Readme before you journey
In Yunan, Pua & Bo Kluea (C View Home + Mee Sapan + Scent of Salt)
"Escape the heat and sleep in Nan."
Embarking on a journey, whether near or far, alone or with companions, invariably expands our understanding of the world. It allows us to observe and appreciate our surroundings with a more extended perspective, free from haste and superficiality. We encounter individuals with diverse lifestyles, fostering a deeper comprehension of ourselves and the world around us. For this trip, the route chosen was Pua - Bo Kluea in Nan Province. Despite the onset of summer, these two districts of Nan are known for their cool climate.
Traveling from Bangkok to Nan
Bus travel: Approximately 10 hours
Currently, several bus companies offer services between Bangkok and Nan, with various departure times throughout the day. Passengers can board buses at either Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal or the respective bus company's service center. Companies offering this route include Sombat Tour, BKS, Busarakam Tour, NCA Transport, and Bangkok Busline. Please refer to the schedule below for specific departure times.
- Airplane: It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes for those who want to save travel time. This method is the best option. Currently, there are 2 airlines operating between Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok - Nan Nakhon Airport, Nan: Thai Air Asia and Nok Air. As for the price, it depends on the booking time.
Traveling in Nan Province
- Buses and shared taxis (songthaews) are available for transportation between the city center and various districts. These services can typically be accessed at the passenger transport station.
- **Motorcycle taxis** are priced according to agreement. For trips between the Transportation Center and the Airport, the fare is typically 50 baht per trip.
Taxis in Nan Province
Taxis in Nan Province operate on a metered fare system with predetermined rates. Approximately 10 taxis are available, and passengers can call a central dispatch to request a ride. Taxis can transport passengers within the city, to other districts, or even to other provinces. However, fares are relatively high, especially for trips between the Transportation Center and the airport, which cost 100 baht per trip.
- **Car rental:** We recommend **AVIS Rent a Car**, which offers pick-up and drop-off services at Nan Nakhon Airport. This company boasts a fleet of new vehicles, excellent customer service, and a thorough inspection process that clearly documents any scratches or damage on the rental agreement. Importantly, unlike most car rental companies that charge for a full 24-hour day regardless of pick-up time, AVIS allows for a grace period of up to 4 hours for late returns. Additionally, customers can purchase various insurance options for added peace of mind. To book a rental, visit the AVIS counter at the airport, their website at www.avisthailand.com, or call 02-251-1131-2 or 02-255-5300-4.
Itinerary: Nan (Pua District - Bo Kluea District) 3 Days 2 Nights
Day 1
8:00 AM - Pick up the car from Nan Nakhon Airport
9:30 AM - Pay respects to the Buddha and admire the dipterocarp trees at Wat Prang.
10:00 AM - Enjoy swimming and the view at Nam Pua Beach.
12:00 PM - Lunch at Little La Cuisine restaurant.
13:30 PM - Pay respects to the Buddha and enjoy the view at Wat Phra That Beng Sakat.
2:30 PM - Witness the art of cotton weaving and savor delicious "Khanom Jeen" noodles while dangling your feet at Pae Wa Cotton Shop.
16:30 - Check in at C View Home. Relax at your leisure.
6:30 PM - Stroll through the Kad Suan Kaew Walking Street
7:00 PM - Dinner: "Moo Kata" at C View Home.
Day 2
8:00 AM - Breakfast
10:00 AM - Pay homage to the Buddha and enjoy panoramic views from the heights of Phuket Temple.
10:30 AM - Enjoy a refreshing drink and relax at Baan Tai Lue Coffee Shop.
11:30 AM - Enjoy a refreshing swim at Wang Sila Lang.
13.00 hrs. Enjoy mushroom pizza at Baan Huanaam Mushroom Farm.
14:30 - Head towards Bo Kluea District via Route 1256.
3:30 PM - Check in at Mee Sapan.
4:00 PM - Take a stroll around the area.
