This
day's drive goes to the old Chinese Kuomintang (KMT)
stronghold of Doi Mae Salong, the former HQ of opium
warlord Khun Sa at Ban Thoed Thai, the gardens of
the Royal Palace at Mae Fah Luang and the high route
across Doi Tung overlooking the Shan State of Myanmar.
The drive continues to Mae Sai, where you may cross
over into Takhilek in Myanmar before going on to Ban
Sop Ruak at the Golden Triangle, the day's destination.
Main (lowland) routes offer faster, but less spectacular,
access to Mae Sai and the Golden Triangle.
From
Thaton H1089 begins to climb, passing Yunnanese Chinese
villages to a pass. Continue on H1089 for a fast lowland
route to Mae Chan and Mae Sai (a good choice for those
wishing to cross the border into Myanmar at Takhilek
- see ST9. ).
Doi
Mae Salong - Doi Thung - Mae Sai (Approx. 65 kms.)
H1234
goes to Doi Mae Salong (officially named Ban Santikhiri),
which became the home of Chinese Kuomintang forces
who fled China in 1949 and were expelled from Burma
in the 60's. For a time the KMT served Thailand's
purposes as independent anti-communist forces safeguarding
northern borders; but with the decline of the communist
threat in the 80's, the opium financed independence
of the KMT had outlived its usefulness to the Thai
government.
The
recommended route follows narrow sealed roads built
by the military for border security. From Key Point
6 the road goes to 'little Yunnan' around Ban Thoed
Thai (formerly Hin Taek), the former HQ of warlord
Khun Sa and the Shan United Army. From there a new
sealed road leads to a ridge line route to Doi Tung.
You may double back to visit the gardens at Mae Fah
Luang or continue to visit Wat Doi Tung and the spectacular
route that descends along the border ridge to Mae
Sai.
Mae
Sai - The Golden Triangle (30 kms.)
Mae
Sai is where divided highway 110 seems to come to
a dead end at the bridge into Myanmar. There is little
else of interest apart from a sizeable number of souvenir
stalls (more are found in Takhilek ).
DAY
2: SIDE TRIPS
ST8
From Thoed Thai to Huai Mae Kham
(30
kms - sealed for 15 kms to Ban Na To)
The
road eventually reaches the border. Hill tribe villages
in the area include Akha, Lahu, Lisu and Hmong. The
Lalichi waterfall and sunflower fields in November
are among the attractions.
ST9
Mae Fah Luang Gardens and Wat Doi Tung
(Gardens:
08:00 - 18:00 20 Bt)
The
ornamental gardens (H1149) are part of the royal palace
that was the retreat of the late Princess Mother.
Wat Doi Tung is one of three sites on this tour (the
others are Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong in Chiang Rai
and Wat Phrathat Chomkitti in Chiang Saen) which chronicles
said were built to enshrine Buddha relics in the 10th
century.
ST10
Takhilek in Myanmar (on foot)
Foreigners
may cross into Myanmar at Mae Sai for single day visits
only (08:00 till 17:00), but are not allowed further
than 5 kms into the Shan State from the bridge. Photocopy
your passport and leave the original at the Thai checkpoint.
No visa required. Burmese fee 5 US$ per person.
Overview
Corporate
Housing
