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DAY 1: CHIANG MAI - THATON (173 kms.)
The main road north (H107) passes the most spectacular mountain in
Northern Thailand - Doi Luang Chiang Dao - before twisting across
the low watershed between the River Mekhong (Rivers Fang & Kok) and
the River Chao Phraya (R. Ping). An alternative route to Doi Ang Khang
follows a (sealed) military road through spectacular high border country
(the full tour offers two more such high country border routes).
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Your
destination for the day is Thaton, but you may wish to go as
far as Doi Mae Salong (fill up with gas at Thaton to carry you
as far as the main service stations in Mae Sai, see Day 2).
For exploration round Thaton contact the Maekok River Lodge,
which offers several soft adventure tours (see accommodation)
or contact Thip Travel (053) 459312. |
DAY 1: SIDE TRIPS
ST1 The Mae Sa Valley
(Left [west turn] at KM.17.)
The
cooler upland valley of the Mae Sa (700 m.) is a prime location for
tourist resorts. Orchid farms (try the Sainumphung or Mae Ram Orchid
Farms), the Mae Sa Falls, the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens are
among the attractions. Hmong villages are found in the hills that
surround the Mae Sa Valley.
ST2 Elephant Camps
Elephant camps are found at Pong Yang (ST1. H1096 KM 18. left turn
1.5 kms) and at Mae Taman (H107 KM.43. Left (west) turn onto a sealed
road - 10 kms) and at the Tang Dao Elephant Centre (H107 KM.56. Show
times 09:00 and 10:00). The roadside location of the latter makes
it the easiest, but the Pong Yang Elephant camp on ST1 also has a
spectacular setting.
ST3 Caves
You may visit Tham (caves) Chiang Dao (KM.72 Left turn [west] 5 kms.),
where guides with lanterns for hire can take you deep into the mountain.
The Tap Tao caves (KM.117. Left [west] turn 3 kms.) are also interesting.
The latter contains a narrow chute (old clothes recommended) which
forces visitors to crawl. The country road north from the caves passes
the 'Lost Buffalo Pond' after 2 kms, where there are some floating
local restaurants, and continues along the foot of the mountains passing
through Yunnanese Chinese villages.
ST4 Doi Ang Khang (25 kms.)
Passing through Chinese villages, the sealed road climbs very steeply
to an agricultural station (1300m.) which is famous for temperate
fruits and flowers. Where the road reaches its highest point a fairly
accessible peak (approx. 30 min. climb on foot along a rough path
starting from the pine grove to the south of the peak) to the east
of the road offers a 360° view.
ST5 Fang Hot Springs National Park (8 kms.)
Turn left at KM.147 (2.5 kms along the Fang Bypass) or in the middle
of Fang town. Though a small geothermal power station has spoiled
the ambience, visitors can enjoy a steam room and a hot soak.
ST6 Ban Mae Salak (24 kms.)
Ban Mae Salak and Wawi (4WD. 37 kms.) and through route to Mae Suai
on H118 (87 kms). North of Mae Ai at KM.18 (H1089) a right (east)
turn by a telephone box onto Lane 35 leads across the valley. Turn
left after 6 kms for Mae Salak (17 kms) and a rough dirt road to Yao
and Akha villages near Ban Huai Chomphu. The track merges with the
upgraded dirt road from Mae Suai via Wawi (H118. KM.25) at KM.59.
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Cars
