Day 1: Singapore - Chiang Mai
Day 2: Chiang Mai - Lampang - Mae Kheam - Phrae - Nan
Day 3: Nan - Pua - Doi Phukha - Pua - Chiang Kham - Thoeng - Chiang Rai - Mae Sai
Day 4: Mae Sai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Saen - Mae Sai - Doi Mae Salong
Day 5: Doi Mae Salong - Fang - Doi Ang Khang - Arunothai - Chiang Dao - Pai
Day 6: Pai - Mae Hong Son
Day 7: Mae Hong Son - Khun Yuam - Mae Cham - Doi Inthanon - Chiang Mai
Day 8: Chiang Mai - Singapore
ABOUT NORTHERN THAILAND
Northern Thailand must be considered as one of the most rewarding regions for motorcycling worldwide. It has excellent roads with the best road cover in Southeast-Asia; abundant twisties of all radiuses; pleasant and cool climate during the dry season; great landscape with green hills and rocky mountains, lakes, flower-fields, and tranquil forests; interesting hill tribe villages; superb and cheap roadside accommodation and food; golden Buddhas greeting from mountain tops.
In the heart of Northern Thailand is Chiang Mai city. Chiang Mai is arguably the best city in South East Asia to live in. With lots of character & charm, it has all the necessary facilities of a modern city, but without the horrendous traffic problems. Smack bang in the middle of North Thailand, it is the perfect base for making 4-5 day loops by motorcycle around the Golden Triangle region.
DAY 1 (07 February 2011, Monday)
When Air Asia finally started flying to Chiangmai from Singapore direct, I was already browsing through Travel guidebooks and surfing the net for information in Northern Thailand. Shortly after getting our tickets online, Kenny and I met up to discuss about the riding plan, and we are on our way!
Arriving in Chiangmai on FD4111 at around 2230hrs, we took an airport taxi to Ban Wiang Guesthouse, where we had a fan room for 350Baht.
Michael was already in Chiangmai a week before our arrival, so we met up the same night, and he brought us to tim sum supper on a rented motorbike. As the weather in Chiangmai at night is around 16deg, we were shivering during the bike trip as the cool wind blew on our faces.
DAY 2 (08 February 2011, Tuesday)
As both of us woke up early, we set off at 6am to witness monks collecting alms and offering prayers at Somphet market.
Pig intestines and spare-part soup for breakfast at Somphet market
Followed by a cup of tasty cuppucino
Following breakfast, we had an early morning walk around the inner city of Chiangmai.
Wat Dokaueng, Chiangmai
Wat Phan On, Chiangmai
Wat Chedi Luang, Chiangmai
Tha Phae Gate, Chiangmai
Met a young, lovely couple from Guangzhou, China, doing their Pre-Wedding Shoot at Tha Phae Gate.
After the brief sightseeing around the inner city of Chiangmai, we met up with Michael once again, who took us to Pop Bike Rental to rent a Kawasaki D-Tracker super motard. Kenny and I both hired the D-Tracker for 700Baht a day, inclusive of third party insurance coverage.
The last group photo with Michael before setting off to Nan
Lunch at a roadside stall in Lampang
Coffee break at A66 in Phrae
Arriving in Nan
Checked in at Grand Amazon Hotel for 350Baht
Door front parking in front of the hotel
Wat Suan Tan, Nan
Monk at Wat Suan Tan, Nan
At downtown Nan
Wet market in Nan
Puppies for sale at the market
Lots of delicacy at the market
Paad Thai and Beef noodle soup for dinner
DAY 3 (09 February 2011, Wednesday)
Breakfast in Nan before setting off to Doi Phukha
The chilling cold wind in the morning at 16 deg celcius forced us to stop and put on more clothings and thicker gloves. The ride on the Doi Phukha Loop, Route 1256, is amazingly beautiful!
Finally arriving at Doi Phukha, enroute Pua.
Arriving at Bo Kluang, after a splendid ride on Route 1256
A quick and simple lunch at Bo Kluang before moving off as we have spent too much time stopping for photos on the Doi Phukha Loop
On Route 1148 to Chiang Kham
Through Chiang Kham, Thoeng, and Chiang Rai, we arrived at Mae Sai, the border town between Thailand and Myanmar. We checked into Yee Sun Hotel for 400Baht.
