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DAY 4: MAE SOT - MAE SARIANG (232 kms.)
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Karen
villages in striking scenery are found along the Moei River that forms
the frontier between Thailand and Myanmar. The route follows the river
before climbing away to the north to pass over into the valley of
the River Yuam and to the small town of Mae Sariang.
The Moei river flows north-west into the Salween river in Myanmar
through borderlands occupied by the Karen. Until recently the Burmese
side of the border was under control of independent Karen, many of
whom have fled to Thailand and now live in refugee camps in the Mae
Sot area (H105 passes one of these around KM.60.).
Tha Song Yang District town is a small border town, but the scenery
is more impressive around the halfway point at Mae Salit (KM.114),
where there is a small restaurant (06:00 - 18:00). You may detour
to see life on the river at Mae Salit and Ban Tha Song Yang, before
the road turns passes over to the valley of the Mae Ngao and down
to Mae Sariang on the Yuam River.
Caution
Do not travel H105 between the district towns of Mae Ramat and Sop
Moei after dark. Military checkpoints may prevent you from entering
remote stretches of road because of recent instability along the border.
The route is quite safe during the day, but you should make sure you
have a full tank of gas when you leave Mae Ramat or Tha Song Yang
district town.
DAY 4: SIDE TRIPS
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ST9 Mae Usu Caves (KM.94, West turn 2 kms)
Part of the Moei River National Park, the caves are about 300m long.
Karen guides (voluntary contribution expected) will show you through
the caves.
ST10 National Parks off H105 (4WD)
The Moei River National Park HQ is 11 kms up a dirt road at an east
turn north of KM.114. There are two guest houses after 15 kms (check
first if they are open. The Monkrating Guest House is run by SP Tour.
Mae Sot Tel: (055) 546121-4 Fax: (66 55) 532279. Bangkok Res. Fax:
(66 2) 5737942). The road climbs to viewpoints (18 - 20 kms) over
misty valleys in the early morning, before descending to the Karen
village of Mae Ra Moeng (35 kms).
At KM.190 a dirt road goes to Mae Ngao National Park (5 kms) and to
a viewpoint over the morning mists.
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Cars
