... continued from Click here!
(Overnight. Chiang Mai - Thaton 166 km.)
H107 continues from Chiang Dao through forested upland country before dropping down into the long rural valley to Fang and Thaton. From Thaton travelers go to Doi Mae Salong by road or to Chiang Rai by boat along the Kok River. Doi Pahom Pok (2285 m.), the large mountain to the north-west of Fang is the second highest mountain in Thailand.
(KM. 75 west turn on R1178 - 5 km.)
A chedi in a small park marks the spot where King Naresuan died of sickness in 1605 in an expedition defending the kingdom against a Burmese invasion.
(KM.83 east turn on R1150 - 31 km.)
The road goes along a pretty route that winds through the low jagged range that separates the Vale of Phrao from Chiang Dao.
(KM. 118 west turn - 3 km.)
Two large caves contain many Buddha images. The northern cave penetrates the mountains deeply in an upward direction. A path with steps and ladders goes into the cave for over a kilometer.
Humidity and harmless beasts such as wood-lice, cave pythons, and bats test the will of visitors who want to see the primitive Buddha images formed from stalagmites.
(KM. 138 west turn on R1249 - 26 km.)
The road climbs to the summit ridge very steeply (be careful when descending), continuing to an agricultural station specializing in temperate fruits and flowers and the Nature Resort. Temperatures get very low at night in the upland valley during the cold season. A road along the ridge to the north goes to a Palaung village and army frontier fort, which you can visit. The route then (motorcycles only) drops sharply down into the Fang valley.
(KM. 149 west turn - 10 km.)
Hot springs dot the landscaped garden, but the pipes taking off hot water to the geothermal power station nearby have spoiled the ambiance of the site. A former periodic geyser no longer erupts, but there is a steam room and warm pool.
(KM. 150)
King Mangrai made his capital here in 1268 before he captured Haripunchai (Lamphun) in 1281.
Today the border location gives the town a slightly wild feeling. The town serves as a market for nearby hilltribes as well as for unofficial visitors from the Shan State.
(KM. 166)
The Kok River flows out from the Shan States in Burma into the wide Fang Valley at Thaton. It is the start for rafting-trekking trips down the river to Chiang Rai and the trip by road to Doi Mae Salong.
Wat Thaton overlooks the town and offers fine views from the hills above the main buildings. The temple contains some unusual images and structures, and there are plans to build a 45 meters high chedi. The temple offers meditation courses and short tours.
(Full day. Round trip via Chiang Dao 207 km.)
H1001 to Phrao (93 km.) passes through pleasant rural scenery. In truth, Phrao does not have any special tourist sights. But because it has a long history as a remote wiang in a substantial valley isolated by geography,