Chiang Mai Sukhothai Loop - Budget PRAP SOEM NGAM KO KHA CHOM TONG HOD SAN KAMPHAENG MAE ON CHAE HOM...
Transcript of Chiang Mai Sukhothai Loop - Budget PRAP SOEM NGAM KO KHA CHOM TONG HOD SAN KAMPHAENG MAE ON CHAE HOM...
Budget WorldClass DrivesChiang Mai-Sukhothai Loop
a m a z i n gT H A I L A N D
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1 9 9 9SELF DRIVE VACATIONSTourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
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NORTHERN THAILAND : CHIANG MAI - SUKHOTHAI AND BURMESE BORDERLANDS
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Thai ElephantConservation
Centre
Wat PhrathatLampang Luang
Thung KwianMarket
WANG CHIN
MAETHA
Wiang KosaiNational Park
To Chiang Rai
ToNan
To Wang NuaTo Chiang RaiTo Fang
LAMPHUN
LAMPANG
PHRAE
UTTARADIT
SUKHOTHAI
TAK
KAMPHAENG PHET
BanMae Sam Laep
Mae Salit
Doi Inthanon
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CHIANG MAI
To Mae Hong Son
SARAPHI
SAN PA TONG
HANG DONG
MAE THA
BAN HONG
PA SANG
MAE LA NOI
MAE CHAEM
MAE SARIANG
KHUN YUAM
DOI TAO
LI
THUNGHUA
CHANG
THOEN
MAEPHRIK
SOPPRAP
SOEMNGAM
KO KHA
CHOM TONG
HOD
SAN KAMPHAENGMAE ON
CHAE HOM
HANG CHAT
SUNGMEN
DEN CHAI
LONG
OMKOI
Mae NgaoNational Park
SOP MOEI
Ban Mae Ramoeng
Ban Ton Phung
km.190
km.114
km.219
Mae Ngao National Park
SAM NGAO
Ban Tak
BanLahu
TilosuFalls
Ban MaeLamaoBan Huai
Kalok
Phrathat Ton Kaew
Phrathat Hin Kiu
MiyawadiMoei
Bridge
HilltribeDevelopment
Centre
Bhumipol Dam
MAE RAMAT
Lan SangNational Park
TaksinNational Park
PHRAN KRATAI
To Phichit
KHIRIMAT
Historical Park
To Nakhon Sawan& BANGKOK
BanKaoBAN
DAN LANHOI
SukhothaiHistorical
Park
HistoricalParkTHUNG
SALIAM
Airport
SI SATCHANALAI
SAWANKHALOK
LAP LAE
SI SAMRONGM Y A N M A R( B U R M A )
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HUAI KAEW RD.
SUTHEP RD.
Airport
OM MUANGRD.
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IVER
Train Station
CHIANG MAI CITY
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Car and Truck Rental
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THA SONGYANG
MAE SOT
POP PHRA
UMPHANG
ToPhitsa-nuloke
0 10 20 kms.
Ban ThaSong Yang
100Kilometre Stone
Temple
Park
Water Fall
Hot Springs.
Hotel/Resort/Guest House
Hospital
Gas Station
Restaurant
0
Main Road
Minor Road
Unsealed Road
Suggested Routes
River
Province
District
Key Point.
Distance Between Key Points (kms.)12
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Budget: Thailand
SYMBOL LIST
Budget WorldClass DrivesCHIANG MAI - SUKHOTHAI LOOP
TOUR PROGRAM
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Welcome to your exclusive Budget World Class Drive.
CHIANG MAI –SUKHOTHAI LOOP
The finest old wooden temples, World Heritage historical parks, untamed jungle,rugged mountainous scenery and hill-tribes in the remote reaches of north-westernThailand await you on this tour.
his Worldclass Drive takes yousouth to the city of Lampang
before going on to the historical birth-place of the Thai Kingdom atSukhothai. From there the full tour goeswest to the border town of Mae Sot, acolourful ethnic crossroads.
A special tour goes south to theboundary of Thailand’s last remainingextensive reserve of primary forest.There the remote district town of Um-phang is the base for eco-adventureinto the jungle for two days or more.
From Mae Sot the return routefollows the Thai-Myanmar bordernorth-west along the Moei Riverthrough country populated by theKaren. Striking karst scenery is fol-lowed by a pass through mountainouscountry to the Yuam River Valley andMae Sariang. Turning north-east, theroute crosses a major watershedbefore entering the valley of the RiverPing and passing the highest moun-tain in Thailand en route back toChiang Mai.
The full tour programme takes fivedays, but this can be shortened byreturning to Chiang Mai directly fromSukhothai on alternative routes. Thistour also offers scenic and culturalalternatives to the northern section ofthe busy main highway betweenChiang Mai and Bangkok.
ACCOMMODATION
The raw distance for each day’sdrive is fairly short, allowing time forstops along the way as well as for side-trips. Destinations for each night, there-
T fore, are flexible. The listings here onlyinclude the best places to stay alongthe routes. The main towns usuallyhave local hotels (see maps) forcommercial travellers, some of whichhave more expensive rooms or suites.The rooms in many of these hotels areoften satisfactory, though basic. Fullprice indications for accommodationare listed as follows:
(1500-3000 Baht)(500-1500 Baht)
(500 Baht or less)
Major credit cards are accepted bythe up-market hotels and restaurants,but otherwise you will needcash for the small, remoteplaces along the route.
WHEN TO GO
The peak season runsfrom mid-November till afterthe Chinese New Year (at theend of the first lunar monthof the calendar year) andrises again for the Songkranfestival (Thai New Year) inmid-April. Advance bookingis necessary for peak periods.
Warm clothing is neededfor cold temperatures inupland areas, especiallybetween November andMarch. The rainy season(July-September) offers tur-bulent skies and clearervisibility over the ruggedlandscape, not to forget lowseason discounts of 50% ormore on accommodation.
