A solo female traveler explores the City of Three Mists on a budget of 3,000 baht.

Hello again everyone!

I'm back with another travelogue from me, "The Wandering Woman."

As the title suggests, I don't know what made me decide to plan a solo trip this time. You might ask if I'm scared, and yes, I am. But did I not invite anyone to join me? Oh, I did! I even offered to pay for their accommodation, but no one wanted to come with me. 😂

Many people may not know what the "City of Three Mists" is.

The "City of Three Mists" refers to Mae Hong Son Province.

Mae Hong Son is a renowned natural tourist destination, characterized by its mountainous terrain and almost year-round mist, earning it the nickname "City of Three Mists." The mist covers the region during all three seasons, providing fresh, cool air. Additionally, the province boasts a diverse cultural heritage, influenced by ethnic minorities and indigenous communities. Let's explore some of the famous tourist attractions in this enchanting city.

Start your trip from here.

Due to budget constraints, we opted for free train rides for both the outbound and return journeys.

The train departs from Rangsit Railway Station and arrives at Chiang Mai Railway Station. The train arrives in Rangsit around 3:00 PM.

We arrived at Chiang Mai Railway Station at 4:20 AM.

Before continuing our journey, we stopped for breakfast and showered to freshen up. At Chiang Mai Railway Station, there are shops and restaurants to choose from. They open early in the morning. There are also restrooms and toilets for tourists (shower room 15 baht, clean and safe).

My first meal in Chiang Mai (40 baht railway noodles) was delicious and very filling. 😊

This photo was taken by the red car driver.

From the train station, we took a red car to the Arcade Bus Terminal, or as the locals call it, Arcade. The fare was 30 baht per person. (If any car charges more than this, don't take it.)

Upon arrival at the arcade, walk to the Chiang Mai-Pai ticket booth. There are two types of vehicles available for travel to Pai: vans (ticket price 150 baht) and shared taxis (ticket price 80 baht).

And of course, we chose a songthaew (a type of shared taxi in Thailand) to get there. We were worried that if we took a van, we would vomit (or maybe it was because it was cheaper? 55555). And this is a picture of the vehicle we rode in.

On the way, it's just the beginning, and the fog is already here. It's almost nine o'clock in the morning, and the fog is still beautiful.

Let's continue.

Upon arriving in Pai, we set out to find a motorbike rental shop. There were many options available, all with similar prices. We opted for Duen-Den Motorbike Rental based on positive online reviews. We were not disappointed. The rental rate was 200 baht per day, depending on the model. We chose the Zoomer-X, which we highly recommend for its exceptional fuel efficiency. Late returns incur a 30 baht per hour fee. Despite returning the motorbike two hours and ten minutes late, the owner did not charge us any additional fees. We were incredibly impressed by their excellent service. While other shops may offer similar service, we highly recommend Duen-Den based on our positive experience.

From the car rental shop, turn on your GPS and drive around Pai. The first stop is Coffee in Love, a famous coffee shop in Pai. I must admit that the atmosphere here is stunning.

Next, we will go to the Boon Khok Ku So Bridge (before reaching the bridge, there will be beautiful places for us to stop and admire. Don't forget to take pictures as a souvenir).

This is a natural phenomenon of the earth splitting itself (free admission, but donations are welcome). The climb to the viewpoint is about 100 meters, but the path is steep and tiring.

A short drive from here will take you to the Paem Bok Waterfall, where you can stop and take some photos.

The bridge, Boon Khok Ku So, is located a short distance from the waterfall.

From here, we will drive back because tonight we will stay at Yunlai Viewpoint. But before we go to the accommodation, let's wander around and have some fun first.

The Sacred Waters of Wat Nam Hoo: A Historical Enigma

Nestled in the heart of Pai, Wat Nam Hoo stands as one of the town's oldest and most revered temples. Its origins remain shrouded in mystery, with no definitive records of its construction. However, local lore attributes its creation to King Naresuan the Great, who is believed to have built the temple to enshrine the ashes of his sister, Princess Supankanlaya. The princess had tragically met her demise in Burma after being sent as a hostage in the king's place.

Adding to the temple's mystique, a golden stupa behind the main hall is said to contain a lock of the princess's hair. This relic serves as a poignant reminder of her sacrifice and the enduring bond between siblings. Despite the ambiguity surrounding its origins, Wat Nam Hoo has become an integral part of Pai's cultural and spiritual landscape. Devotees and tourists alike flock to the temple to pay homage to the revered Luang Pho Uen Mueang, a sacred Buddha statue believed to bring blessings and protection.

