"Mae Mey" - Does this name ring a bell?

Where is Mae Mai? What is there? And how do I get there?

This time, we will take our friends to pack their bags and go here together.

"Mae Moei" is a national park located in Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province, my hometown. I've never been there, even though it's my hometown, so I decided to go on an adventure. I took a van, then a songthaew, and followed the border. I rented a motorbike and rode to Tham Mae Usu Cave. I climbed up and down the mountains and ended up at the park. I saw the golden light of the sunset in the evening, slept under a million stars, and saw the fluffy sea of fog in the morning. This trip was full of fun, excitement, and exhaustion. We were all exhausted, but it was worth it.

This short trip, with only two days of vacation, had me wondering where to go. I wanted to save money and keep travel time short due to limited time, but I also wanted to make the most of it. After much deliberation, I decided to stay local and explore Tak. It's a budget-friendly option, but the question remained: where to go? A quick Google search led me to the Mae Moei National Park. I was surprised to discover a sea of fog there, and the nearby Tham Mae Usu Cave added to the intrigue. With that, my winter adventure began. My bags were packed, my heart was ready, and my limited funds were prepared. Let's go!

Journey (Tak - Mae Sot - Tha Song Yang - Tham Mae Usu - Mae Moei National Park)

Coordinates: https://goo.gl/maps/viMdYgVd71J2

For those who do not have a private car, you can travel by this method.

1. Take a van from Tak City Transport to Mae Sot Transport. Vans depart from early morning every 30 minutes and the journey takes 2.30 hours. If you are taking a long-distance bus, you can get off at Mae Sot directly, which is more convenient.

2. From Mae Sot Transportation, there are two ways to travel:

• Rent a motorbike from Mae Sot to the park. You can stop anywhere you want, it's so cool.
• Take the orange two-row car, which will be parked behind the Mae Sot Transportation Center, to the front of the park. But!!! After that, it is very far to reach the various mountains, which are the tent sites, and the road is a gravel road under construction. Friends have to hitchhike into the park (this two-row car can take us to Mae Sariang District, Mae Hong Son Province, isn't it cool?)

As for us, we chose a different way to travel. We took a van from Tak to Mae Sot, then took the orange two-row car to the bus stop in Mae Tan Subdistrict, Tha Song Yang District, to contact the friend who had arranged for us to rent a motorcycle. We drove to Mae Usu Cave and Mae Moei National Park. And this is the face of the orange two-row car that we will take. We don't have to wait for the car to be full before we leave, because it mainly picks up passengers along the way.

Along the way, we met many fellow travelers who joined us.

Our fellow travelers:

No matter your gender, age, language, or ethnicity, we are all friends here.

We welcome everyone, regardless of their background, to join our community.

Together, we can learn from each other and build a more inclusive and understanding world.

The road out of Mae Sot is lined with rice fields and mountains, offering a pleasant view. After a while, the road enters a forested area with cool, fresh air and lush greenery.

Journey to the Refugee Center: A Scenic Route with a Humanitarian Cause

The journey had already taken 1.30 hours, filled with intermittent naps and glimpses of the passing scenery. The driver's leisurely pace, while frustrating at times, offered a unique opportunity to appreciate the breathtaking landscape as we approached the mountainous region. Nestled amidst the hills along the Mae Sot-Mae Sariang route, the "Mae La Refugee Center" emerged, a haven for displaced individuals.

The sight of the village instantly sparked a sense of wonder. Traditional bamboo houses, elevated on stilts, dotted the mountainous terrain. The diverse ethnicities of the residents, including Karen, Shan, and Burmese, added to the cultural richness of the environment. Occasionally, villagers would flag down our shared songthaew, joining us for a brief ride.

For those seeking to contribute, the center welcomes donations of essential items such as clothing, food, and educational materials for the children and families residing there.

Finally, we arrived at Mae Taeng bus station! We immediately contacted the motorbike owner, only to be shocked. He had initially promised an automatic, new motorbike that hadn't been used much. Instead, we were presented with an old, well-used Wave 100. We were surprised, to say the least, having to ride a Wave 100 up the mountain (we didn't even take a picture of the bike). But, we had come this far, and returning to Mae Sot to rent a different motorbike wasn't an option. It's just a Wave 100, after all. We even managed to take a Dream 100 up Doi Suthep before, so why not this one? Right?

