15.11.24 – Day 15 North of Thailand
Taking a rest and enjoyed the nature. Did some editing, eat a lot and got a sunburn.
16.11.24 – Day 16 North of Thailand
The scenic ride from Phu Chi Fa to Mae Chan: A 234 km adventure
The journey from Phu Chi Fa to Mae Chan is a 234 km ride that takes you through some of Northern Thailand’s most beautiful and challenging landscapes. Starting at 8:30 AM, we left Phu Chi Fa, taking Route 1093 and Route 1155 to begin our adventure.
The Golden Triangle – A bustling destination
Our first major stop was the Golden Triangle, an area where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. While the historical significance of the Golden Triangle is fascinating, the reality of the visit was a bit underwhelming. The area was crowded with tourists, and construction work along the roads detracted from the natural beauty of the place. The bustling atmosphere an. d ongoing development felt out of sync with the serenity one might expect from such an iconic location.
Crossing the Mountain Ranges: Small roads and scenic views
From the Golden Triangle, we ventured into the opposite mountain range via smaller, less-traveled roads. This detour was one of the highlights of the trip, offering a chance to escape the tourist crowds and enjoy the more remote side of the region. The roads were narrow, winding, and at times, treacherous, but the reward was stunning views of untouched nature.
Next, we joined Highway 1 and route 1149 heading towards Mae Salong. This part of the ride was especially interesting due to the mountainous terrain and the challenges posed by frequent landslides. Route 1334, a particularly narrow and winding road, added an element of excitement and unpredictability. Despite the challenging conditions, the landscape made it all worthwhile. The area is filled with tea plantations, mountain villages, and lush greenery.
A Close Call on Route 1338
The ride took a bit of a dangerous turn when we encountered a hairpin bend on Route 1338. The road was slick with sand and stones, which caused us to lose traction and suffer a crash. Thankfully, it wasn’t anything serious, but it was a reminder of how challenging these roads can be. Always be cautious on these winding mountain routes, especially when conditions are less than ideal.
The Chayana Resort: A Perfect End to the Day
After the day’s adventures, we arrived at the Chayana Resort, located just outside Mae Chan. At 3,100 Baht per night, it was on the pricier side, but it was well worth the cost. The resort offers spacious grounds, beautifully manicured gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere to unwind after a day of riding. It’s the perfect place to relax and recover from a long ride while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Conclusion
The 234 km ride from Phu Chi Fa to Mae Chan was an unforgettable experience. It was a mix of beautiful scenery, challenging roads, and a bit of adventure, including an unfortunate crash on Route 1338. While the Golden Triangle was somewhat disappointing, the small mountain roads and the destination itself more than made up for it. Ending the day at the Chayana Resort was a fitting conclusion to an exciting, albeit occasionally challenging, journey through Northern Thailand’s mountains.
Ride safe and enjoy yourself!
#dustysocks
