Many people ask why they should go through hardship when they travel. Why not go to a comfortable and relaxing place? After all, when you spend money, you want the best. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but some things cannot be obtained with money alone. They require physical and mental effort. One such place is Doi Luang Chiang Dao.

This trip was born from my friend and I wanting to go hiking up a mountain, having had some experience climbing Phu Kradueng before. We did some research, looked at reviews, and searched for information on various pages... We finally decided on Doi Luang Chiang Dao. Once we had our goal, we invited more friends. From 2 people, it became 3, 4, 5, and finally 6. Some friends didn't like this kind of trip, but they agreed to come anyway. It was like I tricked them into coming to get tired! 55+ During the trip, we had a lot of fun and laughter. It was a good time. Follow our journey!

Expenses (6 people)

• Roundtrip Lionair flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: 1700 baht
• 2-day, 1-night Doi Luang Chiang Dao local tour (Lung Ga La): 2000 baht per person (including 3 meals, tent, and sleeping bag)
• Transportation from Wat Tham Chiang Dao to the starting point (Den Hin Khad): 500 baht for the group, divided by 6 people = 83 baht per person
• Accommodation at Centro CNX (DD Resident): 250 baht per person
• Local car rental (Bigjump Travel, Avanza model): 1200 baht per day (3 days), divided by 6 people = 600 baht per person

Approximately 3000 baht in total.

Essentials

• Sweater

- A headlamp would be very helpful.

- Wet wipes

As I was traveling with a local tour group, I only brought personal necessities. The tour provided all meals and accommodation, so I literally just brought myself.

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Day 1

We flew to Chiang Mai by Thai Lionair in the evening after work. After arriving at Chiang Mai Airport and picking up our luggage, we walked to pick up the car we had rented from Bigjump Travel. It was a Toyota Avanza, which was comfortable for six people. Then we checked in to our accommodation, Centro CNX, which is located near the moat. We rested and gathered our strength. Zz.. We agreed to wake up at 5 am tomorrow because we had to leave Chiang Mai for Chiang Dao, a distance of about 70 kilometers.

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Day 2

Despite agreeing to leave at 5 am, we ended up leaving at 6 am. It seems our schedule is never followed! Haha. After checking out, we headed towards Chiang Dao district.

Foggy, feels great.

We have arrived at Chiang Dao Cave Temple.

I have an appointment with Uncle Gala Tour at around 8 am at Wat Tham Chiang Dao, which is a shop inside Wat Tham Chiang Dao temple.

We had breakfast at Uncle's shop to fuel up before climbing the mountain and prepare the equipment we would take up (wet wipes, flashlight, jacket). This time, Uncle's group consisted of 6 of us, 4 teachers from a school I can't remember, and a young couple who joined us on the trip. We weren't lonely this time.

We ate until we were full and ready to sleep. Haha, just kidding! We were ready to travel. Before we left, the uncle gave us food for lunch and bottles of water to drink on the way. We chose the Den Ya Khat route, which is 8.5 km long and easier to walk than the Pang Wa route. We had to take a car from Wat Tham Chiang Dao for about an hour and a half. The road was a bit rough, so sitting in the back of the pickup truck made our butts sore. We all laughed about it.

At around 10 am, we arrived at the starting point of the Den Hin Ngad Trail. At this time, the area was still adorned with blooming Tiger Orchids, forming a beautiful tunnel. We couldn't resist taking some photos.

The beauty of the Phaya Suea Krong flower rivals that of the cherry blossom.

See that sign? 8.5 km. Fight!!!

Following tradition, we took a photo with the 8.5-kilometer sign before embarking on our journey.

We started walking around 10:30 AM.

The initial section of the trail is remarkably comfortable.

There are some small hills.

Strolling and taking photos along the way, the initial air was cool and comfortable.

Along the way, we took breaks and took photos (the Den Hin Ngad route offers more scenic views and photo opportunities than the Pang Wua route). Some of my friends who hadn't prepared physically and hadn't exercised got tired easily. I had been exercising and didn't feel as tired, so I was able to walk steadily.

