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DAY 3: CHIANG SAEN - CHIANG KHONG (53 kms.)
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Chiang Saen
The peaceful town of Chiang Saen, an old walled city that served as
the capital of King Saen Phu of the Lanna dynasty founded by King
Mangrai, lies 8 kms. south of Ban Sop Ruak. It contains the remains
of several temples, the best of which are Wat Chedi Luang and Wat
Pasak, as well as a National Museum (Wed-Sun 09:00-16:00). King Mangrai
came from Chiang Ngeun, the town of his birth, which is thought to
have existed nearby and was the capital of a kingdom called Yonok
that preceded the founding of Chiang Mai.
Chiang Saen - Chiang Khong (53 kms.)
(N.B. staying in Chiang Khong for an early start on Day 4 is advised.)
H1129 runs south, passing Wat Phra That Pha Ngao (4 kms south of Chiang
Saen). The road follows the Mekhong and then climbs, passing Hmong
villages before dropping down to Chiang Khong. An alternative route
follows the Mekhong, passing through a Thai Leu village (Had Bai)
and Lahu villages.
Chiang Khong's history goes back to at least the 8th century due to
its location on an ancient riverine trade route, but the sole ancient
remains are some earthworks. Nevertheless the small town, which serves
as an international border crossing point to the Laotian provincial
capital (Huai Xai) of Bo Keo province, retains considerable charm.
Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Luang are old temples, and a small museum is
located in the district office. The town is famous for the pla buk
festival in May, when giant catfish are hunted from Ban Hat Khrai.
Local agents can provide guides for trips in the area and sponsor
visas for Laos.
CHIANG SAEN - CHIANG MAI via Chiang Rai (Alternative Route - 245
kms.)
From Chiang Saen the fastest route to Chiang Rai is via Mae Chan.
A quieter rural route follows H1271 and H1173 (see ST11).
Chiang Rai
The main sights are the temples of Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Klang Wiang
and Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong. The Oub Kham Museum (81/1 Nakai Rd.
10:00-21:00 daily. Tel (053) 713349. Donations ) is a small private
museum that contains interesting memorabilia (no written English explanation)
from noble families in the north. Chiang Rai boasts an active nightlife
(try the Inn Come complex), and local people recommend the Salung
Kham Restaurant. (N.B. Visit the DK bookstore in Chiang Rai to obtain
a copy of Hongsombud's Guide Map of Chiang Rai, which has excellent
information on the dirt roads throughout Chiang Rai province.)
Chiang Rai - Mae Khachan
From Chiang Rai H1211 south from Key Point 11 offers a less busy route
at the start of the trip back to Chiang Mai.
H118 passes through paddy scenery in the Mae Lao valley before climbing
to a pass at KM.53. At Key Point 18 the longer route from Phayao rejoins
H118 - see Mae Khachan - Chiang Mai below.
DAY 3: SIDE TRIPS (Chiang Rai
- Mae Khachan)
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ST10 Pong Nam Ron By Boat
Travel by boat to hill tribe villages, an elephant camp, a cave and
the Pong Nam Ron hot springs upstream on the River Kok. The boat landing
is on the far side of the bridge carrying H1207 over the river (250-1200
Baht. 07:00-15:00).
ST11 Golf
Two golf courses near Chiang Rai offer lovely uncrowded (during the
week) fairways to non-members (players may hire caddies & clubs but
will need to supply their own shoes). Weekend (peaks) green fees are
less than US$ 50.
ST12 Khun Korn
Falls at KM.14 H1208 goes west for 12 kms. to the Khun Korn Falls,
which are one kilometre up a path through a verdant gully. Lunch at
the Season Nam Korn Restaurant (10:00-22:00) 2 kms. from the intersection
with H1211.
ST13 Wawi
Ban Pha Daeng & Wawi. From KM.26 the road to Wawi is sealed to the
Karen-Lahu village of Ban Pha Daeng. Apart from a few kilometres of
asphalt near Wawi, the road is a graded dirt road with occasional
muddy ruts. Roads into the hills lead to Akha, Lisu and Lahu villages
while the area around Wawi is famous for tea grown by Yunnanese Chinese
(ex KMT). |
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