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Having agreed to help a charming senior, or perhaps falling into their trap,

this trip promised adventure.

I met the senior at the Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station early in the morning. They picked me up in a pickup truck.

We headed out of Chiang Mai towards the Mae Taeng district.

Another senior drove a pickup truck ahead into the village.

As for us, we turned onto a path, winding our way through valleys and rice terraces.

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The map above is just an estimate. In reality, there is a good dirt road that can be driven in less than an hour, but we chose to walk and stay overnight at the homes of people we know. We roughly estimated that it would take 2 nights and 3 days.

A Team of Explorers Embark on a Journey

This passage describes a team of individuals embarking on an expedition. The team, led by a woman named Hying, consists of a diverse group of people, including a woman named Tun, a friend of Hying, two younger companions of Hying, and a local elder from the Pga K'nyau community.

Their plan involves traveling from Chiang Mai to the Mae Kha Pu Luang mountain, a journey that will take several days. They will travel by pickup truck to the starting point, then hike to their destination, spending nights at the homes of locals or purchasing food along the way.

The passage emphasizes the importance of the stories and experiences they will encounter along the way, rather than the destination itself. The team faces the challenge of carrying only essential supplies, relying on the generosity and hospitality of the local people they meet. Hying's familiarity with the area and connections within the community will be crucial in navigating the journey and ensuring their well-being.

Let's begin! The path you see is a dirt road between villages.

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My Karen friend told me that we must walk until we sweat, then we will know ourselves.

On the way, we passed a local farmer who had just returned from his rice field.

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As we walked from the dirt road to the terraced rice fields, we saw small huts belonging to local farmers scattered along the sloping hillsides. The environment seemed to be turning green.

Amidst the verdant tapestry of rice and cornfields, the azure sky adorned with clusters of clouds presented a spectacle of wonder. The spirit soared with awe and inspiration.

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"Walk at your own pace, rest when weary," was Brother Yong's motto. Life was not a race, he believed.

At times, we waded through water, leaping over streams.

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During one such leap, burdened by my camera and hampered by my inflexible joints, I landed awkwardly, twisting my knee. Relief came in the form of our resident healer (pictured at the end).

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We visited many neighbors along the way, village after village.

At some points, we arrived at dusk and saw smoke from cooking fires rising from the rooftops, as if the smell of dinner was carried by the wind.

Or along the way we met many friends to greet each other.

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One of our friends, a man in a red shirt who loves rice farming, and his wife, a childcare center officer, are both lovely.

This section features two adorable travel buddies. The person on the left is a seasoned traveler, and the person on the right is also an avid explorer. It's a heartwarming reunion between close friends who share a passion for adventure.

This image is very interesting. The man in the picture is making a snare for a mouse.

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In conclusion, we slept soundly at Sablan House on the first night!

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We set off early in the morning, heading for Mae Kha Pu Luang.

Brother Yong said it would take another half day to reach the rest stop. But it took us the whole day to reach our destination.

Brother Yong's kilometers are not the same as ours. It is said that if you ask a friend from the mountains how far it is, a short "pun" means it is within reach, while a long "pun" means at least one night.

How true or false is this? Let's try it out!!!

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The afternoon sun cast a diagonal shadow as we walked across the rice field.

In some places, there are adorable little cows like this. They are tethered to trees at the edge of the rice field.

Stop and admire the beautiful flat landscape of the small hut at the end of the rice field.

I've asked myself the same question: could I really live like this?

The Rice Planting Season

During the rice planting season, villagers perform a ceremony to worship the spirits of the rice fields and water, asking for their help in ensuring the growth and prosperity of the rice crop. They pray for abundant water, freedom from disease, and protection from pests.

This ceremony, known as the "Feeding the Spirits of the Rice Fields and Water," typically takes place in August and September, after the rice has been sown.

Ritual Area

Farmers will build a small shrine from bamboo stakes. They will place rice, water, and flowers from the field on the shrine. They will also offer liquor and chicken to appease the rice and water spirits.

A Culinary Delight: Exploring the Edible Delicacy of 'Dua To'

Within the lush rice fields of the northern mountains, a hidden culinary treasure awaits: the 'Dua To', or cicada larvae. These fascinating creatures, often found nestled in the soil near large trees, offer a unique and delectable experience for adventurous palates.

Known for their rich, nutty flavor, Dua To can be enjoyed both raw and lightly roasted. Their delicate texture and subtle sweetness burst forth upon consumption, leaving a lasting impression on the taste buds.

For those seeking a truly authentic experience, the traditional method of preparation involves allowing the Dua To to hatch naturally. This allows the larvae to develop their full flavor and aroma, creating a truly unforgettable culinary journey.

While the thought of consuming insects may seem unconventional to some, Dua To hold a significant place in the culinary traditions of the northern region. Their unique flavor and nutritional value have made them a cherished delicacy for generations.

So, if you find yourself venturing into the heart of the northern mountains, be sure to keep an eye out for these hidden treasures. With a little patience and an adventurous spirit, you too can experience the unique and delectable taste of Dua To.

Roasted silkworm pupae, served with a sprinkle of salt and a cup of warm, freshly brewed tea, is an unforgettable experience.


This photo was taken after the rain. The sun is shimmering in the humid air, creating a refreshing atmosphere.

Permission to post photos of the terraced rice fields during the late rainy season. With a sense of longing and a desire to let the images speak for themselves.

'As if the world were green.'

The final image of this trip, as mentioned at the beginning, I jumped over a stream and missed a bit, injuring my knee. I had to call for a local doctor.

The local healer, a man in his nineties, gently massaged and squeezed my muscles, relieving the pain. While the pain did not completely disappear, it has become less frequent and less severe, especially when I avoid putting too much strain on my knee. I am grateful for his timely intervention, which allowed me to reach my destination safely.

Her smile was so pure and unforgettable.

The trip ended with a walk, a fun but painful one. There were many things and places that were so impressive that they will be hard to forget.

9/9/2016

#chiang mai
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