10 January 2025 – Thailand 2nd Biggest Buddha
We set off early this morning, leaving the hotel and taking the back roads towards Kamphaeng Phet. The drive was a delight as the countryside revealed picturesque fields and charming villages far from the busy city.
Our first stop was at Wat Khao Wong Phrachan, where we had the pleasure of visiting Phra Phuttha Chok—the second tallest Buddha statue in Thailand, standing an impressive 75 metres high. We climbed the stairs to admire its grandeur up close, and to our pleasant surprise, we met an Australian gentleman jogging at the base. It was wonderful to speak in our own language and exchange updates about home.
Next, we visited Wat Khao Lang Phatthana. Situated beside a serene lake and preparing for an upcoming festival, the temple exuded calm and a lively sense of anticipation. One memorable moment was capturing a photo of Steve next to a large, intricately carved face in the rock—a striking image that truly reflected the spirit of the place.
A fuel stop at PTT always leaves us feeling uplifted, thanks to the friendly and welcoming people we meet there. Their warmth helps brighten the long drive.
This evening, we checked in at a hotel we had stayed at years ago. The meals served here are excellent, and we enjoyed a delicious dinner on the banks of the Ping River.
Unfortunately, a loud stage venue nearby opened up recently, and its noise carried across the river, interrupting the otherwise peaceful night. We decided to leave the venue early, but before retiring for the night, we paused to watch a captivating fire burning at dusk on the opposite bank—an unexpectedly beautiful sight to seal the day.
11 January 2025: A Day of Scenic Surprises from Kamphaeng Phet to Tak
Before we left the area, we decided to take a leisurely drive through the historic township of Kamphaeng Phet. The majestic Ping River divides the town, offering a picturesque introduction to our day.
As we ventured further into the rural landscape, the flooded rice fields spread out before our eyes in a vibrant, lush green—an idyllic Aussie kind of backdrop that instantly lifted our spirits.
One of the day’s unexpected delights was spotting an RV parked on the side of the road. In Thailand, it isn’t every day you come across such a sight. This quirky Toyota rig was outfitted with solar panels and a handy awning—an ingenious setup that made us pause for a quick look and appreciate the creativity and practicality on display. It was a reminder that travel often rewards you with a touch of unexpected brilliance.
Our drive that day was a tad shorter, and we found ourselves arriving in Tak and checking into our hotel by 11:30am. We felt incredibly fortunate to have time to stow our luggage and enjoy a quiet afternoon rest—a perfect recharge before the evening adventures.
By late afternoon, our eagerness had us off again, this time drawn to a glistening lake that offered an unbeatable vantage point for the sunset. The sky transformed into a canvas of brilliant colours as we strolled along. We even made it to the charming bridge at the heart of Tak, adding yet another memorable stop to our journey. Along the way, we met a friendly young man dressed in traditional Thai attire, and we couldn’t resist a bit of fun posing for a snapshot together—a light-hearted moment that truly captured the joyful spirit of the day.
12 January 2025 – West Again
Today’s adventure took us winding through the backroads and mountains towards Thailand’s border with Myanmar. We set off at a leisurely 9am, making a quick stop at a 7-Eleven to stock up on snacks—essential fuel for the journey ahead, especially since we were heading into remote country where shops are few and far between.
Our first stop was the charming Wat Phra Boromthat, a little temple we’d visited before and were excited to see again. 
Alison found herself drawn to a stall selling temple-branded shirts, much to the delight of the shopkeepers, who seemed quite chuffed that a foreigner wanted to wear their temple proudly. A great moment of connection and good fun!
Next, we made our way to Wat Phra Phuttabat Doi Lon, a serene little temple nestled amongst lush rice fields.
As we climbed higher into the mountains, the landscape transformed into corn country. Every so often, we’d pass a truck piled high with corn kernel, and at one point, we stopped to chat with some farmers in the middle of the dehusking process.
It was mesmerising—like watching fluffy snowflakes as the husks were tossed into the air before drifting gently back down.
