The winter of 2015 was the year that Panmanee's family traveled longer than ever before. We planned to travel to Nan province, heading to Manee Phrueksa Village, the land of the Karen people in northern Thailand. This tribe still preserves its Karen identity perfectly. The timing of our visit was perfect, as it coincided with the New Year festival of 3 Karen villages in the area. Normally, the Karen New Year tradition is held before the New Year, which is different from the New Year of city dwellers like us. So we had the opportunity to join the Karen New Year celebration in a fun way. After the Karen trip, we immediately headed to Khao Kho, Phetchabun Province. Because we had an appointment with another group of friends to go cycling together at Thung Salaeng Luang.

In the morning, we said goodbye to Baan Panmanee in Mani Phrueksa Village, Nan Province. We enjoyed a leisurely visit before heading to Nong Mae Na District, Phetchabun Province. We arrived in Nong Mae Na in the late evening and checked into Nong Mae Na Homestay. When we arrived, we couldn't see much because it was already dark. All we could see was the house where we were staying, which was an ordinary villager's house. However, the aunt who took care of us was very kind. As soon as we arrived, the weather was cold, almost to the point of being freezing. The aunt told us to go take a bath because it would get even colder later. We didn't hesitate, and the children were adorable, helping us carry our belongings like ants. They picked up and carried whatever they could into the house. Then we were able to take a warm shower from the water heater. But because the weather was so cold, we were still cold after showering, which made the children not very happy about taking a shower. After the children finished showering, the adults took turns showering. Before we all finished showering, we could smell the delicious aroma of food wafting through the air. The aunt had cooked dinner and was waiting for us to eat. Just the smell was enough to whet our appetites. We ate everything up before going to bed. The weather that night was cold to very cold. We all had to wrap ourselves in several blankets to stay warm.

Early in the morning, friends of the same age as Sai Pan followed to join the group. Because last night, Nong Earn and her family came to camp at Thung Salaeng Luang and waited for Nong Pan. But because we arrived at Nong Mae Na too late, we didn't get to see each other. This morning, we didn't miss each other. The wind of missing each other and the close friends of childhood made Earn beg her father to bring her to see Pan at Nong Mae Na village. When they met, they greeted each other loudly. After a while, they sat and talked quietly, sharing stories of their trips on the previous days. It was a beautiful and lovely sight, just like children, amidst the thick fog. The atmosphere of the front of the rice field of Nong Mae Na district is like this every year in the winter. Because the area of this village is located in a valley, it makes the fog quite thick. My aunt said that when people go up the mountain to see the sea of fog, they look at us. We don't have to climb anywhere because we are staying in the fog. Isn't it enviable? Other people have to wake up at four or five in the morning to see the sea of fog, but we sleep in the fog. It's really a happy trip for us.

After a hearty breakfast, the sun began to rise higher above the horizon, making it brighter. The fog also began to dissipate, prompting us to start setting up our bicycles for the ride to Tung Nang Phaya, as we had planned. Before setting off, we didn't forget to order provisions to eat in the Tung Nang Phaya pine forest. We got several large grilled chicken skewers and stocked up on sticky rice.

The cool air hit my face as I started pedaling, and the wind generated by the ride sent chills down my spine, even though I was wearing multiple layers of clothing. But it was fun! The ride was comfortable, and I didn't feel sticky at all. The initial part wasn't difficult, with wide roads that made for a smooth ride, perfect for warming up my legs. As we entered the park, we started with a long downhill stretch, followed by a vast meadow that stretched as far as the eye could see. The atmosphere might have felt a bit hot due to the lack of large trees.

The children cycled steadily from Nong Mae Na village. After about 5 kilometers, we came across a sign indicating the way to Tung Nang Phaya, which was 10 kilometers away. It was a comfortable distance, and we would be there soon. Today's calculated round-trip distance was 30 kilometers, which was easy for us.

The path wasn't as easy as I thought it would be, because we encountered a really tough hill. But once we got over the hill, it started to get easier. We helped each other up the hill, pushing our bikes in a line, but it was still fun. We cycled along, enjoying the birds and the trees, pushing our bikes and chatting, having fun in a different way.

After passing the hill, we started to enter the open forest. The road was wide and undulating, making for a very comfortable ride. The trees were huge, each one truly massive. It's no wonder that this place is ranked among the top large parks in Thailand. The large trees, with their gnarled trunks, were strangely artistic. All along the way, there were tall, open trees, providing plenty of shade. The atmosphere was great, and I didn't feel tired at all while cycling. We all took several deep breaths of fresh air, feeling truly happy.

The beginning of the open forest, this place is called the two-leaved pine forest. There are two-leaved pine trees everywhere. Each tree is very large. It is estimated that these trees have been standing tall and providing shade for Thailand for 100 years. The air here is cooler than outside by 2-3 degrees. The big trees help keep the air cool. Let's help each other conserve the forests of Thailand so that we have green areas for recreation and relaxation for a long time to come.

In the wilderness, where two-leaved pines stand tall, we will encounter the savannas of Thailand.

The savanna is a large, open grassland with no tall trees to obstruct the beautiful view. It's a panoramic vista that stretches for about 2 kilometers. Once we pass this grassland, we'll reach the field of Queen's flowers.

We should have finished the trip today, but the children said they wanted to use the restroom. Hey, we've arrived at Tung Nang Phaya, but why can't we find a restroom even though it's a place where tourist groups sometimes camp overnight? Or do we have to go further to reach the actual camping spot? So we continued on our way to find a place with a restroom.

The deeper we went, the more cluttered it became, as if it wasn't a main road. Hmm, or maybe we took the wrong turn. We went in for about 3 kilometers and still didn't see a bathroom. Okay, let's raise our hands to the big tree once and then run to our own corners as we please.

After finishing our errands, we took the opportunity to have lunch here. The kids were very hungry and exhausted. After a good meal, we cycled back to the homestay. It was an unforgettable cycling route. It's true what people say, mountain bike lovers must come here at least once to experience the amazing places Thailand has to offer for mountain biking. Enjoy the nature, have fun, and create unforgettable memories.

If you are interested in this kind of cycling route in the forest, don't forget to like our FB page "Cycling in the Forest".

https://www.facebook.com/bikeforestcamp/

www.bikeforestcamp.com