MAPS, KEY POINTSAND INFORMATION
The maps in this booklet have beenspecially researched and prepared forthis tour. Key Points along the routeindicate important road junctions. Auseful addition as a general map ofNorthern Thailand, however, is the“Thailand North” map published byBerndtson & Berndtson. Visitors willalso find invaluable a good guide bookproviding cultural background andmore comprehensive information.
DAY 1
Chiang Mai - Lampang99 kms.
DAY 2
Lampang - Sukhothai205 kms.
DAY 3
Sukhothai - Mae Sot166 kms.
DAY 4
Mae Sot - Mae Sariang232 kms.
DAY 5
Mae Sariang - Chiang Mai190 kms.
106
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Thai ElephantConservation
Centre
Wat PhrathatLampang Luang
Thung KwianMarket
MAE THA
To Wang Nua
LAMPHUN
LAMPANG
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CHIANG MAI
SARAPHIHANG DONG
MAE THA
PA SANG
KO KHA
SANKAMPHAENG MAE ON
CHAE HOM
TH
AR
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R
HANG CHAT
CHIANG MAI to LAMPANG
REVI
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N IP
0 10 20 kms.
To Chiang Rai
To Thoen & Tak To Den Chai & Phrae
To Chiang Rai
To Thung Hua Chang
WA
NG
RI V
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24 hr.
24 hr.
24 hr.
LampangRiver Lodge
Khun TanNational Park
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DAY 1 : CHIANG MAI -LAMPANG 99 kms.
1 KEY POINT ONE
H11 to Lampang and Om MuangRd.
KEY POINT TWO
H 11 (KM.20) & H1034 to Ko Kha
KEY POINT THREE
H1 to Chiang Rai & H11 to ChiangMai
11 is a fast divided highway andthe main trunk route to the south.
If you are on the slower itinerary
The Thai Elephant Conservation Centre and Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, thefinest example of a Northern Thai temple, are highlights in a day’s drive that goessouth to Lampang, a historical city on the banks of the Wang River.
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outlined in this guide, you will still haveto start early in order to visit Lamphun(alternative route) as well as catch the11:00 show at the Thai Elephant Con-servation Centre (ST.1). Many templescan be visited on this tour, however,and you may find it better to leave avisit to Lamphun for your return. Turnleft off Highway 1 to enter LampangCity (see city map).
Lampang was formerly known asKhelang and has been in existencesince before the 14th century. Theruling house of this city fought forindependence from the Burmese in the18th century and established an
autonomous northern vassal statecentred on Chiang Mai, which wasfinally incorporated into the Kingdomof Siam in the late 19th century.
The old wooden trading buildingsalong the river front have been well-preserved in the Talat Kao area on thesouth banks. The commercial southpart of the town can be seen in a tourby horse and cart starting from in frontof the provincial office.
On the northern banks remnantsof the old city walls enclose spaciouscompounds and temples. A large teakhouse built in 1885 called Ban Sao Nakis open to the public (10:00-17:00), andBurmese style buildings are found atboth Wat Phra Kaew Ton Taew andWat Pongsanuk Tai. Wat Chum Si andWat Si Rong Muang south of the riverare also Shan-Burmese in style.
For dining in the evening the riverfront offers several good restaurantsand pubs; recommended is the HuanChom Wang (17:00-22:30).
Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang
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ACCOMMODATION
Lampang Wiengthong Hotel. 138/109 Phaholyothin Rd. T Suan Dok,Lampang 52100 Tel: (054) 225801-2,Fax: (66 54) 225803. A modernupmarket hotel.
Lampang River Lodge. H1 KM.591opposite Susco Gas Station. Tel: (054)226922. Bangkok Res. Fax: (66 2) 2560248.
DAY 1: SIDE TRIPS★ THE ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CEN-TRE — ST 1
(H11. KM.29. [1 km.]) This centre is an attemptto counter the threat to the Asian Elephant inThailand and includes an elephant hospital. Amodest entrance fee is charged for shows (10 &11 a.m. everyday; 1.30 p.m. weekends only) andrides are offered.
★ WAT PHRATHAT LAMPANG LUANG VIAKO KHA — ST 2
(KM.20 [27 kms.]) Turn left (south) on H1034to Ko Kha and Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang (12kms.) Lovely old buildings are found within thefortified compound of what is considered thefinest wooden temple in the region. A pamphletavailable from the Phra Kaew Museum (08:00-17:00) in the temple compound to the south ofthe walls gives details and recounts the legendof the origin of the temple. Return by going on to Ko Kha (4 kms.) and thenturning left (east) across the river and continuing straight to Lampang.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE VIA LAMPHUNWat Phrathat Haripunchai and Wat Chamadevi,
Lamphun. (32 kms.) You may begin the day bytaking the pleasant, but slow, tree-lined highway(H)106 through Saraphi to Lamphun (26 kms.). Thecity is said to have had its origin as a Mon settlementin the 10th century. Wat Phrathat Haripunchai andWat Chamadevi temples are amongst the majortemples of interest in the north.
Thai Elephant Conservation Centre
Wat Phrathat Haripunchai
Relaxing riverside resort.Pin Hotel. 8 Suandok Rd, Lampang
52100 Tel: (054) 221509, 322283-4.Small modern hotel with central loca-tion.
Tipchang Hotel. 54/22 Takroa NoiRd, Sobtui, Lampang 52000. Tel: (054)226 501-6. Fax: (66 54) 225362.Thai style mid-range hotel near nightentertainment area.
