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DAY 4: MAE SARIANG - CHIANG MAI (190 kms.)
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The fast road to Hot climbs across the high ridges, which are settled
by the Karen and the Lawa, separating the River Ping and Salween Watersheds.
An alternative route (63 kilometres longer) by way of Mae Chaem passes
over Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain, rejoining H108 at
Chom Thong. The climb out of the Mae Nam Yuam valley ends at around
KM.84 and the Karen village of Ban Mae Ho. For the next 48 kms. the
road crosses cleared uplands in a series of passes between small valleys.
Side roads lead to Karen and Thai villages in the plateau country.
The road begins the descent from the pine forests of the Bo Luang
plateau at KM.37, reaching the turn off for the alternative route
to Mae Chaem on H1088 at KM.22. Go to Ob Luang gorge at KM.17 on H108
for short walks in the National Park on a picturesque part of the
Mae Chaem river. H108 continues to Hot and Chom Thong. The village
of Nong Ap Chang (Pa Saeng Da Textile Museum KM.69 right turn [east].
500m.) is famous for local weaving.
Chom
Thong
At Chom Thong a visit to Wat Phrathat Sri Chom Thong is a must to
see one of Northern Thailand's most famous pilgrimage sites. From
Chom Thong you may visit Doi Inthanon (KM.60 left turn [west] on H1009.
47 kms.) as well as to the Mae Ya Falls (KM. 60 left turn [west] on
H1009 for one kilometre and then left turn [south] again).
Alternative Route to Mae Chaem & Doi Inthanon
Watch out for lignite trucks on H1088 (left turn [north] at KM.22.
45 kms.) to Mae Chaem. The road passes the Thephanom Hot Springs (9
kms.).
Mae Chaem is a small rural district town which is famous for weaving
of cotton cloth. Villages are traditional and have some lovely old
temples. Drives out of town into the surrounding hills go to Hmong
and Karen villages.
H1192 up Doi Inthanon joins H1009 after 22 kms. of some of the most
severe switch backs in the north - don't get distracted by the scenery!
H1009 to the visitor centre at the summit (9 kms.) passes the Royal
Chedis at KM.40.
The journey down to Chom Thong (47 kms.) passes the national park
headquarters and three major waterfalls. On H108 a 2 kms. detour south
along H108 to Wat Phrathat Sri Chom Thong (Key Point 19) is worthwhile
before returning to Chiang Mai.
DAY 4: SIDE TRIPS
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ST11 Ban Sam
(H108 KM.56 Left turn [north] after bridge. 46 kms. 4 hrs.)
This road follows high ground to the new Mae Tho National Park and
the Hmong village of Lao Lee (KM.16). From Lao Lee the road descends
passing Karen villages (At Ban Mae Ap walk 1.5 kms to a waterfall
at KM.24) in beautiful mountain scenery, eventually reaching the Lawa
village of Ban Sam.
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Cars
