27.11.24 – Day 27 North of Thailand
Exploring Mae Sariang: A Journey into the Mountains and Close to the Myanmar Border
Today’s adventure took us on an incredible ride around Mae Sariang, winding through the mountains and venturing near the Myanmar border. With 180 km of breathtaking views, cool mountain air, and friendly encounters, it turned out to be another memorable day on the road.
A Morning Ride Through the Mountains
Our day started with a trip into the surrounding mountains—a fantastic choice. The air was crisp and cool, and the ride up into the morning clouds offered magical views. The mountains revealed their beauty with misty peaks, lush greenery, and the peaceful sounds of nature. The local people were exceptionally kind along the way, adding warmth to the ride despite the early chill.
The only downside to the morning? We couldn’t find a coffee shop to fuel up on that much-needed caffeine. Still, the ride was worth every moment.
Gloselo Viewpoint & the Challenges of the Road
We aimed for the famous Gloselo Viewpoint, but quickly learned that it would have been better suited for Enduro bikes rather than our big adventure machine. The road was rough, bumpy, and not ideal for larger bikes—though reports suggest it should improve once the area dries out in a few months.
After experiencing the ride back through the same route and merging onto Route 105, we took a left turn toward the Myanmar border for the next leg of our journey.
The Border: A Brief Stop in Mae Sam Leap
We rode for about 30 km on Route 1194 and found ourselves in Mae Sam Leap, a small village directly at the Myanmar border. A quick glimpse across the river revealed how close the border was—crossing here would put you into Myanmar in moments.
Unfortunately, this area felt a bit rough. It was dusty and visibly impacted by recent flooding. We tried to locate a nearby restaurant for lunch but came up empty. With nothing available, we took a few quick photos of the area and decided to return to Mae Sariang and back toward civilization.
A Perfect Afternoon Back at the Resort
After the morning ride and our exploration near the border, we made our way back to our resort and ordered some delicious food there. It hit the spot perfectly. The rest of the afternoon was blissfully relaxed—just what we needed after a long ride.
Final Thoughts
Today’s trip totaled 180 km, with unforgettable views, fresh mountain air, and the kind of quiet adventure that makes motorbike journeys so special. Despite the dusty border town and the tough ride toward Gloselo, the scenery and experiences made it all worthwhile. Exploring these hidden roads and enjoying the kindness of locals always leaves a lasting impression.
Mae Sariang and its surrounding mountains continue to amaze, and today was just another reminder of how magical Northern Thailand truly is.
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!
#dustysocks
