Escape the City and Embrace the Mountains: A Journey of Renewal

As the bustling city life fades into the crisp autumn air, the desire for a rejuvenating escape becomes irresistible. Seeking solace amidst the tranquility of nature, we embark on a journey to embrace the serenity of the mountains.

Leaving behind the urban chaos, we venture into the unknown, seeking a sanctuary where anonymity reigns. The allure of the unknown beckons, promising a respite from the relentless demands of daily life.

With each step, we shed the weight of our responsibilities, allowing the gentle rhythm of nature to guide our path. The crisp mountain air invigorates our senses, while the breathtaking vistas inspire a sense of awe and wonder.

As we immerse ourselves in the tranquility of the mountains, we find ourselves reconnecting with our inner selves. The absence of distractions allows us to reflect on our lives, to reassess our priorities, and to rediscover the simple joys that often elude us in the hustle and bustle of city life.

This journey is not merely an escape from the ordinary; it is an opportunity to embark on a path of self-discovery. By embracing the solitude and the beauty of the mountains, we open ourselves to new possibilities and a renewed sense of purpose.

Through this immersive experience, we create lasting memories that will sustain us long after we return to the familiar rhythms of our daily lives. The lessons learned and the connections forged amidst the mountains will serve as a constant reminder of the transformative power of nature and the importance of seeking balance in our lives.

So, let us venture forth, embracing the unknown and seeking solace in the embrace of the mountains. For it is in these moments of quietude and introspection that we truly discover ourselves and find the strength to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

We opted for Chiang Khan, a district in Loei province, a town that everyone says is peaceful, retains its natural beauty, and sits by the Mekong River. It's like a city everyone dreams of visiting to experience the slow life, a life without rushing, without having to follow any set patterns or rules. Do whatever you want, eat whatever you want, live outside the box, experience nature, the surrounding atmosphere, the fresh air, the way of life of the people there, and someone by your side. That's all it takes to find happiness.

We left Bangkok early in the morning by plane to Loei Airport. Then we took a van to Chiang Khan and checked in at our accommodation. However, it was not yet time to check in, so we had to find something to do. We decided to have lunch. Of course, we had to try some local dishes. We ordered papaya salad, grilled chicken, and spicy seafood salad with glass noodles. It was a lot of food. After lunch, it was time to check in.

The clock neared 2 PM as we finally entered our room. Upon opening the door, our first instinct was to step onto the balcony. The view of the expansive river, shimmering under the afternoon sun, was both beautiful and refreshing. The water, flowing between two countries, seemed deceptively close. Gazing across to the opposite bank, the neighboring nation, it was hard to believe that this was the mighty Mekong River.

We relaxed and took a nap. As evening fell, the air was still cool with a hint of winter. We stepped out onto the balcony to enjoy the fresh air once more. This time, we saw a flock of white birds flying over the Mekong River, a rare sight. We savored the natural beauty for a while, until it was time for the sun to set. The sky gradually turned from a soft pink to darkness, and the air grew colder, even becoming quite chilly.

The vibrant night market of Chiang Khan Walking Street, a bustling stretch in the heart of the town, is lined with resorts, guesthouses, souvenir shops, restaurants, and local activities. Children, adults, street performers, and artists dressed in unique attire add to the lively atmosphere. The street is also a haven for delicious street food, with grilled river prawns, grilled sticky rice, stuffed deep-fried dough sticks, and delectable fermented pork sausages among the many options. Visitors can indulge in a culinary journey as they stroll through the market, savoring the diverse flavors until late into the night.

For those who enjoy a tipple to warm their bodies, there are beer gardens and riverside cocktail bars where you can relax, listen to soft music, sip your drink while gazing at the Mekong River, and admire the starry sky. While alcohol is available, it's important to note that Chiang Khan is a peaceful and safe town where you can walk back to your accommodation without worry. It feels like our own city, and it's a wonderful feeling. Tonight, you can sleep soundly with the cool breeze and a warm blanket.

The Second Day: A Breathtaking Sunrise at Phu Tok

The second day began with the sky still shrouded in darkness. A biting wind swept through the air as we boarded a skylab (Chiang Khan's version of a tuk-tuk) with no protection from the cold. Our destination: Phu Tok, where we hoped to witness a spectacular sunrise and a sea of mist.

The skylab stopped at the foot of the mountain, where we waited for a pickup truck with two rows of benches in the back. As we ascended the steep and bumpy path, the wind whipped against our faces, forcing us to hold on tight to avoid being thrown off balance.

