19.11.24 – Day 19 North of Thailand
From Chai Prakan to Chiang Dao: Fog, Floods, and Scenic Views
The ride from Chai Prakan to Chiang Dao started with a cool, foggy morning that set the tone for a day filled with both challenges and breathtaking moments. From navigating flooded roads to discovering hidden viewpoints, it was an adventurous journey that kept us on our toes. Here’s a look at our ride through the mountains and the unexpected surprises we encountered along the way.
A Foggy Start: Taking It Slow
We set off from Chai Prakan at 08:30 am, and the weather was thick with fog, making it hard to see much of anything at first. But we decided to take our time, knowing that the mountains would soon reveal their beauty. The slow pace allowed us to enjoy the cool, crisp air as we began our ascent into the hills. Once we gained some altitude, the fog began to lift, revealing the stunning “sea of fog” below—a magical sight that made the early start worth it.
Sui Thang Viewpoint: A Friendly Chat with the Rangers
The road to Chiang Dao was smooth, and we soon reached the Sui Thang viewpoint, where the views were even more spectacular. From here, you could see the rolling hills and valleys that define this part of northern Thailand. It was the perfect spot for a break, and we took the opportunity to chat with a couple of friendly forest rangers who were stationed at the viewpoint. They shared a few local insights and gave us some tips for the road ahead.
A Detour and Flooding: Roadblocks to the Mountains
After leaving the viewpoint, we continued our journey toward Chiang Doi, but the day took an unexpected turn. In Ban Rin Luang, we tried to take a turn that would lead us deeper into the mountains, but we encountered serious flooding. The road was impassable, forcing us to turn back and retrace our steps. This setback cost us some time, but we didn’t let it dampen our spirits. In the next village, we discovered a shortcut that led us to Route 1322.
Bumpy Roads Ahead: Potholes and Construction
Route 1322 was in terrible condition—potholes, rough patches, and even some hairpin curves were a challenge to navigate. The ride became much slower and less enjoyable as we had to keep our speed at an average of just 40 km/h to avoid damaging the bike or losing control. At times, the road seemed almost impassable. We encountered road construction and an unexpectedly smooth stretch of new tarmac that lasted for about 3 km—surprising, considering we were in the middle of nowhere.
A Smoother Ride: From Wiang Haeng to Chiang Dao
Once we passed Wiang Haeng, the road began to improve significantly. The last 50 km out of the mountains were much easier to navigate, and the ride became more enjoyable. The scenery was beautiful, with lush forests and mountain vistas that made the effort worthwhile. It was a relief to be on smoother roads after dealing with the rough patches earlier in the day.
King Naresuan’s Memorial: A Historical Stop
As we neared the border of Wiang Haeng and Chiang Dao, we stopped at a viewpoint that also featured a monument in memory of King Naresuan, who passed through this area on his way to Myanmar. It was a simple but meaningful stop, offering a chance to reflect on the historical significance of the region. The viewpoint offered great views over the valley, a fitting backdrop for a moment of quiet reflection.
The Road to Ban Mueang Khong: Muddy and Slippery Conditions
The ride to Ban Mueang Khong was a stark contrast to the easier roads we had just come from. The path was treacherous, with muddy stretches, slippery sand, and dirt roads that made riding difficult. The last 25 km took us almost an hour to complete, and we had to be extra cautious as we navigated through landslides and unstable road conditions. It was slow-going, but we made it through safely, even if a little worse for wear.
Finding a Rest Stop: Huen Mai Nam Resort
By the time we reached Mueang Khong, we were ready for a break. Fortunately, we found a nice little resort with a stunning view for just 700 Baht per night.
It was the perfect spot to rest and take in the fresh mountain air after a long and challenging ride. We decided to stay for two nights, giving ourselves time to relax and recover before continuing on our journey.
A Great Day with Unexpected Adventures
At the end of the day, we had traveled 260 km, with a total of 645 twists and turns in the road. Despite the setbacks—flooding, potholes, and muddy roads—it was a day filled with stunning views, historical stops, and some valuable lessons learned. The ride through the mountains was as adventurous as it was beautiful, and we were grateful for the experiences, even if they made the journey more difficult than expected.
Tomorrow, we’ll take a well-deserved rest and enjoy the peace and quiet of the resort. But today was a perfect example of why we love motorcycle touring: the unpredictability, the unexpected challenges, and the incredible rewards that come with it.
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!
#dustysocks