LAMPANG
1093
11
1
11
1035
ToChiang
Mai
To Chae Hom
SusarnTrilak
Wat Phra Kaew Ton Tao
WatSi
Chum
WatPongsanuk
TaiWat
Si RongMuang
To Ngao &Chiang Rai
To Den Chai& Phrae
To Mae Tha
To Ko Kha (ST.2)
To Hang Chat
WA
NG
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ProvincialHall
Ban Sao Nak
Asawin Night Market
Oldwall
s &moa
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HOTEL & RESTAURANT1.Ban Nam Chim Restaurant2.East Side Pub3.Huan Chom Wang Restaurant4.Kim Hotel5.Lampang Wiengthong Hotel6.Riverside Pub & Restaurant7.Thip Chang Hotel
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0 1 2 kms.
Wat Phra Yeun
SportsStadium
Wat Chamadevi
Wat Mahawan
HaripunchaiNational Museum INTHAYONGYOT RD.
WANG SHINE RD
CHAROENRAT RD.
Sriphan Noodles(09:00-15:00)
ToChiang
Mai
Ku Chang
Train Station
Bus Station
Wooden House
Dao Khanong
Wat Phrathat Haripunchai
QueenChamadevi Monument
& To Rung Market
5000 m.
KU
AN
GR
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R
106
114
1015
LAMPHUN
106
To Sanpatong
To Lampang
To Pasang
Khum Ton KaewThai Vegetarian
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WANG CHIN
MAETHA
Wiang KosaiNational Park
LAMPANG
SUKHOTHAI
SOPPRAP
KO KHA
HANG CHAT
BanKao
BANDAN LAN
HOI SukhothaiHistorical
Park
SiSatchanalaiHistorical
Park
THUNGSALIAM
Airport
SI SATCHANALAI
SAWANKHALOK
SISAM
RONG
LAMPANG to SUKHOTHAI
WA
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RI V
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YO
MR
I V E R
0 10 20 kms.
To Chiang Rai
To Den Chai& Phrae
To Kamphaeng Phet
To Tak
SiSatchanalai
NationalPark
24 hr.
24 hr.
WatPhrathatLampang
Luang
24 hr.
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DAY 2 : LAMPANG -SUKHOTHAI 205 kms.
The route passes into the Yom River Valley and follows it to the northern reaches ofthe central plains. There the ancient cities of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai flour-ished prior to the rise of the great Siamese Kingdom of Ayutthaya.
Si Satchanalai Districttown is also known as HatSieo, which is famous for theweave of the people of LaoPhuan descent. Looms canbe seen beneath houses in thenearby villages, especially tothe north across the river. TheSathorn Gold Textile Museum(08:00-18:00) provides aninteresting opportunity toappreciate and buy some ofthe delicate work. Goodrestaurants for lunch areavailable in town.
Study the map of the SiSatchanalai-Sawankhalok andSukhothai areas to determineyour route and how far youwant to go for the day. Thefastest route to the SukhothaiHistorical Park is via little usedH1305 and H1113 (approx 52kms.). The turn off south-westonto H1305 is south of KM.2
on the road that followsthe west bank of the
Yom River, but it isunmarked (except
for a woodensign to Si Satcha-nalai NationalPark-the returnjourney to thepark waterfallsis 100 kms.). H101 is themain route fromwhich side tripsmay be made toSi Satchanalai
Historical Park(KM.18) and Sawan-
waranayok NationalMuseum (Sawankhalok),but it is more pleasant to
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KEY POINT FOUR
H1 to Chiang Rai & H11 to DenChai
KEY POINT FIVE
H11 to Den Chai & H1023 to WangChin
KEY POINT SIX
H101 KM 29/28 and the road acrossthe river in Amphoe Sri Satchanalai.
KEY POINT SEVEN
H1195 to Sukhothai and H1048to Thoen
KEY POINT EIGHT
H101 Si Satchanalai/KamphaengPhet & H12 Sukhothai/Tak
11 goes through secondary wood-lands and a pass to
the Wang Valley anddown to Key Point5, where you turnoff onto H1023for Wang Chin.The small dis-trict town hasone restauranton the riverbank as wellas some foodstalls on thesingle highstreet.
The route toSi Satchanalai fol-lows H1125 alongthe Yom River andthen takes H1177, join-ing H101 after 28 kms. Wat Chang Lom
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SI SATCHANALAIto SAWANKHALOK
Si SatchanalaiHistorical Park
SawanwaranayokNational Museum
SAWANKHALOK
SukhothaiCeramics
Centre Kiln 42
SI SATCHANALAI
Kiln 61
Airport(BangkokAirways)
To Uttaradit
To Si SatchanalaiNational Park
ToThung Saliam
& Thoen
To Ban Kao & Sukhothai Historical Park
To Sukhothai
To Den Chai &Wang Chin
102
1305
1113
1048
1201
101
1195
101
1056
1113
1294 1201
9 k ms.
The SukhothaiResort Hotel
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SISAM
RONG
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Km 28
Km 29
24 SathornMuseum
RoseRes.
UnchanRes.
7
6
0 5 kms.
take the less busy alternativeroute on the west bank of theYom River. This will enable youto visit the kiln sites (left side ofroad after approx. 8 kms.),which are extensions of theNational Museums (see below),and then drive on to the histori-cal park and southwards.
Si Satchanalai National Parkoccupies a peaceful site on thebanks of the Yom River, and thenearby Suwanthanas Resort isgood for a meal if not to staythe night. Several local goldsmiths are well-known for theirhand-wrought jewellery.
Si Satchanalai was a provin-cial centre of the Khmer empirein the 12th century, before
MONUMENTS AND MUSEUMSIN SUKHOTHAI PROVINCE
The museums (open Wed-Sun:09:00-1600), historical parks andnearby temples in Sukhothai Pro-vince charge admission fees. If youplant to visit most of these, you cansave by buying a ‘total ticket’, whichwill give you access to all sites in theprovince within 30 days.