The temple's enigmatic history and spiritual significance continue to captivate visitors, making it a must-see destination for anyone seeking to delve into the rich tapestry of Pai's heritage.

Continue driving straight ahead until you reach the intersection for Santichol Village. We'll head up there first to enjoy the waterfall.

The Mae Paeng Waterfall, a popular tourist destination in Pai district, boasts beauty that rivals other waterfalls in Mae Hong Son. This medium-sized waterfall flows year-round and offers opportunities for swimming.

After enjoying the waterfall, we drove back to Santichol Village.

Santichon Village is a tourism community that presents the unique culture of the Yunnan Chinese people, which is the foundation of the community, as a tourist attraction. It also uses tourism activities as a tool for community development, including the revival, conservation, and continuation of Yunnan Chinese culture, and career development that improves the lives of people in the community.

The cultural center is entirely decorated in the Yunnan Chinese style. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a brightly colored dragon wrapped around a pillar situated on a dark stone hill. Chinese characters are inscribed on the front of the hill. Further inside, brightly colored pastel orange earthen houses stand in a row against the clear blue sky. Souvenir shops selling shoes, clothes, tea, pickled and dried fruits, various processed foods, etc., cater to tourists. Yunnan Chinese restaurants are also available, serving delicious dishes such as the famous pork leg and steamed buns.

Activities at the Hilltop Market

In addition to strolling through the market and soaking in the atmosphere, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities. One popular option is the "hill tribe swing," a large swing similar to a Ferris wheel that offers a thrilling experience for 25 baht per person (maximum of 4 riders). Another activity is horseback riding, with options for riding around a large rock for 50 baht for 3 laps, or riding into the Santichon village for 300 baht per hour. Visitors can also dress up in traditional Chinese clothing and take photos at various designated spots.

I was very impressed with the Chinese dress rental shop. Not only did they have beautiful dresses, but they also offered to take photos for free. They were so kind!

Leaving Santichol Village, searching for food! Wandering around all day, looking for something to fill my stomach quickly!

Stop by here before reaching Yunlai, just a little bit away. The name of the shop is Gaoshan, a restaurant serving Yunnan Chinese cuisine. The food is delicious, I must say. The menu I ordered included Yunnan Laab, steamed rice, water, and fried Mantou. The total cost for this meal was 110 baht.

After finishing breakfast, we headed to collect our belongings and sat down to enjoy the beautiful morning scenery in Yunlai.

This is our campsite (there are also earthen houses available for rent here. Each room has a private bathroom and two 5-foot beds. It can accommodate up to 4 people. You can discuss any additional bedding needs with the owner). Let me share a memorable experience I had at Yunlai. On the day we booked our stay, we were the only guests. The owner, Uncle, gave us the key to the earthen house so we could shower inside. He said it was better for us, as women, to take a warm shower because it was getting cold and we wouldn't want to catch a chill. Plus, it would be safer. That wasn't all. That night, around 3 am, it started raining. Uncle came out of his house and told us to move our belongings into the earthen house because the rain was going to get heavy. (In the end, it was like we rented an earthen house for the price of a tent! Haha). If you're interested, you can contact the owner at this number: 0810243982. His name is Boonluang.

This is it, a hundred-baht accommodation with a million-dollar view.

The evening atmosphere of Yunlai.

Local resident checking in. 55555

Note: The original text includes a Thai phrase "เจ้าถิ่น" which means "local resident" and the number "55555" which is often used in Thai online communication to express laughter or amusement.

And then, this is the atmosphere after waking up! We woke up a little late, and as soon as we woke up, we looked at the clock and it was 6:30 am. We rushed out to see if there was still any sea of fog. Hey, guess what? There still was! It was beautiful! Amazing!

Defying the sky and challenging the fog 555555 It's cold, don't say it's not cold

Alright, that's enough photos for now. Time to say goodbye!

Today is already the second day of the trip.

The first stop on the second day was Sai Ngam Hot Spring, a naturally occurring warm water spring located within the Sai Ngam Forest Conservation Area. Surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear water, the spring offers a refreshing and scenic experience. While the author emphasizes the clarity of the water with humor, they provide limited factual information. Instead, they encourage readers to view photos and explore the location independently. A small shop is available for those seeking refreshments. Notably, mobile phone reception is limited within the area, so checking in beforehand is recommended.

Our stay here is brief, as we have a long journey ahead to another district. Our time is limited.

Let's keep moving! Our destination for tonight is "Ban Ja Bo, Pang Ma Pha District, Mae Hong Son Province." However, before we arrive, we will make several stops along the way. Let's start with this stop.

