After a long 23 days in Thailand, I’m back. It was really an enthralling experience backpacking in the North, and I was completely captivated by the beauty of our first destination, Phatang. Not exactly the right place for shopping or luxurious food, but the beautiful mountain scape and night sky blanketed with stars of all magnitudes more than made up for that.

Our guesthouse 

This is how it looks inside, bright and cozy! And there’s a television too! (the only lodging that had a television throughout my stay in Thailand. )

And the restaurant next to our guesthouse where we had breakfast every morning

Balcony view at the restaurant 

Many times, Sara and I would take walks up to the row of shophouses beside the foot of the mountain peaks. In the evening, the locals there were even kind enough to invite us to join them in their chit-chat sessions, accompanied with beer and roasted pork. Climbing up the mountains at night using torch light as the only source of light was equally exciting. Want to witness countless shooting stars in the skies? Phatang is the best place for it.

The row of shophouses selling handmade crafts, jades, and food 

Below are just some of the pictures I’ve taken on the mountain peaks. Some pictures are a little heavily processed, but the real thing is still as breath-taking. Enjoy viewing!

Sun rising through thick clouds

This is before sunset 

The purplish sky is real, straight from camera. Not re-coloured, I swear! 

Winding roads could be seen from the top 

Evening glow 

Sara on the left 

The end. I miss Phatang! 

After a trip to Phatang, I went to Wiang Kaen to visit the children once again. This time, my friend Sara tagged along too. It was really heart-warming to see the children again. Their politeness, innocence and smiling faces could just melt anyone’s heart. Even Sara was impressed by these good-natured kids immediately.

Coincidentally, some students from Catholic Junior College were there to do their overseas CIP. So, it was kind of lucky for us because the students had organised a lot of games and activities for the children, and we just joined in together. I also had the opportunity to enjoy yet another performance put up by the children (as well as the CJC students). Here are just a few pictures that I’ve snapped during the final night.

Like the previous time, it started off with the girls 

Traditional Thai dance in hilltribe costumes 

And the guys having a whole lot of fun! 

It was the CJC students’ time to perform. The children from the home sportingly waved their hands in unison as the students sang their number. 

Oh, and the CJC students discovered that the kids love to Hi-Five! So if you’re going there again in future, remember to hi-five them! 

At the end of the concert, the children were back in their rows. It would soon be the emotional moment again, as everyone thanked and hugged each other, with many having their tears flowing down uncontrollably.

I’m sure I will be returning again.

It’s my 9th day travelling.. and I’m enjoying 101% of it! Returned to see the children of Wiang Kaen Catholic Mission Home, and they’re as lovely as ever. 

Bangkok -> Phatang -> Wiang Kaen Catholic Mission Home -> Chiang Mai -> Pai -> Chiang Mai -> Lampang -> Chiang Mai -> Bangkok -> Singapore