We Found Alpine Wilderness at Phu Soi Dao, Thailand

#aroundtheworld #trevel #explored

Phu Soi Dao is one of the strangest landscapes we've encountered in Thailand. Our hike began among banana trees and bamboo, which gave way to oak and chestnut as we climbed higher, until we finally reached the Larn Paa Son (ลานสนสามใบ) pine meadow, where we camped for the night.

Phu Soi Dao National Park is particularly beautiful during the July monsoon season, when purple Crested Naga flowers bloom among the grass beneath the spectacular three-leaf pines. It's just not a place we ever thought we'd find in Thailand—more like the Himalayas than Southeast Asia.

Join us as we hike from Phu Soi Dao Waterfall to the pine meadow and back again, following the trail through forest, up the steep ridge and over Death Hill. With three small kids, we camp among the pines, explore the meadow and Sai Thip Waterfall, and watch the clouds move across the mountain as the sun finally comes out.

00:00 - Phu Soi Dao During the Monsoon?
00:54 - Phu Soi Dao Campground to the Trailhead
02:01 - Beginning the Climb from Phu Soi Dao Waterfall
03:12 - Through the Jungle Valley to KM Marker Two
04:07 - Climbing the Ridge to KM Marker Four
05:20 - Arriving at the Pine Meadow (Larn Paa Son)
07:14 - Exploring the Meadow (Laos Border and Than Son Waterfall)
09:33 - Crested Naga Wildflowers at Sunset
11:00 - Climbing in Mist Down Phu Soi Dao
13:45 - Chiang Khan Preview

Phu Soi Dao was a highlight not just of the road trip, but of our entire three years in Thailand. It's just not the kind of thing you expect to find here, which makes it twice as charming

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