Pa Pong Piang Escape
Pa Pong Piang Escape – Rice Terraces, Waterfalls & A Yellow Songthaew Ride
2 Days, 1 Night from Chiang Mai to the Hills
#papongpeang #doiinthanon #chiangmai #riceterrace
📍 Trip Overview
An adventure into the green heart of northern Thailand! This 2-day trip took us from the city of Chiang Mai deep into the mountains — staying at a homestay in Mae Klang Luang, feasting on local eats, and chasing waterfalls between layers of rice terraces. Pa Pong Piang never disappoints.
⸻
🚗 Day 1: Into the Hills
• Morning: We left Chiang Mai and headed to Mae Klang Luang Hill House – a rustic mountain homestay tucked between rice fields and cool mist
• Hopped on a classic yellow songthaew, riding through winding forest roads
• Stopped for lunch at Lung Daeng Restaurant – simple, hearty food with mountain views
• Afternoon: Arrived at Pa Pong Piang rice terraces – absolutely breathtaking! Rows of green step down the hills like a natural amphitheater. We walked along the edges, snapped a hundred photos, and just stood in awe
• On the way down, we stopped by Huai Sai Luang Waterfall – cold, clear, and perfect for a quick splash
• Dinner: Back at the homestay, they had mu kratha (Thai BBQ) ready for us! Eating grilled pork with fresh air and fireflies = 10/10
⸻
🌄 Day 2: Chasing Waterfalls & Coffee Dreams
• Early breakfast with a view of the mist rolling through the valley
• Drove to Mae Ya Waterfall – one of Thailand’s tallest, cascading beautifully over massive rock steps
• Before heading back to Chiang Mai, we stopped at Nguek Kee Café (เง็กกี) – a tiny spot with strong coffee, mountain breeze, and a great end to the trip
⸻
🏡 Accommodation
Mae Klang Luang Hill House – Cozy wooden cabins surrounded by rice paddies. Very local, very charming. You fall asleep to frogs and wake up to roosters.
⸻
🍚 Food Highlights
• Lung Daeng Restaurant – no-frills, full flavor
• Homestay Mu Kratha – grilled meat, spicy sauce, good laughs
• Nguek Kee Café – their mountain latte is a must
⸻
💡 Tips & Notes
• Bring walking shoes — the terrace paths are narrow and can be slippery
• A light jacket is handy for chilly mornings and misty nights
• Ask your homestay to help arrange the yellow songthaew — it’s part of the adventure
• Stay off your phone and just be present. This is the kind of peace you can’t download