Before setting off, we stopped to fill up the car with gas and grab a quick bite to eat. "Stir-fried basil with a fried egg" was the perfect choice, a simple dish that never gets old. We also bought some plain rice, canned fish, and pickled vegetables for dinner at the park. We're not picky eaters, so we kept things simple and budget-friendly. Our main priority was convenience and comfort.

The Next Stop: Tham Mae Usu

The next stop on our journey is Tham Mae Usu, a two-hour drive away. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous tribal communities, with many young children. Simply follow the road signs, and shortly after kilometer marker 94, you'll find a small alleyway on your left. Take this alley, and you'll soon be greeted by the scene depicted in the image.

The Enchanting Cave of Mae Usu: A Hidden Gem of Thailand

The Mae Usu Cave, nestled within the Mae Moei National Park, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, earning it the title of "Underground Theatre" and recognition as one of Thailand's Unseen Wonders. Its stunning formations and captivating atmosphere transport visitors to a realm of wonder and awe.

The cave's location within the national park offers a convenient advantage: purchasing an entrance ticket at the park grants access to both the park and the cave, eliminating the need for additional fees upon arrival. This seamless experience allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the area without any financial constraints.

This is the entrance to the cave. There are restrooms on the side of the park. We changed into shorts and sandals because we had to wade into the cave up to our knees. We hired a local guide to lead the way, and the price was up to us.

Wading through the water for a bit, we looked back and saw this beautiful siluate. We were lucky that there were children playing, which made the composition of the picture more interesting.

The cave is filled with oddly shaped rocks that spark the imagination, including stalactites and stalagmites. Let's explore the various rock formations and see what shapes we can envision.

"Sandstone pagoda" with a shimmering glow

"Waterfall House Stone"

"Stone figure of a man and an elephant"

"Turtle-shaped rock"

"A rock shaped like a horse's leg"

"Shark tooth-shaped stone"

"Three Pagodas Rock"

Let's take a quick look at the beautiful interior of the cave.

The second chamber is arguably the most unseen. If you visit at the right time, a giant spotlight of afternoon sunlight will shine through. We were fortunate enough to witness this spectacle on our return journey. Was it hot? Extremely hot! It was also blinding. We had to close our eyes and face the sun to capture the perfect shot. We were willing to endure the discomfort for the sake of a stunning photograph. This image was even featured on the Unseen Tour Thailand page of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. We are incredibly grateful for this recognition. >> https://goo.gl/Xyi3al

Translation:

On the way back, we returned the same way. It took about 1 hour to visit, which is very worthwhile. Therefore, Mae Usu Cave is another place that we would like to recommend to our friends to visit. And this is the mouth of the cave we entered.

Translation:

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Translation:

Outside, there are people picnicking on mats, which is lovely. They come as families. And for those who use the restroom, be prepared to pay. Children will collect the fee, which is up to you. It's actually free, but we gave the children some money to share as a treat.

Fog or smoke

The answer is the smoke from the burning fields nearby.

It is now 3:30 PM. We continue our journey without stopping, heading straight to Mae Moei National Park. The road up is quite steep with many sharp turns. Riding a Wave 100 up the mountain, you can imagine how much we felt sorry for the bike and ourselves.

After driving for an hour, we arrived at the park entrance on the right-hand side. Next, let's get to know the various viewpoints within the park, which offer stunning views of the mist-shrouded mountains.

Translation:

Translation:

1. "Mon Khru Ba Sai" is located approximately 7 kilometers from the park headquarters. It is a popular spot for camping and watching the sunset in the evening. This location is ideal for camping due to the lack of strong winds. However, in the morning, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the sea of mist. We chose to camp here because, well, the Wave 100 cannot drive up to the top of the mountain anymore. Oh, how unfortunate!

2. "Mon Phun Sudarat" is only 200 meters away from Mon Khru Ba Sai. The name of the mountain was given in honor of the renowned Thai photographer, Professor Phun Kescharat, and his wife, Sudarat. Professor Phun was the first person to photograph the mountain, and so the names of both he and his wife were combined to create "Phun Sudarat". We think it's a beautiful name.

3. "Mon Kiw Lom" is the most beautiful sunrise viewpoint in the morning. The name "Mon Kiw Lom" comes from the fact that there is a wind gap or "kiw" where the wind always blows. Therefore, those who camp here will experience cooler weather than other mountains. Mon Kiw Lom is located at an altitude of 940 meters above sea level, overlooking the sea of mist covering the valley below, with various high peaks emerging from the mist. The weather is cool all year round, and the surrounding forest is a mountainous rainforest.

