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 The
main road north (H107) passes the most spectacular mountain
in Northern Thailand - Doi Luang Chiang Dao - before twisting
across the low watershed between the River Mekhong (Rivers Fang
& Kok) and the River Chao Phraya (R. Ping). An alternative route
to Doi Ang Khang follows a (sealed) military road through spectacular
high border country (the full tour offers two more such high
country border routes).
Your
destination for the day is Thaton, but you may wish to go as
far as Doi Mae Salong (fill up with gas at Thaton to carry you
as far as the main service stations in Mae Sai, see Day 2).
For exploration round Thaton contact the Maekok River Lodge,
which offers several soft adventure tours (see accommodation)
or contact Thip Travel (053) 459312.
DAY
1: SIDE TRIPS
ST1
The Mae Sa Valley
(Left
[west turn] at KM.17.)
The
cooler upland valley of the Mae Sa (700 m.) is a prime location
for tourist resorts. Orchid farms (try the Sainumphung or Mae
Ram Orchid Farms), the Mae Sa Falls, the Queen Sirikit Botanical
Gardens are among the attractions. Hmong villages are found
in the hills that surround the Mae Sa Valley.
ST2
Elephant Camps
Elephant
camps are found at Pong Yang (ST1. H1096 KM 18. left turn 1.5
kms) and at Mae Taman (H107 KM.43. Left (west) turn onto a sealed
road - 10 kms) and at the Tang Dao Elephant Centre (H107 KM.56.
Show times 09:00 and 10:00). The roadside location of the latter
makes it the easiest, but the Pong Yang Elephant camp on ST1
also has a spectacular setting.
ST3
Caves
You
may visit Tham (caves) Chiang Dao (KM.72 Left turn [west] 5
kms.), where guides with lanterns for hire can take you deep
into the mountain. The Tap Tao caves (KM.117. Left [west] turn
3 kms.) are also interesting. The latter contains a narrow chute
(old clothes recommended) which forces visitors to crawl. The
country road north from the caves passes the 'Lost Buffalo Pond'
after 2 kms, where there are some floating local restaurants,
and continues along the foot of the mountains passing through
Yunnanese Chinese villages.
ST4
Doi Ang Khang (25 kms.)
(Left
[west] turn 25 kms)
Passing
through Chinese villages, the sealed road climbs very steeply
to an agricultural station (1300m.) which is famous for temperate
fruits and flowers. Where the road reaches its highest point
a fairly accessible peak (approx. 30 min. climb on foot along
a rough path starting from the pine grove to the south of the
peak) to the east of the road offers a 360° view.
ST5
Fang Hot Springs National Park (8 kms.)
Turn
left at KM.147 (2.5 kms along the Fang Bypass) or in the middle
of Fang town. Though a small geothermal power station has spoiled
the ambience, visitors can enjoy a steam room and a hot soak.
ST6
Ban Mae Salak (24 kms.)
Ban
Mae Salak and Wawi (4WD. 37 kms.) and through route to Mae Suai
on H118 (87 kms). North of Mae Ai at KM.18 (H1089) a right (east)
turn by a telephone box onto Lane 35 leads across the valley.
Turn left after 6 kms for Mae Salak (17 kms) and a rough dirt
road to Yao and Akha villages near Ban Huai Chomphu. The track
merges with the upgraded dirt road from Mae Suai via Wawi (H118.
KM.25) at KM.59.
Overview
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