Day 1: Arrival in
Mae Hong Son
Morning Departure
At 7 AM, I set off from Chiang Mai, ready to embark on my adventure to the northern Thai town of Mae Hong Son. I took a bus that would take about 4 hours, and the picturesque scenery along the way—with lush valleys and endless tea plantations—made me excited. I thought, "The views alone are worth the ticket price!" Just as I was about to take a selfie, the bus made a sudden stop, and I got thrown against the window. Everyone on the bus was laughing so hard their stomachs hurt.
Arrival and Accommodation
Around 11 AM, I finally arrived in Mae Hong Son. This place is famous for its pristine natural scenery and ethnic minority culture. Stepping off the bus, the fresh air and warm sunlight greeted me, making me feel rejuvenated! I chose to stay at a hotel called "Mae Hong Son Resort," which cost about $24 (approximately 800 Thai Baht). The peaceful environment and surrounding greenery were perfect for relaxation.
Afternoon Stroll
After checking in, I began exploring the town. My first stop was Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, a temple located on a hilltop. The climb wasn’t too difficult. On my way up, an elderly man saw me sweating and handed me a bottle of water, saying, "Young man, you need to hydrate! Don’t look like a little pitiful one." I thought, "I’m not pitiful; I’m just trying to take pictures!"
At the temple, the panoramic view of Mae Hong Son was exhilarating. It felt like the whole town was at my feet. Not only is this a sacred site, but it’s also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset. As the sun slowly sank into the valley, the sky turned into a stunning canvas of colors. I started sending photos to my friends, and everyone replied, "Wow, did you Photoshop this?" I thought, "Nope, just good lighting!"
Dinner Choices
In the evening, I went to Jae Khao restaurant to try the local specialty—Khao Soi (Northern Thai curry noodles). A steaming bowl of rich curry noodles topped with crispy noodles cost about $4.50 (around 150 Thai Baht). When the server heard it was my first time, she smiled and said, "This is a taste you won’t forget!" I rolled my eyes internally, thinking, "I don’t want to eat just this for the rest of my life!"
Day 2: Adventure Day
Rise with the Sun
On the second day, I decided to catch the sunrise. So, I chose to visit Pang Ung. I got up at 5 AM, wrapped in a thick blanket, reluctant to leave my bed, thinking, "Do I really need to wake up for a sunrise?" But the adventurer in me got me out of bed.
When I arrived at Pang Ung, I saw the lake reflecting the morning light, surrounded by a thin layer of mist, like a fairyland. Just as I was about to take a picture, a lady nearby excitedly yelled, "Young man, come take a picture of me!" I thought, "I’m here to photograph scenery, not to be a photographer!" Still, I patiently snapped a shot for her, and her pose turned out to be akin to a snake's—hilarious!
Unexpected Lunch
By noon, my stomach started protesting. I chose a local shop selli
ng rice noodles, where the owner cheerfully said, "This is my favorite food!" I thought, "Aren’t you supposed to say it’s the best food in your shop?" But I ordered a bowl of noodles anyway, and to my surprise, it was delicious, costing only $1.50 (around 50 Thai Baht). I thought, "What great value for money!"
Afternoon Hiking
In the afternoon, I joined a small group for a hike to Baan Rak Thai. This place is a small village with a Burmese style, and the scenery along the way was stunning—perfect for photos. As we walked, the guide shared stories about the village, eventually saying, "The tea here is famous!" I perked up, "Tea? I have some knowledge about tea!" In reality, I had no clue, and the guide teased me, saying, "Is your knowledge about tea just about the tea you drink?" I couldn’t help but laugh; it felt like this hike was not just about seeing sights but also about hearing stories.
Day 3: Cultural Day
Experience with Ethnic Minorities
Today, I dedicated a whole day to learn about the local ethnic minority cultures. I visited the Karen Long Neck Village, known for its unique neck ring culture. Walking into the village, I saw several long-necked women with metal rings around their necks, appearing both mysterious and fascinating. I thought, wearing those rings must be more painful than kneading dough, yet they all looked so happy—truly admirable.
One woman invited me to take a photo with her. I put my arm around her shoulder, thinking, "I’ve finally become a member of the long-neck tribe!" She laughed and said, "You don’t have a chance; take off those rings!" This interaction was hilarious, and I thought, "Looks like I’m not suited for the long-neck culture!"
Evening Bonfire Party
In the evening, I joined a bonfire party where villagers sang and danced, creating a lively atmosphere. I also joined in the dancing and ended up looking ridiculous. Nearby children were laughing uncontrollably. When I asked one kid how I danced, he honestly replied, "Not as good as my grandma!" I thought, "Kids, you’re the real angels!" Despite my awkwardness, this experience allowed me to deeply appreciate the charm of culture and the warmth of local life.
Day 4: Relaxation and Return
Morning at the Tea Plantation
On the last day, I decided to relax and visit Pang Ung Tea Plantation. Not only is this a tea plantation, but it’s also a great spot for photos. Wandering through the tea fields, bathing in the sunlight, I felt surrounded by the aroma of tea. As I walked, I thought, "I wish I could capture this scenery in my camera!" Just then, a lady next to me said, "I can help you capture it; just give me some money!" Haha, what a funny yet helpless situation.
A Beautiful Return
By noon, I returned to the hotel to check out, and the hotel owner offered me a bottle of water, asking if I had a good trip. I nodded vigorously, thinking, "You should ask if I got drunk!" Before leaving, I couldn’t resist making a joke, saying, "You better save a spot for me next time!" The owner laughed and replied, "As long as you come with money, there will always be a spot!" This made me chuckle and feel touched; indeed, this journey left a lasting impression on me.
Finally, I took the bus away from Mae Hong Son, filled with mixed emotions. This was not just a beautiful trip but also a soulful exploration. Here, I experienced breathtaking nature, unique culture, and met many warm and lovely people. Every moment was filled with laughter and surprises, and I knew these were precious memories in my life.
During my days in Pai, I truly felt like I had stepped into a world of enchanting colors. The mountains, the authentic local culture, and those hilarious moments were unforgettable. Whether leisurely strolling through tea gardens, exploring ethnic minority villages, or savoring delicious Northern Thai curry, every moment was filled with surprise and joy.
Next, I'm heading to Mae Sai! Just imagine wandering through golden rice fields and sharing stories with the locals—it’s bound to be a new adventure! Don’t miss out on the journey ahead; subscribe to my channel and join me as we explore this mysterious place. I look forward to sharing more laughter and stories with you!