The allure of travel lies in venturing into the unknown, exploring uncharted territories, and discovering hidden gems. My recent trip to Li exemplifies this perfectly. While many travelers may not be familiar with this charming town, I was fortunate enough to experience its unique allure firsthand. Join me as I share my adventures and unveil the hidden treasures of this captivating destination.

Li District, a small town in Lamphun Province, can be accessed via two main routes: through Tak Province and Lampang Province. For this trip, we departed from Bangkok and set our GPS to Li District via Tak Province. After an approximately 8-hour drive, we arrived in Li District. Feeling weary from the journey, we decided to check into our accommodation for a relaxing first night.

For this trip, we stayed at Baan Pailin Resort, a charming accommodation with a peaceful atmosphere located near the entrance to Li city, not far from the city center.

Let's take a look around the accommodation.

The exterior boasts a fusion of architectural styles, creating a simple yet elegant aesthetic that complements the tranquil ambiance. Now that we've admired the exterior, let's step inside and explore the bedrooms.

The bedroom at Baan Pailin Resort is simply furnished, clean, and visually appealing. What I particularly enjoyed about this room was the view of the stunning mountains that greeted me upon opening the back door. It was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the cool evening breeze or watch the sunrise in the morning.

A notable advantage of staying here is the convenient access to food and beverages at the adjacent Cafe' De Lyn, eliminating the need to venture far when hunger strikes.

Cafe' De Lyn @ Li: A Culinary Oasis with Indoor and Outdoor Seating

Cafe' De Lyn @ Li offers both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing patrons to choose between enjoying the cool air conditioning or the refreshing outdoor breeze. The cafe boasts a delectable menu featuring both savory and sweet options, sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Let's take a peek at some of their mouthwatering offerings:

• Spicy and Flavorful Fish Ball Tom Yum Noodles: This dish is a true explosion of flavor, with a perfectly balanced blend of spice and tanginess. The fish balls are tender and juicy, and the noodles are cooked to al dente perfection.

Alternatively, common dishes such as stir-fried minced pork with basil and a fried egg are equally delicious.

After a satisfying main course, indulge in a sweet treat paired with a cup of coffee to combat drowsiness.

Before the first day's light faded, we didn't let the time pass by in vain. We asked the resort if there were any nearby attractions, and they suggested one place: Wat Phra Phutthabat Pha Nam. However, on our way to Wat Phra Phutthabat Pha Nam, we passed another important landmark: the Three Kubas Monument.

For those who are unfamiliar with the term "Kru Ba," it is a title used to address revered Buddhist monks. For further information, please refer to Google search. The Three Kru Ba Monument in Li District was erected to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the district's establishment. The monument features three Kru Ba statues: Kru Ba Srivichai of Wat Ban Pang in Srivichai Subdistrict (center), Kru Ba Apichai (Khao Pi) or Kru Ba Khao Pi of Wat Phra Phutthabat Pha Nam in Pa Phai Subdistrict (left), and Kru Ba Chaiyawongsaphatthana of Wat Phra Phutthabat Huai Tom in Na Sai Subdistrict (right). All three Kru Ba were born in Li District, Lamphun Province, and are highly respected by the Lanna people and Buddhists in general. After paying respects to the three Kru Ba, we continued our journey to Wat Phra Phutthabat Pha Nam, located near Li town.

Upon arriving at Wat Phra Phutthabat Pha Nam, you will see a large plaster statue of Khru Ba Apichai Khaopi in white monk robes at the foot of Doi Pha Nam, which is the temple building below. However, our destination is the Phra That stupa located far above on the mountaintop.

We haven't reached our destination yet. Let's walk a little further. Up there are two pagodas located on the top of the mountain, connected by a bridge. It is also a viewpoint where you can see the city of Li from a 360-degree angle. It's safe to say that once you go up and see the view from above, you'll forget all about your fatigue.

It is said that if you visit here during the winter, you can see a sea of fog from this spot. However, we came during this season, and even in the morning. But that's okay, because even in the hot season, it has its own unique beauty.

The timing was perfect. We arrived just as the sun was setting, allowing us to capture some stunning sunset photos.

Don't miss the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of Li City from this vantage point.

The first day of the trip ended with a breathtaking sunset and stunning panoramic views from Wat Phra Phutthabat Pha Nam. We then returned to the hotel to rest and prepare for our adventure in Mae Ping National Park the next day. Before going to bed, we took a moment to enjoy the cool evening atmosphere at Baan Pailin Resort. We took a lot of photos and wanted to share them with you.

After a restful night's sleep, it's time to wake up and gather positive energy for the day ahead.