7:30 PM - Dinner at Mee Sapan.
Day 3
8:00 AM - Breakfast at Mee Sapan
9:00 AM - Hike along the nature trail to Saphan Waterfall.
10:00 AM - Visit the scenic view and greet the students at Ban Sapan School.
10:30 AM - Shower and check out
11:00 AM - Visit the Ancient Salt Wells and witness the production of rock salt, the only mountain salt in the world.
12:00 PM - Lunch at Glin Aoi Kluea Restaurant
13.30 hrs – Depart for Nan Nakhon Airport
15:30 - Arrive at the airport and return the car.
4:00 PM - Take a taxi to the bus station.
6:30 PM - Depart for Bangkok.
First Night
A Hectic Friday Evening in Bangkok
The bustling streets of Bangkok on a Friday evening demanded an early departure for theสมบัติทัวร์ customer service center on Vibhavadi Road to catch the 8:40 PM bus to Nan. Arriving at 8:00 PM, ahead of schedule, allowed for a quick stop to savor steamed meatballs while waiting for the bus. Ten minutes before departure, I approached the counter to purchase a return ticket for the 6:30 PM bus, ensuring a comfortable three-day, two-night trip without the need to rush.
The bus departed approximately 10 minutes behind schedule due to waiting for all passengers to board. Shortly after departure, the staff served snacks and water to each seat, consisting of two pieces of candy, one tissue, and a bottle of water. This is a familiar routine, as I have been traveling with Sombut Tour frequently lately.
The bus traveled at a moderate speed, making the journey relatively smooth. I reclined my seat and felt comfortable enough to sleep. I was accompanied by one other passenger. The lights gradually dimmed until they were all extinguished. I drifted in and out of sleep, occasionally awakened by the headlights of passing vehicles. I closed the curtains and put on an eye mask before falling into a deep sleep for about six hours. The sound of music from the speakers gradually increased along with the interior lights, and an announcement informed us that we were approaching a rest stop in Phitsanulok. Passengers were advised to use their coupons (bus tickets) to exchange for food. (I usually take the bus to Chiang Mai, which stops at Kamphaeng Phet, but buses traveling to Nan stop at Phitsanulok.) I ordered a bowl of rice porridge, even though it was already 2 a.m.
The bus stopped for 20 minutes. Passengers had time to eat, use the restroom, and then return to their seats. Shortly after, the bus departed and headed towards Nan Bus Terminal.
Day 1
The bus arrived at the pier around 6:30 AM. We got off to use the restroom, wash our faces, and brush our teeth to wake ourselves up for the next leg of the journey. Our next destination was to pick up our rental car at the airport. We could take a songthaew (shared taxi) from the Mae Fah Luang University Nan Campus - Bus Terminal route, which was located next to the bus terminal. The landmark was a green sign that read "Route 1-4 Passenger Terminal - Around the City." This route ran within the city, and the main route cost 30 baht per person. If you wanted to go outside the main route or wanted to charter the songthaew, you could negotiate the price. We waited until the bus arrived. At first, we thought we would just get off at the airport and walk in, but the driver offered to take us to the airport for an additional 10 baht per person. This sounded good, so we agreed immediately.
8:00 AM - Pick up the car at Nan Nakhon Airport
Upon arriving at the airport, I realized that taking a songthaew was the right decision, as walking would have been approximately 2 kilometers (based on the typical airport layout). After exiting the vehicle and entering the airport, I proceeded to the Avis counter, which opened around 8:00 AM. I waited for about half an hour, having booked in advance. I simply presented my booking confirmation document and was escorted to the parking lot to pick up the car. An employee accompanied me, meticulously inspecting the car for scratches and marking them on a document, which I then signed and kept. The document contained information about the car, insurance phone number, and the counter employee's phone number. The car was in excellent condition, not old, and the interior was clean and odor-free. Every time I've used Avis car rental, I've never been disappointed.
09:30 AM - Pay respects to the Buddha and admire the dipterocarp trees at Wat Prang.
