If you are looking for a scenic destination in Thailand, you might want to consider traveling to Phu Chi Fa, a mountain peak in Chiang Rai Province. Phu Chi Fa is famous for its stunning views of the sunrise over the sea of mist, as well as its lush forests and colorful flowers. In this blog post, I will share with you some tips on how to travel to Phu Chi Fa and what to expect from this amazing place.
The best time to visit Phu Chi Fa is between November and February, when the weather is cool and dry, and the mist is more likely to form. You will need to wake up very early, around 4 a.m., to catch the sunrise at the viewpoint, which is about a 30-minute hike from the parking area. The trail is easy to follow, but it can be slippery and cold, so wear proper shoes and bring a jacket. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the sun rising over the misty valley and the Mekong River. You can also see the mountains of Laos in the distance.
After enjoying the sunrise, you can explore the surrounding area, which is home to various ethnic groups, such as the Hmong and the Lahu. You can visit their villages, learn about their culture and traditions, and buy some souvenirs. You can also see some beautiful flowers, such as wild orchids and cherry blossoms, depending on the season. There are also some waterfalls and hot springs nearby that you can visit.
Where to stay in Phu Chi Fa
There are not many accommodation options in Phu Chi Fa, but you can find some guesthouses and homestays that offer basic facilities and services. Most of them are located near the parking area or along the road to the viewpoint. The prices range from 300 to 1000 baht per night, depending on the room type and the season. You can also camp at the designated area near the viewpoint, but you will need to bring your own tent and equipment. The camping fee is 30 baht per person per night.
What to bring to Phu Chi Fa
Here are some things that you should bring to Phu Chi Fa
– A warm jacket or sweater, as it can get very cold in the morning and at night.
– A flashlight or a headlamp, as it will be dark when you hike to the viewpoint.
– A camera or a smartphone, to capture the stunning views.
– Some snacks and drinks, as there are not many shops or restaurants in the area.
– Some cash, as there are no ATMs or credit card facilities in the area.
How to travel to Phu Chi Fa
Phu Chi Fa is located about 120 kilometers from Chiang Rai city, near the border with Laos. The easiest way to get there is by renting a car or a motorbike and driving along Highway 1020. The road is well-paved and scenic, but it can be steep and winding in some parts, so drive carefully. Alternatively, you can join a tour group or hire a private driver to take you there.
How to get to Phu Chi Fa from Bangkok:
Option 1: Fly to Chiang Rai and take a taxi
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Phu Chi Fa from Bangkok is to fly to Chiang Rai, the nearest city with an airport. There are several flights daily from both Don Muang (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi (BKK) airports in Bangkok to Chiang Rai (CEI) airport, operated by airlines such as Thai AirAsia, Thai Vietjet Air, Nok Air, Thai Airways International, and Thai Lion Mentari. The flight time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the ticket price ranges from $30 to $100, depending on the season and the booking time.
Once you arrive at Chiang Rai airport, you can take a taxi to Phu Chi Fa, which is about 120 km away. The taxi fare is around $40 to $50, and the journey takes about 2 hours. You can also book a private transfer online in advance for a fixed price and hassle-free service.
Option 2: Take a bus to Thoeng District and take a taxi
The cheapest way to get to Phu Chi Fa from Bangkok is to take a bus to Thoeng District, a small town near Phu Chi Fa. There are several buses daily from Mochit 2 bus terminal in Bangkok to Thoeng bus terminal. The bus ticket costs $16 to $35, depending on the type of bus (VIP or regular), and the journey takes about 11 hours and 30 minutes.
From Thoeng bus terminal, you can take a taxi or a songthaew (a local shared taxi) to Phu Chi Fa, which is about 40 km away. The taxi fare is around $10 to $15, and the journey takes about an hour. The songthaew fare is around $5 per person, but you may have to wait for other passengers or negotiate with the driver.
Option 3: Take a train to Chiang Mai and take a bus and a taxi
Another way to get to Phu Chi Fa from Bangkok is to take a train to Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand, and then take a bus and a taxi to Phu Chi Fa. This option is suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenic train ride and visit Chiang Mai along the way.
There are several trains daily from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (formerly known as Hua Lamphong Station) in Bangkok to Chiang Mai Railway Station, operated by State Railway of Thailand. The train ticket costs $10 to $50, depending on the class of service (first class, second class, or third class), and the journey takes about 12 hours. You can also book a sleeper train for more comfort and convenience.
From Chiang Mai Railway Station, you can take a bus or a minivan to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2. The bus ticket costs $5 to $10, depending on the type of bus (A/C or non-A/C), and the journey takes about 3 hours.
From Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2, you can take a taxi or a songthaew (a local shared taxi) to Phu Chi Fa, which is about 120 km away. The taxi fare is around $40 to $50, and the journey takes about 2 hours. The songthaew fare is around $10 per person, but you may have to wait for other passengers or negotiate with the driver.
Tips and Tricks
– The best time to visit Phu Chi Fa is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry, and the flowers are in full bloom.
– The best time to see the sunrise at Phu Chi Fa is around 6 am. You can either stay overnight at one of the guesthouses near the peak or wake up early and drive up from your accommodation.
– The entrance fee to Phu Chi Fa is 20 baht per person, and you can also rent a flashlight for 10 baht if you plan to hike up in the dark.
– There are several viewpoints along the way to the peak, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and the valleys. The hike to the peak is easy and takes about 30 minutes.
– You can also visit the nearby attractions such as Phu Chi Fa Forest Park, Phu Sang Waterfall, and Ban Rom Fa Thong Village, where you can learn about the culture and lifestyle of the local hill tribes.
