The
route crosses to Tak and the mountains that bound
the western flank of the River Ping Valley. Visit
national parks and hill tribe villages on the way
to Mae Sot, a town grown rich on border trade.
From Sukhothai Historical Park, H12 is a fast drive
to Tak. You may turn left onto H104 or drive straight
to the river. Turn left (south) immediately before
the bridge across the river to see the town and go
to the Chid Chon Restaurant.
Turn
west onto H105. The drive offers side trips to parks
and hill tribe villages, as well as the opportunity
for fresh coffee at the hill tribe products market
at KM.29. A shrine at KM.70 honours Chao Pho Phawo,
who died defending the spot against a Burmese army
in the late 18th century.
Mae
Sot is a busy trading town best known for its morning
market. You may purchase gems, semi-precious stones
and other products from Myanmar, perhaps at prices
that are good.
Special
Side Tour to Umphang
(164
kms one way. 4WD)
H1090
is the only way in to the small district town of Umphang,
which is bounded by the Burmese border and by mountainous
and protected reserves.
H1206 (KM.31 west turn) goes to Pop Phra District, the large
Karen refugee camp at Ban Mo Koe, and the border crossing
at Ban Wa Le.
The
Kulap Doi (Mountain Rose) Restaurant (07:00 - 21:00
Tel: 055 520349) and Phacharoen falls (700 m. west)
are both near KM.36 and provide an opportunity for
a break.
The last gas stations before Umphang are around KM.44, after
which point the road narrows and the surface deteriorates.
The rest of the journey follows a spectacular route
along precipitous slopes, high ridges and across deep
ravines. Sharp corners, steep grades, pitted and broken
road surfaces (depending on the state of upkeep) make
travel slow. Allow at least five hours for the journey.
You
can find combination rafting, elephant and trekking
tours through magnificent scenery to waterfalls and
Karen villages along the Umphang River.
DAY
3: SIDE TRIPS
ST4
Bhumiphol Dam
(61
kms)
To
reach the world's eighth largest concrete arch dam
turn north on H1 and then west at KM.462 to Sam Ngao.
Follow the signs from Tak to Ban Tak and Sam Ngao
for an alternative rural route on the west bank of
the Ping.
ST6
Lan Sang National Park
(3
kms)
The
park contains a small waterfall popular with the people
of Tak.
ST6
Lisu, Hmong and Lahu Villages
(5
kms)
A
right (south) turn on a sealed concrete road just
before KM.26 leads through a Lisu and a Hmong village
to a Hill Tribe Development Centre. Drive through
the centre to reach a Lahu village. Other villages
of the Lahu Shehleh sub-group may be reached by taking
a north turn (5 kms. 4WD) along a dirt road near KM.27.
ST7
Taksin Maharat National Park
(3
kms. 4WD after 2kms)
The
park is famous for a huge specimen of anisoptera,
a species of dipterocarp. You have to sign in before
entering the park. To reack the tree you walk 400m
down a very steep track to the bottom of a ravine.
Birdcalls, primary forest and cool temperatures in
the evergreen lower down compensate for the stiff
climb back up. Allow one hour for the walk.
ST8
The Moei River Frontier Crossing
(5
kms)
Drive
to the end of the H105 at the bridge aacross the Moei
into Myanmar. Tourists may walk across for a day visit
(until 17:30) and will need US$ 10. You will get a
new visa upon returning to Thailand. The Grapow Pla
restaurant on the north side of the bridge ramp is
good.
Overview
Corporate
Housing
