Trekking at Doi Ngom, Ban Thi District, Lamphun Province

“Doi Ngom” is pronounced according to the local people of Chiang Mai and Lamphun. However, if you read many reviews, you will see that some people write it as “Doi Ngum” or “Doi Ngom”, which means the same place. Ban Thi District is about a 30-minute drive from Mueang Lamphun District. Open GPS on Google Maps to navigate. The route is not complicated. Or you can set GPS to the Doi Ngom monastery (monk’s hut). Someone has made a route for us to key in the words “Doi Ngom Monk’s hut (way up to Phra That Doi Ngom)” --- Don’t be confused because sometimes there is a Sa-U pond, sometimes there isn’t. It’s the same place, lol… Just check the district and province correctly. It’s not difficult to get there. This time, we didn’t use all the natural trails. About 60% of the trails we used were concrete roads that cut through the dry dipterocarp forest and went higher and higher. But the atmosphere was quiet and cool. It might be because it was the rainy season. The trees were fresh and green. The humidity from the rain covered us all day long. The real forest we traveled was the downward part, which was steeper than the upward part. But the villagers made stairs for us to walk on, making it very convenient. On the way down, we passed through the forest for about 2 km and then it cuts off and meets the concrete path again. We walked back to the starting point. We started walking from the monks' quarters at Doi Ngum because it was convenient to meet up with our travel companions and there was a fairly convenient parking lot. The distance to the top of the mountain is about 5 km (total round trip 10 km). Along the way, there will be points where you can see the view below at intervals. You must be amazed by the groups of trees growing strongly in the dry dipterocarp forest where there is little soil. Sometimes we will see them growing and sprouting on the rocks. Another exciting thing that is no less than the view is the various mushrooms that are edible, such as lump mushrooms, porcini mushrooms, turmeric mushrooms, and goose egg mushrooms. There are so many of them. They are only available in the rainy season. The villagers in the area come up to collect them and take them down to eat. When asked to buy some, they wouldn't sell them to us. They told us to collect them ourselves. Huh? 5555 Keep walking, the path is not difficult at all. There are 2-3 steep sections, I think. Just enough to make you sweat (but I don't know what it will be like in the summer. You'll probably sweat a lot!). We walked for about 2 hours because we stopped to take pictures of trees and flowers often. When we reached the top of the mountain, we met a group of villagers who were helping to build a meditation building before reaching the chedi. The day we went was a Sunday. I heard that every Sunday, villagers volunteer to help with temple work, such as building roads, meditation buildings, and bathrooms. The concrete road we walked up was built with the hard work and dedication of the villagers and devotees. When we reached the top of the mountain, I wanted to say that all the tiredness disappeared after seeing the images of their cooperation. The villagers also gave us longans and water to drink. Then, walking a few dozen meters further, at the place where the bronze statue of Khru Ba Srivijaya and the chedi containing the relics of Khru Ba were enshrined, we saw a wide view of the Chiang Mai-Lamphun plains (see video clip) with a gentle breeze blowing all the time. You could call it a little piece of heaven. That day, we brought sticky rice, red chili paste, sai ua, and fried chicken to eat. The main meal cost ten baht, but the view cost millions. Thank you that Lamphun has a place like this. Note: This route is suitable for beginners, experienced hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. The view at the top of the mountain is worth the price, or even for those who want to make merit and practice Dhamma in a natural forest, it is another place of good fortune. Tips 1. Clothing: Since we are traveling to a monastery and an important religious site, we should dress modestly, avoid shorts and tank tops. Since the area is a dry dipterocarp forest, the weather will be a bit hot. The clothes we wear should be light, breathable and sweat-proof. We should also bring a sun hat. When the sun shines, the sunlight reflects off the concrete floor, which is quite hot. 2. Hiking shoes or sneakers with good grip. 3. Walking sticks: For those who are not very good at walking, you may need them on the way down. However, if you are strong and experienced, you can leave your walking sticks at home on this trail. 4. Drinking water, snacks, and lunch: This is up to each individual. 5. You can bring things to make merit at the monastery. 6. Trash bags: Although monks and villagers help look after the mountaintop, we still find trash along the way. We brought trash bags to put our trash in, and if we can, we can help collect trash we find along the way down. It is a way to give back to nature that has given us the chance to admire beautiful things. #gotrail #rainyseasonhiking #naturetourismlamphun #missnature