After leaving Doi Kiew Lom, we couldn't resist making another stop. We came across Tham Lod Cave, an important archaeological site currently managed by the Pai River Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. The cave features a stream called Nam Lang that flows through the mountain, creating a beautiful cave with stalactites and stalagmites. Archaeological tools found in the cave suggest it is approximately 2,000 years old. (Unfortunately, we didn't go inside the cave, we just drove in to take pictures of the entrance. I still regret it, but it's okay, there will be another chance to visit. Hehe) Let's just look at the front of the cave for now.

Translation:

We're finally heading to Jabo House for real (after wandering around for a while). Let me tell you, we were blown away by this place. It was the first place we visited where we woke up to a real sea of fog. We highly recommend everyone experience it. We think it's even more beautiful during the rainy season than the winter because the photos capture the true essence of nature, not just crowds of people.

Upon arriving at Ja Bo, we took some photos of the late afternoon atmosphere (another budget-friendly accommodation with million-dollar views). Our accommodation is located directly opposite the "hanging leg" noodle shop, so we can just wake up and go downstairs to eat. Hehe. The owner of the accommodation has already set up the tent for us. For accommodation, we can choose to stay in a homestay or camp in a tent.

For homestay accommodation, please contact the village headman (Mr. Uthai) at this number: 099-8946196.

For tent camping or staying in a wooden house, please contact Khun Peach at 088-0250281 or 064-0956202.

For details about the accommodation, please call and inquire directly. I'm too lazy to talk too much.

06.20 Woke up late (again). At first, I thought the sea of mist would have disappeared, but no, it was still there and incredibly beautiful.

I'd like to take a photo without showering first, because I'm worried the fog will disappear if I do.

The fog lingered until almost ten o'clock, providing ample opportunity to take photos while waiting for the noodle shop to open. The fog began to dissipate, but it remained beautiful as ever.

The noodle shop is finally open! Let's go!

Find a good angle to sit and set up your camera to take photos. Make it look chic.

The noodles are ready to be served.

It's literally hanging leg noodles.

And before eating

After a short while.

I wasn't very hungry (almost ordered another cup). The price per cup is 35 baht. We ordered a special cup for 40 baht (I don't eat much).

We bid farewell to Sergeant Bo and set off on our journey to U-Ung, also known as Pang Ung. However, as usual, we couldn't resist making a few stops along the way. We'll take any opportunity to explore!

The first stop is Tham Pla Cave (accessible via the same route as Pang Ung). The entrance fee is 20 baht.

Our next stop will be the mud volcano.

Mud Volcano or Mud Volcano Country Club is a tourist destination and health and beauty service provider using natural mud and mineral water for tourists. It has been promoted and supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and included in the UNSEEN IN THAILAND and SPA IN PARADISE projects, ranking among the top 50 spas in the region.

This is a natural hot spring and mud pool sourced from underground mineral water with temperatures ranging from 60 to 140 degrees Celsius. The boiling mud is pure black and emerges alongside clean, odorless natural mineral water rich in minerals beneficial to human skin and blood circulation. (I did not inquire about the cost of this service, but if you are interested, please ask the staff upon your visit. The price is reasonable, as far as I know.)

The route to Phu Khlon is straightforward. Follow the same road as the one leading to Pang Ung and Ban Rak Thai. There will be signs along the way.

Just a short drive from the mud volcano, we will head back to Pang Ung to make merit together, brothers and sisters.

The Su Tong Pae Bridge, with a width of 2 meters and a length of approximately 500 meters, is a wooden bridge that has become another popular tourist destination. Su Tong Pae, in the Shan language, means "wishes granted" or "success," according to some. It is believed that if you stand in the middle of the bridge and make a wish, it will come true. It is considered the longest bamboo bridge in Thailand.

Translation:

However, before entering Pang Ung, we made a stop. We couldn't resist, since we were already there!

Pha Suea Waterfall: A Cascading Beauty

The Pha Suea Waterfall offers a captivating spectacle of milky-white water cascading down from the Mae Sa-nga River in Burma. This medium-sized waterfall boasts a height of approximately 10 meters and a width of 15 meters, providing a refreshing spray for visitors year-round. During the rainy season, the waterfall transforms into a majestic curtain of water, resembling a vast sheet laid across the cliff face, aptly earning its name "Pha Suea," which translates to "waterfall resembling a mat." In contrast, during the dry season, the receding water reveals hidden boulders beneath the surface, adding to the waterfall's unique charm.

Following the road from the waterfall, you will see a sign indicating the direction to Pang Ung and Ban Rak Thai. As it is not yet late afternoon, let's take a drive to admire the beauty of Ban Rak Thai village first.