Very very safe covered parking, right in the hotel lobby!!
At the northern most point in Thailand!
The other side of the border - Tachilek, Myanmar
Mae Sai Town, a shopping heaven for cheap fake goods, mainly stuffs from China/Myanmar
Finally, rewarding ourselves with a great delicious meal after a long day's ride!
Tee-shirt from Mae Sai
DAY 4 (10 February 2011, Thursday)
Breakfast in Mae Sai
Early morning before the Thailand-Myanmar border opens
Arriving at Golden Triangle before the rest of the tour group arrives
We paid 200Baht to visit the Hall of Opium, at the Golden Triangle. As photography is not allowed, there's nothing much to share. It showcases how opium is made, the ill-effects, and how it has influenced the society generally.
Lunch in Mae Sai, before setting off to Doi Mae Salong
Spectacular scenery and super steep and winding roads on Route 1234 to Doi Mae Salong
Mae Salong has an interesting history, having been chosen as a place of refuge by a significant number of Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) soldiers who fled from the communist regime in 1949. Today, there is still a large Yunnan Chinese population, imparting a strong cultural influence to the town.
Chinese temples are scattered through the area and many of Mae Salong's shops offer Chinese specialties, such as Chinese jade, preserved fruit, dried mushrooms, herbs and wines, while restaurants serve predominantly southern Chinese cuisine. Architecture, too, is typically Chinese, giving the town its own distinct appearance.
At Doi Mae Salong, we stayed at Gold Dragon Inn for 300B.
Doi Mae Salong is noted for its high mountain Oolong tea plantation. So what is a visit to Doi Mae Salong without trying its Oolong tea?
Kiddies at Doi Mae Salong's tea plantation
Sakura bloom at Doi Mae Salong
Mae Salong Flower Hills, with breathtaking sloped flower gardens
Mae Salong Church
Mae Salong Drug Rehabilitation Centre
An elderly Chinese at the old folk's home
View of Mae Salong Town from the peak
Phra Boromathat Chedi
Chinese Martyrs' Memorial Museum
At the Mae Salong market, we were greeted by the colourful tribes selling a lot of souvenirs and handicrafts
After many days of Thai food, we had Chinese dinner tonight, Yunnan-style. The best dish amongst all is the braised pork trotter!
Fried breadstick (油条) with beancurd for supper
Alfresco beer garden at Shin Sane Restaurant. We drank a total of 4 large bottles of Singha beer tonight!
DAY 5 (11 February 2011, Friday)
Rise and shine, sunrise in Doi Mae Salong!
Monks collecting alms in the morning
The most expensive breakfast of the trip, 180Baht!
Tha Ton is overlooked by a striking hilltop Buddhist temple known as Wat Tha Ton. The temple complex includes four huge statues of the Buddha, two in typical Thai style and two showing Chinese influence. One of these, the Standing Buddha, is over 35 feet tall.
Route 1340 to Doi Ang Khang is the toughest section of the entire ride. The 4km ascent from Fang towards Nor Lae is extremely steep with loose gravels on sharp hairpin turns, and is totally amazing how the Thais build roads like this! I was lucky to make it through, but Kenny wasn't so fortunate. I had to unmount from my bike to push him up the steep slope.
The Doi Ang Khang Route 1340 is an amazing road that runs along the Myanmar border with spectacular scenery.
A Myanmar army camp seen on Doi Ang Khang near Nor Lae
After a tough ride through Doi Ang Khang, we found some refreshments near Nor Lae, its like a heaven's stop for us to recharge our energy with some food and drinks.
Sakura flower bloom at Doi Ang Khang
Lunch in Chiang Dao
Along Route 1095 to Pai, lies the Pong Deud Hotsprings
Pai is a predominantly tourism-oriented town, offering a relaxed atmosphere with a broad traveller and backpacker scene. The town is mountainous and many people from the city want to experience tranquility in this small town with their small community. In 2009, a Thai movie 'Pai in Love' was made here. Thereafter, people labelled Pai as a 'city in love'.
When we arrived in Pai, we checked into the beautiful Bell Garden Guesthouse for 450Baht. The guesthouse is extremely clean and pleasant, highly recommended!
