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The
fast road to Hot climbs across the high ridges, which are settled
by the Karen and the Lawa, separating the River Ping and Salween
Watersheds. An alternative route (63 kilometres longer) by way
of Mae Chaem passes over Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain,
rejoining H108 at Chom Thong.
 The
climb out of the Mae Nam Yuam valley ends at around KM.84 and
the Karen village of Ban Mae Ho. For the next 48 kms. the road
crosses cleared uplands in a series of passes between small
valleys. Side roads lead to Karen and Thai villages in the plateau
country.
The
road begins the descent from the pine forests of the Bo Luang
plateau at KM.37, 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 Hot 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.
Chom
Thong
At
Chom Thong a visit to Wat Phrathat Sri Chom Thong is a must
to see one of Northern Thailand's most famous pilgrimage sites.
From Chom Thong you may visit Doi Inthanon (KM.60 left turn
[west] on H1009. 47 kms.) as well as to the Mae Ya Falls (KM.
60 left turn [west] on H1009 for one kilometre and then left
turn [south] again).
Alternative
Route to Mae Chaem & Doi Inthanon
Watch
out for lignite trucks on H1088 (left turn [north] at KM.22.
45 kms.) to Mae Chaem. The road passes the Thephanom Hot Springs
(9 kms.).
 Mae
Chaem is a small rural district town which is famous for weaving
of cotton cloth. Villages are traditional and have some lovely
old temples. Drives out of town into the surrounding hills go
to Hmong and Karen villages.
H1192
up Doi Inthanon joins H1009 after 22 kms. of some of the most
severe switch backs in the north - don't get distracted by the
scenery! H1009 to the visitor centre at the summit (9 kms.)
passes the Royal Chedis at KM.40.
The
journey down to Chom Thong (47 kms.) passes the national park
headquarters and three major waterfalls. On H108 a 2 kms. detour
south along H108 to Wat Phrathat Sri Chom Thong (Key Point 19)
is worthwhile before returning to Chiang Mai.
DAY
4: SIDE TRIPS
ST11
Ban Sam
(H108
KM.56 Left turn [north] after bridge. 46 kms. 4 hrs.)
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.
Overview
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