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The journey to Pilok this time was a continuation from Sangkhlaburi. After descending from Sangkhlaburi via Highway 323, the bypass road of Ban Pong, we turned right onto Highway 3272 to ascend to Pilok. It is a narrow, two-lane mountain road with barely enough space for two cars to pass each other. Driving requires caution. We visited during the rainy season (September), and it rained throughout the journey. Fog descended at times, and the road surface was damaged, with potholes and sections where half the lane had disappeared due to soil erosion. However, the final 10 kilometers before reaching the village had good road conditions due to recent repairs, making it accessible to all types of vehicles.

Leaving Sangkhlaburi at noon, we arrived in Pilok around 3 pm. We stayed at the Pilok Tok Taek Homestay, which we had booked two weeks in advance. It was a room for four people with two double beds and cost 1,500 baht. It had a gas-powered water heater to provide sufficient warmth. Although there was no air conditioning, it wasn't a concern as the nights were very cold. The bottled water was kept at room temperature, which felt as cool as if it had been refrigerated.

The fog descended all day, from morning till night, as we settled into our accommodation. Rain fell intermittently throughout the day, necessitating the constant use of umbrellas when venturing outside. During our two-day stay, we were perpetually damp. After unpacking our belongings, we embarked on an exploratory walk around the village at around 4:30 PM. The dense fog rendered visibility almost impossible.

A Culinary Gem in Baan Itong: Krua Jeh Nee

For dinner tonight, indulge in the culinary delights of Krua Jeh Nee in Baan Itong. This restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood sourced from Myanmar, along with à la carte dishes and breakfast options. While the prices are reasonable, the true highlight lies in the delectable flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Our recent visit saw us order three dishes and a pot of rice. The stir-fried crab with pickled bamboo shoots (150 THB) was a symphony of textures and tastes, the pickled bamboo adding a delightful tang to the rich crab meat. The century egg salad (80 THB) offered a unique and refreshing twist, while the herb-fried chicken (100 THB) was perfectly crispy and flavorful.

Krua Jeh Nee is a hidden gem in Baan Itong, offering a delightful dining experience with delicious food at reasonable prices. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply looking for a satisfying meal, this restaurant is sure to impress.

After finishing dinner, it started raining again, so we returned to our accommodation. At 6 pm, the rain stopped, and we went out for a walk in the market. The atmosphere was cool and comfortable, with a few tourists taking pictures.

The next morning, breakfast was served at the accommodation, which included rice porridge with pork and shiitake mushrooms. Oh, and there was coffee and Ovaltine available to make throughout the day. After having a light breakfast at the accommodation, we went out for another breakfast at Krua Jeh Nee, as usual. The roti here is delicious, and I highly recommend trying it if you come here. It's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. We initially ordered one plate, but we had to order another because it was so good.

As I sit down for breakfast at a local restaurant, a procession of villagers dressed in white robes catches my eye. Each villager carries a bucket, and the procession is accompanied by the sounds of conch shells, gongs, and chanting in an unfamiliar language. I observe that the buckets contain rice, and villagers approach with cups to pour rice into the buckets, resembling the act of offering alms to monks. This peculiar custom is a fascinating sight to behold.

After breakfast, we bought postcards and souvenirs, then walked to the Pilok Mine.

Waterfall in the mine

After leaving the mine, we continued our journey to **Elephant Tusk Hill**, a distance of 1.2 km. I must confess that we did not reach the top due to exhaustion. The fog began to descend heavily, and we only managed to reach a clearing where we rested for 20 minutes before returning.

After descending from Khao Chang Si, we returned to our accommodation to pack our belongings and prepare for our return journey.

Pilok is a small, charming town shrouded in mist. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the town remains largely untouched by development. The people are friendly and the environment is peaceful. If given the opportunity, I would love to return and visit again. Hopefully, the natural beauty of this place will remain unchanged.