There are separate charges forvehicles to enter the Historical Parks(Access to Si Satchanalai Historical
Park is on foot only after 17:00until the park is closed at 19:00. Adetailed map is available at theinformation centre. For a map ofSukhothai Historical Park, go to theadjacent National Museum)
The National Museums (atSawankhalok and Old Sukhothai)and the kiln site extensions containBuddha images, pottery, old photos,models as well as in-depth informa-tion about the sites.
becoming part of the Kingdom ofSukhothai that King Ramkhamhaengbuilt up at the end of the 13th century.Thai history books attribute to thiskingdom the foundation of the inde-pendent (from the northern Tai, Khmerand Mon) Siamese Tai kingdoms thatevolved into present day Thailand. Atthe height of its power the kingdomdirectly controlled the western half of
Sukhothai Historical Park
Kiln 61
SI SATCHANALAIHISTORICAL PARK
101
To Kiln Sites &Si Satchanalai
To Sawankhalok/Sukhothai
To Si Satchanalai
InformationCentre
footbridge
Wat Phra SiRattanamahathat
Chaliang
WatChangLom
KaengLuangRapids
SuwantharasWang Yom
Resort
Yom
Rive
r
0 500 m.
NEW SUKHOTHAI
ToKamphaeng
Phet
To Airport &Sawankhalok
To Si Samrong &Sawankhalok
To Phitsanuloke
To TakSukhothai
Historical Park& Pailyn Hotel
101
12
1195 101
12
8
NorthernPalace
(Wang Nua Hotel)
RatchathaniHotel
Nightmarket
area
Fuang Fah Res.(10:00-22:00)
Y O M R I V E R
0LD SUKHOTHAI(BAN KAO)
SukhothaiHistorical
Park
SukhothaiNationalMuseum
Wat TrapangThong Luang
Ban Kao
WatMahathat
WatSa Sri
Information (09:00-16:00)WatSri
Chum 1113
12
12
To Tak 12
1212
12
1113 To Si Satchanalai & Thung Saliam
To Sukhothai &Sawankhalok
BanKao
Pailyn HotelSukhothai
Cultural Centre-ThaiVillage House (Resort)
9
0 500 m.
R
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the upper Chao Phraya basin andenjoyed vassal tribute from as far asPegu in Burma, Luang Phabang in Laosand Nakhon Sri Thammarat in thesouth. After Ramkhamhaeng’s deathin 1298, Sukhothai rapidly declined,making way for the growth ofAyutthaya.
The provincial town of Sawan-khalok is smaller than (new) Sukhothaiand seems to have more charm. Both
have hotels, but Sukhothai has moreto offer at night.
ACCOMMODATION
(listed in order of location on therecommended tour route).
Suwanthanas (Wang Yom Resort).78/2 Mu 6 Si Satchanalai. Tel: (055)611179, 612277 ext. 279 Fax: (66 55)623448. Mobile: 01-3565627. Lovelygarden atmosphere and quiet bunga-lows on riverbanks. Adv. bookingrecommended.
Suphalai Place Hotel. 39 Mu 4,Sawankhalok, Sukhothai 64110. (055)641627 Fax: (66 55) 641772. Asmall but reasonable hotel 2 kms. southof the centre of Sawankhalok
The Sukhothai Resort Hotel, 99 Mu7 Tambol Samruan, Sisamrong District,Sukhothai. Tel: (055) 681698-9, 681700.Fax: (66 55) 681697. KM 19/20left turn by large seated Buddha northof Samrong District. Luxurious resorton the banks of the Yom River.
Northern Palace Hotel (Wang Nua).43 Singhawat Rd, Sukhothai 64000. Tel:(055) 611193-4 Fax: (66 55) 612038.
Thai style hotel in the middle ofthe new town of Sukhothai.
Pailyn Hotel. 10/2 Charodwithi-thong Rd (H12), Sukhothai 64210.
QUICK RETURN ROUTES TOCHIANG MAI.
Sukhothai - Chiang Mai viaThung Saliam, Thoen, Li andChom Thong. 326 Kms.
Take H1113 from SukhothaiHistorical Park approx. 29 kmsfrom Key Point 9 and turn left(west) onto H1048 and head forThoen (82 kms) via Thung Saliam(20 kms). Though sign posts are inThai only, the road numbers areclearly marked.
From Thoen you may proceedalong H1 to Key Point 3 and thefastest route to Chiang Mai (totaldistance 186 kms), or you may takethe less busy route H106 via Li.This will allow you to return eithervia Lamphun, visiting Wat BangPang at KM.86 on the way (215kms — see alternative route onDay 1), or via Doi Tao using H1103to Key Point 17 in Hod, rejoiningthe full tour (257 kms. see Day 5).
The first (approx.) 30 kms. ofH106 to Li has many bends and isa conduit for slow, heavy truckscarrying lignite. Once past thelignite mine, the route becomeseasy.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTESOUTH TO BANGKOK VIAKAMPHAENG PHET
From Key Point 8 it is just over80 kms. on H101 to a third historicalpark at Kamphaeng Phet. The townowed its importance to its locationon trading routes following theRiver Ping on the frontier of theKingdom of Sukhothai betweenAyutthaya and Lanna.
The town makes a conve-nient overnight stop on atwo-day drive to Bangkok.Modern hotels in the down-town area include:
Phet Hotel. 189 Bamrung-rat Rd., Kamphaeng Phet62000. Tel: (055) 712810-5Fax: (66 55) 712816.
Chakungrao Hotel. 123/1 Tedsa Rd. KamphaengPetch 62000. Tel: (055) 711315,711325-6.
Sukh
oth
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Da
wn
DAY 2:SIDE TRIP★ WIANG KOSAI NATIONALPARK. — ST 3
(H1023. KM.74. north turn 3kms.) The park centres on therelatively small Mae Koeng LuangFalls. A walkway leads up (approx.300m) to the seventh level of thecascades.
Wat Phra Si Iriyabot
Tel: (055) 613310-5 Fax: (66 55) 613317. The best hotel close to the Histo-
rical Park in Sukhothai.
