18.11.24 – Day 18 North of Thailand
From Thaton to Chai Prakan: A Day of Contrasts, Curves, and Cozy Stays
The ride from Thaton to Chai Prakan was a journey full of surprises, scenic views, and moments of both joy and frustration. What started as a peaceful, picturesque ride through small, winding roads turned into a more challenging experience as we ascended into the mountains, battled rain and slippery conditions, and eventually found ourselves in a tranquil farm stay at the end of the day. Here’s a look at our journey.
A Beautiful Start: Small Roads and Great Views
We kicked off the morning with a beautiful ride on Route 3037, a narrow and winding road that offered incredible views of the surrounding landscapes. The air was crisp, the sky was clear, and it felt like the perfect day to explore the northern Thai countryside. These smaller roads, often overlooked by tourists, are some of the best ways to experience the beauty of Thailand’s rural areas—especially when the roads are less crowded and more intimate.
Doi Chang: A Famous Viewpoint and Sheep Farm
Our first stop was a viewpoint in the Doi Chang area, located on Route 5047. This spot is quite famous among locals and visitors alike, known for it’s large sheep farm and the many shops that line the area. Despite the fact that the weather was turning cooler, the area was bustling with tourists. We even saw a Tesla parked at the top, which was a bit of an unusual sight in such a remote place. The air was fresh, and the temperature dropped to around 17°C, which felt perfect for a mountain escape.
The clouds had started to roll in, and a cool wind was picking up, making the atmosphere feel even more dramatic. The view from the top was great, but as we started to head up further into the mountains, the rain started, and the roads quickly became wet and slippery.
Doi Chang: A Rainy and Cloudy Setback
We were excited to visit Doi Chang itself, but unfortunately, the weather took a turn for the worse. As we climbed higher into the mountains, the rain became heavier, and soon we found ourselves stuck in thick clouds. Visibility dropped to almost nothing, and riding through this fog was both challenging and frustrating. The roads became slick, and the ride wasn’t as enjoyable as we had hoped.
It was clear that Doi Chang would be a place we’ll need to visit again, but under better weather conditions. We couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed, but the mountain scenery still managed to hold some beauty, even if we couldn’t fully appreciate it in the thick fog.
The Ride Down: Traffic and Construction on Route 118
After leaving Doi Chang behind, we descended and hit Route 118, which was a stark contrast to the peaceful, winding roads we had been on earlier. The road was busy, with heavy traffic, construction zones, and dust everywhere. The 50 kilometers on Route 118 were painful. It was a long stretch of road that felt almost endless, with nothing but roadwork, dust clouds, and the constant hum of other vehicles. It wasn’t the fun, adventurous ride we had been hoping for.
Quieting Down on Route 1150
Fortunately, the pain of Route 118 was short-lived. We turned right onto Route 1150, and things started to quiet down. While the road was difficult to ride in places—with loose dirt and small stones scattered across the pavement—it felt much more peaceful than the chaotic 118. We passed through several landslides along the way, a stark reminder of how unpredictable the weather and terrain can be in the mountains. This year, the landslides seemed to be more widespread and severe than we had seen in previous trips.
As we carefully made our way along Route 1150 toward Phrao, we decided to press on. Riding was still enjoyable, and staying in a city wasn’t really appealing. The natural beauty of the area called us to keep going.
A Hidden Gem: Route 1346 and Scenic Views
In Ban Pha Hin, we made a right turn onto Route 1346. This route was completely new to us, and we were pleasantly surprised by how nice it was. The road was mostly well-paved, with twists and curves that made for a fun and scenic ride.
The views were gorgeous, with lush greenery surrounding us and hills in the distance. It was one of those unexpected discoveries that made the day feel special, and we were glad we took the detour.
We continued on Route 3001, which led us to our final destination for the day—a peaceful farm stay called Manchaya Garden. The place was charming and secluded, surrounded by nature, with buffaloes and chickens as our companions. It felt like a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the roads.
A Cozy End: Farm Stay at Manchaya Garden
At Manchaya Garden, we had our own little house for the night. The cost was 1,200 Baht, which included food. My wife, always hungry after a long day of riding, ordered a lot of food, and we enjoyed a delicious meal together. The warmth and comfort of the place were exactly what we needed after a long, wet, and occasionally frustrating ride.
Reflections on the Day
By the time we settled in, we had covered about 300 kilometers with 645 twists and turns. The day had been filled with contrasts: from beautiful scenic roads and viewpoints to tough, slippery conditions in the rain and the noise and dust of road construction. But despite the challenges, it was a great day overall. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected detours and discoveries that make a journey memorable.
Despite the wet weather and cold temperatures, we ended the day feeling content, knowing we had experienced something unique and had found a peaceful retreat to end our journey. Tomorrow, we would continue our exploration, but for now, the warmth of the farm stay was all we needed.
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!
#dustysocks