The view from my hotel room is breathtaking. I woke up to this stunning scenery right outside my window.

How relaxed are you? Ask your heart.

After soaking in the morning atmosphere and taking care of personal matters, it's time to hit the road. But for an army that marches on its stomach, they say you need energy from your stomach, so I'm going to have a light breakfast to fuel up first.

Conclude your culinary journey with delectable homemade cakes, including fragrant coconut cake and creamy blueberry cheesecake, from Cafe' De Lyn @ Li.

Having satiated our appetites, it was time to embark on our next destination: Mae Ping National Park.

In fact, Mae Ping National Park covers Doi Tao District in Chiang Mai Province, Sam Ngao District in Tak Province, and Li District in Lamphun Province, where we are currently located.

Following the GPS directions from the entrance sign, we soon arrived at the tourist service center. We had contacted the staff beforehand, and we recommend that anyone planning to visit the Mae Ping National Park do the same. Before heading to the various tourist spots, it is advisable to study the route or consult the staff about travel arrangements, as there is no phone signal in some areas, and you might get lost or confused. If you are ready, pay the entrance fee of 40 baht per person and the transportation fee, and let's go!

This Mae Ping National Park boasts numerous tourist attractions, both on land and water, some open to the public and others not yet officially accessible. For this trip, let's focus on the readily accessible ones. Our first destination is Kaeng Ko.

Kaeng Ko is a reservoir formed by the construction of the Bhumibol Dam, located upstream of the dam. In reality, this place should have a more beautiful atmosphere if you come at the right time.

This location offers floating houses, food, and lodging for tourists. It is recommended to visit during October to January, as the atmosphere is likely to be more beautiful and inviting. In addition to visiting this location, tourists can also hire a boat to explore other destinations along the river.

Seeking refuge from the scorching summer sun at Kaeng Ko, let's move on to the cool embrace of Namtok Ko Luang.

If you keep driving and see this sign, you are on the right track. Drive a little further and walk a little more, and you will reach Koh Luang Waterfall.

The area is currently being developed and improved to accommodate and facilitate tourists who come to visit the waterfall, making it more convenient. After a short walk, you will arrive at the Khao Luang Waterfall.

**Ko Luang Waterfall** is the most famous waterfall in Mae Ping National Park. It is a limestone waterfall formed by the Mae Ko stream flowing over a limestone cliff approximately 20 meters high. The waterfall cascades down in seven tiers before plunging into a large pool. The water in the pool is crystal clear, and park rangers say that it has a beautiful blue color, especially during the winter. The waterfall flows year-round and is surrounded by lush vegetation.

Before reaching the Khao Luang Waterfall, there is a path leading down to the Tad Sador Waterfall, a small but equally beautiful limestone waterfall.

After enjoying the refreshing waters of Koh Luang Waterfall, we continued our journey to our next destination, the Pha Daeng Luang viewpoint. On the way, we passed through the **Thung Kik** area.

Tung Kik is a natural grassland located in the heart of the dry dipterocarp forest and mixed deciduous forest. However, during our visit, it was the dry season and also the forest fire season, so the area appeared rather arid. There are accommodations available for tourists to stay overnight by booking park bungalows or camping.

Our brief respite was soon interrupted by the need to reach our final destination for the day: Tham Yang Wee Park Unit. This would be our base for the night before ascending to the Pha Daeng Luang viewpoint at dawn. Therefore, we had to arrive before nightfall.

Despite encountering a slight detour while navigating through the dense forest, we successfully reached our destination. However, it is important to note that this route is not suitable for all vehicles, as it requires a certain level of durability. Additionally, during the wildfire and haze season, which coincided with our visit, the park authorities typically restrict access to the Pha Daeng Luang viewpoint. Nevertheless, we had obtained prior permission from the park superintendent.

This is actually the residence of the park officials who manage this unit, but they are also in the process of improving the area and building accommodation for tourists. As for us, upon arrival, we arranged our sleeping arrangements.

"Hmm… it's good to be in a group like this. No need to fight for a spot and no one is taking it from me. Haha! Now that I have a spot, I…"

Having eaten and slept, we prepared for the next day. Early the following morning, we met with the officer who would take us to the **Pha Daeng Luang viewpoint** at three in the morning.

The reason for the long travel time is the 7 km drive in the dark through the forest, followed by a 3 km walk on foot, all while feeling extremely sleepy. However, having come this far, there was no turning back. As I walked, I gazed at the stars in the sky. In the darkness of the forest, the stars were even more visible.