After bidding the farmers farewell, our journey led us to Wat Phrathat Do Thi Mu, where we met a monk with the kindest smile and a group of workers bustling about their tasks. Their warmth added an extra layer of charm to the already beautiful surroundings.
From there, we made a stop at a small cave near Ban Mae and stumbled across a bubbling hot mineral spring. The Thai tourists were making the most of it—boiling eggs right in the steaming water, a quirky yet delightful sight!
By 3:30pm, we rolled into Mae Sot and settled into our hotel. As evening fell, we took to the streets, wandering in search of dinner. Our quest led us to Robinson’s Shopping Centre, where we tucked into a satisfying meal. We also did a bit of price-checking—TimTams were going for around $5 AUD on special, even cheaper than our local IGA! And to our delight, we spotted a few familiar Aussie wines on the shelves—Laughing Bird and Koala Crossing making a surprise appearance in Thailand.
13 January 2025 – A Journey Through Thailand’s Mountain Roads
Today, we set off with high spirits, eager to drive south from Tak into the majestic mountains, aiming for Umphang. The adventure ahead promised breathtaking views and winding roads that would test our patience and driving skills.
By 9am, we reached PTT, fuelling up for the journey ahead. The team made sure the tank was full and the windows sparkling before grabbing a few snacks from 7-Eleven—essential road trip supplies!
The drive soon led us into steep, twisting mountain roads, climbing to an altitude of 1300m. Along the way, wandering cows provided unexpected traffic stops, adding to the charm of our adventure.
The road, carved into the ridges, doubled back on itself as it snaked through the landscape. The views were nothing short of spectacular, with fresh, cool streams weaving through the lush greenery.
At a scenic lookout, we paused to soak in the surroundings and were amused to see a local ute-bus roll by—complete with a passenger fast asleep on the roof!
The friendliness of the guards at the checkpoints was a welcome surprise. They were intrigued to see travellers from so far away venturing deep into Thailand’s countryside.
By midday, we stumbled upon a peaceful river and decided it was the perfect spot for lunch. With our 7-Eleven goodies in hand, we enjoyed a quiet meal surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Arriving at Khiri Rat, we marvelled at the village cascading down the mountainside, with the precious flat land reserved for sports and community activities.
From there, we retraced our tracks back to Mae Sot, eager to explore the famous Moei River border—the westernmost point of Thailand. Wandering along the boardwalk, we watched as Myanmar vendors sold goods beyond the razor-wire barrier, giving us a glimpse into another world.
As we explored, we noticed a Thai tactical squad moving into the area. Given the recent reports of foreign travellers being caught up in troubling situations across the border, we decided it was best to keep our adventure on the safe side and continue our journey elsewhere.
14 January 2025 – Heading North on Another Adventure
Our journey today took us north from Mae Sot, weaving through numerous checkpoints as we approached the Myanmar border. By 11am, we arrived at Maela Temporary Shelter (Mae La), about 60km north—Thailand’s largest refugee town with about 40,000 people.
Though our time there was brief, it was reassuring to see Thailand providing refuge for the Karen people, offering them a place of safety and support.
By 11:30am, we reached Wat Phra That Mae Pho, a charming little temple nestled high in the mountains. A little further on, we stumbled upon the deserted Wat Huay Luek on the Moei River—an ideal spot to take a break and enjoy some morning tea. With the river so low, crossing would have been easy (not that we did!), and we noticed Myanmar locals camping on the sandy riverbanks, a quiet glimpse into their daily lives.
By 1pm, we rolled into Mae Tan, a picturesque little village where we stopped for lunch. It was a peaceful and welcoming place, perfect for recharging before our return trip to Mae Sot.
On the way back, we couldn’t resist stopping at a newly built waterhole, where a Land Rover had been strategically placed right in the middle of the river—an instant playground for the local kids!
As always, we were entertained by the incredible ability of Thai locals to pack themselves onto the back of an Isuzu ute. We counted at least 20 people clinging on—a masterclass in balancing skills!
We arrived back in Mae Sot early in the afternoon, reflecting on yet another incredible day of exploration