The
fast road to Hot climbs across the high ridges, which
are settled by the Karen and the Lawa, separating
the River Ping and Salween Watersheds. An alternative
route (63 kilometres longer) by way of Mae Chaem passes
over Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain, rejoining
H108 at Chom Thong.
The
climb out of the Mae Nam Yuam valley ends at around
KM.84 and the Karen village of Ban Mae Ho. For the
next 48 kms. the road crosses cleared uplands in a
series of passes between small valleys. Side roads
lead to Karen and Thai villages in the plateau country.
The
road begins the descent from the pine forests of the
Bo Luang plateau at KM.37, reaching the turn off for
the alternative route to Mae Chaem on H1088 at KM.22.
Go to Ob Luang gorge at KM.17 on H108 for short walks
in the National Park on a picturesque part of the
Mae Chaem river. H108 continues to Hot and Chom Thong.
The village of Nong Ap Chang (Pa Saeng Da Textile
Museum KM.69 right turn [east]. 500m.) is famous for
local weaving.
Chom
Thong
At
Chom Thong a visit to Wat Phrathat Sri Chom Thong
is a must to see one of Northern Thailand's most famous
pilgrimage sites. From Chom Thong you may visit Doi
Inthanon (KM.60 left turn [west] on H1009. 47 kms.)
as well as to the Mae Ya Falls (KM. 60 left turn [west]
on H1009 for one kilometre and then left turn [south]
again).
Alternative
Route to Mae Chaem & Doi Inthanon
Watch
out for lignite trucks on H1088 (left turn [north]
at KM.22. 45 kms.) to Mae Chaem. The road passes the
Thephanom Hot Springs (9 kms.).
Mae
Chaem is a small rural district town which is famous
for weaving of cotton cloth. Villages are traditional
and have some lovely old temples. Drives out of town
into the surrounding hills go to Hmong and Karen villages.
H1192 up Doi Inthanon joins H1009 after 22 kms. of
some of the most severe switch backs in the north
- don't get distracted by the scenery! H1009 to the
visitor centre at the summit (9 kms.) passes the Royal
Chedis at KM.40.
The
journey down to Chom Thong (47 kms.) passes the national
park headquarters and three major waterfalls. On H108
a 2 kms. detour south along H108 to Wat Phrathat Sri
Chom Thong (Key Point 19) is worthwhile before returning
to Chiang Mai.
DAY
4: SIDE TRIPS
ST11
Ban Sam
(H108
KM.56 Left turn [north] after bridge. 46 kms. 4 hrs.)
This
road follows high ground to the new Mae Tho National
Park and the Hmong village of Lao Lee (KM.16). From
Lao Lee the road descends passing Karen villages (At
Ban Mae Ap walk 1.5 kms to a waterfall at KM.24) in
beautiful mountain scenery, eventually reaching the
Lawa village of Ban Sam.
Overview
Corporate
Housing
