.
This image serves as a symbol of this place. It depicts Father Luang Sajaeh, the owner of Phu Fah Sajaeh, following King Rama IX during his visit to Doi Pha Hom.
Tourists who wish to stay overnight at Doi Pha Hom have only two options: Phu Fah Sajaeh and Bu So Homestay, which is located further up the mountain. Alternatively, tourists can camp at the designated campsite, which is equipped with clean and convenient restrooms.
Who would have thought that one day the land known for being riddled with drugs would be so peaceful? The land that was once difficult to access has become a popular tourist destination. The land that was once arid has become a source of world-renowned coffee.
Everything changed when His Majesty arrived.
The rooftop of Phu Fah Sa Jae restaurant also offers a rooftop terrace for enjoying the view.
The captivating beauty of the landscape, with its intricate limestone mountains, is undoubtedly a factor that has drawn the attention of tourists. However, I believe that the footsteps of the revered King, which have brought peace and prosperity, are the primary reason why people are eager to follow in his path. This is the main motivation for many, including myself, to visit this place.
Another corner of Phu Fah Sa Jhae Restaurant that we would like everyone to experience is the corner where His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great sat and enjoyed tea.
This unpretentious wooden house is a place of great memories, having once welcomed His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This very corner is where His Majesty sat and enjoyed a cup of tea. The house remains the residence of Father Luang Sajeh.
The photograph depicts King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) sipping tea served by Father Luang Sajaeh. A young child, Father Luang Sajaeh's son, is playfully running and crawling under the table. Despite the child's presence, the King remains unperturbed.
All of this is the story of "Doi Pha Mi…Following in the footsteps of our father with longing"
After a fulfilling visit to Doi Pha Hom, we spent the afternoon exploring the Choui Fong Tea Plantation in Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai Province, before returning to Chiang Rai city.
Today, the crowd is quite large. The weather is not too hot, even though it is summer. The Choui Fong tea plantation looks much different today. There are many seating areas for food and drinks, both at the entrance and here at the back.
Let's try the green tea crepe and blended green tea. It would be a shame to miss them! Haha!
A popular spot at Choui Fong Tea Plantation, perfect for a relaxing day trip in Chiang Rai. Don't miss it!
On the way back to Chiang Rai city, passing through the rice fields, I was surprised to see that rice is also grown here in the summer. It looks lush and green.
This concludes my colorful summer trip to Chiang Rai. Thank you for reading.
See you again in the future. Goodbye.
Another travel destination in my style: Purple Mahakan LIFE FOR TRAVEL
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