At least once, Doi Luang Chiang Dao.

The Mountain: Where Silence Speaks the Loudest

"The mountain," a place where silence reigns supreme, yet paradoxically, where "sound" resonates most profoundly. This seemingly contradictory statement encapsulates the essence of why many find solace and inspiration in the embrace of mountains.

The mountain's silence is not an absence of sound, but rather a canvas upon which the subtlest whispers of nature paint their intricate melodies. The rustling of leaves, the distant murmur of a stream, the cry of a solitary bird – these sounds, amplified by the stillness, become profound pronouncements, carrying messages that resonate deep within the human soul.

This unique acoustic environment fosters a profound connection with the natural world. The absence of the cacophony of human-made noise allows for a heightened awareness of the subtle rhythms and harmonies of the natural world. In this quietude, one can truly listen to the whispers of the wind, the murmur of the stream, and the symphony of life that unfolds around them.

The mountain's silence also provides a space for introspection and reflection. Unburdened by the distractions of the everyday world, the mind finds the space to wander, to contemplate, and to connect with its inner self. In this quietude, one can delve into the depths of their own being, uncovering hidden truths and gaining a deeper understanding of their place in the world.

Thus, the mountain's silence becomes a source of both inspiration and solace. It is a place where one can reconnect with the natural world, with oneself, and with the deeper truths of existence. It is a place where the "sound" of silence speaks volumes, whispering secrets to those who are willing to listen.

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Doi Luang Chiang Dao . .

". . A place with no electricity, no shops, no restaurants, no water sources, no toilets (only pit toilets), just a vast forest and surrounding mountains. Can you survive here? . ."

Yearning for adventure, we embarked on a journey to Doi Luang Chiang Dao.

A 3-day, 2-night trek to Doi Luang Chiang Dao

Departure date: January 20-22, 2017

"Doi Luang Chiang Dao," also known as "Doi Chiang Dao," is a limestone mountain and the third highest mountain in Thailand (after Doi Inthanon and Doi Pha Hom Pok), reaching an elevation of 2,275 meters above sea level. It is located within the boundaries of Chiang Dao National Park in Chiang Mai Province.

Hiking Trail Opening Hours

November 1st - March 31st of each year

Contact Information:

Chiang Dao National Park: 053 456 623, 081 111 6203

. . On the mountaintop where tourists are allowed to visit, there are 2 mountaintops: "Kiew Lom Peak", which is mostly popular for watching the sunrise, and the highest peak of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, which is suitable for watching the sunset (at this peak there is a sign for taking pictures). However, you can watch the sunset or sunrise as you like. . .

From the tent site to both points, it takes about 30-40 minutes to walk, approximately not exceeding 1 hour.

There are two ways to get to the top of the mountain.

1. The Pang Wa-Ang Slung Trail is approximately 6,500 meters (6.5 kilometers) long. The distance is shorter, but the trail is steeper and more slippery. It is located approximately 11 kilometers from the park headquarters, a 30-minute drive.

The prominent route from Ha Ya Khat to Ang Slung covers a distance of approximately 8,500 meters (8.5 kilometers). This route is longer than others and alternates between flat and steep sections. It is located approximately 32 kilometers from the park headquarters. To reach the Ha Ya Khat trailhead from the park, visitors must hire a 4WD vehicle driven by an experienced local driver. The journey takes approximately 2 hours due to the rough, steep, and winding terrain.

Both hiking trails converge at a three-way junction, after which they continue along the same path to the campsite.

Hiking to Doi Luang Chiang Dao: Guided Tours for a Hassle-Free Experience

Reaching the summit of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, the highest peak in Thailand's northern region, requires careful planning and preparation. For those seeking a convenient and hassle-free experience, joining a local tour is highly recommended.

Several tour operators in Chiang Dao offer guided hikes to the summit, catering to various needs and preferences. These tours, often organized by villagers or local authorities, provide comprehensive support throughout the journey. Alternatively, tour companies based in Bangkok also offer guided Doi Luang Chiang Dao hikes, providing transportation and logistical arrangements from the capital.

Opting for a guided tour offers numerous advantages. Tour operators handle all logistical aspects, including meals, tents, and permits, allowing participants to focus solely on the physical and mental challenges of the climb. This convenience ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience, especially for first-time hikers or those unfamiliar with the terrain.

However, it is crucial to choose a reputable and experienced tour operator with a proven track record of safety and responsible practices. Researching and comparing different tour options is essential to ensure a safe and rewarding experience.

To save on expenses, we opted for a self-organized trip. This involved booking directly with the park (during the designated booking period), arranging porters through the park, hiring transportation, and managing our own food. As a result, we were responsible for bringing our own food, bedding, and other necessities. We hired porters to carry shared items such as food, cooking equipment, and tents.