SAWANKHALOK
101
1201
1048
1195
101To
ThungSaliam
andThoen
To Si SatchanalaiHistorical Park To Si Satchanalai
Historical Park
ToSi
Nakhon
SawanwaranayokNational Museum
To SukhothaiSuphalai
Place
Muang Inn
Footbridge
To Airport &Sukhothai
YO
MR
IVE
R
7
KAMPHAENG PHET
101
101
115
To Tak
To Sukhothai
To Phichit
To Nakhon Sawan & Bangkok
Historical Park
Wat Phra SiIriyabot
Wat Phra Non
City Pillar National Museum
1 2 kms
Wat Phra KaewOld City Walls
ChakungraoHotel
Phet HotelNavarat Hotel
Nightmarket
area
PI N
GR
I V E R
1090
1090
105
1140
105
1175
12
10
11
8
9
13
115
1
1011132104
12
105
1175
1
12
12
101
SUKHOTHAI
TAK
KAMPHAENG PHET
Ban Tak
To Thoen & Lampang
Ban Lahu
To Umphang
Ban MaeLamao
PhrathatTon Kaew
Ban HuaiKalok
PhrathatHin Kiu
MoeiBridge
Miyawadi
Ban Lahu Ban Lahu(Musoe Hill
Tribe Villages)
Lan SangNational Park
TaksinNational Park
PHRAN KRATAI
KHIRIMAT
Historical Park
BanKao
24 hr.BANDAN LAN
HOISukhothaiHistorical
Park
MAE SOT
SUKHOTHAI to MAE SOT
MO
EI
RI V
ER
PI N
GR
IVE
R
Y
OM
R I V E R
0 10 20 kms.
MAE RAMAT
HilltribeDevelopment
Centre
R10
KEY POINT EIGHT
H101 Si Satchanalai/KamphaengPhet & H12 Sukhothai/Tak
KEY POINT NINE
H12 Sukhothai/Tak and H1113 toSi Satchanalai
KEY POINT TEN
H1 Lampang/Tak & H12 toSukhothai
KEY POINT ELEVEN
H1 Tak/Kamphaeng Phet andH105 to Mae Sot
KEY POINT TWELVE
H105 Tak/Mae Sot & H1090 toUmphang (traffic circle)
rom Sukhothai Historical Park, H12is a fast drive to Tak. You may turn
DAY 3 : SUKHOTHAI -MAE SOT 166 kms.
The route crosses to Tak and the mountains that bound the western flank of theRiver Ping Valley. Visit national parks and hill-tribe villages on the way to Mae Sot, atown grown rich on border trade.
8
9
10
11
1211. The drive offers side trips to parksand hill-tribe villages, as well as theopportunity for fresh coffee at thehill-tribe products market at KM.29. Ashrine at KM.70 honours Chao PhoPhawo, who died defending the spot
left at Key Point 10 or drive straight tothe river. Turn left (south) immediatelybefore the bridge across the river tosee the town and go to the Chid ChonRestaurant.
Turn west onto H105 at Key Point
Wa
t M
ah
ath
at,
Su
khot
ha
i
F
R
11
DAY 3: SIDE TRIPS★ BHUMIPHOL DAM— ST 4
(61 Kms.) Toreach the world’s eighthlargest concrete archdam turn north on H1and then west at KM.462to Sam Ngao. Followthe signs from Tak toBan Tak and Sam Ngaofor an alternative ruralroute on the west bankof the Ping. A rest housenear the dam offersaccommodation.
★ LAN SANG NA-TIONAL PARK — ST 5
(3 kms.) The parkcontains a small water-fall popular with thepeople of Tak.
★ LISU, HMONGAND LAHU VILLAGES — ST 6
(5 kms.) A right (south) turn ona sealed concrete road just beforeKM.26 leads through a Lisu and aHmong village to a Hill-tribeDevelopment Centre. Drive throughthe centre to reach a Lahu village.Other villages of the Lahu Shehlehsub-group may be reached bytaking a north turn (5 kms. 4WD)along a dirt road near KM.27.
★ TAKSIN MAHARAT NA-TIONAL PARK — ST 7
(3 kms. 4WD after 2 kms.) The
against a Burmese army in the late 18thcentury.
Mae Sot is a busy trading town bestknown for its morning market. Youmay purchase gems, semi-preciousstones and other products fromMyanmar, perhaps at prices that aregood.
park is famous for a huge specimenof anisoptera, a species of diptero-carp. You have to sign in beforeentering the park. To reach the treeyou walk 400m down a very steeptrack to the bottom of a ravine. Birdcalls, primary forest and cooltemperatures in the evergreen lowerdown compensate for the stiff climbback up. Allow one hour for thewalk.
★ THE MOEI RIVER FRONTIERCROSSING — ST 8
(5 kms.) Drive past Key Point 13to the end of H105 at the bridgeacross the Moei into Myanmar. Tour-ists may walk across for a day visit(until 17:30) and will need 10 US$.You will get a new visa upon return-ing to Thailand. The Grapow Plarestaurant on the north side of thebridge ramp is good.
Am
azi
ng
Tree
Mae Sot morning marketB
hu
mip
hol
Da
m
Lahu Shehleh
TAK
PI N
GR
I VE
R
104
1
12
1107
Viang Tak 2 Hotel
Suan SinGarden Resort
Chid ChonRestaurant
To Kamphaeng PhetTo Mae Sot
TourismAuthority
of ThailandShrine
of King Taksinthe GreatBeer
Gardens
Footbridge
To Thoen
To Sukhothai
ToBanTak
10511
1
10
ing on state of upkeep) make travelslow. Allow at least five hours for thejourney.
Umphang offers comfortablerustic-style bungalow/guest houseaccommodation. There are noodleshops on the high street and restau-rants at the guest houses. Nightentertainment is provided by well-known folk singer Khru San at GiftHouse (H1090. KM.162), when he isin town.
