Day 09: Year-end Trip: Phu Chi Fa - Chiang Rai

 "Believe you can and you're halfway there..." - Theodore Roosevelt

(Stepping into Laos)

Day 09: Friday, 23 December 2022
Route: Phu Chi Fa to Chiang Rai
Distance: 203 km
Hotel: Hop Inn Hotel, Chiang Rai

Had breakfast of half-boiled eggs, bread, coffee and juice. Checked out and headed to Phu Chi Fa summit about 4.5km from our chalet.

(We missed the sunrise!)

(Cute chalets and restaurants along the route)

Phu Chi Fa Forest Park is a national park and mountain range located in Thoeng district in Chiang Rai. It’s located 1,628m above sea level in the Doi Pha Mon mountain range. There are various viewpoints scattered along its cliff path that offer dramatic 360 degree views of the mountain range that forms the Thai/Laos border.

The site of this viewpoint itself, is a dramatic image. Standing from afar you can see the silhouette of its jagged cliff-top edge that look like a lion head. The viewpoint overlooks a sweeping valley below and made more dramatic during sunrise and sunset when the valley is covered with the sea of fog.

(Driving on the steep road to the viewpoint)

We parked our Bigfoot at the car park. There were not many visitors at this time of the day. The usual crowd will be here either early in the morning to watch the sunrise or late afternoon for sunset.

(Ample parking area for cars and bikes)

(The start of a steep climb)

(We are halfway to the summit)

(Quite a challenging hike)

The 800m hike up the steep terrain to the summit was quite tough. We made a few rest stops to catch our breath. We are not getting younger! At an altitude of 1685m above sea level, the view was mesmerising from the top.

(Yeay! we made it to the top)

(The air was bone chilling cold)

(The locals hurdled closely for heat)

(The famous Phu Chi Fa signboard)

(The Thailand/Laos border stone)

(Laos is just a step away)

(Our second time to the summit)

(A sea of fog covering the valley)

(The Lion Head summit is surrounded by thick fog)

(Amazing foggy view of the valley)

(The sun is peeking out from the sky)

(The fog is creeping in slowly)

After spending some time at the summit, we drove out of Phu Chi Fa towards the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen for a brief stop and bought some t-shirts at one of the many souvenir shops.

(A descending drive towards the Golden Triangle)

(Laos is just across the Mekong River)

The Golden Triangle is the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers. The name ‘Golden Triangle’ is commonly used to refer to an area that overlaps the mountains of the three adjacent countries.

It has been one of the largest opium-producing areas of the world since the 1950s. Most of the world's heroin came from the Golden Triangle until the early 21st century when Afghanistan became the world's largest producer. The majority of the region's opium is now produced in Myanmar and, to a lesser extent, Laos.

(The Golden Triangle, confluence of two rivers)

(Golden Triangle Monuments) 

Our next stop was Stardoi Coffee Shop located on the highlands of Don Sa Ngo. This was our first visit here. Doi Sa-Ngo mountain is an elevation standing high above the surrounding area with small summit area with steep slopes. The views from the summit is as impressive as Phu Chee Fah. Doi Sa Ngo is situated in Chiang Saen district. In Sa Ngo village live two tribes of Akha and Thai Lue with unique cultures, beliefs and ways of life. The village, attracts many tourists to explore the cultures while appreciating cold weather on the high hill.

(A Coffee Shop, a little out of the way)

(The views were well worth the journey on the winding road)

From the viewpoint we could see a panoramic view of Myanmar-Laos-Thailand borders and surrounding valleys. For those who want to stay overnight, there were chalets and homestays run by Akha families.

From the Stardoi Coffee shop accessibility to the top is possible by 4-wheelers but driving on the unpaved road could be challenging for the inexperienced. Usually visitors park in the village then take a truck up to the mountain top.

(Stunning views of the Golden Triangle)

(Drinking coffee while enjoying the view)

(Accomodation and a bar)

We arrived in Chiang Rai late afternoon and performed our jamak prayers in Darul Aman Chinese Mosque located in the centre on town. Met with Mr. Adam from Yunan who has been in Thailand for more than 40 years. We had early dinner in a Muslim restaurant next to the mosque.

(Darul Aman Chinese Mosque)

(The biggest mosque in Chiang Rai Province)

(The mosque was built by Hui people)

(A mixture of Persian and Chinese architectures)

(With Mr. Adam from Yunan)

(Early dinner at Rosprasert Muslim Food)

Tonight we stayed in Hop Inn Hotel Chiang Rai at B900/night. After we checked in, we walked a short distance to the Night Bazaar where we met many Malaysians and Singaporeans on holidays.

Later we had an hour of strong foot massage before we walked back to our hotel.

(Chiang Rai Night Bazaar)

(One of the most buzzing night bazaar in Chiang Rai)

        Day 10: Year-end Trip: Chiang Rai - Pai👉

👈Day 08: Year-end Trip: Uttaradit - Phu Chi Fa