**Local or community tours in Chiang Dao**

• Uncle Ga Laem Pa Chiew Restaurant, Phone: 053 456 410, 081 993 8397

- Kamsan Wongsukh, Tel. 089 998 0712, 089 903 0083

- Sompong Saelie, Tel. 089 951 8823

For further information, please contact the local administrative organization or the national park.

Available for rent/purchase at the park

- Tent (advance notice required)

- Mattress (Please inform in advance)

• Mat

- Sleeping bag (advance notice required)

• Drinking water, 500 baht per tank, 20 liters per tank. Please inform in advance.

- The restrooms are pit toilets, which are deep holes with wooden planks laid across them, leaving a gap in the center. Black shade cloth surrounds the area. **There are only a few toilets on the mountaintop, so most people rely on natural means.**

- Porters: A single porter can carry luggage for 20 km (porters cost 450 baht per person per day).

What to Prepare:

- Fresh food/dried food/rice, etc. (should be calculated for all meals)

• Drinking water is crucial as there are no water sources on the mountain. It is recommended to carry enough water during the hike (approximately 1-2 bottles, 1.5 liters each). If you require water at the summit, inform the porters in advance or notify the park officials when making your reservation. The cost is 500 baht per 20 liters (we used 2 tanks for 7 people, and we had water leftover).

- Picnic kitchen equipment (not required if you are with a tour group, the tour will provide meals)

- Wet wipes for dry bathing. It's cold there, the weather is cool, and there's no water to bathe in!!

**Importantly, if you use wet wipes, you should dispose of them in your own garbage bag. The day I went, there were a lot of used tissues (they are difficult to decompose).**

- Please bring your own garbage bags to dispose of your waste at the lower checkpoint. A garbage deposit will be collected before you go up. **Do not forget**!!

- Footwear should have deep treads as the path can be slippery and muddy in some sections. Lightweight shoes are recommended. Many people prefer **Doi Stud Shoes**, which are affordable and suitable for trekking through the forest. However, thick socks are advisable when wearing these shoes.

- Sleeping bag: If you bring your own, choose one that is suitable for the weather conditions, as the temperature on the mountain can be cold, around 6 degrees Celsius (as of 7:00 AM).

• Flashlights and candles: As there is no electricity on the top, a headlamp is recommended. When watching the sunrise or sunset, you need to climb rocks or branches.

• Snacks, candies, energy-boosting and refreshing treats can be enjoyed during the hike or at the summit. If you plan to eat them during the hike, chocolate or sweet fruit juices are recommended to provide energy.

• Muscle relaxants, pain relievers, or other medications deemed necessary.

• Prepare warm clothing, including a jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, and socks, as the temperature on the mountain can be cold, especially during sunrise and sunset. The wind can be strong and the air can be chilly.

- For lunch on the go, simple menus such as sticky rice with grilled pork and grilled chicken are recommended.

• And most importantly, it's all about the heart. .^^

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Travel date...

January 19, 2017

We embarked on our journey aboard a tour bus, entrusting the long night ahead to Sombut Tour. The bus departed from Bangkok, bound for Chiang Mai, at approximately 8:20 PM.

Some of the images were taken by members' cameras, but most of them were taken by our own phones.

DAY 1 (January 20, 2017)

At approximately 6:30 AM, we arrived at the Chiang Mai Arcade. After freshening up, we waited for a car to take us to Chiang Dao.

(Fortunately, a friend on the trip had a friend in Chiang Mai who volunteered to pick us up and drop us off from the airport to Chiang Dao. We were so lucky!)

However, an unforeseen event occurred. Our companion inadvertently left their phone on the tour bus, necessitating a wait. The bus company informed us that the phone would be delivered with the first bus arriving at the bus terminal around 8:00 AM. After a prolonged wait, we decided to split up, with some of us heading to Makro for shopping. We planned to return and collect the phone later.

Once everything was in order, we headed to the park (approximately 70 km from Chiang Mai city to Chiang Dao). Before arriving, we stopped at Mae Malai Market to buy additional supplies and have lunch. We then continued on to the park headquarters.

At approximately 12:00 PM, we arrived at the park headquarters and contacted the staff. We paid the entrance fee and weighed the central supplies that the porters would carry. The porters were already waiting for us, but there were fewer than usual, so we only had two porters for 60 kg of central supplies. Typically, a porter can carry 20 kg (we had calculated the cost for three porters). All seven members, including the porters, boarded a pickup truck that we had arranged in advance and headed towards the trailhead at "Den Ya Khat".

Finally arrived at "Den Ya Krad - Ang Slung" after a bumpy two-hour car ride. The journey was filled with twists, turns, and steep inclines, making us feel like we were on a roller coaster in an amusement park.

