At the end of last year, the pig bear wanted to shake off the scorching temperature in the capital to embrace the coolness in various places.

This is why the two of us decided to book our Bangkok-Chiang Mai flights at the beginning of the year.



Driven by a personal yearning, this journey was initiated by my own desire. Since embarking on my photographic journey, I have harbored a dream of capturing images in uncharted territories. Among the paramount aspirations that have fueled my photographic endeavors is the ambition to immortalize the Milky Way and a star-studded sky. This burning desire propelled me to embark on a quest for knowledge, seeking answers to the questions of where, how, and when to realize this celestial vision.



This passage discusses the optimal conditions for observing stars, including seeking high, dark locations with minimal light pollution. It also mentions that the visibility of the Milky Way varies throughout the year, leading to the following equation.

Note: The original text mentions an equation, but it is not provided in the excerpt.

High and dark places = Doi (high mountains)

The elephant's time = The end of the elephant year comes early, no need to wake up with sleepy eyes to take pictures

Yearning for a breath of cool air during your travels? Look no further than the north during the latter months of the year.



The outcome was "Go stargazing at the peak of a northern mountain during the end of the year," which led to this trip.



Let's get started! Today, I'll be summarizing the places we visited during our trip.



Mon Chong

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Trip #1 (Chiang Mai - Moo Ser Forest Protection Unit)

We rented a Suzuki Swift to travel to other locations. The roundtrip fuel consumption from Chiang Mai to Mon Jong was approximately one full tank. Driving uphill requires caution due to the single-lane, winding roads with limited visibility around corners.

Preparation

Before ascending the mountain, we must prepare our belongings carefully. Although there are bathing facilities on Mon Chong, they are not very convenient. Essential items to bring include drinking water, tents, sleeping bags, warm clothing, dry food supplies for ourselves, and extra supplies for the porters who will help us carry our belongings up the mountain.

Trail #2 (Muser Forest Guard Unit - Parking lot for hiking to the summit)

Tourists are not allowed to drive their own vehicles to the final parking spot. Instead, they must use the 4WD service provided by the park authorities. The price for this service is 2,500 baht for 1-5 people, 3,000 baht for 6-9 people, and increases with the number of tourists.

Tent and sleeping bag

You can rent tents, sleeping bags, and hire porters directly at the unit.

Walking

From the last parking point, it takes approximately 3-4 hours of trekking to reach the campsite, which is a mix of forests, clear paths, and meadows.

The hike was particularly challenging due to heavy rainfall, which turned the trail into a muddy mess. The steep inclines posed a significant risk of slipping and falling, especially for those without proper hiking footwear. Several sections of the trail also bordered dangerous cliffs, increasing the potential for serious injury. Our group experienced several near-falls but fortunately managed to avoid any major accidents.

From the campsite, it takes approximately 45-90 minutes (depending on your pace) to reach the summit of Doi Huasing, the highest viewpoint on Mon Chong.



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This is the car we rented for our trip.

These are our supplies.

(Stop by the market below)

Cost of climbing the mountain

The 4WD vehicle we hired for climbing the mountain.

The situation was so severe that chains had to be put on the wheels.

However, we were unable to reach the parking spot as the vehicle could no longer proceed.

We had to continue on foot.

This resulted in a significant increase in walking time, from 3-4 hours to 5-6 hours.

This is "Jat Ju", our porter for this trip.

During the hike, we can take breaks, but the porter will keep us on schedule. If we fall behind, it will be dangerous to continue in the dark.

I truly admire my girlfriend's resilience. She is an incredibly patient woman who never complained throughout our entire walk.

The 60-degree incline of "Doi Ma Hop" is not just a challenge for dogs.

We were left with nothing as well.

Despite all the accumulated fatigue, the view from above was breathtaking.

Indeed, I understand the true meaning of "หายเหนื่อย".

This is where we'll sleep tonight. My brother will help us set up the tent.

After a tiring climb, I realized that eating to survive feels much better than eating luxurious and expensive food.

Precautions when hiking in the rain: Leeches will suck our blood.

Feel a slight sting. The method is to pull it out and roll it into a ball.

Let it flow until it forms a clot to cover the wound.

Otherwise, our blood will not stop flowing.

This is the ultimate source of pride.

Although the elephant is not very clear and the stars are not as many as they should be due to the heavy rain clouds, the bear is still very happy.

Morning atmosphere with a sea of fog

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my two companions for making this trip an unforgettable experience.

(As a senior and junior of the bear in the university itself)

Mae Kampong



Traveling to Mae Kampong from Chiang Mai

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The distance from Chiang Mai to Mae Kampong is not far at all. It takes about an hour and a half to get there.

