Chiang
Saen
The
peaceful town of Chiang Saen, an old walled city that served
as the capital of King Saen Phu of the Lanna dynasty founded
by King Mangrai, lies 8 kms. south of Ban Sop Ruak. It contains
the remains of several temples, the best of which are Wat Chedi
Luang and Wat Pasak, as well as a National Museum (Wed-Sun 09:00-16:00).
King Mangrai came from Chiang Ngeun, the town of his birth,
which is thought to have existed nearby and was the capital
of a kingdom called Yonok that preceded the founding of Chiang
Mai.
 From
Chiang Saen you may choose to visit Chiang Rai and return to
Chiang Mai, or continue on H1129 on the longer but more interesting
journey via Chiang Khong to Doi Pha Tang and Phayao. Places
to stay are found along both routes, offering the chance to
extend your journey if you wish. Accommodation on the longer
route, however, is comfortable but not luxurious.
Chiang
Saen - Chiang Khong (53 kms.)
(N.B.
staying in Chiang Khong for an early start on Day 4 is advised.)
H1129 runs south, passing Wat Phra That Pha Ngao (4
kms south of Chiang Saen). The road follows the Mekhong and
then climbs, passing Hmong villages before dropping down to
Chiang Khong. An alternative route follows the Mekhong, passing
through a Thai Leu village (Had Bai) and Lahu villages.
 Chiang
Khong's history goes back to at least the 8th century due to
its location on an ancient riverine trade route, but the sole
ancient remains are some earthworks. Nevertheless the small
town, which serves as international border crossing point to
the Laotian provincial capital (Huai Xai) of Bo Keo province,
retains considerable charm. Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Luang are
old temples, and a small museum is located in the district office.
The town is famous for the pla buk festival in May, when giant
catfish are hunted from Ban Hat Khrai. Local agents can provide
guides for trips in the area and sponsor visas for Laos.
CHIANG SAEN - CHIANG MAI
via Chiang Rai (Alternative Route - 245 kms.)
From Chiang Saen the fastest route to Chiang Rai is via
Mae Chan. A quieter rural route follows H1271 and H1173 (see
ST11).
Chiang
Rai
The
main sights are the temples of Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Klang Wiang
and Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong. The Oub Kham Museum (81/1 Nakai
Rd. 10:00-21:00 daily. Tel (053) 713349. Donations ) is a small
private museum that contains interesting memorabilia (no written
English explanation) from noble families in the north. Chiang
Rai boasts an active nightlife (try the Inn Come complex), and
local people recommend the Salung Kham Restaurant. (N.B. Visit
the DK bookstore in Chiang Rai to obtain a copy of Hongsombud's
Guide Map of Chiang Rai, which has excellent information on
the dirt roads throughout Chiang Rai province)
Chiang
Rai - Mae Khachan
From
Chiang Rai H1211 south from Key Point 11 offers a less busy
route at the start of the trip back to Chiang Mai.
H118 passes through paddy scenery in the Mae Lao valley
before climbing to a pass at KM.53. At Key Point 18 the longer
route from Phayao rejoins H118 - see Mae Khachan - Chiang Mai
below.
DAY
3: SIDE TRIPS (Chiang Rai - Mae Khachan)
ST10
Pong Nam Ron By Boat
Travel
by boat to hill tribe villages, an elephant camp, a cave and
the Pong Nam Ron hot springs upstream on the River Kok. The
boat landing is on the far side of the bridge carrying H1207
over the river (250-1200 Baht. 07:00-15:00).
ST11
Golf
Two
golf courses near Chiang Rai off lovely uncrowded (during the
week) faiways to non-members (players may hire caddies &
clubs but will need to supply their own shoes). Weekend (peaks)
green fees are less than US$ 50.
ST12
Khun Korn Falls
At
KM.14 H1208 goes west for 12 kms. to the Khun Korn Falls, which
are one kilometre up a path through a verdant gully. Lunch at
the Season Nam Korn Restaurant (10:00-22:00) 2 kms. from the
intersection with H1211.
ST13
Wawi
Ban
Pha Daeng & Wawi. From KM.26 the road to Wawi is sealed to the
Karen-Lahu village of Ban Pha Daeng. Apart from a few kilometres
of asphalt near Wawi, the road is a graded dirt road with occasional
muddy ruts. Roads into the hills lead to Akha, Lisu and Lahu
villages while the area around Wawi is famous for tea grown
by Yunnanese Chinese (ex KMT).
Overview
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