25.11.24 – Day 25 North of Thailand
Motorbike Adventure: Chiang Mai to Ban Mae Surin
We started our day at 8:30 AM, well-rested after a relaxed day in Chiang Mai and enjoying some of the region’s delicious Northern Thai cuisine. With full stomachs and a sense of adventure, we set off toward Ban Mae Surin, ready to discover more of the scenic beauty and charm of Northern Thailand.
Leaving Chiang Mai: A Morning of Traffic
Exiting Chiang Mai in the morning was less than ideal. The traffic was already heavy, and navigating the busy streets and highways took patience. We soon moved onto smaller roads, like Route 4016, but the experience didn’t improve much. The roads were crowded with vans transporting tourists to their day’s adventures—elephant camps, rafting excursions, and other activities. It seems that “elephant cuddling” has become a quintessential activity for Chiang Mai visitors.
Khun Wang and the Plastic Hills
As we rode through Khun Wang, the landscape shifted dramatically. The hills here are covered in plastic from the many strawberry farms. From a distance, it looked like a strange, surreal landscape—these “plastic mountains” gave the area a unique, almost otherworldly feel. The weather was lovely, though—21°C with fresh mountain air and a clear blue sky.
We took a brief mountain coffee break near the strawberry fields to soak in the view, freshen up, and enjoy the crisp morning air. Refueled, we continued our journey along Route 1009, passing by the iconic Doi Inthanon National Park.
A Close Call on the Curves
While riding through the Doi Inthanon area, we had a near-accident when a local hill-tribe member in his pickup truck decided to drive onto our side of the road through a blind curve. Fortunately, we were taking it slow, and quick reactions kept us safe. These mountain curves are beautiful but can be unpredictable—always ride cautiously!
After making it through Doi Inthanon, things quieted down considerably. We passed through a small village on the backside of the mountain, an area famous for its rice fields that are carved into the hills like steps. Sadly, we arrived two weeks too late—the rice had already been harvested. Despite that, the views of the mountains were stunning, and the warmth of the sun and peaceful atmosphere made it a memorable stop.
Scenic Roads Westward to Ban Mae Surin
After leaving the village, we hopped back on the main highway, enjoying smooth and scenic mountain roads as we headed west. Along the way, we planned a visit to the sunflower fields in Mae U Kho, a famous spot known for its vibrant yellow blooms and jaw-dropping mountain views. However, given how touristy the area can get, we chose to bypass the main spot and continue on toward Ban Mae Surin.
Discovering Ban Mae Surin
A quick Google search led us to a resort in Ban Mae Surin. We called ahead, booked a room, and soon found ourselves in this tiny mountain village. Ban Mae Surin has just about 20 homes nestled in the mountains, offering a true off-the-beaten-path escape.
That evening, we had dinner at the village’s only restaurant, which offered local flavors and great company. We made friends with a friendly little puppy, exchanged stories with teachers from the local school, and watched as children played volleyball nearby. Many of these kids come from the surrounding mountain villages and stay overnight at the school during the week. It was heartwarming to see the community care for them and ensure they had everything they needed.
A Peaceful, Chilly Evening
Although the evening grew very cold by 6 PM, the calm, peaceful atmosphere of the village and the warmth of good food and good conversation made for a perfect end to the day. It was time to shower, get cozy in long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, and a hoodie, and retreat to our room for the night.
Final Thoughts
All in all, it was a perfect day: from the busy streets of Chiang Mai to the quiet mountain roads, strawberry fields, and into the serene and peaceful atmosphere of Ban Mae Surin.
It was a journey that combined adventure, discovery, and local charm—a reminder of why we love exploring by motorbike.
As we drifted to sleep, we knew this would be a special memory to carry with us on this trip through Northern Thailand.
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!
#dustysocks