From the airport, head towards Pua district via Highway 101, aiming for the first destination, Wat Prang. The distance is approximately 60 kilometers, with a travel time of about 1 hour.
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The Enchanting Dancing Leaves of Wat Prang
Wat Prang, a temple adorned with traditional Thai architecture, boasts a unique attraction that draws visitors from afar: the mesmerizing "Dikdeium" tree. In the Lanna dialect, "Dikdeium" translates to "ticklish," aptly describing the tree's remarkable response to touch. Upon contact with its trunk, the leaves begin to quiver and dance, seemingly defying the stillness of the surrounding foliage.
While the exact mechanism behind this phenomenon remains a mystery, some believe it requires a specific technique, mastered by certain monks and locals. Others attribute it to the purity of one's spirit. Regardless of the explanation, the dancing leaves of the Dikdeium tree at Wat Prang offer a captivating spectacle, leaving visitors in awe of nature's wonders.
The ancient and famous dipterocarp tree is now over a hundred years old. Its trunk is leaning, so a support pole has been installed. Near the large dipterocarp tree, there is a small dipterocarp tree that has been planted through tissue culture.
10:00 AM - Enjoy swimming and sightseeing at Nam Pua Beach.
We then headed to "Had Nam Pua". During our pre-trip research, we intended to visit Wang Nam Pua as that was the only information we found. However, upon arrival, we opted to stop at Had Nam Pua instead. The difference lies in the arrangement of rocks, which creates a miniature waterfall effect as the water flows through them. Additionally, the location is situated on a bend in the river, offering a more visually appealing and atmospheric experience. While Wang Nam Pua charges 50 baht for a raft ride, Had Nam Pua, having only been open for 3-4 months, does not yet charge for this service. The flowing water originates from the Pua River, which is clear and cool, allowing for a refreshing swim. Restaurants are available, offering snacks and drinks such as papaya salad, sticky rice, grilled chicken, grilled meatballs, and various salads at affordable prices.
12:00 PM – Lunch at Little La Cuisine Restaurant
After visiting Haad Nam Pu, we returned to Little La Cuisine, an Italian-style restaurant and cafe. This establishment is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Pua. The restaurant's primary strength lies in the exceptional quality of its cuisine. Each dish is meticulously prepared with carefully selected ingredients and seasoned to perfection. The food's presentation is equally impressive, enticing diners with its visual appeal. The dining experience is further enhanced by the exquisite flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The chef, a culinary expert, graduated from Le Cordon Bleu, a prestigious global network of culinary and hospitality schools renowned for its high-quality, internationally recognized curriculum. This prestigious affiliation serves as a testament to the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence.
Little La Cuisine has recently undergone a significant expansion, making the restaurant considerably larger than before. We visited the establishment shortly before the renovation and obtained the current photos from the owner.
Address: 319 Moo 3, Pua Subdistrict, Pua District, Nan Province 55120
Facebook: Little La Cuisine
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
1:30 PM – Pay respects at Wat Phra That Beng Sakat and enjoy the scenic views.
After enjoying a delicious meal, we continued our journey to Wat Phra That Beng Sakat, located in Ban Gaem, Tambon Pua, Amphoe Pua, Nan Province. This temple, built in the Thai Lue architectural style, is one of the oldest in Nan Province. The local community came together to establish this temple, which has become a popular tourist destination for its beautiful and ancient architecture. The viharn, or assembly hall, features a high roof with a low slope, typical of the Lanna architectural style. The craftsmanship of the Nan school is evident in the intricate details of the viharn, despite its status as a local temple.
The temple's location offers stunning panoramic views of Pua town and the surrounding mountains. Situated on a high hill, the temple provides a clear perspective of the landscape. During the rice-growing season, the vast expanse of verdant rice fields creates a breathtaking vista.
The temple also houses a relic of the Buddha, enshrined in an ancient Lanna-style stupa.
