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A Journey to the Mist-Shrouded Peak: Embracing the Unknown
The "Up the Mountain… to See the Mist" trip marked our first foray into the northern region during the "rainy season." Aside from the goal of conquering "Phu Chi Dao," we made no further preparations. As the long weekend approached, work piled up, and we barely skimmed through travel reviews. Yet, we decided to embark on our journey, driven by the belief that "a journey to a destination doesn't require a perfect map." Often, setting out "with no plan but a sword" has led us to unexpected wonders along the way.
With willing hearts and companions, the journey became a quest for life's meaning, with the destination just within reach.
If you are ready, let's embark on this journey together.
DAY 1: Embarking on the Journey (Bangkok - Uttaradit)
As the long weekend at the end of July 2018 approached, the urge to travel grew stronger. After clearing work and securing an early departure from my boss, I packed my bags and joined the throngs of people leaving the bustling metropolis of Bangkok for their hometowns. The journey began at 5 pm, marking the start of a much-needed escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Our initial plan was to drive continuously and rest in Phrae. However, due to our late departure from Bangkok and heavy traffic, we were unable to make good time. By 3 am, we were exhausted and decided to stop in Uttaradit. (It is highly advisable to avoid driving during this time due to the high risk of falling asleep at the wheel.) We searched for accommodation in Uttaradit for an hour but found everything fully booked, likely due to the long weekend. We reluctantly left the city and found a roadside accommodation called "Pa Deche Resort" a short distance away. After confirming vacancy, we headed straight there. The accommodation was located amidst a cornfield, not far from the main road, but the access road was rather isolated, especially at night. However, as we were a large group and exhausted, we decided to take the risk. Overall, the condition was decent compared to some other places we had stayed. Upon inquiring with the owner who had woken up to welcome us, we learned that the resort mainly caters to regular customers. We then promptly fell asleep upon reaching our pillows. Zzzzz. Until next time...
DAY 2: Wat Phra That Na Din - Saeng Dao Resort - Yod Phu Chi Fa
After fully charging our batteries, we set off from Uttaradit, stopped for breakfast near Phrae, and let the GPS guide us until we reached our first destination around 2 pm: "Wat Phra Nang Din in Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province." This wasn't originally on our itinerary, but we saw a sign recommending the tourist attraction and decided to stop by to make merit, as it happened to be Asalha Puja Day.
Upon entering the temple, one is immediately struck by its beauty and rich history. The main Buddha statue in the ordination hall, known as "Phra Chao Nang Din" (the Buddha who sits on the ground), holds a unique distinction. Unlike most Buddha statues, which are placed on a pedestal, this one sits directly on the ground. According to legend, when the Buddha visited this city, he instructed Phra Chao Nang Din to remain and protect his teachings for 5,000 years.
The ordination hall houses several Buddha statues on the ground. I speculate that this is similar to Wat Luang Pho Sothon, which has multiple statues of Luang Pho Sothon to prevent anyone from knowing which one is the real one. In addition to the seated Buddha statues, the temple also has a stupa (under renovation) and a pavilion where visitors can light candles according to their birthday to enhance their fortune.
We have arrived and let's enhance our destiny a little. ^___^
After leaving Wat Phra That Nang Din, we stopped for a bite to eat in Chiang Kham town before driving up to our accommodation, "Saengdao Resort", which is located near Phu Chi Dao (on the same road as Phu Chi Fa). We had only booked the accommodation that morning, and we were initially concerned about whether there would be any rooms available. However, this is one of the advantages of traveling during the rainy season: there are fewer tourists, so there are still rooms available. Upon arrival, we truly understood the meaning of "affordable accommodation with million-dollar views." It was simply breathtaking.
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The green house above is our accommodation.
After packing our belongings, enjoying the view, and taking in the fresh air, we planned to take photos of ourselves with Phu Chi Fa during sunset. After all, we had come all this way, and it would have been a shame not to take a picture with Phu Chi Fa. However, we ended up going the wrong way. Instead of taking photos with Phu Chi Fa, we ended up hiking to the **"peak of Phu Chi Fa"** instead...