Behold! The beautiful Wild Himalayan Cherry blossoms are not only found in Khun Chang Kian, but also here! . .^^

2:00 PM. Ready to depart on foot. . .

Meet the participants of this trip, ready to take on the challenge!

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The initial section of the trail is flat, allowing for a gradual warm-up as you walk along. The sun's intensity increases with time.

The trail gradually ascends, with sections hugging the mountainside, akin to a slow climb. The incline remains moderate, interspersed with stretches of flat terrain.

The surrounding atmosphere offers panoramic views of towering limestone mountains on both sides, interspersed with diverse vegetation. A gentle breeze intermittently alternates with sunshine, creating a pleasant and refreshing ambiance.

The trail continues along the hillside, making for an easy walk with pleasantly cool weather. . .

Along the way, you will encounter stunning views of towering limestone mountains on both sides.

And the two young men used us to take pictures... The limestone mountain on the right-hand side

This is the limestone mountain on the left-hand side.

Let's continue our journey...

We trekked through dense forests, passing both large and small trees, banana groves, flat and steep paths, until we reached this point where the path is quite slippery. It can be assumed that it rained heavily last night, making it necessary to walk slowly and maintain our balance with the luggage we are carrying on our backs.

We finally reached the crossroads.

The trail from Pang Wua and Den Ya Khat converge at this point, marking the halfway mark of the journey. Interestingly, there is a hidden phone signal in this area. Take a break to rest and recharge before continuing your trek.

After passing the three-way intersection, the road gradually becomes steeper, with occasional flat sections. The road surface also becomes significantly more slippery than before.

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The dense forest engulfs us once more.

The path was flanked by trees of various sizes, their branches stretching out to block the sunlight. Numerous vines snaked their way along the branches of the towering trees. Small and large rocks were scattered along the path, as if nature had carefully arranged them in perfect order.

Emerging from the dense forest, they were greeted by the sun's rays, which they immediately harnessed for power.

We continued walking until we reached the first campsite, which was a stopover point along the way. . .

I forgot to mention that on the way, I was tired and out of breath. I was so happy to have this to eat! ^^

We trekked through mountains and dense forests, finally arriving at an open area with tall grasses growing abundantly. The terrain was mostly flat, with some gentle slopes, making for a comfortable walk. The atmosphere was becoming increasingly shaded, with little sunlight filtering through, perhaps due to the approaching evening.

We continued our hike, traversing one hill after another, until we reached a point where the sun was beginning to set between the mountain peaks. Despite the approaching sunset, the surrounding atmosphere remained relatively bright.

From this vantage point, one can observe the angle of the mountain pass, formed by the overlapping peaks. The pass resembles a V-shape, with a verdant meadow below. However, the meadow is gradually turning dark as the sun dips through the V-shaped opening, signaling the approaching end of the day.

After taking a moment to enjoy the scenery and snap some photos, we continued our ascent, picking up the pace to avoid being caught in the dark. The trail led us over a ridge, and after a while, we reached the designated camping area.

Along the way, we met a porter who told us that if we crossed the ridge we could see in front of us, we would reach the campsite.

We finally arrived at the campsite just as darkness fell. We searched for a suitable location to set up our camp and pitched our tents. Exhausted from the trek, we prepared a simple meal of "macaroni stir-fried with sausage." The next morning, we had to wake up early to greet the new day.

Tonight, we slept on the way to the top of Doi Luang Chiang Dao. The ground was quite sloping, and I must say that we kept sliding down while sleeping. It was fun! 555

Day 2 (January 21, 2017)

5:00 AM. It's time to wake up because we have to hurry to see the **sunrise** and the sea of fog at the top of Doi Kiew Lom. When I woke up, the air was very cold, around 5-6 degrees Celsius. I put on a thick shirt, scarf, hat, gloves, and a flashlight. I'm ready to go. . .

The hike from the campsite to the summit of Doi Kiw Lom takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on your pace. After a short walk back, you will find a fork in the path with a sign indicating the way to Doi Kiw Lom. The initial section of the trail is flat, but it gradually becomes steeper, requiring you to climb over rocks and cling to tree branches. The path continues to ascend, becoming increasingly steep and challenging.

On the way up, I felt like throwing away my winter clothes and scarf. I was sweating and it was very hot. When I reached the top of the mountain, I had to put on my winter clothes quickly because it was cold and windy. The air was amazing.

The sun has risen.

The fog is rising.

After descending from the peak of Doi Giw Lom, we prepared a hearty breakfast, savoring the moment with joy and contentment. We waited patiently, allowing time to pass as some groups gradually made their way down the mountain. We then gathered our belongings and relocated to a new campsite, as our previous spot had proven to be prone to sliding throughout the night. At our new location, we relaxed, napped, and prepared meals as we awaited the breathtaking sunset atop Doi Luang Chiang Dao.

