Since entering the travel field, I have been motivated by so many tourists. I don’t care much about making a profit since I realized that making money from tourism is a real pain in the game. All I need is happiness and inspiration, and doing a job that I love. I like traveling and talking to people from different countries and cultures.
During the past week, I was traveling to the north of Thailand. It is; of course, Mae Hong Son, my lovely hometown. I received a tour booking from a group of Malaysian tourists who found my business on a website. We then came into contact with each other by email and they requested me to arrange a tour program in Mae Hong Son for them. Now, I could see the power of the internet and social media channels. I have a small guesthouse in Mae Hong Son and I am willing to run a small travel agency in this tiny city. However, it is a big challenge for me and my family to survive during the low season since Mae Hong Son has a very short period of tourism; only 4 months. The rest of the year, it can be frustrating to see your small business struggle.
I am very happy to see a big smile on the face of my lovely guests (customers). It was time when they visited the Bua Tong field at Khun Yuam district, Mae Hong Son. November and December is the blossom season for the Mexican sunflower which is locally known as ‘Dok Bua Tong’. The yellowish mountain is so amazing and fantastic. We then drove back to Mae Hong Son and went up to the hill top temple where the annual celebration of the temple was held. We really enjoyed ourselves at the venue.
The next day, we started our early full day tour at the morning market where we tried some local food and had a great time to offer alms to monks. We left the market with happiness and drove through the bright green rice paddies and small villages to the Chinese village at ‘Baan Rak Thai’ and to the ‘Lake of Dreams’ at Baan Ruam Thai before heading to the long neck village.
We left ‘Sarm Mork Guest House’ late in the afternoon to Pai, a popular place for backpackers and it’s famous for trekking tours. However, the charms of Pai are changing as many locals have moved out and it seems to be more business going on. Though, I still love Pai to some extent. The memorial bridge at Pai was the last attraction on the program. After sending my ‘new friends’ to their hotel, I decided to explore around the city of Pai. Traveling opens my eyes and changes my perspectives. I learned a lot from my Malaysian new friends who I called ‘guests or customers’ when we first met and then our relationship as we traveled together has developed into friends.
See you guys in the near future…..
God bless….
Watt (Sarm Mork Guest House)