Reaching the summit, we were greeted by a signpost confirming our arrival at Phu Tok. We then made our way to the viewpoint to await the sunrise. The pre-dawn sky gradually shifted from pink to orange, and soon, the first rays of the sun peeked over the horizon, painting the mountaintops in vibrant hues. As the sun rose higher, it finally emerged in its full glory, casting a warm glow over the landscape.

While the sea of mist wasn't as extensive as we had seen in pictures, it still added a touch of ethereal beauty to the scene. We realized that the true magic of watching the sunrise lies not just in the location, but also in the specific moment, the company we share it with, and the emotions it evokes within us.

We were grateful for the opportunity to witness this breathtaking spectacle together, as the sun painted the sky with its golden brushstrokes.

After admiring the stunning sunrise, we descended from Phu Tok and enjoyed warm beverages to combat the cool breeze. We then embarked on a journey via skylab car to Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Khao Yaen. The skylab car could only take us to the entrance, where a pickup truck awaited to transport us further. Unlike the previous ride, this one offered an open-air experience, allowing us to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery without obstruction. Holding on tight to avoid slipping, we relished the panoramic views. After a short ride, we arrived at the temple, where a magnificent golden ubosot (ordination hall) greeted us. Inside, we paid our respects to the revered footprint of the Buddha, a sacred relic considered a significant landmark of Chiang Khan. The temple also showcased the fascinating legend of Phra Phutthabat Phu Khao Yaen, inscribed for visitors to read. Outside the ubosot, we encountered a colony of rabbits, both large and small. We were able to interact with them closely, feeding, playing, and taking pictures within a designated area. However, due to their wild nature, cleanliness was a concern. We then ascended to the viewpoint, where the sunlight illuminated the village below, creating a breathtaking vista. The feeling of being above it all was truly awe-inspiring. After soaking in the beauty, it was time to descend, once again via pickup truck, to board the skylab car and continue our exploration.

Leaving the temple, we continued to enjoy the cool breeze, even though it was getting late in the morning. We arrived at Kaeng Kut Ku, a place with its own legend. Visiting in February allows you to see the rapids clearly due to the low water level. Kaeng Kut Ku is a large rapid stretching across the water, almost reaching both banks of the Mekong River. The water flows through a narrow channel near the Thai shore. The area below is a sandy beach with many small and large rocks. There are also tents selling food and a place to release fish. We released some fish, hoping to give them a new life. However, we don't know if they will be caught and eaten by the villagers later, as we saw people fishing nearby. We believe we have done a good deed, and whatever happens next is part of the natural order of things.

From Kaeng Kud Khu, the skylab driver took us to a strawberry farm... which I didn't think Chiang Khan would have. When we arrived at the farm, it looked like there was nothing there. But after a while, the owner of the farm told us to come down and have a look. Then a woman who was standing there buying strawberries said, "They're sweet." That was it... I immediately went down and asked if I could pick them myself. The owner of the farm gave me a small plastic bucket and some scissors and told me to go ahead and pick as many as I wanted. I saw a lot of big strawberries, with beautiful colors that looked delicious. After a while, it started to rain lightly, as if to tell us, "That's enough, don't spend too much money." So we had to hurry back. I managed to pick almost a kilo of strawberries in a box. It was a great experience.

After visiting several places, we started to feel hungry as we had only had a light breakfast and it was almost noon. We decided to stop by a famous restaurant in Chiang Khan called Khao Piek Sen Kai Gata, which serves a local dish of rice noodles with egg. It's said that you haven't truly experienced Chiang Khan if you haven't tried this dish. Afterwards, we returned to our hotel to rest.

We took a break from our relaxation to rent bicycles and explore the surroundings of Chiang Khan. Our guide took us on a tour of the town, stopping at various shops and alleys. We ended up at Toffee-Coffee Baan Supichanya, where we enjoyed coffee, tea, and their famous Hokkaido cheesecake and coconut cake while admiring the Mekong River. The delicious cakes and the beautiful view made for a truly enjoyable experience.

And then the time came when the sun began to tire again… but today we had been cycling and standing at a viewpoint on the banks of the Mekong River in Chiang Khan. It was another kind of beauty that I would like to say… everyone should find time to experience. Standing at sunrise and sunset in different corners, different places, the beauty is different, even though it is the same sun. And another important thing… is who we stand with to admire that beauty.

