22.11.24 – Day 22 North of Thailand
Motorbike Adventure: Chanson National Park to Galyani Vadhana
This morning we kicked off our ride at 8 AM after a peaceful night spent in the cool, fresh air of the Chanson National Park. The crisp mountain breeze and stillness of the park made for a perfect start to the day, and the roads ahead promised adventure.
Our journey began along Route 5080, a winding path through the mountains with plenty of character. The ride was smooth, but we encountered heavy traffic near Mae Kampong—a popular stop for tourists and minibuses. Mae Kampong itself has a very touristy vibe, and it was my first visit there. Locals say, “If you haven’t been to Mae Kampong, you haven’t been to Chiang Mai.” While that might sound a bit dramatic, it made me reflect on how many times I’ve visited Chiang Mai since my first trip there in 2005. I guess this visit was a way to complete that checklist!
But the journey took a turn for the better when we turned left onto Route 1230. The traffic disappeared almost instantly, and the ride became wonderfully serene—just us, the mountains, and the occasional reminder to steer clear of cow patties on the road.
We stayed on winding, beautiful paths like Route 1229—each twist and turn revealing more of the mountain’s charm. These smaller roads are a joy to ride: peaceful, well-paved, and surrounded by lush scenery. It’s what a motorbike journey should feel like.
Next up was Route 1095—the road that connects Chiang Mai to Pai. I’ll be honest: this route was less enjoyable. The traffic here was intense, with plenty of what I call “Red Lobsters”—foreign tourists riding rental scooters in muscle shirts and bikini tops. It’s an experience to share the road with them, but it can certainly test your patience.
Luckily, about 5 km before Pai, we turned left onto Route 1265. This road offered the complete opposite of the chaos on Route 1095. With well-maintained surfaces, smooth curves, and incredible mountain views, it was a relaxing and enjoyable ride. This is exactly the kind of road you dream about when you set off on a motorbike adventure.
After some time winding through the curves, we found a simple yet cozy home stay for just 500 Baht. Simple accommodations, great views, and all the relaxation we needed after a day of riding.
At the end of the day, we clocked nearly 300 km—a beautiful mix of mountain roads, winding paths, and moments of serenity. While Route 1095 was far too busy for our tastes, the rest of the ride was nothing short of spectacular.
Tomorrow promises more adventure as we continue this journey.
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!
#dustysocks