A two-day, one-night trip is ideal, as the middle of the second day is relatively free. If you only come for one night, you can watch the sunset in the afternoon and the sunrise at the top of Doi Giw Lom the next morning before heading back.

16:30 p.m. It's time to prepare to walk to watch the sunset on the top of Doi Chiang Dao. Prepare warm clothes, the wind is quite strong up there. Most importantly, don't forget your flashlight. The walking time will be similar to walking to Doi Giw Lom, about 30-40 minutes to reach the top of the mountain.

The air on Doi Luang Chiang Dao is excellent, with a cool breeze constantly blowing. After the heat, standing in the cool wind is comfortable. The view here is also beautiful, offering a 360-degree panorama. You can see the mountain ridges stretching out endlessly, as far as the eye can see. The sky and clouds seem close enough to touch, and the wind continues to bring coolness. The air is fantastic.

This is me.

"May" and I were a duo before we went hiking together at Phu Soi Dao.

"Lamai," who once stood us up on a trip to Phu Soi Dao, has come to make amends here.

This is "P'Tem", a seasoned hiker with countless expeditions under his belt. Notably, P'Tem also serves as the head chef for the trip.

"Music," the young man who can turn scary stories into hilarious ones.

"Bank", a new member

No solo picture of "Brother A", so here's a group picture instead.

The mist is coming from the other side.

The sun is setting in the west.

The round, orange-red ball is disappearing.

Here to conquer.

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After completing the mission, I came down to make dinner. . .

Pork roll with pickled mustard greens, perfect for a cold, wintry day.

Deep-fried cabbage with fish sauce. .From a child on the mountain 555

Spicy minced pork salad, very satisfying. The chili powder I bought from Mae Malai market is very fragrant. It's so spicy it reaches the heart.

After finishing dinner, we sat around chatting. The people from the neighboring tent joined us, and we exchanged some food. As the night grew cooler, we enjoyed a warm dessert of "banana in coconut milk" to ward off the chill.

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After ten o'clock, the conversations in each tent gradually subsided, and some people started to go to bed. The quiet atmosphere allowed us to listen to the sounds of nature in the mountains, which was quite enjoyable. However, it wasn't completely silent, as we could still hear whispers carried by the wind from those who were still awake. Unable to resist the fatigue, we fell asleep.

DAY 3 (January 22, 2017)

We woke up a little late today because we went to watch the sunrise yesterday. We wanted to enjoy the cool air and sleep in. We woke up around seven or eight o'clock, washed our faces, made breakfast, and packed our things to go home.

This morning, the temperature was 6 degrees, making it very cold.

Breakfast menu . .

Spicy fermented pork salad

A spicy and sour soup with dried fish, perfect for a refreshing morning meal.

Stir-fried Peas with Pork

The "spicy papaya salad" menu is exchanged from a nearby tent.

After packing up, it was already noon by the time we started our descent.

**Note that if you book through the national park, you must arrive before 4:00 PM, as the park closes at that time. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of your garbage deposit.**

The view of the mountains while walking down is very beautiful.

They say this is "Doi Pyramid" and "Doi Sam Phi Nong". I'm not sure if this is the right place.

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Translation:

The descent via Pang Wa route was extremely steep and slippery, with visible skid marks throughout. Maintaining balance required constant tension in the ankles and toes to avoid slipping, which could lead to ankle sprains.

We finally reached the lower Pang Wa ascent route at 2 pm after a two-hour descent.

Upon arriving at the park, pay for porter fees, transportation, and take a shower to prepare for the return trip to Bangkok.

**We have booked a car for 8:00 PM. It is recommended to book a round-trip or book upon arrival at the Chiang Mai Arcade.**

Expense Summary Doi Luang Chiang Dao Trip 3 Days 2 Nights

- Round-trip bus fare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai 488(2) = 976

- The cost of a straw mat is 100 baht per piece. 100/2 = 50

• Collect 1,704(7) from each central pile = 11,928

- Transportation fee from Chiang Mai Arcade to Chiang Dao (as a token of appreciation) 500

- Park entrance fee 20(7) = 140

• Tent rental fee: 30 baht for 2 nights, 5 tents = 3025 = 300 baht.

• Entrance fee to the park is 50.

• Transportation fee to Den Hin Ngad and pick up at Pang Wa: 2,100.

- Porter fee 450 per person per day 450*3*3 = 4,050

• Water cost 2 tanks, 500 per tank = 1,000

The remaining expenses include the cost of bottled water, which we purchased in bulk and small sizes, as well as the cost of food from various locations.

Total expenses per person: 2,730 baht