Orachorn Saechang (Yee)
Orachorn Saechang (Yee)
This essay is a 3rd prize winning entry submitted by Orachorn Saechang (Yee), a Humanities student from Chiang Mai University.  The story describes for us some of the beauty that can be found in far northern Thailand at Doi Pha Tang, near the Laos border.

Doi Pha Tang – A Paradise from Chaotic Life

Have you ever felt like finding a tranquil place to hide yourself away from an otherwise chaotic life? If so, Doi Pha Tung could be one of the natural places you are looking for when you are in Thailand. Tucked away in the Northern part of the country, it is an area that remains tranquil and beautiful and offers some of the most stunning views of any place in Thailand.

Doi Pha Tang is situated in Chiang Rai province, the northern most region of Thailand. It is about 160 kilometers from Chiang Rai city and only 25 kilometers north from Phu Che Fah, another stunning viewpoint where you can see forever in the country of Laos. Doi Pha Tang is the home of the Hmong, Chinese (Yunan), and Yao hill tribe peoples, who have largely maintained their own unique cultures and way of lives.

Along the Road to Doi Pha Tang
Along the Road to Doi Pha Tang
On the road up to Doi Pha Tang, you will be attracted by beautiful natural scenery. Slowly driving up the mountains, you are most likely to be accompanied by gentle cool breeze, green cauliflowers fields, and small villages of tribes’ people. The area is so different and has a unique beauty for Thailand. The road up the mountain can be a little exciting and adventurous because of its three old iron bridges, which I think are a bit scary. The road is high, steep, and curvy and the experience will be an exhilarating memory of Thailand.

Once in Doi Pha Tang, a traveler will feel like they have reached a peaceful world. Slowly breathing the fresh air will release any exhaustion from the driving. Welcome smiles are waiting in greeting, on local people’s faces. Doi Pha Tang is one of the few places anywhere where you can find camping under the blossoms of Sakura trees. A person is able to quietly meditate and listen to nature’s sound. Stresses can fall away and be replaced by a sense of happiness, calm, and peace of mind.

When you have finishing preparation of your camp area it will be a good time for exploring. A short walk should take you to the Yunan Chinese restaurants and the roadside stands selling preserved winter fruits such as apricots, peaches, red cherries, and Chinese pears. The taste of the fruits here is delicious and seems different from in the city. This region has the cool climate needed to produce many of these fruits that cannot be found elsewhere in Thailand.

As the day draws to a close and before the sun says goodbye, it is a good idea to walk up to a higher place to enjoy the moment. The viewpoints on the mountain are a main attraction to this place and after about 500 meters of walking you can take the opportunity to relax in a place where a beautiful little sala (Chinese style resting place) awaits. Here, the wind may be cool and warmer clothing needed in the winter months but it is worthwhile braving the cool for such a magnificent view of the mountain scenery.

Beyond Doi Pha Tang you can gaze far into Laos and take in views of rocky cliffs, lush green mountains, and the Mekong River cutting it’s border path. Heading to the top of the mountain the wind may pick up speed and you will hear the sounds of trees and vegetation making music when played by the wind.

 
The Summit of Doi Pha Tang
The Summit of Doi Pha Tang
  

The summit of Doi Pha Tang is the climax. You are now standing on the border with Laos in front and Thailand in the rear.  You will be surrounded by beautiful horizons – blue, grey, orange, red – in an artist’s portrait of a magnificent sky against the mountains. This is an incredible picture of beauty that can not be seen from any other place.

When the sun is about to set you can sit and quietly relax; it is a time to appreciate nature to recharge your strength. This serene moment allows you to be one with yourself and lends an energy that is difficult to describe. The moment the sun is set, everything is still and the world is stops moving – no one is talking or moving because we are all fascinated by the beauty.

At night, it’s a time to visit and have some fun in the outdoors. Campers will enjoy the campfire light and the food and music.  Thai and foreigner get together and mix and visit and it is so much like a family atmosphere. Everyone is happy to enjoy this time, there is no ‘you’ and ‘me’, it’s just US. It’s a very happy and unforgettable time. This walk up the mountain was an adventure that we all shared and I will tell those people reading my story that sometimes we know nothing, until we can explore it ourselves!

In the early morning, you can walk the same path up the mountain and enjoy a vast sea of valley and mist, while watching the sun arise from over Laos. The beauty to be found at Doi Pha Tang is beyond words to describe. From darkness to lightness, your new day has begun!

To view all winning entries, please click 2008 ThailandTravelOnline.com Essay Contest Winners




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