Pai town is named after the Pai River
There are many guesthouses and hotels in Pai, and the city center has transformed into containing western style restaurants, souvenir shops, and bars that cater largely to the now significant influx of tourists and package tours.
4km away is the Santichun Village of Shan, Lahu and Lisu tribes.
A Lisu home and their family
Thai Village
A rewarding dinner in Pai
The night market in Pai, with hundreds of stalls selling different types of handicrafts
Night scene in Pai
DAY 6 (12 February 2011, Saturday)
Sunrise in Pai, at 0642hrs
Overlooking the entire Pai city from Wat Mei Yan
Porridge breakfast from a street stall
Wat Wang
As the road trip today is relatively short, we had a little extra time for exploring Pai city before setting off to Mae Hong Son at 1000hrs. We continued on Route 1095 to Mae Hong Son, over the winding roads.
Kiu Lom Viewpoint on Route 1095
Arriving in Mae Hong Son
At Mae Hong Son, we stayed at Friend's Guesthouse for 300Baht
Lunch at 'Meeting', a cleverly designed restaurant with unique antiques as decorations.
Went to Mae Hong Son Chamber of Commerce to obtain the certificate for completing the 1864 curves to Mae Hong Son on Route 1095.
Phaya Singhanat Racha Monument
Phrathat Doi Kong Mu
View of Mae Hong Son city
Visited Huay Sua Tao Karen Long Neck Village, about 15mins ride, through 8 rivers.
The Padaung are a sub-group of Karen living in eastern Myanmar on the Thailand border. In Thailand, only a few families of Padaung have settled temporarily as refugees in Mae Hong Son Province after fleeing persecution in Burma in the mid to late 1900's. They remain refugees of a political turmoil where there is still fighting for independence in Myanmar.
Wat Chong Klang
Crossroad Restaurant/Pub
Dinner at 'Meetings'
At the night bazaar in Mae Hong Son
Getting some light bites from streetside stalls
DAY 7 (13 February 2011, Sunday)
The early morning mist and quietness of Wat Chong Klang at the opposite side of the lake
Hot, soupy breakfast at Mae Hong Son in the early morning
On the scenic Route 1263 from Khun Yuam to Mae Chaem, at Doi Ong Viewpoint
On the final section of the steep slope up to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain
The highest spot in Thailand, at 2565m above sea level
Vachiratharn Falls is one of the most beautiful Chiangmai waterfalls
Paad Thai for lunch at the foot of Doi Inthanon mountain
Back in Chiangmai, we got a beautiful room at Lux Hotel for just 600Baht
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is located 15 km from the city of Chiang Mai and is a sacred site to many Thai people. From the temple impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen and it remains a popular destination of foreign visitors.
View of Chiangmai City from Doi Suthep
Wat Phra Sing
My all time Chiangmai favourite burger since the first time I visited Chiangmai - Mike's Original
Walking Street Market is also known as the Weekend or Sunday market and is a real showcase of the art and craftsmanship of Northern Thailand. Many of the stallholders have personally made the items they sell and the many hand crafted objects are a testimony to the skills and inventiveness of local people. It runs every Sunday, from 4pm until midnight, starting from Thapae Gate and runs along the length of Ratchadamnoen Road through the heart of the Old City.
Right along the length of the Ratchadamoen Road are pavement artists of all descriptions, traditional musicians, Thai dancers, living statues, puppet shows and rock bands. This all adds to the festive nature of the market and makes it an unmissable event.
Food and drink is also available in glorious abundance at the Sunday Market. There are a number of temples along Rachadamnoen Road and their grounds are open to vendors, many of whom sells fabulous local treats fresh cooked before your eyes.
I spent more than 3hrs walking the entire length of Rachadamnoen Road, and yet was unable to complete the walking experience by the time the stalls close at around 2230hrs!
DAY 8 (14 February 2011, Monday)
After returning our motorbikes to the bike rental shop, we pampered ourselves to a great filling breakfast.
