Restless and eager to explore, we couldn't resist the allure of a weekend getaway, no matter how short. The destination: Nan, a remote province nestled in the northern reaches of Thailand. Our journey began in Phetchabun, winding through the scenic landscapes of Phitsanulok and Uttaradit before reaching our final destination. With five companions in tow, our road trip promised adventure and camaraderie. The challenges we faced and the memories we forged along the way will be chronicled in this travelogue.

The image you provided is a photograph of a young woman with long, flowing hair. She is wearing a white dress and is standing in front of a white background. The woman is smiling and looking directly at the camera. The photograph is well-lit and the woman's features are clearly visible.

The plan as outlined (from the missing image, Sirindhorn Dam and Pak Nai fishing village).

October 22, 2016

• Thung Salaeng Luang National Park
• Whitewater rafting on the Khek River
• Phitsanulok Walking Street
• Accommodation at Sappraiwan Grand Hotel & Resort

October 23, 2016

• Sirikit Dam
• Pak Nai Fishing Village (Cross the car ferry to save time)
• Sao Din Na Noi
• Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park

October 24, 2016

• Return to Bangkok.

Photography Equipment

• Canon EOS 60D
• Sony A6000
• Olympus om-d em 10 mark 2
• Gopro Hero 4

Expenses per person

• Accommodation: Sappraiwan Grand Hotel & Resort (3500 baht / 5 people = 700 baht per person)
• Whitewater rafting on the Khek River: 750 baht per person
• Tent at Sri Nan National Park (Doi Samer Dao): 750 baht / 5 people = 150 baht per person
• Car ferry: 250 baht per car (roundtrip 500 baht) / 5 people = 100 baht per person
• Sri Nan National Park entrance fee: 130 baht (person + car) / 5 people = 26 baht per person
• Fuel: 4000 baht / 5 people = 800 baht per person
• Food and other expenses: (not specified)

**Approximately 3500-4000 Baht**

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Day 1

Heading to Thung Salaeng Luang National Park (I forgot to mention that we stayed at Wichit Buri, the home of a fellow traveler, last night).

It takes about 2 and a half hours from Wichian Buri to Thung Salaeng Luang.

The park entrance is clearly marked.

We approached the park rangers to request permission to enter the Tung Nang Phaya meadow. They informed us that vehicles frequently get stuck in the mud during this season, making it impossible to reach the meadow. They also mentioned that if our vehicle got stuck, we would need to call for assistance, which would incur towing fees. Our vehicle was a 4x2 Vigo with a lifted suspension. The rangers suggested that we could drive to the Sala Dusita viewpoint, which was approximately 4 kilometers from the park headquarters. We agreed to visit the viewpoint and signed the registration form, receiving a permit and the park headquarters' contact number in case of emergencies or getting stuck. As we drove, we noticed a scenic spot near the headquarters and stopped to take photos.

Following the directions provided by the park rangers, we drove until we reached a fork in the road. A sign indicated that Tung Nang Phaya was to the left, while Kaeng Wang Nam Yen was straight ahead.

A nearby sign read "Absolutely no straight ahead," but we failed to notice either sign, perhaps due to being engrossed in conversation. We continued driving straight ahead. The initial section of the road was rocky.

Although it is a hardtail, it rides comfortably.

The road gradually transitioned from paved to gravel, and as we ventured further, the dry gravel turned into damp, muddy terrain.

At that moment, we started to feel uneasy and considered turning back, as we hadn't seen any other vehicles. By chance, we noticed a kilometer marker indicating 3+350.

Despite not reaching the 4 km mark as instructed by the officials, we continued driving until we encountered a muddy and slightly steep section.

The sight of another car's tire tracks indicated a possible path forward. As I drove, the rear of the car skidded, but I managed to navigate the treacherous terrain. However, a large log blocked the way ahead. Frustration surged through me: "Damn it!" I turned the car around, forced to retrace my steps through the muddy terrain. Everyone, brace yourselves!

Let's go!!! Come on, let's go!!!

Stuck in the mud, oh my god! So we helped each other find wood to put down so that the wheels wouldn't touch the soggy ground, but it didn't work.

While stuck in the mud, another car approached. It seemed that this car had also not noticed the sign. We signaled to the other car, "Don't come, stuck in the mud," and shouted for them to help contact the authorities, as the number the authorities had initially provided was not working. However, we decided to try again. With a friend helping to push the car while we accelerated, we managed to get through! We then drove to a parking spot and got out to admire the scenery.

