I'm not sure if I'm lost.

As I drive through the thin fog in the darkness and cold on the dirt road,

1,250 meters above sea level, skirting the intricate slopes in a mysterious land,

where even Google Maps can't find the exact location.

Now, only the GPS is my companion, but it has been silent since I left the village.

It's not that there's no signal, but there are no more junctions except for the small road that I have to zoom in on the GPS to the end.

To see this road.

I left my accommodation at Doi Wawi alone at around 5:30 am and am racing against time.

To catch the sunrise over the sea of fog in an area known as "Doi Kad Phi".

But the information about the route is as vague as the darkness ahead.

Some say it's 20 kilometers from the main road, some say it's 5 kilometers, some say a sedan can go, and some say a four-wheel drive is needed.

When I asked the resort, they recommended hiring a local car, a yellow two-row car for 700 baht, which is a good option without risk.

But it wouldn't be worth it for me to rent the whole car alone, and besides, if the two-row car can go, my car can go too if it's not the rainy season.

All that's left is the route, which I have to rely on the GPS because it has information about Doi Kad Phi.

But normally I follow the motto "Don't trust the road, don't trust the GPS", which means we have to know more than it does.

We have to study the route first and then use it as an aid, but this time I really don't see anyone else.

A sign clearly states, "Turn right to Doi Kad Phi National Park, 5 kilometers."

Meanwhile, my GPS protests, "That's wrong! It's still 15 kilometers away!"

Well, I'll be! At least it's leading me in the same direction as the sign.

The small concrete road takes me through the early morning silence into the village of Huai Chomphu, where not a single house has opened its doors.

Fortunately, there are signs pointing the way to Doi Kad Phi at every intersection, and they perfectly match the route my GPS is taking.

This gives me confidence that it will eventually lead me to my destination.

Beyond the village, the road turns into a narrow dirt track, making me wonder how I'll manage if another car comes along.

But why worry when I'm the only vehicle in the entire valley?

As I drive deeper, I've gone well beyond the 5 kilometers indicated by the sign, and I still haven't seen any sign of Doi Kad Phi.

My anxiety grows with the increasing brightness of the sky.

I fear I won't make it in time for sunrise. If I really have to travel another 10 kilometers as the GPS suggests, I definitely won't!

As the sun rose, the road and surrounding landscape gradually came into view. However, my destination was still nowhere in sight.

The GPS kept announcing that I was approaching my destination, but the road seemed to be leading me up a mountain.

I expected to reach a point with a panoramic view, but I seemed to be stuck at the same elevation, surrounded by mountains.

A few moments later, the treacherous GPS announced, "You have reached your destination. End of navigation."

What? This is the middle of nowhere! How can this be my destination? You're abandoning me here?

I was in shock, feeling betrayed. In the middle of these desolate mountains, I was all alone.

There were no signs, no GPS, and my phone signal had been lost at some point. I knew I couldn't turn back.

The road was too narrow to make a U-turn.

I decided to keep driving, unsure of what lay ahead or where the road would end.

But life is sustained by hope. My determination led me through the rough and rugged terrain.

Until it finally came to an end in a clearing in the middle of a village.

Looking around, there was no way to go. Had I reached a dead end?

I believe that life never reaches a dead end. As long as we breathe and think, life has a mechanism to find its own way.

Like now, I parked my car and asked the old man who was staring at the strange car with surprise.

"Which way to Doi Kad Phi?" The old man seemed to have difficulty speaking Thai and replied haltingly, but I could understand him.

"You've already passed Doi Kad Phi, young man. Drive back the way you came."

I raised my hands in a wai to thank my grandfather before reflecting on the path I had taken, wondering where I had gone wrong at the岔路口.

If I could drive back and find it, that would be great. But if I don't, I won't be disappointed, because I've tried my best and I can accept whatever the outcome is. But if I hadn't gotten out of bed this morning, that's what I would regret.

It's like someone who has a dream but doesn't take action.

As I drove back the way I came, about 5 kilometers from the sign that said "Enter here" from the main road, I noticed a岔路口veering off to the left and up a hill.

I had actually driven past it, but I had a feeling and glanced in the rearview mirror. I saw a sign with a small arrow pointing up: "Wan Uthayan Doi Kad Phi."

So I quickly backed up the car, turned the steering wheel, and drove up the hill following the sign.

Wow! How am I supposed to see that with a small sign hidden away, and it was dark when I came this way!

And then I had to make a sharp turn almost like a U-turn to go up the hill. How could I not get lost!

The Path to Enchantment: A Journey to Doi Kad Phi

The initial ascent was steep, a challenge best tackled with a four-wheel drive or the assistance of a local villager, especially during the rainy season. I cautiously navigated the winding path, gradually ascending until I reached the designated camping area within Doi Kad Phi Forest Park.

Despite the late hour and the sun's radiant presence high in the sky, it wasn't too late. The sea of mist before me patiently awaited my arrival, ready to reward my perseverance. It was a transformation, a metamorphosis from a "lost traveler" to one captivated by nature's splendor.

Although I didn't capture the sunrise or the beautiful twilight as I had hoped,

the stories and meanings behind each image I captured are profound.

This journey has taught me so much, especially the final lesson it impressed upon me:

"Do not be afraid to get lost, but dare to embark on the journey."

The Route of Ai Fai Noi to Doi Kad Phi

Departing from Bangkok, head towards Chiang Rai province. I usually take the Kamphaeng Phet-Tak-Lampang-Ngao-Phayao route,

which may be a bit of a detour, but it's a four-lane highway all the way, making for an easy and comfortable drive.

When you enter Chiang Rai province at kilometer 806-807, turn left

onto Highway 118 towards Mae Suai District, approximately 25 kilometers.

Turn right at Mae Suai District Office following the signs for Doi Chang - Doi Wawee. This is located between kilometer markers 134 and 135.

Continue uphill for approximately 50 kilometers to reach Ban Wawee. After passing the village, Leelawadee Hill Resort will be on your right after another 5 kilometers.

(You can choose to stay here like I did, or camp at Doi Kad Phi if you prefer.)

Drive past Leelawadee Hill Resort for about 3 kilometers, and you will see a sign to turn right to Doi Kad Phi Forest Park for another 5 kilometers.

The road is concrete at first, but after passing Huai Chomphu Village, it becomes a dirt road. Pay close attention to the signs, especially the last one.

If you miss it, there will be no more signs, and you will get lost like me.

The last sign to turn right is a sharp right turn up a steep hill. Your car must be in good condition. I have seen people take sedans up, but if you care about your car, I recommend against it. If you are coming during the rainy season, a four-wheel drive vehicle would be best.

The total distance from Bangkok to Doi Kad Phi is about 890 kilometers. If you drive straight through, it will take about 12-13 hours.

I recommend staying overnight in Mae Suai District or Chiang Rai city before continuing your journey.

In the morning, you can visit Mae Suai Dam, Doi Chang, and Doi Wawee before setting up your tent on Doi Kad Phi.

The top of Doi Kad Phi Forest Park is a camping ground with park rangers, restrooms, but no restaurants or electricity.

From the campsite, there is another viewpoint, but the park rangers said that the view from the top might be obstructed by trees.

The view from the campsite is the best, so I didn't go up.

If you're visiting Chiang Rai city and looking for a restaurant or cafe to relax in with affordable prices, try visiting "Chivit Chiva Art Coffee Tea Bar".

http://www.chiangraifocus.com/forums/index.php?topic=642560.0

Thank you for the link from chiangraifocus.com

https://m.facebook.com/chivitchivaatchiangrai/?locale2=th_TH

Link to the Chivit Chiva page

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