A traveller's reflection: Day 10: Year-end Trip: Chiang Rai

"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong..." - Ella Fitzgerald

(Hinoki Land, a Japanese themed park)

Day 10: Saturday, 24 December 2022
Route: Chiang Rai to Pai
Distance: 153 km
Hotel: The Heart of Pai Resort, Pai

(Activities on Route 109 towards Fang)

Early this morning we drove out of Chiang Rai towards Pai and detoured to Doi Angkhang. It is known for its stunning views of the mountains and surrounding countryside, tea plantations, mango and citrus orchards and hill tribe villages. But the main reason for its popularity in Thailand is that Doi Angkhang is one of the coldest points in Thailand, which makes this mountain a tourist destination even for the locals.

(The route is well known for its very steep and winding climb)

The journey through Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park steep road was challenging with a few sharp switch-back corners. We reached Mon Sone viewpoint around 10.30 am and the weather was quite chilly and foggy. At an altitude of 1,787 m above sea level the viewpoint offers a beautiful views of the mountains and surroundings especially during sunrise and sunset.

(The Tourist Information Centre)

(Attractions around the viewpoint)

(A nice weather all year round)

(Doi Ang Khang Campground)

(A spectacular scenic views of the surrounding mountain and valleys)

There was a camping ground with communal washroom. There were a few fruit stalls and eateries too. We had a bowl of steaming glass noodle soup and crispy cakoi from a Muslim eatery next to the Visitor Centre.

(Doi Ang Khang is one of the highest mountains in Thailand)

(Camps for rental)

(A campground complete with amenities)

(Early lunch of noodle soup, crispy charkoi and strawberries)

We did not stay long as the weather was getting very chilly. Doi Angkhang is well known for its Royal Agricultural Project to support the local tribes’ agriculture instead of opium planting. In the Station, there are fruit research center, winter flowers and herbs. Visitors can visit the winter gardens of peaches, Chinese bayberries, plums, strawberries, Chinese pears, raspberries, persimmons, kiwis and other winter plants and flowers. The Station also sells its products.

(The shortest but the steepest and roughest route)

(Orange orchards of Doi Angkhang)

On the way to Pai we stopped at Hinoki Land to explore the Japanese themed park. The entrance fee was B80/pax. The landscape and buildings are strikingly picturesque and the main attraction here is renting traditional Japanese clothing and posing for photos.

(A Japanese experience in Hinoki Land)

(One of the latest attractions in Chiang Mai)

(A Japanese themed landscape)

(A row of red torii gates in Hinoki Land)

(Torii gate is a traditional Japanese gate to a Shinto shrine)

(Hinoki Land is named after the Hinoki Cypress)

(Torii gates leading to Hinoki Castle)

(The amazing lake and mountain backdrop)

(Two Buddhist monks and hungry Japanese carps)

(A red bridge leading to the flower garden)

(Chinese villages, hill tribes and beautiful mountain views)

From Hinoki Land we drove direct to Pai and checked in at The Heart of Pie for two nights at B850/night. Later we strolled along the Walking Street of Pai and had nasi briyani daging at one of the Muslim stall.

It was Christmas eve, and there were scattered display of fireworks in Pai.