(All three of these peaks are accessible by car, which is very convenient.)

4. "Morn Pui" (Misty Mountain)

Morn Pui is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset viewing. It is located 3.8 km from the park headquarters and requires a 4-5 hour hike to reach. Visitors must be prepared for a challenging climb, as the trail is steep and uphill for the majority of the distance, with only a few short sections of flat or downhill terrain. Overnight stays are required, and visitors are advised to be in good physical condition due to the strenuous nature of the hike. During the late rainy season and early winter, the trail offers stunning views of lush greenery, ferns, and diverse insect life.

Due to the fact that the hike to see the sea of mist at Mon Pueng Muang requires a two-day, one-night stay, it is recommended to bring your own food, drinks, personal belongings, and equipment. This is because Mon Pueng Muang lacks any amenities, including restrooms. Additionally, before embarking on the trek, it is mandatory to have a park ranger guide you. As a result, it is advisable to contact the park officials in advance to arrange for porters to assist you. (Source: http://goo.gl/M29YlK)

Translation:

Our next destination is "Mon Khru Ba Sai". Before heading there, we need to rent a tent and bedding from the staff below. The tent costs 215 baht, and the bedding set, which includes a pillow, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat, costs 60 baht per set. This price is the same in all national parks. For those who are not comfortable climbing the mountains, you can sleep at the bottom and drive up to see the sunrise and mist in the morning. You can book accommodation at the national park at http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/reservation.asp or call 088-2907964 for more information.

It was getting dark when we arrived at Mon Khru Ba Sai on our Wave100 at 5:00 PM. There weren't many tourists, which was perfect. Mon Khru Ba Sai has restrooms, but the path is steep. Bring a flashlight if you're going at night and be careful. If you want to shower, it's best to do so at the park's bottom before going up. The restrooms are spotless, and there are food vendors down below to serve tourists.

The equipment is ready. Let's set up the tent before the light fades.

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Beside our tent, there was a retired uncle and aunt who came to honeymoon. I screamed in my heart. It was so cute! They came together to set up the tent, and the camping equipment was ready. The aunt was about to take out the picnic stove to cook food, the smell was so tempting! I saw that the aunt wanted to take a picture with the uncle, and she tried for a long time, so I volunteered to be the photographer for her. It was such a good memory in one part of our lives.

The sun sets, the wind falls, and the last light fades away.

After setting up the tent, we took a break to rest. We took out the food we bought at noon and ate it while watching the sunset. Oh, it was so amazing! Even ordinary food tasted so much better.

Translation:

Let's discover the breathtaking beauty of the last light at Mon Khru Ba Sai together.

The pastel sky, with its soft gradients of color, is a sight that is both pleasing and calming to the eye.

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

As the last light slowly waved goodbye, the light from millions of stars in the sky shone in its place. The more you look, the more beautiful it is, sparkling and shimmering. It was also the first time our friend taught us how to take pictures of stars. Thank you so much. Without a tripod, we had to lean the camera against a water bottle and a piece of wood nearby. Haaa.

It's strange. Instead of being cold in the middle of the night, it's just a little chilly. I'm worried that I won't be able to see the sea of fog tomorrow. We'll have to wait and see.

Translation:

The morning mist was thick at 6 am, obscuring the view. The cool air was inviting, so I went back to sleep. I woke up again to the sound of people talking. Many had come to see the sea of mist early in the morning, some from the park below, others from Mon Puen and Mon Kiw Lom. I grabbed my camera and stepped out of the tent to witness the stunning sight of the fluffy, cotton-like sea of mist. It was truly breathtaking, even though I didn't make it to Mon Kiw Lom for the sunrise. The distance and my Wave 100 wouldn't have allowed it anyway.

Let's go see the sea of mist embracing the mountains :")

Translation:

The loving couple is truly enviable.

This short trip was a journey of discovery, a chance to see with our own eyes and feel with our hearts. We opened ourselves to new experiences, things we had never tried before. Thank you, beautiful "Mae Mai" nature.

Budget

Travel cost: 410 Baht/person

Translation:

Food: 200 Baht/person Park/Equipment Rental: 270 Baht/person Total: 880 Baht/person

You don't have to spend a fortune on a luxurious hotel to enjoy stunning views and nature worth millions. You can do it for less than 1,000 baht.

Feel free to reach out to me at >>

Page : Pack your bags
Instagram : kepkrapao