The second night at the walking street, which may seem less crowded tonight, we still walked around, taking pictures and looking for something to eat as usual. But tonight, we had a friend recommend us to sit and chill in a shop, listen to music until the shop closed, and then walk to see the stars and feel the cold wind. Before we went back to sleep and have a good dream in another night of happiness.

A New Day in Chiang Khan: The Tradition of Sticky Rice Alms-Giving

The third day dawns in Chiang Khan, and with it, the age-old tradition of sticky rice alms-giving, a practice deeply rooted in the local culture and believed to bring auspiciousness to life. In the past, villagers would offer only sticky rice during the morning alms round, followed by a later offering of cooked dishes in the afternoon. This served as a clever way to encourage temple visits. While this tradition has been passed down for generations, it has begun to fade, replaced by a more convenient form of alms-giving that includes various offerings alongside the sticky rice. This shift may be attributed to the increasing number of tourists who often lack the time for the traditional two-part offering. Nevertheless, the intention remains paramount, for in acts of merit, the heart holds the true significance.

After offering sticky rice to the monks, it was still early and chilly, so I went back to rest and waited for breakfast. The hotel served delicious mushroom porridge and fried eggs, which are Chiang Khan's specialties. As I ate, I gazed at the Mekong River, wishing I could freeze time. The joy of working is having a Monday off to relax without rushing.

After checking out, we left our luggage at the hotel as it was almost noon and we were hungry. There were still many dishes in Chiang Khan that we hadn't tried, so we decided to visit a legendary restaurant, "70 Years Jom Nua Ya Pad." Jom Nua is similar to sukiyaki in Bangkok, but with rice noodles instead of rice.

After finishing our meal, we had some time to spare, so we decided to take another daytime bike ride to explore the remaining shops before heading back. We started by paying our respects at Wat Sri Khum Mueang, an ancient temple in Chiang Mai. Located on Soi 7, the temple houses a carved wooden Buddha statue in the Lanna style, adorned with gold leaf in the attitude of granting forgiveness. Interestingly, women are only allowed to bow down in front of the monk's seat.

And then we went to another temple to pray for good luck in our lives, which is Wat Maha That, located in Soi 14. It is the oldest temple in Chiang Khan. Inside is an ancient Lanna-style wooden ordination hall. On the gable, there are paintings telling the story of Chiang Khan. The brick chedi is believed to have been built over the hole of the Naga.

After that, we decided to find a place to relax before heading back, but we didn't forget to stop by a postcard and souvenir shop, which we never miss. The shop, aptly named "Good Ideas," offered a variety of postcards, notebooks, and cute souvenirs. We opted for postcards, as they would allow us to write about our experiences at the tourist attractions and send them back to ourselves, serving as a reminder of our adventures and the positive impact we made at each location.

We then started looking for a place to relax and found a shop called "Two Spouses" (which is the actual name of the shop). It's also a guesthouse. The shop has a lovely decor and serves delicious drinks. We ordered a matcha affogato (matcha green tea with vanilla ice cream) to cool down, which was very refreshing. We also took the opportunity to write on the postcards we had bought before sending them out. The shop also sells postcards, by the way.

The serene atmosphere of Chiang Khan beckoned for a relaxing riverside experience before returning to the hustle and bustle. Following local recommendations, a leisurely bike ride led to the aptly named "Make a View" cafe. With refreshing drinks in hand, the breathtaking view of the Mekong River provided a tranquil escape. The menu offered intriguing options, including a delightful yogurt, honey, and lime concoction. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the allure of the moment made returning to the city seem undesirable.

The fleeting nature of happiness is often bittersweet, as we must eventually return to the realm of reality. My three-day, two-night sojourn in Chiang Khan felt like a dream, a respite from the relentless pace of modern life. Immersed in the tranquility of nature, I embraced the slow rhythm of existence, free from the constraints of schedules and expectations. Time meandered as I explored the enchanting landscapes, each moment etching indelible memories and emotions. Unbidden, joy permeated my being, a testament to the restorative power of nature. Gratitude welled within me for the companionship that made this dream a reality, transforming everyday experiences into cherished recollections. This journey, a pause in the relentless pursuit of daily tasks, reminded me that life's tapestry is woven with countless threads of adventure waiting to be unraveled. Thailand's myriad hidden gems beckon, promising unforgettable experiences. Step outside the confines of routine, embrace the allure of travel, and discover that happiness lies within reach, waiting to be unearthed through the transformative power of nature's embrace.