At that moment, I wanted to shout, "That's my car!" I'll have to do a major wash when I get back. 55+ Let's take a souvenir photo.

After driving back almost to the intersection sign, I saw an official's car coming towards me, so I told him, "It was my car that was stuck, but I managed to get through." When I reached the intersection, I saw a huge "No Entry" sign and another sign saying "Tung Nang Phaya, turn left." So I turned left and finally found the 4 km viewpoint that the official had mentioned. Phew! This experience taught me that it's important to be focused while driving, to be alert, and to pay attention to everything on the road.

Continue along Route 12.

It's time to check in at Sappraiwan Grand Hotel & Resort, located on Highway 12 Phitsanulok-Lomsak. Let's take a look at the atmosphere inside the resort.

We have booked a house for 3,500 baht, which can accommodate 4-5 people.

We made an appointment with the resort to go whitewater rafting at 2 pm. The starting point for the rafting is located within the resort. The rafting distance is 8 km, with a total of 15 rapids ranging from levels 1 to 5. Before we started, we had to prepare ourselves and listen to the demonstration on paddling and accident prevention from the staff.

Let's get started.

After finishing whitewater rafting, take a souvenir photo with the kilometer marker and return to the accommodation.

It was time for dinner, and we decided to go to the Phitsanulok Walking Street. However, we ended up at Meat Mii Grill Buffet, a restaurant located on Borommatrailokkanat Road (next to the Dtac Center).

Eating and taking pictures at the same time.

After a satisfying meal, we continued to the walking street for a leisurely stroll to aid digestion. I thought I wouldn't be able to make it.

The market is big.

Return to accommodation, rest, and prepare for the next day's journey.

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Day 2

Wake up feeling refreshed, take a shower, get dressed, pack your belongings, and have breakfast at the hotel.

After checking out, we continued our journey to Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park. Along the way, we made several stops, including the Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit Province.

It took almost 2 hours to reach the Sirindhorn Dam, where the sun was blazing.

We walked along the dam crest. At first, I thought we could drive directly to the crest, but no... We parked and walked.

Snap a quick photo and continue on to our next destination, the impressive Laterite Pillars of Na Noi.

From Sirikit Dam, there are two ways to reach the Sao Din Na Noi pillars:

1. Take the car ferry at Ban Bang Pra fishing village.
2. Take Highway 117 and turn left onto Highway 1083.

Option 1 will save us more travel time, so we chose this route. We also want to avoid the car ferry (haha). Plus, from what I've researched, there's a restaurant on a floating platform after the car ferry. So, we'll stop there for lunch.

On the way to Pak Nai Fishing Village, there are very few signs. At first, I thought I was on the wrong road, so I stopped to ask someone nearby. The answer was that I was on the right road, so I continued driving. (The road is full of potholes, so be careful when driving.)

We have arrived at the Pak Nai Fishing Village.

The cost of crossing the bridge is 250 baht per trip, with a maximum of 2 vehicles per trip.

This is a parallel universe.

From the raft, the distant view was breathtakingly beautiful.

This is the boat used to tow the raft.

And don't miss the group photo.

After crossing the river, we had lunch at Pa Song Bua restaurant. The fish, including catfish, snakehead fish, and ruby fish, were very large.

I saw a cat sleeping soundly.

It's time to continue our journey to the Sao Din Na Noi. Let me tell you, the view from the Nanoy Ferry to the Sao Din Na Noi is absolutely stunning on both sides of the road.

We have arrived at the small soil pillar.

There were hardly any people around.

Continue driving for approximately 20 kilometers to Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park. Pay the entrance fee of 130 baht per person and vehicle, and check in at the pre-booked campsite. The park was crowded that night.

During festivals or holidays, you must park your car at the service center below. On weekdays, you can park your car near the camping area.

After lunch at the floating restaurant, I'm not feeling hungry yet, so I went to photograph the stars. The sky is full of stars tonight, and there are even elephants, although they're not very clear.

And went back to sleep in the tent Zzz.

Day 3

I woke up late and went to the viewpoint. As usual, there were a lot of people. This morning, there was no sea of fog, only a few scattered clouds.

The number of people started to increase after a while.

Lion's Head Rock

The sea of fog was too beautiful to miss.

Let's go back to the tent and pack up.

Departing back to Bangkok.

Thank you to everyone who has read and enjoyed our journey. Please like, share, and care for each other.

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