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DAY 5: MAE SARIANG - CHIANG MAI
(190 kms.)
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The
main road crosses the high country populated by the Karen and Lawa
between the Salween and Ping watersheds before entering the valley
of the Mae Chaem River. Routes upstream and downstream along the Mae
Chaem Valley offer different approaches to the highest mountain in
Thailand, Doi Inthanon.
After the climb away from the Yuam River Valley, the route crosses
cleared uplands in a series of passes beween small valleys. Side roads
lead to Karen and Thai villages in the plateau country.
The road descends from the pine forests of the Bo Luang plateau, 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 Hod 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. In Chom Thong itself, Wat Phrathat Sri Chom Thong
is an important pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists.
From Chom Thong you may visit Doi Inthanon (KM.60 left turn [west]
on H1009 for one kilometre and then left turn [south] again).
From Chong Thong, H108 is a fast route back to Chiang Mai and the
Budget Office.
Alternative Route to Mae Chaem and Doi Inthanon
Turn left (north) at KM.22 onto H1088 to Mae Chaem (45 kms). The road
passes the Thephanom hot springs after 9 kms. Beware of trucks carrying
lignite using the same road. Mae Chaem is a small rural district town
famous for weaving. Surrounding villages are traditional and have
some lovely old temples, and the nearby hills are populated by the
Hmong and Karen.
H1192 is a narrow road with many sharp curves up Doi Inthanon, joining
H1009 after 22 kms. Turn left (north) onto H1009 to reach the royal
chedis at KM.40 before going to the visitor centre and nature trail
at the summit.
The journey down to Chom Thong (47 kms from the summit) passes the
park headquarters and three major waterfalls. On H108 a 2 kms detour
south along H108 to Wat Phrathat Sri Chom Thong is worthwhile before
returning to Chiang Mai.
Lai Hin Guest House (2 kms from Mae Chaem on H1088). Tel: 828258.
The most comfortable in the Mae Chaem area.
DAY 5: SIDE TRIPS
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ST11 Ban Sam (H108 KM.56. Left turn [north] after bridge. 46
kms 4hrs)
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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