Backpack Solo Travel to Chiang Dao During the Rainy Season

Chiang Dao: A Popular Destination

Why is Chiang Dao so popular? Reviews abound, piquing the interest of many travelers. This trip was born from a desire to experience Chiang Dao firsthand, despite friends' unavailability. A solo adventure, embracing the spirit of spontaneity.

The journey took place on July 11-12, 2018.

Chiang Dao during the rainy season is very comfortable to travel alone. After reading the reviews, I felt like I had to see the view of Doi Luang Chiang Dao with my own eyes. Oh... One month before the trip, there was a promotion for AirAsia, so I booked it immediately. I booked the earliest flight and arrived at Chiang Mai Airport at 6:20 AM. The timing was perfect.

Travel

From Chiang Mai city to Chiang Dao district, take a bus at Chang Phuak Bus Terminal. Take the Chiang Mai - Tha Ton route (orange bus). The round-trip fare is 80 baht. Tell the bus conductor to drop you off at Lotus Chiang Dao.

To reach your accommodation from Chiang Dao District, you can use Uncle Nan's car service. It is recommended to arrive in Chiang Dao before noon to avoid the need for a chartered car, which can cost 500-600 baht (expensive).

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Aunt Phuang, Phone Number: 093-1311361

Accommodation

Book 1 month in advance and stay at "Baan Doi Mok Homestay" for 600 baht per person per night, including 2 meals.

Phone number 098-7529512

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DAY 1

Upon arriving at Don Mueang Airport at 4:00 AM, I purchased food at a nearby convenience store and sat down to wait at the gate. It was incredibly early, and the airport was nearly deserted. I joked that it felt like an abandoned airport.

It's time to board the plane. This is the first time I've flown on the earliest flight.

05.10 a.m. The plane took off while the sky was still dark.

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I slept the entire flight. When I woke up and looked out the window, I was amazed by the beautiful fog. I quickly grabbed my phone to take a picture.

The view of the rice fields from the airplane window is truly breathtaking.

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06:20 AM Arrival at Chiang Mai Airport.

We had read reviews that advised against hailing red taxis at the airport due to their high fares. Instead, we were recommended to walk outside the airport to hail a red taxi. We followed the advice and encountered a kind uncle who charged us 40 baht for the ride. We quickly got into the car.

Upon arrival at Chang Phuak Bus Terminal, I purchased a ticket to Chiang Dao District. The ticket resembled this, with a price of 40 baht.

This is the car we need to take to Chiang Dao district. The orange car is easy to spot.

We have a 7:00 AM ticket. While waiting for the bus to depart, we can choose our seats freely. We prefer to sit at the back, so we got this angle (Don't forget to tell the bus conductor that we will get off at Lotus Chiang Dao, so they can help us again).

After a car ride of approximately 1.30 hours, we arrived at Chiang Dao District.

Fortunately, we encountered an elderly gentleman who drives a shuttle for tourists parked in front of a convenience store. We hitched a ride with him to Na Lao Mai village, and he even offered us a place to eat.

And here, the legendary Aunt Phet's Khao Kha Moo lives up to its reputation. A plate costs only 40 baht.

It's time to go up the mountain! The kind uncle let me sit in the front. Since it was a local's car, he stopped to buy things before going up the mountain. There were many shops, and I took this picture when Uncle Nana went down to buy fish food. 55555

The journey to the mountaintop by car took no more than 40 minutes, and we arrived at our accommodation, "Baan Doi Mok Homestay."

I took a quick picture to commemorate my visit. Since I was alone, I asked the homestay caretaker to take it for me. The picture is a bit tilted, haha.

This is the house where we will be staying tonight. Walk down a bit, the house is behind the right path over there.

We have arrived at our vacation home! The view from the front and side of the house is stunning, so much so that it's hard to look away.

Our bed tonight is incredibly comfortable. I'm staying at Doi Mok Homestay, and while a single house can accommodate three people, I'm the only one here, so I have plenty of space. It's a bit lonely, but I'm not complaining.

Every house has an ensuite bathroom. The bathrooms were recently renovated and were spotless when we arrived. They are comfortable enough for extended stays.

Arriving at the accommodation before 10:00 AM, with ample time to spare, I decided to relax at the Baan Rabien Dao coffee shop. The view was truly breathtaking, justifying the "million-dollar view" description.

Order a green tea to drink. Oh, it's delicious.

