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Doi
Mae Salong - Doi Thung - Mae Sai (Approx.
65 kms.)
H1234
goes to Doi Mae Salong (officially named Ban Santikhiri), which became the
home of Chinese Kuomintang forces who fled China in 1949 and were expelled
from Burma in the 60's. For a time the KMT served Thailand's purposes as
independent anti-communist forces safeguarding northern borders; but with
the decline of the communist threat in the 80's, the opium financed independence
of the KMT had outlived its usefulness to the Thai government.
The recommended route follows narrow sealed roads built by the military
for border security. From Key Point 6 the road goes to 'little Yunnan' around
Ban Thoed Thai (formerly Hin Taek), the former HQ of warlord Khun Sa and
the Shan United Army. From there a new sealed road leads to a ridge line
route to Doi Tung. You may double back to visit the gardens at Mae Fah Luang
or continue to visit Wat Doi Tung and the spectacular route that descends
along the border ridge to Mae Sai.
Mae Sai - The Golden Triangle (30 kms.)
Mae Sai is where divided highway 110 seems to come to a dead end at the
bridge into Myanmar. There is little else of interest apart from a sizeable
number of souvenir stalls (more are found in Takhilek - see ST9). The best
accommodation in the area is found at the Golden Triangle.
DAY 2: SIDE TRIPS
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ST8 From Thoed Thai to Huai Mae Kham
(30 kms - sealed for 15 kms to Ban Na To)
The road eventually reaches the border. Hill tribe villages in the area
include Akha, Lahu, Lisu and Hmong. The Lalichi waterfall and sunflower
fields in November are among the attractions.
ST9 Mae Fah Luang Gardens and Wat Doi Tung
(Gardens: 08:00 - 18:00 20 Bt)
The ornamental gardens (H1149) are part of the royal palace that was the
retreat of the late Princess Mother. Wat Doi Tung is one of three sites
on this tour ( the others are Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong in Chiang Rai
and Wat Phrathat Chomkitti in Chiang Saen) which chronicles said were built
to enshrine Buddha relics in the 10th century.
ST10 Takhilek in Myanmar (on foot)
Foreigners may cross into Myanmar at Mae Sai for single day visits only
(08:00 till 17:00), but are not allowed further than 5 kms into the Shan
State from the bridge. Photocopy your passport and leave the original at
the Thai checkpoint. No visa required. Burmese fee 5 US$ per person.
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