Guest houses offer combinationrafting, elephant and trekking toursthrough magnificient scenery towaterfalls and Karen villages alongthe Umphang River. The minimumrequired time is two nights inUmphang for the main day-trip toTilosu falls, but longer treks for wild-life enthusiasts can be arranged.
Though walk-in clients are cateredfor, advance booking is advised,especially during peak periods.
ACCOMMODATION INUMPHANG
Bunyaporn Resort. 106 Um-phang-Palatha Rd, Umphang, Tak63170. Tel: (055) 561040-1. - Anolder guest house with newly-builtriverside bungalows on stilts.
Tu Ka Su Cottage. 40 Mu 6,Umphang, Tak 63170. Tel: (055) 561295or mobile: (01) 8258238. Fax: (66 2)9164164. - Khun Suchart (‘Woody’)provides friendly service in adjoiningfamily-sized bungalows.
Umphang Hill Resort. Umphang-Palatha Rd. Umphang, Tak 63170.
R12
SPECIAL SIDE TOUR TOUMPHANG
(164 kms one way. 4WD) H1090is the only way in to the smalldistrict town of Umphang, which isbounded by the Burmese border andby mountainous and protectednature reserves.
From Key Point 12 H1090 is agood highway. H1206 (KM.31 westturn) goes to Pop Phra District, thelarge Karen refugee camp at Ban MoKoe, and the border crossing at BanWa Le. The Kulap Doi (MountainRose) Restaurant. (07:00-21:00: Tel:055 520349) and Phacharoen Falls(700 m. west ) are both near KM.36and provide an opportunity to break.
The last gas stations beforeUmphang are around KM.44, afterwhich point the road narrows andthe surface deteriorates. The rest ofthe journey follows a spectacularroute along precipitous slopes, highridges and across deep ravines.Sharp corners, steep grades, pittedand broken road surfaces (depend-
ACCOMMODATION
Viang Tak 2 Hotel. 236 ChompholRd. Tak 63000. Tel: (055) 512507-8.A modern medium rise hotel on theriver front near the main market of Tak.
The Central Mae Sot Hill Hotel, 100Asia Highway, Mae Sot, Tak 63110. Tel:(055) 532601-8 Fax: (66 53) 532600.Bangkok Office Fax: (66 2) 541 1038.
The most luxurious hotel in theMae Sot area.
Porn Thep Hotel. 25/4 Soi Sri Wiang,Prasathwithi Rd, Mae Sot, Tak. Tel: (055)532590-4. Thai style medium risehotel in the middle of town.
Tel: (055) 561063-4. Fax: (66 53)561065. - Part of SP Tourwhich has an office in Mae Sot (055)546112-4 (see map) and operates arustic guest house near Mae Salit(Day 4).
Tilosu Falls
Skaw Karen
MAE SOT
105
105
105
105
1090
13
12
To Moei River Bridge & Myanmar
To Mae SariangKhao-Mao Khao-Fang
(km.2 10:00-22:00)
Porn Thep Hotel
DK Hotel
Kwangtung (Chinese)Restaurant
To Tak
To Umphang
Morning market area
SPTour
The CentralMae Sot Hill
Hotel
0 500 m.
UMPHANG
ToMaeSot
To Doi Hua Mot & Ban Palatha
Phu Doi Res.
Bunyaporn Resort & Res.
Umphang Hill Resort (SP Tour)
Villa Tour (GH.)
HuaiNam Yen
GH.Tu Kasu Cottage & Res.
Ruan KaewGarden Resort
PowerStation
Hospital
DistrictOffices
Umphang House (GH.)
(Karen. 26 kms. 4WD)
U M P HA N
GR I V E R
1090
1194
105
105
1099
1090
105
105
1175
14
1517
16
1213
108
108
1088
1103
Mae Salit
MAE SARIANG HOD
OMKOI
Mae NgaoNational Park
Ban ThaSong Yang
SOP MOEI
Ban Mae Ramoeng
Mae UsuCaves
Ban Ton Phung
To Ban Sam
km.190
km.114
km.94
km.219
6:00-21:00
24 hr.24 hr.
Mae Moei National Park
Ban HuaiKalok
24 hr.
Phrathat Ton Kaew
Phrathat Hin Kiu
MiyawadiMoei
Bridge
MAE RAMATM Y A N M A R( B U R M A )
THA SONGYANG
MAE SOT
MAE SOT to MAE SARIANG
Y U A MR
I VE R
MO
E I RI V E R
MA
ET
UN
RI V
ER
NG
AO
RI V
ER
0 10 20 kms.
MA
EC
H A E M R I V E R
Ob LuangNational Park
To Mae ChaemTo Mae Hong Son
R
13
KEY POINT THIRTEEN
H105 to the Moei River and H105to Mae Sariang.
KEY POINT FOURTEEN
H105 to Mae Sot and H108 MaeSariang/Chiang Mai
DAY 4 : MAE SOT -MAE SARIANG 232 kms.
Karen villages in striking scenery are found along the Moei River that forms thefrontier between Thailand and Myanmar. The route follows the river before climb-ing away to the north to pass over into the valley of the River Yuam and to the smalltown of Mae Sariang.
13
14
he Moei river flowsnorth-west into the
Salween river in Myanmarthrough borderlands occu-pied by the Karen. Untilrecently the Burmese sideof the border was undercontrol of independentKaren, many of whomhave fled to Thailand andnow live in refugee campsin the Mae Sot area (H105passes one of thesearound KM.60.)
Tha Song Yang Dis-trict town is a small bor-der town, but the sceneryis more impressive aroundthe half-way point at MaeSalit (KM.114), wherethere is a small restaurant(06:00-18:00). You maydetour to see life on the
T
CAUTION:Do not travel H105 between
the district towns of Mae Ramatand Sop Moei after dark. Militarycheckpoints may prevent you fromentering remote stretches of roadbecause of recent instability alongthe border. The route is quite safeduring the day, but you shouldmake sure you have a full tank ofgas when you leave Mae Ramat orTha Song Yang district towns.