This is not a photo tour of the village, but rather a glimpse into the renowned beauty of Lee Wine Rak Thai. It is undeniably stunning and ideal for those seeking relaxation. However, for those who crave a more immersive natural experience, it may not be the perfect fit. The accommodations are quite comfortable, lacking the ruggedness some might prefer. Additionally, the cost of lodging is relatively high. For groups of friends or families, it could be a worthwhile option.

In front of Levi's Love Thailand, there are many restaurants with stunning views.

Please note that Ban Rak Thai is approximately 6 kilometers from the entrance of Pang Ung. The road is winding and slightly steep. If you go in the morning, you might see beautiful mist floating above the water. However, we wanted to spend more time at Pang Ung, so we decided to visit Ban Rak Thai today.

This is my last night in Mae Hong Son, Pang Ung.

We arrived at Pang Ung around four in the afternoon. The place was quiet and deserted, with only the sun, trees, and water in sight. Upon our arrival, the staff welcomed us with a tent and comfortable bedding.

And here is our tent and the motorbike we used to get here.

We offer tent camping for 250 baht per night with bedding included (you can also bring your own tent for 50 baht per tent, or rent bedding from Pang Ung). If you're interested in staying in a room, we also have those available. For inquiries about accommodation, please contact us at 080-8478456 or 087-6618594.

Let's take a look at the (not so early) morning atmosphere of Pang Ung.

06.20 Woke up late again! Oh, I'm so tired of myself. At first, I woke up feeling so disappointed. Why is my "Uung Uung" not like what people reviewed? There should be steam rising above the water, and there should be a pair of white swans playing in the water together. There should be! Oh, Bua Loy, you're exaggerating! 5555555 Too much, too much. At first, I admit that I wanted to cry. But as we walked and drove around, until the sun began to rise above the water, oh my god, it's amazing! It's really beautiful, you guys! (I apologize that I can only take beautiful pictures like this, but I want to tell you that the real view is really beautiful.)

The white swan couple will not be seen outside today, as the female is currently nesting with her young. To prevent her from accidentally harming her chicks, the staff has decided to keep her confined within the enclosure.

Although there were no white swans, there was still this black swan couple for us to enjoy. However, they were a bit shy and wouldn't come out to where the tourists were. So we walked over to them and even encouraged them to kiss each other. 55555555

Before leaving Pang Ung, let's take a picture at the most popular spot here.

The last set of photos before leaving Pang Ung for real.

In this photo, we had the chance to meet at Sergeant Bo's house. Coincidentally, the next day, they were also going to stay at Pang Oung like us. So we took this photo to capture the memory. Thank you for the new friendship and thank you Sergeant Bo for introducing us to each other. It was a solo trip that wasn't lonely at all. ^^

This is another friendship we made on this trip.

After leaving Pang Ung, we didn't stop anywhere else because we had to return the car to Pai. It was about a 120-kilometer drive from Pang Ung to Pai. We also left Pang Ung late, so we had to hurry a bit.

Let's summarize all of our expenses. I should mention that we don't eat much and aren't picky. We're happy with anything on this trip (mostly instant noodles because they're cheap, haha).

The cost of a motorcycle taxi and van from home to the train station, round trip, is 115 baht.

The fare from Chiang Mai Railway Station to Arcade Bus Terminal is 30 baht.

The round-trip bus fare from Chiang Mai to Pai is 160 baht.

The entrance fee to all restrooms is 47 baht.

Motorcycle Rental Cost for 3 Days + Fuel (855 Baht)

Accommodation Cost: 3 Nights - Yunlai 200 Baht

This sentence provides information about the cost of accommodation for three nights in Yunlai, which is 200 Baht.

• Sergeant Bo 300 baht

- Pang Ung 250 baht

Total 750 Baht.

Admission fees to various attractions and costume rentals at Santichon Village cost 180 baht.

The total cost of food, regardless of whether it is a small or large meal, or what type of food is ordered, is 980 baht.

The total cost for the entire 4-day, 4-night trip (including the night spent on the train from September 27-30, 2017) is 3,117 baht.

Okay, it's over 117 baht. 55555555555555. Is it still okay?

This concludes the final chapter.

Thank you to everyone who read this article. I apologize if the images and text were a bit excessive.

We do not wish to call this post a review, but rather a "record from me, a (fond) traveler."

Wishing everyone good luck on their travels and don't forget to share your experiences with us. Bye!

Note: Apologies for the poor lighting adjustment.

Note: All images are unedited and may appear blurry, dark, or unclear. Apologies for any inconvenience. I am not skilled in photo editing.