It's
been a peculiar winter in Bangkok.
The
chill came for a week early December and some unexpected heavy showers took over
thereafter (it really isn't supposed to rain during winter even if it isn't
cool). Just when we thought the Bangkok winter has become a pipe dream, I saw FB
posts from friends of low temperatures hitting again at the end of January 2017
for a couple of days. This morning, the temperature was as low as 20degC again,
and expected to remain cold for the week. It's already mid-February, I guess
we're going to have a wintry Valentine's in Bangkok this year.
It's
a little late, I know, but my blog is not complete until I make a new annual
entry to this Thailand Winter Getaway series (you can
always use it for future winters right?). I spent winter way up in Chiang Rai
again this time, and instead of chasing the sun at Doi
Phatang again, we explored the more popular Phu Chi Fa, hoping to
catch an even better view.
Before
I give my verdict on the view, I have a few pointers for all of you planning the
hike up Phu Chi Fa.
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|
Had to do a lot of cropping to get a picture of myself
with the view |
1.
Be prepared for companions
A
lot of them. Prior to seeing the sea of clouds (that is if weather permits),
brace yourself for a sea of people first, like maybe more than a thousand of
them.
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|
Taking a proper picture of the view will be a
challenge. |
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|
So I tried taking a picture to my
right. |
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And then to my left |
Fret
not, such is the wonder of nature, God makes sure that the scale of natural
beauty is so huge that no human wall can stop anyone who made the effort from
having a chance to admire what they worked hard for.
2.
Cover your head
As
your visit will likely be in the winter months between November and February,
the wee hours of the morning will be extremely cold. It was early December
during my visit, and the temperature was already below 10degC as we began our
journey.
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|
Beautiful sunrise over a sea of
clouds |
Unlike
last year's comforts of sunrise-viewing at Doi Phatang, which was the
home-ground of our guest-house, Phu Chifa threw us a curve ball. We had to park
our minivan mid-journey and continue our ascent at the back of a pick-up truck,
in the open pitch-dark gusty cold, winding up hilly tracks for no less than 20
minutes. At such temperatures, 50% of your body heat is dissipated from your
head, so get your head covered (I didn't) unless you want a really uncomfortable
ride.
3.
Know that you can get to the top, and enjoy the process
I
have stopped proper exercise since Noah arrived (that's more than 5 years ago).
The trek up is not considered long, but a little steep at certain points. I
certainly felt tired more than once and wondered whether it was necessary to go
all the way up. Anyway, I would just like to tell you that you can do it. Since
you made it all the way here, just suck it in and push yourself to the top. Phu
Chi Fa has its way to make sure you remember your conquest.
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|
Our group photo, we did it, 1,628m above sea
level! |
So,
is Phu Chi Fa worth the trouble?
I
would say yes, if you have not been there before. Even though the sun is the
same (duh!), you can enjoy a more extensive view of the surroundings at Phu Chi
Fa compared to other spots like Doi Phatang.
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|
Captivating view on the descent too, but just look at the
number of people. |
You
might even find yourself falling in love with one of the many kids jostling for
your attention along the way.
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