2:30 PM – Observe cotton weaving and enjoy hanging leg noodles at Pae Wa Cotton Shop.
Upon arriving in Nan city, a must-visit destination is the cotton weaving craftsmanship of the Tai Lue people. There are many such places, but one particularly interesting shop is Pae Cotton Shop. Here, you will be filled with both joy and satisfaction. Starting with joy, you can witness the traditional cotton weaving process using ancient looms, powered solely by human effort without any machinery. They offer a variety of products, including sarongs, scarves, doormats, and fabric for tailoring clothes, skirts, pants, bags, and more.
In addition, you can also enter the shop, which has a variety of beautiful clothes and garments for sale. You can buy them for yourself or as gifts, and there are many different styles to choose from.
More surprising than the cotton fabrics are the bags and shirts made from banana fibers! I wondered for a long time which part of the banana was used, until you Paew, the owner of the shop, took me to see the villagers' wisdom process. From the preparation of the banana tree to be used, to the extraction of the banana sheath, cutting it to the desired size, placing it on a wooden table, and using a spoon to scrape the flesh of the banana sheath until only the fibers are left in strands. There are still about 4-5 more steps before the banana fibers can be woven with yarn and made into a fabric for cutting and sewing. In addition, there are also galangal fibers, which are even more detailed than banana fibers.
After weaving, walk to another part of the Pae Wa Cotton shop that will satisfy your hunger: the Khao Soi Hoy Khai restaurant. This restaurant is designed to accommodate tourists, allowing them to relax and spend as much time as they like at Pae Wa Cotton. Visitors can watch the cotton weaving, choose or view various cotton products, take a walk, enjoy the mountain views from the restaurant, or sit under the trees and enjoy the cool breeze. They can also sit and enjoy a meal while taking in the scenic views. A must-try is the Khao Soi buffet, which costs only 89 baht and offers four different dipping sauces: Jungle Curry, Green Curry Chicken, Nam Ngiao, and Gaeng Tai Pla. There is also a Som Tum station where you can make your own Som Tum, seasonal fruits (today it's watermelon), and one sweet dessert: Sweet Corn Sago. As for drinks, there is free plain water available. In addition, there are other menus or à la carte dishes available.
Address:
141 Moo 1, Sila Laeng Subdistrict, Pua District, Nan Province 55120
Phone Number:
089 851 8918
Facebook:
4:30 PM - Check in at C View Home. Relax at your leisure.
After checking in at our first night's accommodation, C View Home, we found ourselves nestled on a hillside in the Sundock Village. The entrance is located opposite the Sundock Temple, with a slight incline leading up to the property. The two-story building houses four guest rooms, each offering a view of the swimming pool that runs alongside the structure. From every room, guests can admire the village and the Doi Phaka mountain range. During the late winter and summer months, the panoramic vista is particularly clear and breathtaking. However, if you visit during the late rainy season or winter, you'll be treated to a mesmerizing sight of mist hovering over the village, resembling a thin sea of fog right from your room.
Our room is located in room C2, with access from both the front and back. The spacious room is divided into a bedroom, living room, and bathroom. Each area has ample living space, giving the impression of staying in a condo. It is ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Accommodation price:
C 1: 2,000 baht for 2 guests, 1 bedroom, and 1 kitchen.
C 2 : 3,000 Baht for 2 guests, 1 bedroom, and 1 living room.
C 3: 2,500 Baht for 2 guests in a 1-bedroom room with a balcony.
C 4: 3,500 Baht for 4 guests, 2 king-size beds + balcony
For a private pool villa, the price is 9,500 baht for a maximum of 10 guests, including breakfast. For groups exceeding 10 people, an additional 500 baht per person will be charged for an extra bed.
There is a promotional period from March to July 31st, during which room rates will be reduced by an additional 20%, resulting in the following prices.
