Normally, during long holidays, I tend to avoid going anywhere. I dislike the crowded and chaotic conditions on the roads leading out of the city. However, during the recent Mother's Day holiday, a friend from my off-road group called and invited me to join them on a drive to a mountain in Phetchabun province. I thought it would be a good opportunity to avoid driving myself and get some exercise. Plus, camping on the mountain would allow me to wake up to fresh air, enjoy the sea of mist, and take some beautiful photos. So, I packed my bags, unaware of the events that would unfold.

On Friday evening, around 9 pm, a friend picked us up in his Jeep and we set off through the heavy traffic of the capital city. We were headed to a meeting point at a PTT gas station in Lom Sak. Along the way, we met up with another friend in his car near Wang Noi. As we reached the Lopburi-Phetchabun road, another Jeep followed us from a distance. When we turned into the gas station, the Jeep pulled up alongside us. After a brief conversation, we learned that the driver had seen us talking in the group's Facebook page and had spontaneously packed his bags and joined us. We continued driving until we reached the PTT gas station in Lom Sak, where we filled up on gas, checked our vehicles, and stocked up on fuel for the journey ahead. We then took a short nap to recharge before continuing our journey.

The journey continued at around 7:30 am, passing the Camp San intersection and turning right after 2-3 kilometers to stock up on supplies at the entrance to "Ban Khek Noi, the largest Hmong village in Siam." The group then drove into the village on the road leading to Huai Nam Khao, before turning right following the sign for "Doi Tue Peng - Pha Tat, a distance of only 10 kilometers." According to the plan, they would visit Tue Peng first and then loop back via Phu Phaeng Ma and Phu Thap Boek before reaching Pha Tat the next day. The road from this point onwards was a narrow concrete path passing through villagers' cabbage fields until it ended at a muddy red dirt track with some potholes. At this point, the car of a new group member, Mr. M, who they had met along the way, overheated and could not continue. They used a canvas sling to pull the car up a hill and park it before checking its condition.

The view from the hill where we stopped to check our vehicles is truly breathtaking. Lush green rice fields stretch out before us, contrasting beautifully with the rugged mountains in the distance. The morning air is fresh and invigorating, thanks to the rain that fell last night. Soon, a group of dirt bikers roars past, presumably heading to the same destination. Each rider is decked out in brightly colored gear, complete with full-body protection, now caked in mud.

After checking the condition of Mr. M's car and waiting for the engine to cool down, we continued our journey. From here, we will start entering the entrance to Doi Tue Peng.

The road conditions were extremely slippery due to the presence of mud and clay. As a result, vehicles were sliding from the entrance.

The journey was arduous, with each kilometer taking an inordinate amount of time. The initial 10 kilometers were particularly challenging, requiring an early start. The subsequent ascent was hampered by muddy and slippery conditions, forcing the riders to proceed cautiously in single file.

Each stage and episode is not easy to pass, with problems to be solved along the way.

Problems are meant to be solved, not to be worried about. The knowledge and experience of the group are the most important things in times of difficulty. Everyone brainstorms and works together to overcome the problem.

From morning until almost three in the afternoon, we met up with two other vehicles that had been waiting for us since the previous night. We attempted to explore a route that would lead us to Thap Bia, but we were unable to proceed due to the challenging road conditions during the rainy season. We also received information from a local off-road group that followed us that the forest authorities had prohibited access to the route leading to Thap Bia. After considering our options, we decided to spend the night at Pha Tat instead, returning via the same route we had taken earlier.

We stopped at the Khok Wa Cow Pen area, a spot where villagers bring their cows to graze and which offers stunning panoramic views. However, the visibility was poor due to thick fog, obscuring the scenery. On a clear day, this vantage point would offer breathtaking views of the mountain range and the Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew temple nestled below.

The return journey required navigating the same old path, but with the added challenge of waiting for oncoming traffic to pass before proceeding. A horse-drawn carriage heading uphill approached and requested to borrow tools, as their wheel had broken and they were stuck in the mud. The downhill path was already in poor condition, with deep ruts from previous vehicles, but the two groups of travelers had further worsened its state. It was barely recognizable as a road, having become completely muddy and impassable.

