Mon Cham: Mountains, Mist, and Flowers

January 6, 2017

Our journey began at Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, where we embarked on our trip to Chiang Mai.

The evening travel time was chosen to allow for travel time from work.

Despite the heavy traffic on Friday night, our main destination wasn't Mon Cham. Instead, we embarked on a journey to hunt for the elusive sea of mist at Kiw Mae Pan.

• Bus fare, Sombut Tour, Bangkok-Chiang Mai: 759 baht per person

Photographic Equipment

• Canon 7D
• VIVO V3 (primary camera used for most of the images in this collection)

January 7, 2017

Day 2

At 6:00 AM, the tour bus safely arrived in Chiang Mai. On this trip, none of the three of us were able to drive (such is the hardship of life!). Before arriving, we had already contacted a car rental service with a driver. It was a good deal to split the cost between the three of us.

Sakon is the owner and driver of the car that will take us to all the places we want to go. We made an appointment with Sakon at around 7:30 a.m. because before that, we wanted some time to brush our teeth and wash our faces. The place was the bathroom at the Akhet Transport Company.

: Doi Mon Cham :

Before boarding the car, we discussed and planned our itinerary, deciding where to go first. Given the early hour, we agreed that finding breakfast was the top priority. We decided to have breakfast at Mon Cham, as none of us had ever been there, despite frequent visits to Chiang Mai.

The morning light after climbing the ramp to the parking lot is so refreshing.

As you walk up, you will come across souvenir shops before entering Mon Cham. Even in the morning, there are quite a lot of people. As for the weather, it goes without saying that it is refreshingly cold.

M่อนแจ่ม

M่อนแจ่ม is located in Mae Rim district, just 40 minutes from Chiang Mai city. It is part of the Nong Hoi Royal Project Development Center, situated near the Hmong village of Nong Hoi.

Walking into a breathtaking display of diverse and vibrant flowers, I was captivated by their beauty. Despite my limited knowledge of their names, the cool air enhanced the aesthetic appeal of everything in sight. The garden boasted a mesmerizing array of flower beds and vegetable patches, offering a feast for the eyes.

The atmosphere at Mon Cham is excellent.

: Breakfast at Mon Cham :

This morning, we had breakfast at a restaurant on Mon Cham, the Royal Project Mon Cham Restaurant. There is another shop that seems to sell coffee and bread, while this shop focuses on heavy meals and has delicious pastries and baked goods. The wait wasn't long, and the food was amazing. Eating a meal with a beautiful view is truly heartwarming.

Indulging in a hearty breakfast. This is just a light morning meal. 555

Fried rice with pork and steamed rice topped with fragrant fried egg.

Spicy and sour pork bone Tom Yum (my favorite) and papaya salad with vegetables from the Royal Project.

Fried chicken waffles and spicy papaya salad with fermented fish sauce.

The provided text is an empty paragraph containing only a line break. As there is no actual content to translate, I cannot provide a translation in this instance.

Please provide a sentence or phrase you would like me to translate.

As we waited for our food to arrive, a sea of mist drifted in from the distant, rugged mountains. It gradually rolled in large waves, eventually enveloping everything in its embrace. Although we had witnessed this phenomenon many times before, we couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and wonder. For mountain enthusiasts like us, the presence of a sea of mist is an integral part of the experience.

I'd love to sit and eat on the hut, but it's already full when I get there.

The sea of mist is coming closer, and it's a beautiful sight to behold. ^^

Here is my translation:

Do you see the sky?

I'll keep it for you.

: Flowers and fog :

After a satisfying meal, we had the energy to explore the Mon Cham Royal Project. The flowers were in full bloom, their vibrant colors attracting not only bees and insects but also human visitors like ourselves. Every winter, Mon Cham becomes a popular tourist destination, not only for its stunning flower fields but also for the opportunity to experience the diverse lifestyles of the local hill tribes.

Behold the breathtaking views and serene atmosphere of Mon Cham.

The dewdrops on the blades of grass

In addition to being a popular destination for humans, this location also welcomes pets. The joy experienced by both humans and their canine companions is evident in their cheerful expressions.

Certain areas are designated for the cultivation of a diverse range of cold-weather vegetables.

: Flower Garden :

The translation of the provided text is:

In addition to vegetables, there will also be areas for planting flowers that bloom beautifully according to the season, such as verbena, daisy, chamomile, and Shirley poppy.

There are so many kinds of flowers, I almost couldn't take pictures of them all. I also can't remember the names of the flowers anymore.

We strolled around and took photos until almost noon, then continued our journey, stopping to take photos along the way. Whenever we came across a beautiful view, especially with mountains in the background, we would ask to stop and take photos. My brother, Sakorn, was kind enough to suggest places to visit and take photos for the three of us throughout the trip.

Nestled amidst the scenic slopes of Mon Cham, a plethora of accommodations awaits, offering diverse vistas and price points to suit every preference. Numerous hills dot the landscape, each within close proximity, connected by routes that, while steep and uneven, are nonetheless accessible by car.

Photographs taken along the roadside and scenic views at various locations around Mon Cham.

Recalling that day, I gazed at the distant sky.

Where does the horizon end? Who can answer the question?

Just like a dream, I persevered in my efforts.

Undeterred by scorn and ridicule, I was told it was just... a delusion.

CR. Song: I Will Fly - Aisoon Watanayon

Young children from a hill tribe dressed in traditional attire wait for tourists to take記念 photos.

Lost in the joy of photography, we almost forgot about lunch, which was already past noon. Sako drove us to a restaurant near a waterfall in Mae Rim, where a cool stream flowed. While waiting for our food, we dipped our feet in the water, resting our weary bodies from the journey.

Many restaurants of this type exist, and at each one during that period, the wait to eat was so long that customers lost their appetites. Due to the large number of people and insufficient staff, the wait was quite lengthy.

Lunch menus are mostly papaya salad, larb, fried chicken, and sticky rice. 555

After enjoying lunch and taking some photos, we continued our journey to the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, located in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province… but…!!!

• To be continued -

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I will fly... fly far away without fear.

The mountains may be high, or the path may be steep, I am not afraid, I am not discouraged, I am not faltering.

I will fly to the ends of the sky, I must go.

To collect hundreds of dreams that are lined up.....to make them come true...

...I will fly....

CR. Song I Will Fly - Aisoon Watanayon

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