Who wants to go to Fuji? Raise your hand!

I posted a message on Line to invite my friends to join me on a trip.

The response was overwhelming, with notifications popping up on my phone so quickly that I could barely keep up with the replies.

Let's go! When are we going? How many days? Who's going? How much will it cost? Can I go with this budget?

Take me to an amusement park too!!

Huh!!

At 7:15, the operator's voice announced over the intercom.

The plane from Bangkok is landing at the airport.

A few minutes later, passengers began to file out of the arrival gate.

I spotted Amornito before he could even pick up his phone to make a call.

We greeted each other briefly before heading to the car and setting off for Mount Fuji.

From the superhighway, we turned onto a smaller road.

The view on both sides of the road was of lush green rice fields winding through the valleys.

About 60 kilometers from the airport, we arrived at the tourist information center.

We had to check in with the staff first, as it is forbidden to drive your own car on the road from here.

This point is not the starting point for climbing Fuji itself, but rather for ascending the mountain opposite it.

This mountain is considered the best vantage point for a wide-angle view of Fuji.

A small agricultural vehicle, known as an "อีแต๊ก" in Thai, has been transformed into a unique mode of transportation for tourists seeking to reach a scenic viewpoint.

The vehicle has been modified to accommodate two rows of seats in the back, comfortably seating 5-6 passengers.

Additionally, an extension has been added to the front of the vehicle, providing a space for passengers to sit and enjoy the view without obstruction from the driver.

Eager to experience this novel mode of transportation, we promptly took our seats at the front of the vehicle.

Just the two of us?

Yes, on this trip, it was just me and my companion, Amunto.

The rest of our group had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, upon learning that the Mount Fuji we were to visit was located in the province of Loei, Thailand!

My journey is like a train ride. Anyone who likes it and wants to come along can hop on board.

Sometimes there may be no passengers at all, but this train still runs on its tracks to its destination.

It just so happens that Amorn is also someone who likes to travel and take pictures.

This trip, our free time happened to coincide, even though it was a little off by a day.

So I came a day early, while Amorn flew in from Bangkok.

In the morning, I drove to pick him up at the airport. We both kept things simple, no need for too many conditions.

No need to depend on anyone, just follow our hearts and go. If we keep waiting for this person or that, we won't get to go anywhere.

Time in life moves faster than we think. When we have the opportunity to do what we want, let's do it now.

It's better than realizing it later when the opportunity has passed and all we can do is sit back and regret it.

The Isuzu pickup truck slowly climbed the gravel road up the mountain, unable to go any faster. After about 15 minutes, it stopped at the first viewpoint, allowing us to fully admire Mount Fuji. We were speechless and just kept clicking the shutter. It was definitely Mount Fuji, except without the white snow on the top.

The driver told us that the view would be even more beautiful in the winter mornings.

There would be a sea of fog, and on some days, clouds would surround it, making it look even more like the real Mount Fuji.

'Mount Fuji of Loei' or 'Phu Ho' is not a volcano, but a limestone mountain with a flat top that makes it look like a volcano.

It is located in Phu Luang District, Loei Province.

The place where we are standing to enjoy the view is called 'Phu Pa Poa', located in Nong Hin District.

There are 4 viewpoints on Phu Pa Poa. The first viewpoint offers the clearest view of Mount Fuji.

The second viewpoint is located higher up, offering a slightly angled view of Mount Fuji. It also features swings, signs, and props for taking photos.

The Third Viewpoint: Sunrise and Beyond

The third viewpoint offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise. While the observation deck is located on the opposite side of the mountain, it still provides a stunning vista of Mount Fuji. From here, you can also appreciate the rugged ridgeline of Phu Pa Po and the path that led you to this incredible vantage point.

The final stretch requires a short climb up earthen stairs.

The distance is not too far, just enough to get your heart racing.

But Fuji will reward your effort with a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view from the summit.

I feel sorry for many friends who did not come, but everyone values it differently.

Some people may see Fuji City of Loei as just a 'Phu Ho', an ordinary mountain.

They see traveling within the country as unexciting and lacking novelty.

No one is right or wrong, each person's path is different.

Everyone has different thoughts and preferences, and they value and interpret things differently.

But what matters is whether our hearts are happy with what we have experienced.

The route of Ai Fai Noi to Fuji, Loei Province

From Bangkok, take Phahonyothin Road towards Saraburi Province.

Take the Saraburi bypass road to Lopburi Province.

At the Pu Kae intersection, turn right onto Highway 21.

Continue straight ahead through Mueang Phetchabun District, Lom Sak District, and Lom Kao District.

From the center of Lom Kao district, turn right onto Highway 2216 for approximately 12 kilometers.

Continue straight for about 24 kilometers and turn left onto Highway 2206.

Proceed for another 47 kilometers and turn right onto Highway 2473.

Continue straight to reach Highway 3021.

Follow the road for about 13 kilometers and turn right at the intersection onto Highway 4016.

Follow the signs for approximately 10 kilometers until you reach the entrance to Suan Hin Pha Ngam. Drive for another 3 kilometers.

The Phu Pha Po Tourist Service Center will be on your left.

The total distance from Bangkok is approximately 524 kilometers, with a driving time of about 7 hours.

(This route is for those driving directly from Bangkok and looking for accommodation near Phu Pha Po to wait for the sunrise at 5:30 AM.)

However, on this trip, I stayed in Loei city for 1 night before picking up my friend at the airport at 7:00 AM.

The fare for a ride on an E-taek to Phu Pa Po is 60 baht per person.

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