Today… the second day of the journey. We intentionally woke up at 7 AM to venture into the morning delights of Mae Hong Son town. Riding our motorcycle through the city, we encountered a bustling morning market with many people shopping for breakfast. After navigating the lively streets, we discovered a congee and pork blood soup shop (couldn’t remember the name but the location is here). I ordered a bowl of pork congee for only 30 Baht (1 USD). The tender and flavorful taste perfectly suited the cool morning weather… utterly satisfying! 😋
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After my HP is recovered, it’s time to hunt the monsters. OOPS !….Sorry. It’s time to go out for our journey. The first destination was Chong Kham – Chong Klang Temples where I were here last night but did not get in. Today, we will visit and see beautifully Thai-Burmese temples. These temples are the “landmark” of This province which visitor must have not to miss. Inside the temples were quiet and definitely peaceful despite they are located in city centre. It was quiet until I could hear my breathing sound.
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Then, I moved to another landmark of Mae Hong Son which is the symbol of this province, Wat Phra Tat Doi Kong Mu (Thai : วัดพระธาตุดอยกองมู). This temple is located in the top-hill where is only 15 minutes by matorbike from Chong Kham – Chong Klang Temples. But I have to bike up-hill to the temple.
This temple was built since 1860. The feature point is “Two white pagodas” on the top of the hill. We can see bird-eye-view of Mae Hong Son from this temple too.
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I spent about an hour at Doi Kong Mu Temple. At that time, it was around noon. I know what you are thinking. Yes, it’s time for lunch. I had Googled to find some yummy local food and found “Aunty Hom Noodle (Thai : ก๋วยเตี๋ยวป้าหอม)” in the city center, only 15 minutes from this temple. In Google Map, it has review that you “MUST” try this noodle shop. I ordered Pork noodle soup with stewed pork and pork ball. It was tasty. Stewed pork was melted in the mouth and the soup was very umami. 😛
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Next, after the stomach is fulfilled, the next destination is Su Tong Pae Bridge (Thai : สะพานซูตองเป้) which is 15 km from city center and we can get there by motorbike what take only 30 minutes. This bridge is on the way to my final place of second day, Ban Ruk Thai (Thai : บ้านรักษ์ไทย). The bridge is built by villagers and monks by without any support from government. It is made from woven bamboo strips. It has 2m width and 500m length. The purpose is to facilitate the monks to walk cross over the rice field to the village. Local peoples are believed that this bridge is the bridge of faith. The word “Su Tong Pae” means successfully praying. This bridge is free to visit but visitors can donate as they wish.
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I admitted that I had spent almost 2 hours at this bridge because I really love the peacful atmosphere with green rice field. Despite it was afternoon time, but the weather was not so warm and very comforatble for relaxation walking and photo shooting.
Then, about 3pm, I had biked through the hundreds of curve and up-hill road to one of the most beautiful hotel in Thailand where I will stayed on tonight and tomorrow, Lee Wine Ruk Thai Resort (Thai : ลีไวน์รักไทยรีสอร์ท). The hotel is 35km from Su Tong Pae bridge and took 1 hour by motorbike.
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I can tell you that this hotel is extremely difficult to book because it is very popular and always fully-booked. I have to book almost 2 months in advance. The hotel is looked like small house on the hill and surrounded by tea plantation. From the room, we can see the lake which is located in the center of village. And, the elevation here is 1,350m from sea level, the weather is cold & comfy all year round. I decided to spent 2 nights here to fully absorb the freshness to me body. 🙂
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Today is also the one of extreme day in my life. since I spent the day from Mae Hong Son center. Biked along up-hill and curvy road to the place what I can call it as “Heaven on Earth“. The exhaustness was disappeared when I take a breath at Ban Ruk Thai. Today can teach myself that this world still has infinite good thing if I just open my mind…..Good Night 🙂
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Written by : SHIPY SIWARIT TIASUWATTISETH
Shipy-Ship 