Chiang Mai to Dan Sai

In November last year, I informed my friend Paul, who lives just north of Chiang Mai, that I would stop by Chiang Mai on my way to Dan Sai for Phi Ta Khon. To my surprise and delight, Paul showed interest in joining me, so we decided to make a road trip out of it. Paul and his wife Renu made themselves even more invaluable when they secured our accommodation at Kingbun Resort, located only 3km from the festival site; the closest hotel I could find was 16km away. Apparently, all the rooms close to the festival site book out as soon as the festival dates are announced.

At 10am, Paul and Renu came by our hotel to get us. We drove for seven hours via Lampang, Phrae, and Uttaradit. At Uttaradit, they even tracked down a random vegetarian restaurant in the middle of nowhere for lunch.

I am grateful that Paul and Renu decided to join us because they are good company, and they also made the logistics of our trip so much easier.Read more