17.11.24 – Day 17 North of Thailand
From Mae Chan to Thaton: A Day of Unpredictable Roads, Scenic Stops, and a Peaceful Stay
The ride from Mae Chan to Thaton was a mixed experience, full of ups and downs—literally and figuratively. From a challenging detour through a remote village to relaxing moments in Mae Salong, this journey turned out to be one of those days you’ll remember for its contrasts.
The Road to Ban Huai Mae Kham: A Rough Start
The day began with a detour to Ban Huai Mae Kham, a village nestled deep in a secluded valley near the Myanmar border. The road to this village is a 40 km stretch that takes you into the mountains and feels like a journey to the end of the world. Unfortunately, the ride there wasn’t as pleasant as we had hoped. The road was in poor condition—dusty, bumpy, and filled with traffic. It made for a tiring ride, and by the time we reached the village, the views weren’t nearly as rewarding as we had expected.
Despite it being the season for flower blooms, there were few to be seen, which was a disappointment. The village itself, narrow and lacking much in the way of charm, offered little to make the journey worthwhile. There was almost no parking, and the lack of a view left us feeling a little underwhelmed. In short, this detour was more of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one we likely won’t repeat.
Mae Salong: A Refreshing Break
After leaving the mountains behind, we headed to Mae Salong—a much more pleasant destination. Known for its tea farms and stunning mountain scenery, Mae Salong has a completely different atmosphere from the isolated Ban Huai Mae Kham. We took our time in Mae Salong, starting with a visit to one of the local tea farms. The lush green fields, the rows of tea bushes stretching across the slopes, and the cool mountain air made it a perfect spot for some photos.
Next, we visited the Phrathat Chedi Srinagarindra Stit Maha Santi Khiri temple, which sits atop a hill offering a panoramic view of Mae Salong and the surrounding valleys. The view from the temple was nothing short of breathtaking, with the mountains rolling in the distance and the village below looking peaceful and serene. We spent an hour there, soaking in the fresh air and enjoying the tranquility of the place. It was a much-needed break, and it felt like a world away from the dusty roads of earlier in the day.
Tea Time: A Taste of Mae Salong’s Best
Mae Salong is famous for its tea, and we couldn’t leave without visiting a local tea shop. This wasn’t my first time at this particular shop — I had visited it two years ago, and the quality of the tea had stayed just as impressive. We spent another two hours sampling some of the best jasmine and white teas in the area. The shop was cozy, and we enjoyed the slow pace of life as we sipped tea and chatted.
The Journey Continues: From Mae Salong to Thaton
After our tea session, we continued on Route 107, heading out of Mae Salong. The winding roads through the mountains were beautiful but offered no immediate place to stay. Realizing we’d have to push on a bit further, we eventually made our way to Thaton, where we found a nice hotel for the night: Saranya River House Hotel.
The hotel was on the pricier side at 1,600 Baht per night, but it had the convenience of a garage for parking, which was a relief. The hotel itself was clean, comfortable, and located by the river, offering a peaceful and quiet setting for the night.
The Aftermath of the Floods
As we settled in, we couldn’t help but notice the damage caused by recent flooding in the area. The effects of the flood were still evident in Thaton—washed-out roads, broken structures, and debris scattered along the riverbanks. It was both shocking and humbling to see the sheer power of nature, and it gave us a moment of reflection on how quickly things can change in the face of such natural disasters.
A Perfect Ending to a Long Day
In the end, the day was filled with contrasting experiences.
The rough, dusty ride to Ban Huai Mae Kham was a reminder that not every journey leads to scenic views, but the time spent in Mae Salong and the peaceful evening in Thaton made up for it. While the total distance was only about 160 km, the curves and winding mountain roads made it feel much longer.
It was a day that tested our patience but also rewarded us with moments of beauty, tranquility, and reflection. All in all, it was a great day, a reminder that the journey isn’t always just about the destination—but about the unexpected twists along the way.
Safe travels and enjoy yourself!
#dustysocks