The saying goes, "What has happened has happened… it is always for the best." Hiking to the top of Phu Chi Fa offered a different kind of thrill, immersing us in the cool air amidst the swirling mist. It allowed us to experience the beauty of nature in a unique way. Conversely, if we had tried to take photos at the popular viewpoint on that day, we wouldn't have been able to see anything due to the dense fog. And lastly, a must-do when reaching the summit is to take a picture with the boundary marker separating Thailand and Laos.
The path leading up to Phu Chi Fa... Those who go during the rainy season must be very careful because it will be quite slippery and you may encounter local cows blocking the way. I had to negotiate for a long time to pass through... This atmosphere reminds me of when I climbed Phu Kradueng many years ago. The atmosphere is about the same... I love it very much.
DAY 3: Phu Chi Dao - Phu Sang Waterfall - Wat Phra That Phu Sang - Hak Bridge - Vipassana Center Rai Chern Tawan - Fui Chong Tea Plantation
Ascending Phu Chi Dao is typically straightforward. Regardless of your accommodation, you can arrange your ascent through your host, specifying the date and time. The accommodation will arrange a local vehicle for you, and the average cost per person is around 100 baht. This includes transportation for those staying at the same accommodation. However, during the rainy season, fewer vehicles may be available, and the route becomes more hazardous due to slippery roads. The vehicle we hired nearly failed to reach the parking lot during the final stretch, causing us considerable anxiety. Fortunately, we made it. The ascent to Phu Chi Dao is shorter than the climb to Phu Chi Fa. However, upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views shrouded in mist. During the winter, the panoramic vista is unobstructed. Regardless of the season, traversing amidst the mist and cool breeze, even with limited visibility, is an exhilarating and refreshing experience. It feels like walking through paradise.
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We spent almost an hour on Phu Chi Dao, getting soaked by the thick fog and strong wind. Up there, we made friends with students from other faculties who were also hiking. We helped each other take photos and shared information. I think it's amazing how travel allows us to experience new things.
After descending from Phu Chi Dao, we packed our belongings, had breakfast, and traversed along the mountain range towards "Phu Sang Waterfall." Notably, the waterfall is a "warm spring" situated conveniently by the roadside. The surrounding ambiance is pleasant, complete with restaurants and souvenir shops. However, due to the somewhat murky appearance of the water, we opted against swimming and instead enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the area.
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We had lunch at Phu Sang Waterfall. After a short journey, we saw a temple on the mountain with a sign that read "Phu Sang Temple." We decided to stop by and pay our respects. This temple is an old temple in Phu Sang district, but it has been recently renovated. During our visit, there were only two monks residing there. However, they have maintained and beautified the temple remarkably. It is truly a peaceful place. If you are ever passing by Phu Sang, you can visit and pay your respects.
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Leaving Wat Phra That Phu Sang, we headed towards Chiang Rai city. Along the way, we came across a spot called "Love Bridge," so we stopped to take some pictures.
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We then arrived at the "Vipassana Meditation Center Rai Chern Tawan" of Mr. V. Vachiramethi.
The journey concluded on day 3 at Fuichong Tea Plantation, fulfilling the request of the matriarch who desired green tea roll cake. However, due to our late arrival, the cakes were sold out, leaving us heartbroken. Despite the disappointment, we enjoyed refreshing beverages and relaxed for a while before driving to Phrae for the night.
DAY 4: Kum Chao Luang Muang Phrae - Kum Vongburi (End of Trip) ^___^
On the last morning of our trip, we visited the Khum Chao Luang Phrae and the nearby Khum Wongburi. As a history enthusiast, I couldn't resist stopping by, even though I've been there many times before. This time, I only took pictures of the interiors, not the exteriors of the buildings. If you're ever in Phrae, be sure to visit these two "khums." You'll gain a deeper understanding of the city's history.
This concludes our first review. We will share more travel experiences with you in the future.
Until we meet again... Farewell.
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**Translation:** The image depicts Chao Luang Piriya Thephawong, the last ruler of Phrae, who was forced to flee to Luang Prabang due to the Haw rebellion during the reign of King Rama V. This event marked the end of the "Chao Phraya" system in Phrae.
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The photograph depicts Lady Bua Lai, the consort of Chao Luang Piriya Thephawong, who was the last reigning prince of the region.
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^ The area of Khum Wong Buri, which was once the residence of Mae Chao Bua Tha, the first consort of Chao Luang Piriya Thephawong.
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Goodbye!!!
NaiKEN
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 7:59 PM