Website: C View Home
Address:
Ban Suan Dok, Tambon Woranakhorn, Amphoe Pua, Nan 55120 (opposite Wat Suan Dok)
Facebook:
Phone Number: 086 052 9800
6:30 PM – Stroll through the Kad Suan Kaew Walking Street.
We had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Tang, the owner of C View Home, who recommended that we visit the nearby night market this evening. The "Kad Khwang Muang Nan Walking Street" is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. While the number of vendors is limited, the atmosphere is pleasant, with a cool breeze and a particularly refreshing evening air that makes it ideal for a leisurely stroll. The market primarily features local goods and food.
8:00 PM – Enjoy a delicious "Moo Kata" dinner at C View Home.
Tonight, we're enjoying sukiyaki and grilled pork by the pool under the moonlight. How romantic! The temperature has dropped to around 18-20 degrees, and the gentle breeze makes it even colder. But it's not enough to make us want to leave.
The moon gradually rose higher and shone brighter, filling the atmosphere with an unexpected joy. Both the sukiyaki and the grilled pork were cooked to perfection, ready to be devoured with relish. Suddenly, a sound and a flash of light appeared in the distance, followed by countless fireworks bursting into the sky with vibrant colors. It was unclear who was celebrating, but the sight perfectly complemented the happiness and wonder of the evening. A feeling of gratitude washed over me for the serendipitous alignment of everything that allowed me to witness and experience this moment.
Day 2
8:00 AM - Breakfast
Waking up to the morning view, I could see the mist in the distance at the foot of Doi Phu Kha.
It was breakfast time. We had agreed to meet for breakfast at 8 am. When we arrived, there was a full spread of food waiting for us. There was pork bone porridge, which was fragrant and delicious. There was also a boiled egg for each person, youtiao, sticky rice with shredded coconut, bread, steamed rice cakes, watermelon, oranges, coffee, and Ovaltine. There was so much food that we wished we had more stomach space.
00:00 - Pay homage to the Buddha and enjoy panoramic views from the top of Wat Phukhao Thong.
After checking out, travel to "Phuket Temple", which is very famous for its high-angle viewpoints, especially during the rice-growing season from July to November each year. In addition to the mountain views of Doi Phu Kha, you can also see the green rice fields and the golden rice fields that fill the area. Or if it's the winter season, you can also see some white mist. But during the summer, you can also see a wide-angle view of the scenery, which is equally beautiful.
10:30 AM - Enjoy a refreshing drink and relax at Baan Tai Lue Coffee Shop.
From Phuket Temple, we continued to the Ban Tai Lue Coffee Shop. Upon arrival, we ordered drinks by writing down our order and handing it to the counter. Soon after, we received our desired beverages. The shop offers a wide variety of drinks at affordable prices. We ordered an iced cocoa, which was deliciously rich and sweet. After ordering, customers can choose their seating. They can either sit inside the shop or walk outside. However, the most popular spot is the outdoor area, which offers stunning views. A bamboo bridge leads visitors out to the area, where the ground below is covered in blooming white and pink water spinach flowers.
After taking photos for a while, I heard the bleating of baby goats. The sound was so adorable that I went to take a look and saw two baby goats that were still unsteady on their feet. There were also some adult goats nearby, which was very cute.
Nearby, Lamduan woven fabric shop displays its colorful cotton fabrics on bamboo walkways, creating a visually captivating and aesthetically pleasing scene.
11:30 AM - Play water at Wang Sila Laeng.
Continuing on to Wang Sila Laeng, park your car at the Gaeng Weir. On the way in, you will be able to see beautiful views like this.
Park your car and walk into a small forest. The ground is a mixture of rocks and hard soil. After about 200 meters, you will find Wang Sila Lang, a series of 7 natural pools spanning over 400 meters. The water flowing through these pools originates from the Lam Nam Khon River, which has eroded the rocks, creating grooves and crevices that form the pools. This natural wonder is particularly beautiful. During the rainy season, the water flows rapidly and is murky. However, during the dry season, the water flow is reduced, making it clear and suitable for swimming.
