Tuesday 3 December 2013

Thailand Chiang Rai to Doi Ang Khang Paved





Fantastic two day ride up from Chiang Rai heading up th 109 and then up a very chilly Doi Ang Khan and looping back along the 1178 and back via Wiang Haeng. Best put this on your to do list if you enjoy fast roads and stunning scenery in one of the most Northerly parts of Thailand.

The route:


The ride up Doi Ang Khang was cold and foggy and it was not until we dropped down towards Chiang Dao did we get our first views of the day.


Spectacular views and riding in this area.


Looks like this little guy has already had enough candy


We soon hit the 1178 and i was worried how the CRF-M would cope with the dirt section further along.


The 1178 is a truly great road although you need to keep your eyes open for the many potholes as you climb higher, but you will be rewarded with great views.



The strong Chinese influences can bee seen in many villages along the 1178





Around 20Km from the end of the 1178 the paved surface finishes but it's been graded now and can be easily navigated with a Versys or CB 500





Nice stupa at the end of the 1178


The Beautiful Wat Huai Khrai


Since we reached the 1178 - 1322 junction in record time we decided to ride up to the border and check out border crossing point, interesting area and a number of GH and resorts now appearing in the area.




Fortified Myanmar army point at Lak Taeng with ferocious bamboo fencing which is not likely to stop an invasion any time soon.




Tomb of Zao Kornzurng


Wat Fa Wiang





Large Chinese cemetery on the 1322


The Cowboy Resort in Wiang Haeng, great place for tired bones to rest for the night, amazing value 200 baht a night






2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice one; gotta be some of the best riding in northern Thailand.
'Cowboy Resort'. Thanks for the tip Bob (if it's still there).

Bob Kelly said...

Sadly the Cowboy Resort is long gone, Wiang Haeng appears to have gone to sleep these days, but if you head closer to Piang Luang your will find several news GH's and restaurants there

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