After reaching the summit, we took a moment to rest, enjoying the fresh air and gazing at the stars. As dawn approached, we found a suitable location and set up our camera tripods, eagerly anticipating the morning light.

The long-awaited dawn has finally arrived...

Despite the slightly heavy smoke from the wildfires and the somewhat dry conditions, the forest still retains its beauty. It was truly worth it to see this with my own eyes.

The Journey Continues: Exploring Temples in Li

After capturing the breathtaking sunrise at Pha Daeng Luang, we returned to our accommodation to pack our belongings and prepare for our journey back to Bangkok. However, before bidding farewell to the charming town of Li, we decided to squeeze in a few more sightseeing stops. As mentioned earlier, this little town has a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. In this final installment, we embark on a spiritual journey, exploring the serene temples of Li.

Our first stop is Wat Phra That Duang Diao, a temple renowned for its unique and captivating architecture.

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Is there anything else I can help you with?

Wat Phra That Duang Diao is a small temple, an ancient temple built since the founding of Li city. The Phra That Duang Diao stupa that is visible is a newly built stupa covering the original stupa, standing approximately 30 meters tall.

Our next stop is not far away, at the **Five Relics Pagoda Temple**.

The Five Relics of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai

This grand temple boasts an ancient history, with its most prominent feature being the five majestic chedis. Legend has it that Queen Chama Thewi, ruler of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, witnessed five luminous orbs hovering above five mounds of earth during the night. Upon inquiring with the locals, she learned that these were the relics of the Buddha, specifically the water used by him to wash his hands, which had flowed through his five fingers onto the ground. Filled with devotion, the Queen ordered the construction of five chedis to enshrine these sacred relics.

Departing from Wat Phra That Ha Duang, we drove along the route back to Bangkok. However, we decided to make a detour to Ban Huai Tom to visit another renowned temple in Lamphun, **Wat Phra Phutthabat Huai Tom**.

The Wat Phra Phutthabat Huai Tom is a large temple located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. This temple houses a revered footprint of the Buddha, attracting both Thai and Karen Buddhists. Legend has it that during the Buddha's lifetime, he visited this area to teach the Dhamma and left his footprint as a mark of his presence. The temple has constructed a viharn to enshrine this footprint, making it a significant religious site in Li district and Lamphun province.

In addition to the temple grounds, Wat Phra Phutthabat Huai Tom also has a Buddhist site located outside the temple, which is the Phra Maha Chedi Si Wiang Chai. It is a large chedi located away from the temple. It is the largest laterite chedi in Thailand, modeled after the Shwedagon Pagoda in Burma.

Our temple tour program in Li City has ended. Before returning to Bangkok, I was attracted by the signpost to the Handicraft Research Center of Ban Huai Tom, so I stopped by to have a look.

**The Huay Tom Handicraft Research Center** is a center for the promotion of ancient Karen handicrafts and culture. The center sells products made by the community's occupational groups, including woven fabrics, silverware, and a wide variety of processed goods, all made by the local villagers, who are mostly Karen.

In addition to being a product distribution center, this location also serves as a learning center for Karen culture and the traditional way of life of the Pa'o people. It features both ancient Karen houses and demonstrations of traditional Karen weaving techniques.

That's all for now. Not that there are no more places to visit, but I'm out of energy and time. It's time to go back to work and save money for another trip.

This summer trip to Li City truly covered all aspects, from relaxing and enjoying the city views to exploring the beauty of nature in the forest, visiting temples to pay respects to the Buddha, and learning about the local Shan community's way of life. There are still many places we haven't been able to visit. For those who want to try new experiences in a city that might not be on your travel itinerary, I recommend pinning Li City as another destination. If you want to make the most of it, I suggest visiting during the late rainy season or early winter. You'll find the beauty and charm just as impressive as other tourist destinations.

For a summer trip to Li City

**We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Baan Pailin Resort for their exceptional hospitality and accommodations. If you are planning a trip to Li City, we highly recommend booking your stay at Baan Pailin. For reservations, please contact 085-2197775 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/baanpailyn.**

Thank you Cafe' De Lyn for the delicious food, drinks, and desserts.

We would like to express our gratitude to Mae Ping National Park for allowing us to visit and capture stunning images within the park's boundaries. We also extend our appreciation to the park's superintendent and all staff members for their exceptional hospitality and assistance. For inquiries, please contact Mae Ping National Park at 061-3753500 or 098-8082827.

In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has read this far. If you have only looked at the pictures and skipped to this point, that's perfectly fine. If you enjoyed this review or believe it will be helpful for your travels, please share it with others.

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If we have the opportunity to travel to any interesting places, we will collect them and write them down for you to read again. Bye.