Moei River
LotusHotel &GuestHouse
Mit A ReeGuestHouse
ToMae Sam Laep
(46 kms)
WatSuphan Rangsri to Mae Sot (230 kms)
Wiangmai Rd.
Laen
gPh
anit
Rd.
MAE SARIANGTo Mae Hong Son
Riverside Guest House
Kamolsorn HotelInthra 08:00-23:00
Renu 09:00-23:00Mitr A Ree Hotel
km.103
ToChiang
Mai
108
108
105
14
Royal Foundation forHandicrafts
R14
KEY POINT FIFTEEN
(KM.56) The bridge at Ban KongLoi and the turn off for side trip 11.
KEY POINT SIXTEEN
(KM.22) The junction of H1088 atthe start of the alternative route to MaeChaem, the summit of Doi Inthanonand Chom Thong (117 kms.)
KEY POINT SEVENTEEN
The clock tower at Hod and the
DAY 4: SIDE TRIPS★ MAE USU CAVES — ST 9
(KM.94. West turn 2 kms.) Part of the Moei RiverNational Park, the caves are about 300m. long. Karen guides(voluntary contribution expected) will show you throughthe caves.
★ NATIONAL PARKS OFF H105 (4WD) — ST 10The Moei River National Park HQ is 11 kms. up a dirt
road at an east turn north of KM.114. There are two guesthouses after 15 kms (check first if they are open. TheMonkrating Guest House is run by SP Tour. Mae Sot Tel:(055) 546121-4 Fax: (66 55) 532279. Bangkok Res. Fax: (66 2)5737942). The road climbs to viewpoints (18-20 kms) overmisty valleys in the early morning, before descending tothe Karen village of Mae Ra Moeng (35 kms.)
At KM.190 a dirt road goes to Mae Ngao National Park(5 kms.) and to a viewpoint over the morning mists.
DAY 5 : MAE SARIANG -CHIANG MAI 190 kms.
The main road crosses the high country populated by the Karen and Lawa betweenthe Salween and Ping watersheds before entering the valley of the Mae Chaem River.Routes upstream and downstream along the Mae Chaem Valley offer differentapproaches to the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon.
15
16
17
18
A
river at Mae Salit and Ban Tha SongYang, before the road turns passes overto the valley of the Mae Ngao and downto Mae Sariang on the Yuam River.
ACCOMMODATION
Kamolsorn Hotel (Mae Sariang Rd).Tel: (053) 618623. Fax: (66 53) 681203.
Functional downtown hotelLotus Guest House (Wiang Mai Rd)
T e l : ( 0 5 3 )681048, 681156.
Functionalhotel in enter-tainment complex.
Mit A Ree Guest House (Wiang MaiRd) Tel: (053) 681109. Fax: (66 53)681280. Bungalows at the back ofthe hotel compound offers the bestaccommodation in Mae Sariang.
junction of H1012 to Doi Tao and Liwith H108
KEY POINT EIGHTEEN
Wat Phrathat Chom Thong
KEY POINT NINETEEN
Airport Plaza intersection of H108and the Om Muang Rd near the Bud-get Office.
fter the climb away from theYuam River Valley, the route
crosses cleared uplands in a series ofpasses between small valleys. Sideroads lead to Karen and Thai villagesin the plateau country.
The road descends from the pineforests of the Bo Luang plateau, reach-ing the turn off for the alternative routeto Mae Chaem on H1088 at KM.22. Goto Ob Luang gorge at KM.17 on H108for short walks in the National Park ona picturesque part of the Mae Chaemriver.
H108 continues to Hot and Chom
19
Nea
r B
an
Th
a S
ong
Ya
ng
R
15
DAY 5:SIDE TRIPS★ BAN SAM — ST 11
(H108 KM.56 Left turn [north]after bridge. 46 kms. 4 hrs). This roadfollows high ground to the newMae Tho National Park and theHmong village of Lao Lee(KM.16). From Lao Lee the roaddescends passing Karen villages[At Ban Mae Ap walk 1.5 kms to awaterfall at KM.24] in beautifulmountain scenery, eventuallyreaching the Lawa village of BanSam.
Thong. The village of Nong Ap Chang(Pa Saeng Da Textile Museum KM.69right turn [east]. 500m.) is famous forlocal weaving. In Chom Thong itself,Wat Phrathat Sri Chom Thong is an im-portant pilgrimage site for Thai Bud-dhists.
From Chom Thong you may visit DoiInthanon (KM.60 left turn [west] onH1009. 47 kms.) as well as to the MaeYa Falls (KM. 60 left turn [west] onH1009 for one kilometre and then leftturn [south] again).
From Chom Thong, H108 is a fastroute back to Chiang Mai and the Bud-get Office near Key Point 19.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO MAECHAEM & DOI INTHANON
Turn left (north) at KM.22 ontoH1088 to Mae Chaem (45 kms.). Theroad passes the Thephanom hotsprings after 9 kms. Beware of truckscarrying lignite using the same road.Mae Chaem is a small rural districttown famous for weaving. Sur-rounding villages are traditional andhave some lovely old temples, andthe nearby hills are populated by theHmong and Karen.
H1192 is a narrow road withmany 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 thevisitor centre and nature trail at thesummit.
The journey down to ChomThong (47 kms. from the summit)passes the park headquarters andthree major waterfalls. On H108 a 2kms. detour south along H108 toWat Phrathat Sri Chom Thong (KeyPoint 18) is worthwhile beforereturning to Chiang Mai.
Lai Hin Guest House (2 kmsfrom Mae Chaem on H1088). Tel:828258. The most comfortableaccommodation and restaurant inthe Mae Chaem area.
