Chiang
Saen
The
peaceful town of Chiang Saen, an old walled city that
served as the capital of King Saen Phu of the Lanna
dynasty founded by King Mangrai, lies 8 kms. south
of Ban Sop Ruak. It contains the remains of several
temples, the best of which are Wat Chedi Luang and
Wat Pasak, as well as a National Museum (Wed-Sun 09:00-16:00).
King Mangrai came from Chiang Ngeun, the town of his
birth, which is thought to have existed nearby and
was the capital of a kingdom called Yonok that preceded
the founding of Chiang Mai.
From Chiang Saen you may choose to visit Chiang Rai and
return to Chiang Mai, or continue on H1129 on the
longer but more interesting journey via Chiang Khong
to Doi Pha Tang and Phayao. Places to stay are found
along both routes, offering the chance to extend your
journey if you wish. Accommodation on the longer route,
however, is comfortable but not luxurious.
Chiang
Saen - Chiang Khong (53 kms.)
H1129
runs south, passing Wat Phra That Pha Ngao (4 kms
south of Chiang Saen).
The road follows the Mekhong and then climbs, passing
Hmong villages before dropping down to Chiang Khong.
An alternative route follows the Mekhong, passing
through a Thai Leu village (Had Bai) and Lahu villages.
Chiang Khong's history
goes back to at least the 8th century due to its location
on an ancient riverine trade route, but the sole ancient
remains are some earthworks. Nevertheless the small
town, which serves as international border crossing
point to the Laotian provincial capital (Huai Xai)
of Bo Keo province, retains considerable charm. Wat
Phra Kaew and Wat Luang are old temples, and a small
museum is located in the district office. The town
is famous for the pla buk festival in May, when giant
catfish are hunted from Ban Hat Khrai. Local agents
can provide guides for trips in the area and sponsor
visas for Laos.
CHIANG
SAEN - CHIANG MAI
via Chiang Rai (Alternative Route - 245 kms.)
From
Chiang Saen the fastest route to Chiang Rai is via
Mae Chan. A quieter rural route follows H1271 and
H1173 (see ST11).
Chiang
Rai
The
main sights are the temples of Wat Phra Kaew, Wat
Klang Wiang and Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong. The Oub
Kham Museum (81/1 Nakai Rd. 10:00-21:00 daily. Tel
(053) 713349. Donations) is a small private museum
that contains interesting memorabilia (no written
English explanation) from noble families in the north.
Chiang Rai boasts an active nightlife (try the Inn
Come complex), and local people recommend the Salung
Kham Restaurant.
(N.B.
Visit the DK bookstore in Chiang Rai to obtain a copy
of Hongsombud's Guide Map of Chiang Rai, which has
excellent information on the dirt roads throughout
Chiang Rai province)
Chiang
Rai - Mae Khachan
From
Chiang Rai H1211 south from Key Point 11 offers a
less busy route at the start of the trip back to Chiang
Mai.
H118 passes through paddy scenery in the Mae Lao valley
before climbing to a pass at KM.53. At Key Point 18
the longer route from Phayao rejoins H118 - see Mae
Khachan - Chiang Mai below.
DAY
3: SIDE TRIPS (Chiang Rai - Mae Khachan)
ST10
Pong Nam Ron By Boat
Travel
by boat to hill tribe villages, an elephant camp,
a cave and the Pong Nam Ron hot springs upstream on
the River Kok. The boat landing is on the far side
of the bridge carrying H1207 over the river (250-1200
Baht. 07:00-15:00).
ST11
Golf
Two
golf courses near Chiang Rai off lovely uncrowded
(during the week) faiways to non-members (players
may hire caddies & clubs but will need to supply
their own shoes). Weekend (peaks) green fees are less
than US$ 50.
ST12
Khun Korn Falls
At
KM.14 H1208 goes west for 12 kms. to the Khun Korn
Falls, which are one kilometre up a path through a
verdant gully. Lunch at the Season Nam Korn Restaurant
(10:00-22:00) 2 kms. from the intersection with H1211.
ST13
Wawi
Ban
Pha Daeng & Wawi. From KM.26 the road to Wawi
is sealed to the Karen-Lahu village of Ban Pha Daeng.
Apart from a few kilometres of asphalt near Wawi,
the road is a graded dirt road with occasional muddy
ruts. Roads into the hills lead to Akha, Lisu and
Lahu villages while the area around Wawi is famous
for tea grown by Yunnanese Chinese (ex KMT).
Overview
Corporate
Housing