We arrived at the end of the villagers' cabbage field, stopped to wash ourselves in the stream flowing from the mountains, and then cooked a simple dinner. Actually, this was our breakfast, as we had only a light snack at the village entrance in the morning. After replenishing our energy, we set off for a night hike to the cliff face, which was only a few minutes away. At this point, Mr. M decided to turn back because his car was not in good condition and he was worried about being a burden to us. It turned out that Mr. M made the right decision, because what followed was pure "hell"! 555

The treacherous path after sunset

The path after sunset was not as difficult as I had imagined it to be during the day. I had heard that the "Peng" route was more challenging than the "Pha Tat" route, so I was relieved. I thought that in a few hours, I would be comfortably setting up my tent and sleeping on the mountaintop. However, I was wrong.

This path in the dead of night required a strong mind to overcome my imagination. I could hear the voice of "W." from the car of the leader, "Ta," in front of us, intermittently warning us about the dangers ahead. He would say things like, "There's a cliff here," "Swerve left," "Swerve right," "Push," "Send." As a result, the group started to split into three sections on the dark, steep slopes. The two cars in front were at the bend ahead, and the two cars behind were struggling to climb the hill. My car was in the middle of a steep and slippery slope. It was drizzling constantly, making the path even more slippery.

Each time I got out to winch the car, it took longer than usual. I would take one step forward and slide back three steps. The car kept sliding down, and I had to use the winch and trees to slowly climb up and rest on the slope to avoid the dangerous spots. At this point, I had to rely on myself. Looking at my watch, it was already 2:00 AM. We agreed that we would have to sleep on the side of the road. There was no need to mention food. We had breakfast in the evening and dinner in the morning. The voices from the cars gradually faded away. We took shelter from the rain and slept in the car. My friend fell asleep as soon as his back touched the seat, exhausted from driving all night and only taking a short nap at the gas station.

Now, it was just me left with my imagination, which was more powerful than my knowledge at this moment. I couldn't close my eyes because of the stories I had heard about this area. So, I sipped some whiskey to warm my body, which had been soaked all day, before falling asleep from exhaustion without realizing it.

We set off early in the morning. The trail, slick and muddy from the all-night rain, seemed impassable without injury. Our vehicles were already showing signs of wear and tear. Realizing that pushing forward could leave us stranded, we decided to postpone our attempt until the winter. We quickly ate breakfast before it became impossible.

The roar of a motorcycle engine grew louder in the distance, and as it rounded the bend, a gang led by "ไอ้ตัวเล็ก" came speeding down the hill, water spraying from their tires. It was a scene that embodied the reckless spirit of young men, who often choose to take the path less traveled, even if it means defying societal norms.

After the initial descent, the road continued in its usual treacherous state, with Vince and Lag navigating the slippery terrain left by the previous night's rain. The conditions made the downhill drive even more harrowing, forcing them to rely solely on steering control as braking proved ineffective. The steep embankments along the road served as makeshift ski jumps, absorbing the impact of the uncontrolled descent and preventing potential rollovers.

We were relieved to have escaped the path, which revealed a beautiful sight during the day. The deep chasm, which was frightening at night, showed us a different perspective in the daylight. Sometimes, nature is not as cruel as it seems.

Though our mission may not have been successful, the view from this vantage point offers some solace, a balm for the soul on a path few dare to tread.

Gratitude for Companionship on a New Adventure

This journey has revealed a fresh perspective on travel, highlighting the power of collaboration and perseverance in overcoming challenges. By working together and supporting one another, we can navigate any obstacle and emerge victorious.

-Thank you to my friends who came to watch and press like, press share to encourage me.

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#doi tao peng#doi pha tat#pha sorn kaew this translation is concise, simple, and maintains the original meaning of the thai phrase. it also avoids using personal pronouns, colloquialisms, and focuses on providing the essential information.#phetchabun#mountain#thailand#camping#driving a car for sightseeing.#motorcycle touring#off-road motorcycle
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