The Rainy Season: A Time for Relaxation and Reflection

While some may find the rainy season to be a time of inconvenience and discomfort, others see it as an opportunity for relaxation and reflection. The pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof, the lush greenery of the surrounding fields, and the gentle mist that hangs in the air create a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

For those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a cozy cabin nestled amidst a rice paddy offers the perfect retreat. Imagine yourself curled up with a good book, listening to the soothing sounds of nature as the rain gently falls outside. The fresh air, the verdant landscape, and the absence of distractions provide an ideal setting for introspection and rejuvenation.

This particular trip was undertaken with the specific intention of finding such a sanctuary. Join me as we explore the wonders of "Go Wit Khum Plai Na," a hidden gem that promises an unforgettable experience.

The original text is in Thai and describes a farmhouse called "Gowit Krating Phlu" located in Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai province, Thailand. Here's the translated information:

Gowit Krating Phlu Farmhouse

  • Location: 98 Moo 1, Tha Pha Subdistrict, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai 50270, Thailand (approximately 120 kilometers from Chiang Mai city center)
  • Phone: +66 91 858 4546
  • Website: http://maechaem-farmhouse.blogspot.com/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maechaem.farmhouse/
  • Line ID: wit8548
  • GPS Coordinates: 18.501348, 98.455266
  • Price: 900 THB per person (including breakfast and dinner)

Transportation

Private Vehicle:

  • Depart from the city center and drive towards Hang Dong > San Pa Tong > Chom Thong.
  • Look for the sign for Doi Inthanon before entering Chom Thong and turn right to ascend the mountain.
  • Along the route, you will encounter various attractions, including waterfalls, rice terraces, and Royal Projects.
  • Stop at checkpoints 1 and 2. Inform the officers that you are heading to Mae Chaem to avoid paying the entrance fee.
  • Shortly after checkpoint 2, turn left towards Mae Chaem.
  • This section features narrow, winding roads with steep inclines and sharp turns. Drive cautiously.
  • After passing the Mae Chaem viewpoint, watch for the sign for Ban Pha Nang village. Turn left and follow the GPS instructions.
  • Depending on road conditions, you may be picked up by a 4WD vehicle at either Wat Mae Raek or Ban Pha Nang.

Public Transportation:

  • From the bus station or airport, take a red songthaew to the Chom Thong bus terminal near Chiang Mai Gate 2 (20 baht).
  • Board the blue bus to Chom Thong-Mae Chaem, disembarking at Wat Phra That Sri Chom Thong.
  • Take a yellow songthaew to Mae Chaem and get off at the entrance to Ban Pha Nang village or Wat Mae Raek (80 baht).

I chose to use AVIS car rental for my trip because it was convenient for time management and allowed me to stop anywhere I wanted when I came across interesting places. However, because I kept stopping, it was already dusk by the time I reached my destination. I also missed the sign for the entrance to Ban Phanan by about 2 kilometers, and my GPS cleverly recalculated the route, cutting a new path through Wat Ban Lao without knowing if the car could make it. I drove to the end of the concrete road and found a dirt road, so I asked Mr. Kowit for directions and realized I was on the wrong route. I turned around and went back the way I came, but then drove back up again. But the good thing about getting lost is that I found another beautiful rice terrace in that village.

After turning around, I parked the car at the house of your relative, Mr. Kowit, in the Pha Nang village. When I met Mr. Kowit, the owner of the farmstay, I was amazed. He was a young man with a lot of energy, probably not even 30 years old, but he was the owner and manager of the entire accommodation business. Then, he drove the car off-road out of the village and up the mountain, taking me to the hut at the end of the rice field, about 7-8 kilometers away. Along the way, he told me about the area. Along the way, I could see rice fields, cornfields, or seasonal vegetables on the plains at the foot of the mountains. The villagers who live and work in this area are Karen people. On the mountain, I could see the encroachment and clearing of the forest to occupy land for cultivation. Mr. Kowit told me that the villagers have been encroaching on the land for farming since the time of their grandparents, but now, due to the law and the villagers' growing awareness of the importance of the forest, they have agreed not to encroach further and will only cultivate the land they already have.

Govit Kradoom Pladna: A Secluded Retreat in the Valley

Nestled amidst the embrace of a valley, Govit Kradoom Pladna offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a rustic retreat. The accommodation comprises seven charming huts, reminiscent of traditional Thai farmhouses, with four perched atop a hill and three nestled below. From the vantage point of the upper huts, guests are treated to a breathtaking vista of the rice paddies adorned with vibrant blooms, stretching out below. Facing westward, Govit Kradoom Pladna provides the perfect setting to capture the mesmerizing spectacle of the sun as it dips behind the mountain peaks.

Each cabin offers a bedroom, bathroom, and a veranda for activities, lounging, and enjoying the scenic views. Amenities are limited to electrical outlets and a single fan, although the climate is generally cool and comfortable, even chilly at night, making the fan unnecessary. Internet access, a modern necessity, is readily available due to the cabin's proximity to a transmission tower. Homestay tourism prioritizes relaxation and immersion in nature, offering an opportunity to experience the local way of life, which I find deeply fulfilling.

Breakfast and Dinner with Stunning Views

The breakfast and dinner, accompanied by breathtaking views from the accommodation, were truly delightful. The food was not only delicious but also featured fresh ingredients sourced directly from the farm, including the meat.

Take a walk around the accommodation and explore the surrounding area. The area is filled with rice fields, and there are photo spots with signs in front of and behind the hut. You can walk around and enjoy the atmosphere by walking along the rice field bunds, but be careful as the ground can be slippery in some areas.

One of the most striking features of this accommodation is the sense of humidity. Several small streams flow down from the Karen hills in front, and the scent and sounds of nature permeate the surroundings, making a one-night stay feel insufficient.

On my way back, I took in the atmosphere and captured one last image at the entrance of the farmstay as a farewell to this refreshing land in Mae Chaem district. This concludes my search for another accommodation with a pleasant atmosphere like this. Goodbye...



- Thank you to all my friends who came to watch and like and share. It really means a lot to me.

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Kenstyle Backpacker

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