Baan Rabeang Dao, a popular accommodation among travelers, is constantly receiving phone calls with the phrase "Full, ma'am." The accommodation is fully booked. Wow, there are only incoming calls to book accommodation. This place is really popular.

A breathtaking view of Doi Luang Chiang Dao that leaves you mesmerized.

Around 1 p.m., there was nothing to do. The mobile phone signal was hard to find. I decided to take a nap. When I woke up, it was 4 p.m. Oh my god! I fell asleep without realizing it. There was no air conditioning or fan. I got a natural breeze, which was so cool that I slept for several hours.

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After taking a walk and taking photos, I arrived at the coffee shop of Baan Huk Huen Suk. I decided to sit down and relax for a while.

This place doesn't just sell coffee, it also offers cooked-to-order meals.

Another cup of green tea for the day.

The green tea here all taste the same. It's 50 baht a glass, and it's quite delicious.

The breathtaking view of Doi Luang Chiang Dao from Baan Hak Heuan Suk coffee shop is truly remarkable. Every corner of Na Lao Mai village offers stunning panoramic vistas.

Wildflowers by the roadside, taken on the walk back to the accommodation.

Homestay opposite Baan Hak Heuan Suk

A Different Perspective on Doi Luang Chiang Dao

This phrase translates to "A different perspective on Doi Luang Chiang Dao." It is a concise and evocative description of a photograph or artwork that captures the majestic mountain from a unique angle.

The use of the word "different" suggests that the viewer is presented with a fresh and unexpected view of the mountain, perhaps highlighting a hidden beauty or revealing a new aspect of its grandeur.

The phrase is written in a simple and direct style, suitable for a caption or title. It effectively conveys the essence of the image without being overly descriptive or flowery.

Walked back to the accommodation and met Nong Phu. Played with him for a while. He was very naughty and ran around everywhere. Couldn't catch him, haha.

Am I cute?

It's time for dinner. The view in the picture is beautiful, but the real view is much more stunning. Eating dinner amidst the fresh air, with the view of Doi Luang Chiang Dao mountain, this is what we call "happiness".

The meal consisted of three dishes: stir-fried vegetables, egg omelette, and clear soup. There was also a pot of rice. It was too much for one person to finish, which was a pity.

A black cat kept me company while I was eating. It was well-behaved and didn't bother me at all, which suggests it was well-trained from a young age.

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Sitting alone, eating my meal, I felt a pang of loneliness. Glancing up, I noticed my neighbor, a woman, accompanied by two men who I assumed were her partners. Hesitantly, I offered a smile and a brief glance, unsure of how to initiate a conversation.

Today was the longest I've ever sat down to eat. I sat there eating and taking pictures until the sun was almost set.

Envy those who live here, getting to see such beautiful views every day.

The first day is over, and it's time to go home.

9:00 PM. I took a bath before going to bed. It was so cold that I didn't want to touch the water, but I had to force myself to take a bath.

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DAY 2

New Day, Chilly Air

The morning dawns with a crisp 18 degrees Celsius, a surprising temperature for July. If this is the weather in July, one can only imagine the single-digit temperatures that await in November and December.

This morning, I woke up late at 6:30 AM, which ruined my plans from last night. I had intended to wake up early to capture the sunrise.

A warm breakfast of rice porridge and a glass of Ovaltine delivered to my doorstep. What a delightful treat!

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The white mist contrasts beautifully with the green mountains in the morning.

I wish I could pack the mist and take it back to Bangkok.

Oh, how beautiful!

The morning sky is truly radiant.

After breakfast, we rushed to get ready to go down the mountain with Aunt Phong. We had an appointment at 8:00 AM, but it was only 7:50 AM when Aunt Phong came to check on us.

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Do I really have to go? One night with you is not enough. Next time, we should stay for two nights.

Farewell, Doi Luang Chiang Dao.

I must go now, but I will definitely be back.

The view is stunning on the way down the mountain.

As we approach the lower level, the sky darkens, hinting at an impending rain shower. This is the charm of visiting during the rainy season.

Aunty Phuang dropped us off at the Chiang Dao Transportation Station for 60 baht. We then waited for the same orange bus that brought us here, the Chiang Mai-Tha Ton route, to take us back to Chiang Mai city. The journey took approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This is my first solo trip, and there will be many more to come in the future. Please follow along!

See you in the next review. Bye-bye.

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