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This
day's drive goes to the old Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) stronghold
of Doi Mae Salong, the former HQ of opium warlord Khun Sa at
Ban Thoed Thai, the gardens of the Royal Palace at Mae Fah Luang
and the high route across Doi Tung overlooking the Shan State
of Myanmar. The drive continues to Mae Sai, where you may cross
over into Takhilek in Myanmar before going on to Ban Sop Ruak
at the Golden Triangle, the day's destination. Main (lowland)
routes offer faster, but less spectacular, access to Mae Sai
and the Golden Triangle.
From Thaton H1089 begins to climb, passing Yunnanese
Chinese villages to a pass. Continue on H1089 for a fast lowland
route to Mae Chan and Mae Sai (a good choice for those wishing
to cross the border into Myanmar at Takhilek - see ST9. ).
Doi
Mae Salong - Doi Thung - Mae Sai (Approx. 65 kms.)
H1234
goes to Doi Mae Salong (officially named Ban Santikhiri), which
became the home of Chinese Kuomintang forces who fled China
in 1949 and were expelled from Burma in the 60's. For a time
the KMT served Thailand's purposes as independent anti-communist
forces safeguarding northern borders; but with the decline of
the communist threat in the 80's, the opium financed independence
of the KMT had outlived its usefulness to the Thai government.
The recommended route follows narrow sealed roads built
by the military for border security. From Key Point 6 the road
goes to 'little Yunnan' around Ban Thoed Thai (formerly Hin
Taek), the former HQ of warlord Khun Sa and the Shan United
Army. From there a new sealed road leads to a ridge line route
to Doi Tung. You may double back to visit the gardens at Mae
Fah Luang or continue to visit Wat Doi Tung and the spectacular
route that descends along the border ridge to Mae Sai.
Mae
Sai - The Golden Triangle (30 kms.)
Mae
Sai is where divided highway 110 seems to come to a dead end
at the bridge into Myanmar. There is little else of interest
apart from a sizeable number of souvenir stalls (more are found
in Takhilek - see ST9). The best accommodation in the area is
found at the Golden Triangle.
DAY
2: SIDE TRIPS
ST8
From Thoed Thai to Huai Mae Kham
(30
kms - sealed for 15 kms to Ban Na To)
The
road eventually reaches the border. Hill tribe villages in the
area include Akha, Lahu, Lisu and Hmong. The Lalichi waterfall
and sunflower fields in November are among the attractions.
ST9
Mae Fah Luang Gardens and Wat Doi Tung
(Gardens:
08:00 - 18:00 20 Bt)
The
ornamental gardens (H1149) are part of the royal palace that
was the retreat of the late Princess Mother. Wat Doi Tung is
one of three sites on this tour ( the others are Wat Phrathat
Doi Chom Thong in Chiang Rai and Wat Phrathat Chomkitti in Chiang
Saen) which chronicles said were built to enshrine Buddha relics
in the 10th century.
ST10
Takhilek in Myanmar (on foot)
Foreigners
may cross into Myanmar at Mae Sai for single day visits only
(08:00 till 17:00), but are not allowed further than 5 kms into
the Shan State from the bridge. Photocopy your passport and
leave the original at the Thai checkpoint. No visa required.
Burmese fee 5 US$ per person.
Overview
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