3:00 AM: Enjoy a mushroom pizza at Baan Hua Nam Mushroom Farm.
Afterward, we can stop for lunch at the Baan Huanaam Mushroom Farm, located near Wang Sila Lang. Alternatively, you can visit the mushroom farm first and then walk down to Wang Sila Lang. This farm offers both accommodation and a restaurant, nestled amidst lush greenery. During the rice-growing season (July-September), you'll be treated to breathtaking views of verdant rice fields. Upon arrival, be sure to try the farm's renowned and delectable mushroom pizza, made with freshly cultivated mushrooms. Additionally, the menu boasts a wide variety of savory and sweet dishes to satisfy every palate.
Mushroom Pizza The pizza dough is of medium thickness and quite large, divided into 6 slices. The edge of the pizza is quite crispy, while the inner dough is soft and goes well with the pizza topping, which is full of golden needle mushrooms and fresh shiitake mushrooms. The sauce and cheese are very good. Overall, it is a pizza with a very good taste.
Steamed Mushrooms with Ginger and Galangal
This dish features steamed oyster mushrooms, retaining a satisfyingly crisp texture due to their freshness. The mushrooms are accompanied by a Northern Thai-style ginger and galangal dip, offering a fragrant and flavorful complement. The dip itself is not spicy, making it enjoyable for a wider range of palates.
Khai Pa Mor: This northern Thai dish involves whisking eggs with seasonings like fish sauce or soy sauce, similar to making omelets or steamed eggs. The mixture is then poured into a banana leaf cup and grilled over low heat, typically using a charcoal stove. The eggs cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a delicious dish. This particular version incorporates mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.
The chocolate chip ice cream topped with **mataw** (longan) at the shop has a sign that says "Order ice cream and get free mataw topping." During this time, there are a lot of mataw or longan available, so the shop has chosen to use it as an additional topping for customers to try.
Hot cappuccino with an enticing aroma that compels you to take a sip. While not a coffee aficionado, I found the coffee to have a pleasant, balanced aroma. The flavor was not overly strong, but the addition of milk enhanced its richness. The sweetness was subtle, making it easy to drink. In no time, the cup was empty.
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Hot tea, made with young, sun-dried tea leaves steeped in hot water, releases a delicate aroma. Served with cane sugar, allowing those who prefer a sweeter taste to adjust to their liking.
2:30 PM – Head to Bo Kluea District via Route 1256.
The road between Pua and Bo Kluea districts is quite winding, so it is recommended to prepare motion sickness medication in case you experience nausea. It is reported that the Pink Chompoo Phu Kha flowers are currently in full bloom, showcasing their vibrant pink color. This rare flower blooms between February and March each year. It is the only tree species in the Bretschneideraceae family and grows as a small to medium-sized tree, reaching heights of 10-25 meters. The flowers bloom in pink clusters and are found only in southern China, northern Vietnam, Taiwan, and northern Thailand, specifically on Doi Phu Kha in Nan province. While driving into Doi Phu Kha National Park, there are signs indicating the distance to the Pink Chompoo Phu Kha tree. Taking advantage of the opportunity, we stopped by to admire the tree, which was conveniently located by the roadside. Nearby, there is also the Chompoo Phu Kha Shrine.
Make a quick stop at the Doi Phu Kha viewpoint to stretch your legs and admire the scenery.
3:30 PM – Check in at Mee Sapan
After stopping at various locations along the way, we finally arrived at our destination for the day: Ban Sapan in Bo Kluea District. Our accommodation for the night was Mee Sapan. The owner originally named the accommodation At Mee Sapan, but it became commonly known as Mee Sapan. Coincidentally, the owner's mother, who is a local resident, is also named "Mee." As a result, the local community assumed that the accommodation was named after the mother, leading to the widespread adoption of the name "Mee Sapan."