ACCOMMODATION
Khao Krairaj Resort. KM.17.Hot-Mae Sariang Rd. Hod. Tel: (01)2243818. Plank wood rooms inlovely setting at Ob Luang National Park.
Hot Resort. (KM.5 [4 kms. fromHot]) Tel: (053) 460070. Mobile: (01)9501700. Rustic A frame huts bythe Mae Chaem River.
Pang Thong Hotel (KM.58 on thenorth side of Chom Thong). Tel: (053)826605. Fax: (66 53) 826609. Fun-ctional new hotel near the town.
Spaghnum moss on Aangh Kha(Doi Inthanon)
Mae Phan Falls, Doi Inthanon
Ban Muang Pon
Ban Hang Pon
Ban Nong Haeng
Ban Mae La Luang
Ban Mae Pang
Ban Mae Tia
KHUN YUAM
MAELA NOI
MAESARIANG Ban Kong Loi
Ban Lao Lee(Hmong)
Ban Mae Ap(Karen)
Ban La Up(Lawa)
Ban Sam(Lawa)
MAE CHAEM
MA
EC
H
A E MR I V E R
CHOM THONG
HOD
PI N
GR
I V
E R
SANPATONG
HANG DONG
SAMOENGMAE RIM
Doi Inthanon
Park HQ
Lai Hin Guest House09:00-24:00
Mae Pan
19
18
1716
15
14
12
24 hr.
22
km.54
24 hr.
km.103
24
SunflowersBan U Kho(Hmong)
(Karen)
Ban Mae Ho(Karen)
06:00-21:00
(Hmong)Mae Tho
Ob LuangKhao
KrairajResortThephanom
Hot Springs
To Om Koi (50kms)
HodResort
Ban Huai Mana
Ban Thung SieoVachiratarn
Mae Klang
Pang Thong Hotel
Mae Ya
Little HomeGuest House
Mae Sa1096
108
CHIANG MAI1263
108
1266
108
108
YU
AM
RI V
ER
Luang Ta Kham10:00-22:00
Kao MaiLanna
10:00-22:00
Mon Duang Duan06:00-21:00Ban Nong Ap Chang
P I N GR I V E R
108
1088
1270
1192
1263
1099
Altern a tive route
Alte
rnat
ive
rout
e
MAE SARIANGto CHIANG MAI
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SAFE DRIVINGIN THAILAND
DRIVERS LICENSE
All drivers must hold acurrent, non-probationarylicense. The license may eitherbe Thai, or from the renter’scountry of residence (with anEnglish translation), or aninternational driver’s permit.Licenses (and a valid passport)must be carried at all timeswhen driving.
IF YOU HAVE ANACCIDENT:
If possible leave yourvehicle where it came to rest,(so that police can apportionblame for the accident) andcontact the police as soon aspossible. Dial 191 for a toll freecall to the local police or 1699for the tourist police. Makesure injured parties get to ahospital as soon as possible(other Thais will often takecare of this) and set up warn-ings for other drivers ( placingbranches of trees on the road);then contact Budget. Stay withyour vehicle and take care ofyour valuables!
DRIVING ON DIRTROADS
Dirt Roads go all over themountains, but even Thais canget lost in the maze of cross-roads, so taking a guide(approx. 500 Baht/day) forremote roads is advisable.
The tracks are steep andnarrow and very tricky in therainy season. If you plan anovernight trip on a dirt roadtrip take the following: torch,candles and matches, warmclothes (especially in winter),water, dry food, insect repel-lent, and a full tank of gas.Drive very slowly to preventmechanical problems fromstranding you.
Happy safe driving!
at the major towns, but ruralstations will close in theevening. Prices are around 13baht a litre, and gas stationswill require cash.
ROAD RULES
The maximum speed limitis 60 kph in town and 90 kphon highways, if you canbelieve it! Seat belts should beworn and driving while drunkis illegal.
FALLING ROCKS (LAND SLIDE)STEEP HILL
STOP (POLICE) CHECK SLIPPERY ROAD
STOP NO PASSING
For reservations, please contact yourtravel consultant or call Budget:
In the U.K.: 0541 56 56 56In the U.S.: (800) 527-0700
In Germany: 01 80 / 5 24 43 88In Australia: 13-28-48
In Singapore: 532-4442In Thailand: 66 2 203-0250
WITH
IN D
ESIGN
(053) 272111-2
THAI ROADS
All main and most minorroads are sealed. Warningsigns and reflective arrowsmark sharp corners, while tem-porary signs mark hazards likelandslides and road works(these can be extensive whereupgrading is in process). Mainintersections are illuminatedwith sodium lighting. Thegovernment is firmly in con-trol of the whole country andhighway robbery has beenunheard of for many years.
ROAD SIGNS ANDKILOMETRE STONES
Bilingual (English/Thai)road signs indicate destinationsand route numbers beforeintersections, and show theroad number and the distanceto the next main destinationafter the intersection. Kilo-metre markers show the roadnumber and distance downthe road on the front face. Dis-tances to the next destinationin the direction of travel arefound on the side of the stone.
LOCAL DRIVERS
Most drivers in Thailandare reasonable, if not a littleselfish for they tend to giveway little. Be careful ofoncoming vehicles that over-take and force you to take tothe hard shoulder. Be ready togo onto the hard shoulder at amoment’s notice, especially oncorners and hills! Be careful ofvehicles entering from sideroads, which may not stop.
AT NIGHT
Many vehicles do not haverear lights, especially carts,motorcycles and bicycles. Do
not drive fast just after dusk aslots of local traffic is returningto the villages. Many trafficaccidents happen at this timein Thailand! Be careful ofoncoming vehicles with onelight — they may not bemotorcycles! Night driving isnot recommended.
FUEL
24 hour service stationsare found on main routes and