Did some last min shopping at the Pantip Plaza, and through the local market in Chinatown
Back at Mike's original, for a last bite before leaving Chiangmai
On Valentine's Day, even the airport counters are decorated with valentine's day theme
We bidded farewell to Chiangmai as we board Air Asia flight FD4110 back to Singapore
The journey has came to and end, a short but enriching trip, riding 1908km, skirting round the entire loop of Northern Thailand, a feat where most backpackers will take 2-3 weeks to complete. Having done motorcycling in Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, Northern Thailand is the most rewarding region for motorcycling, offering excellent roads, pleasant and cool climate, and great Thai hospitality! The whole experience can be summed up as great vistas and fun twisties made easy and cheap.
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FAST FACTS
Travel Insurance: S$30
Air ticket: S$295
Accomodation (7 nights): S$58
Taxi: S$13
Bike rental (6 days): S$181
Petrol (1908km): S$92
Admission Fees: S$29
Food & Beverage: S$121
Shopping & Miscellaneous: S$121
TOTAL EXPENDITURE: S$940
EXCHANGE RATE
S$1.00 = 23.81Baht
Distance travelled: 1908km
Petrol consumed: 59.93ltrs
Avg fuel consumption: 31.84km/ltr
TRAVEL GUIDES / NEWS / MAGAZINES
Chiangmai Net
http://www.chiangmai.net/
Chiangmai-guideline.com
http://www.chiangmai-guideline.com/index.html
Chiangmai Travel information
http://www.asiatravel.com/north_info/chiangmai/intro.html
Travel Info
http://guidechiangmai.com/travel-info/
Chiang Mai Mall - Guide to areas around Chiang Mai
http://www.warthog.co.za/cmm/index.htm
Trips Thailand
http://www.tripsthailand.com/thailand_Major_Destinations_Chiang_Mai.php
Chiang Mai Guidebook
http://www.thailandguidebook.com/chiangmai.html
http://www.thailandguidebook.com/provinces/chiang_mai.html
CityLife Chiang Mai
http://www.chiangmainews.com/
Chiang Mai eGuide
http://www.chiangmaieguide.com/print/attraction_print.html
Amazing Thailand
http://www.amazing-thailand.com/Cmai.html
ChiangMai - ChiangRai
http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com/
Destination Chiang Mai
http://www.destination-chiang-mai.com/index.html
One Stop Chiang Mai
http://www.1stopchiangmai.com/
Thailand GuestHouse Finder
http://www.thaiguesthousefinder.com/
Chiang Mai Thai House
http://www.chiangmaithaihouse.com/accom/accom.php
Nan
http://www.nan-thailand.info/
Chiang Rai
http://www.chiang-rai.biz/
http://www.chiangraiprovince.com/
Doi Mae Salong
http://www.doi-mae-salong.com/
Fang
http://www.fang-thailand.info/
Mae Chaem
http://www.mae-chaem.com/
Chom Thong & Doi Inthanon National Park
http://www.chiangmai1.com/chiang_mai/doi_inthanon.shtml
All About Pai
http://allaboutpai.com/
Soppong
http://www.soppong-thailand.info/
Mae Hong Son Info
http://www.maehongson.info/
Travel Mae Hong Son
http://www.travelmaehongson.org/activities7.html
Thailand QA Forum
http://www.thailandqa.com/
Thai Visa Forum
http://www.thaivisa.com
Photography Thailand Forum
http://www.photographythailand.com/Forum/
Pop bike & car rental
www.popcarrentalchiangmai.com
Mr Mechanic MotorBike Rental
http://www.mr-mechanic1994.com/
Lux Hotel Chiangmai
www.luxhotelchiangmai.com
Ban Wiang Guesthouse (Chiangmai)
www.banwiang-guesthouse.com
Grand Amazon Hotel (Nan)
North_hotel@hotmail.com
Yeesun Guesthouse (Mae Sai)
www.yeesunguesthouse.com
Bell Garden Hotel (Pai)
www.paibellgarden.com
TRIP REPORTS & BLOGS
Thailand Travel Blogs
http://www.thaitravelblogs.com/chiang-mai/index.php
Chiang Mai Festivals
http://www.chiangmai-rada.blogspot.com/
Ron Emmons 'Doing the Loop'
http://ronemmons.com/travel/thailand/
MAPS
http://www.chiangmai1.com/chiang_mai/map_of_chiang_mai.htm
http://www.thailandguidebook.com/map/index.htm
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