Readme before you journey
Off-hours log #3
"Nan, here we are at last"
What happens when six women drive to Nan for a vacation?
Chaos
"The wheels will start rolling at 00:00 AM," was the agreement we all made. But with six different types of women coming together, the wheels didn't start rolling until 02:00 AM. The six of us traveled in one car, taking turns driving and sitting in the front and back so that no one would feel left out. By 09:00 AM, we arrived in Nan city as planned. We started with a northern-style breakfast, "Khao Soi." Our plan for the first day was to follow the slogan "Slow life," which included visiting temples, sightseeing, and eating snacks at cafes. Since we might need extra energy the next day, we decided to stay in the city for the first night so that we wouldn't have to rush in the morning. In short, we were just there to "standby."
Phra That Chae Haeng Temple
Whispering love in Nan city, Wat Wiang Phumin
There are many areas in the temple for taking pictures.
Aun Nim's sweet treats, a must-try for every visitor.
The Ascent to Doi Suan Ya Luang
Nestled in the village of San Charoen, Tha Wang Pha district, Nan province, lies Doi Suan Ya Luang. Reaching this hidden gem requires a scenic, albeit winding, drive from the district center, taking approximately three hours.
Our journey began at 9:00 AM from Nan city. Excitement filled the air as we, a group of city-dwelling friends, embarked on an adventure outside our comfort zones. The prospect of a challenging trek had us slightly apprehensive, but the camaraderie and anticipation outweighed any doubts.
As we approached the village of San Charoen, the time neared our 2:00 PM rendezvous with our guide. Lapien Coffee, aptly named "the most elusive coffee shop," served as our meeting point. True to its name, finding the cafe proved a challenge, leading us on a brief detour through the village.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the owner, Mr. Krit, who would also be our guide for the day. His cafe, Lapien Coffee, would be our starting point for the ascent to Doi Suan Ya Luang.
We parked our car at a coffee shop and then took a ride with Mr. Krit up the mountain. The road was so rough that only 4WD vehicles could pass. During the rainy season, it was impossible to drive up. Mr. Krit invited us to drive up ourselves because we had a 4WD vehicle, but the driver had to be very skilled. So we decided to take a ride with him. The house where we stayed was located in the middle of a coffee plantation. The villagers here mainly grow coffee for a living (it's a royal variety, and it tastes delicious. It can be compared to many good coffee brands. As a coffee lover, I can say that I really like it). In front of the house, there was a sign that said "Doi Suan Ya Luang Tourism." When we arrived, the sky was overcast. We didn't have enough luck to climb to the top of the mountain to watch the sunset. So, our group of friends took photos and helped Mr. Krit cook dinner.
The house is like this (but this is a villager's house).
To the Mountaintop at Dawn
4:00 AM. Awakened by the call of our guide, we set off for the mountaintop to witness the sunrise and capture its beauty in photographs. The air was frigid, growing colder as the night deepened. We huddled together for warmth, unable to do much but wait patiently for the sun's ascent.
As the first rays of light pierced the horizon, the landscape was bathed in a breathtaking glow. The bitter cold was instantly forgotten as we marveled at the spectacle before us. Cameras clicked, capturing the fleeting moments of this magnificent sunrise.
Let's explore the breathtaking scenery together.
Misty morning views and a delicious cup of drip coffee.
The perfect setting for a Picture of the Day. What are you waiting for?
Embark at Nan, disembark at Phayao :)
One of the highlights of this trip was meeting "Kaew Kaew," the daughter of Mr. Krit. She is an adorable and cheerful child who instantly captured our hearts.
Before descending, we stopped to pay respects at a temple for good luck. Atop the hill stood a Buddha statue.
From the Mountaintop to the Valley: Bo Kluea District
Bo Kluea, approximately 80 kilometers from Nan city, is a district characterized by its mountainous landscape and streams. It is renowned for its production of ancient rock salt, a major highlight (although we did not visit).At 9:00 AM, after breakfast, we set off for Bo Kluea District. Along the way, we stopped to admire the scenery at the "Tai Lue Coffee Shop," known for its bamboo bridge amidst rice fields adorned with Tai Lue woven fabrics, another popular attraction.
The Lahu people's woven fabric adorns the wooden bridge.
After a cup of coffee to shake off our drowsiness, we continued our journey to Bo Kluea District. We were excited because on our way to Bo Kluea District, we would pass the Sky Bridge, which everyone has seen on social media. The whole way was truly beautiful, as if we were close to the sky, but not floating in the air like the high-angle pictures. The road was winding and steep. As I mentioned before, Bo Kluea District is surrounded by mountains, so we had to climb up the mountain first and then down the mountain to reach Bo Kluea District. I felt a little dizzy from the road, but it was worth it for the beautiful trees and mist along the way.
This image captures the serene atmosphere of Bo Kluea district, nestled amidst picturesque mountains.
Our final night's accommodation was at the renowned and highly sought-after "Aun Ai Mang" resort. Its popularity is well-deserved, as the ambiance is truly exceptional. The resort boasts a consistently cool temperature throughout the day, with a refreshing stream flowing through its center. It is a haven of tranquility, offering a perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation. The peaceful surroundings, lush greenery, and tranquil ambiance create an atmosphere of pure bliss.
The stream (Maeng) flows through Aen Ai Maeng and Bo Kluea District.
After checking in, the girls' free time activity before dinner was taking photos. At Aen Ai Maeng, there are bicycles available to borrow and ride for free. They let us ride around the village, so we immediately grabbed bicycles and started riding and taking pictures. It was a lot of fun, and we hope you enjoy our photos as well.
The evening atmosphere of Aun Ai Mang.
As mentioned, there is a stream flowing through the area. Of course, everyone took photos with the stream before leaving. No one could resist playing in the stream. We observed that guests here enjoyed playing in the water and taking photos, but everyone was truly...
The trip concludes with a photo of the cover of the "Nan in Your Heart" trip. We went to experience Nan province, and now we know what Nan is like in your heart. For us, it's "love at first sight."
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So, I fell in love after all.
Overtime Earning
Overtime earning
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 8:34 PM
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