Pai To Chiang Rai The Scenic Way Day 3

Well after a belly full of curry in Pai and a few Snowy beer's to wash it down, it was an early start to try and avoid the maniacs on the 1095.

Day 3

Total 293km.

The 1095 was abandoned so stopped at the friendship bridge and had a quick blast across.

146 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

147 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

The original plan was to detour when possible, the 1095 was tempting but done it to death.

148 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Reaching the turn at the NP checkpoint located at N19.27819° E98.60348° this trail has had issues in the past where the banned riders coming through, this time no questions asked.

223 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

149 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

The sign indicates a campsite at 65km, but I've never been able to find it.

150 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Up to the viewpoint, the road is well paved and no problems.

153 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Some minor road improvements before the point.

156 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

The viewpoint is well manicured as you would expect.

157 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

158 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

From here the road begins to deteriorate, concrete strips to begin with.

164 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Then turns to dirt as you reach the first village of Ban Nam Dang.

169 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Bad picture but never seen this before the sticks had bird feathers in them, presumably a Lisu thing to ward off evil spirits from the village.

170 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Leaving the village its all roughly graded dirt with some terrific views.

171 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

172 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Traffic jam ahead.

174 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Traffic mounting up, so we rode the trail tot he left to a fantastic viewpoint and camping area with a good water supply.

176 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Panoramic views from the top. Located at N19.32133° E98.64246°

177 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

178 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Definitely on my list of camping areas this dry season.

179 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

The views kept getting better and better with clear skies after the rains.

180 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

181 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Getting a little more washed out as we descended into the valley.

182 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

The first of three small stream crossings ahead.

184 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Going for the big splash.

185 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

This was a little deeper than it looked.

186 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Cracking trail now, great views, no traffic excellent.

187 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

188 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

The last stream crossing coming up had some rather large rocks as somebody would find out later.

Located at N19.35987° E98.67702°

191 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

You did have an option to cross this cute bridge but wheres the fun in that.

192 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

193 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

I crossed and waited for Des to follow, sadly he decided on a different line and the large white rock you see was his nemesis.

196 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

197 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Boom, down like a sack of spud's, of course, I was blamed afterwards, but it did cool him off.

198 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Again I am thinking Lisu make this shelter.

201 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Crossing the Mae Taeng river to the village of Ban Muang Khong.

203 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

The village is beautiful with a very nice Wat and fuel available.

204 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

205 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Cosy riverside home.

208 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Onto the 3232 now and fully paved all the way.

209 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

210 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

Some stunning views of Chiang Dao range.

212 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

213 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

A multitude of spirit house's as we neared Chiang Dao cave.

215 by Bob Kelly, on Flickr

From there we hit the 1150 and home,  but not before stopping for a nice cool drink, a very enjoyable three days riding and views to die for and we stayed dry .