The village of Saphan, nestled along the Mae Ngad River and bordering the Aun Ai Mang resort, boasts breathtaking natural scenery. The village enjoys cool temperatures year-round, especially during the evenings and mornings. Winter brings a significant chill, with occasional occurrences of rime or hoar frost.
The accommodation at Saban consists of large tents, both with built-in mosquito nets and with mosquito nets suspended from the ceiling. The tents are raised slightly above the ground on wooden platforms and have a veranda extending out front for relaxing. The veranda has a thatched roof, while the tent itself has a regular roof. Inside the tent, there are beds, pillows, blankets, towels, and soap provided. Additionally, there are electrical outlets available for guests.
The tent accommodation will be on the same level as the road, with a lawn area in front that slopes down to the level of the Mae Ngad River.
The shared bathroom is equipped with a water heater, ensuring a comfortable shower even during the chilly mornings and evenings.
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After packing some belongings into the tent, I walked out and sat on a bamboo mat by the water. I saw several fish swimming against the current, but what was noticeable was that the fish would flip and swim, revealing the silver reflection of their bellies. This happened consistently, and I still haven't found an answer as to why. However, it was a strange and pleasant sight. The water was shallow enough to see small and large rocks beneath the surface, making it safe for swimming.
Continuing our drive through parts of the village, we came across a beautiful iron bridge with wooden railings spanning the Mae Ngad River. The view was breathtaking. We got out and walked around for a while. The water in this area was calm and seemed quite deep. As we walked to the middle of the bridge, we felt a slight sway, but the view of the natural scenery was magnificent.
We returned to have dinner at Saban, a wooden restaurant attached to our accommodation. They offer a general menu of cooked-to-order dishes. The restaurant is typically open from morning until around 7 or 8 pm, depending on whether customers continue to arrive during that time.
The sun soon dipped below the horizon, ushering in a new wave of cold that I was unprepared for. After finishing my shower, I decided to step outside and take some night photos.
A white duck was spotted resting on a rock by the riverbank. The photographer set up a tripod near a platform by the water, aiming to capture both the duck and the scenic river view.
Despite the limited light, only illuminating the tent and restaurant areas, the camera was set up. Suddenly, a bright light appeared from the eastern mountain range. I wondered if there was an event in Laos or if someone was on the mountain causing such a bright light. The light gradually grew brighter until the edge of a large, luminous object emerged.
The light revealed itself to be a large, bright full moon. Feeling fortunate to witness such a beautiful sight amidst nature, I took a few more pictures and simply stood there gazing at it. The moon's splendor was beyond words. It was a night that would surely bring sweet dreams.
Day 3
I woke up around 7 am and rushed out of the tent to look for fog. The fog had not yet arrived, but I could see it in the distance on the eastern mountain range. So I went back to sleep.
8:00 AM – Breakfast at Mee Sapan
Waking up to breakfast before 8 am, as the host suggested, with the expectation of witnessing the fog rolling in. However, to our disappointment, it never materialized. The host informed us that it was present the previous day, but the weather was not as cold as today. It is possible that the colder and drier conditions today prevented the fog from reaching our location.
No worries, let's continue enjoying breakfast with a view. We have rice porridge with pork and boiled eggs prepared in the pot. For toast and coffee, you can help yourself. The taste is delicious and very satisfying. In this cool weather, there's nothing better than a hot meal.
09:00 AM - Hike the nature trail to Saphan Waterfall.
Upon arriving at Sapan Village, it is highly recommended to visit Sapan Waterfall. Follow the signs leading to the waterfall after entering the village. A parking area is available at the entrance. The trail leading to the waterfall is a scenic 2-kilometer hike through a lush, natural forest. The path alternates between gentle slopes and steps.
Saphan Waterfall is a medium-sized waterfall with three main tiers, each approximately 3-5 meters high. During the dry season (late year to mid-year), before the rainy season begins, the water level is low, making it suitable for swimming.
10:00 AM – Visit the scenic view and greet students at Ban Sapan School.