Around noon, they arrived at a three-way intersection, the point where Den Hin Chat and Pang Wua converge. They stopped here for lunch, which consisted of sticky rice, fried pork, and sai ua sausage that they had received from Uncle Ga earlier that morning.

After lunch, we took a short break. This three-way intersection is a resting point for all groups. We saw other groups, some teenagers, some working-age adults, some parents, a good variety. If you have the energy, come on! ^ ^

Continuing the journey, the sun rose directly overhead. Having initially worn a sweater, I began to remove it and tie it around my waist.

Encouraged by passersby who told me I was almost there, I continued walking. After a while, I started to wonder if they were just teasing me.

From the three-way intersection, if you walk about halfway, try looking back and you will see this view. It is very beautiful, but there are no tall trees during this time. The sun shines all the time.

The trail may require some climbing in certain sections.

Around 3:30 PM, we arrived at Uncle Gala's camp, which took about 5 hours of walking. If you are not coming with Uncle Gala's tour, but with another tour or on your own, you will need to walk a little further to reach the tourist camping ground, known as Ang Slung. The young couple who came with our group arrived long before me, they are really fit! As for the teachers and professors, they arrived after us. At Uncle Gala's camp, his staff will have tents and dinner prepared for us.

The air at the camp was very cold. My friend slept soundly, waiting for 4:30 am to climb Doi Luang Chiang Dao to watch the sunrise.

That's the Slung pool where we camped.

If you're tired, let others overtake you first. 55+

We have reached the summit! It's truly breathtaking. The panoramic views are stunning in every direction. The place is bustling with tourists, all queuing up to take photos with the sign, with the Three Brothers Mountain as a backdrop.

Many people lined up to take photos with the sign.

The national flag was not prepared by myself. It seems that it was already available as a prop. 55+

As darkness fell, we began our descent back to camp. The darkness made the descent particularly treacherous, and we found it more challenging than the ascent. Despite the difficulties, we successfully returned to camp.

Upon returning for dinner, a feast awaited us (tom yum soup, omelets, stir-fried vegetables, and another dish I can't recall). We were all ravenous, and I personally devoured several omelets. On average, though, we each had two omelets.

After finishing our meal, we sat and talked for a while, but the cold became unbearable, and everyone retreated to their tents. I took out my camera to photograph the stars, as I had planned to do, but… I could only take one picture before the battery died. Damn! I didn't bring a spare battery.

Ultimately, we could just lie down and watch the stars (an all-male trip watching the stars, lol).

Around 9 pm, the temperature is 9 degrees.

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Day 3

We had to wake up at 4:30 am to watch the sunrise at Kew Lom. It was very cold, around 5 degrees Celsius. We just followed the crowd and walked.

Despite the darkness at Kiew Lom, people have already started setting up their cameras and occupying spaces. For the Uncle Gala tour, Ovaltine, coffee, and hot water are provided at Kiew Lom. The tour guide will bring them up for you.

We waited until sunrise to capture some photos (these photos were taken with a GoPro and iPhone, and the quality isn't ideal).

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

As the sun began to rise, we started our descent back to camp. Upon our arrival, breakfast was already waiting for us. It was another meal where we ate without restraint. There were many dishes, but the only one I remember is the fried eggs. 55+

Around 8 am, I packed my things and went downstairs. I took a souvenir photo with the old man.

As people walked past us, we teased them by saying, "Almost there! Just a little further!" We couldn't help but get our own back.

Upon reaching the three-way intersection, we opted to return via Pang Wa, which proved to be a steeper route. Our decision to avoid this path initially was prudent, as it was both steep and slippery.

The descent was well-timed, and upon reaching the bottom, everyone was refreshed with a can of Coke.

Those who ascend via Pang Wa will encounter this sign at the 6.5 kilometer mark.

After that, we traveled back to Chiang Mai city to recover. If I have the opportunity, I would like to come back and hike Doi Luang Chiang Dao again. See you again, Chiang Dao.

Thank you to everyone who has read and enjoyed our journey. Please like, share, and care for us.

Follow my adventures on the "Traveling on Foot" page by Fun_O.

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