The
main road crosses the high country populated by the
Karen and Lawa between the Salween and Ping watersheds
before entering the valley of the Mae Chaem River. Routes
upstream and downstream along the Mae Chaem Valley offer
different approaches to the highest mountain in Thailand,
Doi Inthanon.
After the climb away from the Yuam River Valley, the
route crosses cleared uplands in a series of passes
beween small valleys. Side roads lead to Karen and
Thai villages in the plateau country.
The
road descends from the pine forests of the Bo Luang
plateau, 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 Hod 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. In Chom
Thong itself, Wat Phrathat Sri Chom Thong is an important
pilgramage site for Thai Buddhists.
From
Chom Thong you may visit Doi Inthanon (KM.60 left
turn [west] on H1009 for one kilometre and then left
turn [south] again).
From
Chong Thong, H108 is a fast route back to Chiang Mai
and the Budget Office.
Alternative
Route to Mae Chaem and Doi Inthanon
Turn left (north) at KM.22 onto H1088 to Mae Chaem (45
kms). The road passes the Thephanom hot springs after
9 kms. Beware of trucks carrying lignite using the
same road. Mae Chaem is a small rural district town
famous for weaving. Surrounding villages are traditional
and have some lovely old temples, and the nearby hills
are populated by the Hmong and Karen.
H1192
is a narrow road with many sharp curves up Doi Inthanon,
joining H1009 after 22 kms. Turn left (north) onto
H1009 to reach the royal chedis at KM.40 before going
to the visitor centre and nature trail at the summit.
The
journey down to Chom Thong (47 kms from the summit)
passes the park headquarters and three major waterfalls.
On H108 a 2 kms detour south along H108 to Wat Phrathat
Sri Chom Thong is worthwhile before returning to Chiang
Mai.
DAY
5: SIDE TRIPS
ST11
Ban Sam
(H108
KM.56. Left turn [north] after bridge. 46 kms 4hrs)
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