From the waterfall, we continued to Ban Saphan School to ask for permission to enjoy the view. Initially, we were hesitant, wondering if our visit would be disruptive as the school was still in session. However, upon entering, we found three teachers sitting at the pavilion. We had a brief conversation with them and requested permission to visit the school's viewpoint. The three teachers smiled warmly and pointed the way, welcoming us with great hospitality. The students who passed by also smiled and greeted us with a "Hello," raising their hands in a respectful gesture. It was a heartwarming sight. It seems that this community understands and is well-prepared to welcome tourists. Tourists who visit should also respect the community in return. Following the directions provided by the teachers, we walked along the path and encountered a group of students preparing their lunch. It reminded us of our elementary school days, when students at temple schools or schools in rural areas would take turns preparing lunch.
The view from the school is of the mountain range to the east and a large rice field. It is not yet the rice-growing season, but there is some grass growing in the field, so there is still some greenery to be seen. Water buffalo can be seen grazing on the grass.
11:00 AM - Visit the Ancient Salt Wells and Witness the Production of Rock Salt, the World's Only Mountain Salt.
After checking out, we continued our journey to the ancient salt well, "Bo Kluea Sintawn," the only mountain salt well in the world! The well uses water that is naturally salty, making it a unique source of brine. The water is extracted from a natural spring and collected in a well. Today, the well is covered with a concrete structure that encloses the original wooden well. The well's rim is approximately 2 meters high. A pulley system with ropes and buckets is used to extract the brine from the well and transfer it to large earthenware jars. The brine is then boiled to crystallize the salt. The crystallized salt is then scooped into baskets suspended above the boiling pan to drain the excess water. The local villagers have traditionally earned their livelihood by boiling and selling Sintawn salt.
12:00 PM - Lunch at the Klen I Klua Restaurant.
Nestled opposite the ancient salt well sign, "Klin Ai Klua" serves as both a cafe and restaurant, boasting the largest space in the area. Offering a diverse menu of dishes, baked goods, breads, hot and cold beverages, and freshly brewed coffee, it caters to tourists daily. Visitors to the Sintaew Salt Well are sure to stop by for a meal at Klin Ai Klua. The meticulous preparation is evident in the flavors and presentation of each dish, with prices remaining within the local market range. Today's feast was a delight, with every dish exceeding expectations.
13:30 - Depart for Nan Nakhon Airport.
It was time to head back to Nan city, where we had to return our Avis rental car at the airport. We took route 1333, which runs south from Bo Kluea and exits at Santisuk district, covering a distance of approximately 86 kilometers and taking about 2 hours. As before, we had to navigate winding mountain roads. This time, as a passenger, I could enjoy the scenery and take photos. However, the constant turns and curves started to make me feel dizzy and nauseous. Even sniffing my inhaler didn't help, and I eventually drifted off to sleep without realizing it. When I woke up, we had already descended the mountain. ^^”
3:30 PM - Arrive at the airport and return the rental car.
Upon arrival at the airport, park your car in the airport parking lot. Have the documents you received when you picked up the car ready. Call the Avis staff and then go to meet them at the airport and wait. The staff will walk over to check the car, and it will be done in no time.
4:00 PM – Take a taxi to the bus station
We needed to travel to the bus station, as we had already booked our return bus tickets. We intended to wait for a shared taxi to pick us up at the airport and take us to the city center. We had been informed that the taxis usually arrive when there are flights landing and dropping off passengers. However, after waiting for almost half an hour, we still did not see any sign of a taxi. Coincidentally, we saw a taxi dropping off passengers, so we approached the driver to inquire about the fare. He quoted 100 baht, so we decided to take the taxi. It seemed like the most convenient and quickest option.
6:30 PM – Depart for return trip
Arriving at the bus station about an hour and a half before departure, I passed the time watching TV and playing on my phone. As the departure time approached, I freshened up and prepared for sleep. When the bus arrived, I boarded and enjoyed a comfortable journey home.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 3:35 PM