Transportation (Within Mae Kampong)

Driving to the park is convenient, and visitors can explore the area on foot. However, for those who wish to visit more distant locations, such as "Kiew Fin," renting a car may be necessary, especially if they are not confident drivers, as the road is reportedly very steep.

Accommodation

Most accommodations in Mae Kampong are wooden houses with mosquito nets, surrounded by nature.

Recommendations

If you have time, consider spending a night in Mae Kampong to immerse yourself in nature. Waking up to the fresh air and greeting the locals with a smile is a unique and rewarding experience.

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Waking up in Mae Kampong to the fresh air and a cup of coffee.



Stroll through this charming village, while the city dwellers have yet to arrive.



Captured a photo at Him Huai's house, Uncle Pud & Aunt Pung, without having to share it with anyone.



Indulge in the renowned "Khai Pa Ma" of the northern region, a culinary delight available for just 20 baht (approximately 0.70 USD).



Start your day with a cup of coffee from "Chom Nok Chom Mai" cafe.



Visit the pavilion in the middle of the water at Wat Mae Kampong.



Dine in style by the stream.



Immerse your feet in the cool waters of "Pha Nam Lod".

Mon Cham: A Breathtaking Escape into Nature

Journey to Mon Cham (Mae Kampong - Mon Cham)

Our leisurely drive from Mae Kampong to Mon Cham took approximately two and a half hours.

Ascending Mon Cham

The ascent to Mon Cham presents a gentle incline, making it accessible by motorbike. However, due to safety concerns, carrying three passengers on a motorbike is strongly discouraged.

Accommodation

Accommodation options abound, ranging from lodging on Mon Cham itself to guesthouses in nearby areas like Mae Sa. Nature enthusiasts can opt for camping, though the reservation process remains unclear (whether through the on-site accommodation or a designated authority).

Recommendations

Mon Cham's allure lies in its contrasting morning and evening atmospheres. During the evening, the soft, subdued light paints the sunflower and strawberry fields in a picturesque glow, offering photographers ideal conditions. In the morning, the crisp mountain air invigorates the senses, while the opportunity to savor a delicious breakfast at the Royal Project restaurant adds to the experience.

Before ascending to Mon Cham, we made a stop at an intriguing waterfall.

"Mae Sa Waterfall"

This waterfall has a total of 10 tiers, but the last parking spot is located at tier 4.

This saves us time walking, leaving only 6 floors to walk.

We will reach the final floor, but we only reached the 7th floor.

As time is limited, we want to reach Mon Cham before the sun sets.



This is the atmosphere of the sunflower field.

which has a maintenance fee for tourists who want to take pictures.

Only 10 baht per person.



The atmosphere just before the sun dips below the horizon.



Enjoy a slice of Royal Project cake in the morning at Mon Cham.

The bear said, "The cake is delicious!"

Our order includes Passion Fruit Cheesecake and Fruits Tart, priced at 90 baht per piece.



In the mornings, young hill tribe children wait for tourists to take pictures with them in exchange for a small amount of money.



Our final thrilling activity before leaving Mon Cham: "Hmong Wooden Wheel"

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You can choose to sit alone or as a pair.



The cost of the service is shown in the picture. 400 meters may seem short, but in reality it is not.



Bonus!!! Lanna wooden clogs



Travel (Chiang Mai - Khao Mai Lanna)

30-45 minutes, not too far.

Recommendations

If you are driving, stop by the resort's cafe first and order a drink. This will allow you to get a parking stamp and then relax and take photos around the resort!



The cafe has a great atmosphere, but it can get very crowded on weekends.

This photo was taken from the second floor of the restaurant, as the tables downstairs were all full.



The right side is like a warehouse, storing goods.



The highlight of the Lanna wooden house is undoubtedly this.

The room, covered in vines, is truly beautiful.

Our journey in Chiang Mai came to an end with this story. If you ask what we gained from this trip, besides beautiful photos (which may not be very good yet), there are some thoughts that I would like to leave with you.

Life is short. Do what you want as long as it doesn't harm others. "Just do it."

If you enjoy traveling, don't wait until you have a strong financial position. Start traveling gradually. Believe me, traveling will not be as enjoyable when you are older.

Humans cannot conquer nature. Do not resist, but adapt to the mighty nature.

Even the most meticulous plans can be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.

However, not planning anything at all = never dreaming

Driven by the primal urge to survive, hunger compels you to abandon the pursuit of your preferred dining establishments.

True friendship and relationships emerge during times of hardship, not in moments of boundless joy.

A good partner who is patient and willing to travel with you is hard to find. "Cherish them."



We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has followed our review. If we have the opportunity in the future, we will review our next trip for you to watch. If you enjoy our travels, please follow us at "The Planners Travel With Girlfriend".

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