bsacbob
Administrator (Retired)
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2012
- Location
- Chiang Rai
- Bikes
- Honda CRM-AR 250, Honda CRF 250-L, Suzuki V Strom XT 650 Honda XR250 Baja BMW F650GS
Been needing to get the 25 year old Baja out for a spin, so the dry weather prompted a trip towards Phu Chi Fah trying to keep off the highways as much as possible and also connect some dots for me.
I will post a gpx file at the foot of the post, but its 370 km of absolute fun on a 250 machine.
You can find lots of information of the 4 key spots in the area here.
The four Phu's
Here is another great information website of the the region and maps.
Phu Chi Fa - Chiang Rai Thailand Attractions
First stop the charming small wat of Thung Yang, nestled on the edge of this small village
Considering the size of the village it is pretty impressive.
From there pulling away from the 1152 and the magnificent golden Wat Khao Kaeo, which has some unusual images on display.
Almost Hindu influance.
Well it certainly is well funded, a lot of construction work underway.
A little gaudy for my taste but it certainly makes a statement.
Impressive statues being constructed marking the entrance.
The entrance to an old stupa not shown on any maps was worth a look but the stairs are completely overgrown.
Heading into fruit growing areas now as i turn onto dirt.
turning into a nicely graded trail with the smell of fruit trees all around me.
Grey skies overhead this could be a short trip i thought.
This small filed had several scarecrows, not sure what they are protecting the filed is mainly weeds.
Hard to imagine i am only a few km from the 1152, very peaceful out here.
Suddenly on tarmac, had me thinking that was the end of the dirt section.
A rare fixer upper opportunity
Suddenly the tarmac ended and back to dirt.
Was enjoying this, just a pity it wasn't longer.
A very small poor village, no signs of life anywhere.
Then suddenly onto this silky smooth twisty tarmac section for a few km's
Reaching the village of Ban Chok Chai and its pretty Wat had me on solid tarmac once again.
First glimpse of the mighty Mekong as i head along the 1155
Wat Phrathat viewpoint looking over the Mekong.
A multitude of spirit house, i guess this corner has had many fatalities.
Riding through Wiang Kaen on the 1155, headed to the road end to recon some camping area's.
The end of the road.
A beach of sorts next to the scenic area.
Deserted at this time of year, but this could be a perfect camping spot for a future trip.
The restaurant was open but no signs of life.
Nice camping area overlooking the river.
Heading back into the pretty shabby village of Ban Huai Luek.
THe village prom getting a facelift for the high season.
Back on the fun bits of the 1155.
The viewpoint at Doi Pha Thang, a little too misty to get good shots.
General Lee memorial.
The view on the Laos side.
I had earmarked a trail from a previous ride and hoped this would connect, the trailhead was totally overgrown so not a good sign.
Some beautiful views along this section.
Starting to narrow to nice single track.
Next was this climb, initially i didn't give it enough respect and the poor old Baja on made it a quarter of the way up, undertered i went back down for another go.
this time 2 3rds of the way but no traction with my road biased tyres and was sliding back down.
After dropping the bike several times and lots of grunting and sweating after an hour i somehow reached to the top of the first climb, so it was onward as i didn't fancy trying to go down the hill again it would surely end badly.
After the easier next a climb a gate so i expected some cattle on the trail.
Whilst stuck on the hill climb it started to rain to the downhill section was a little slick so i tiptoed along.
A nice shaded trail, only 4.5 km to the paved village but very ejoyable.
The guy in the mazda was eying up the trail ahead, not a good idea.
Stopped at the local shop, bought the kids some sweets while i down a few cold drinks to rehydrate myself.
Another detour in search of dirt and shortcuts, this time through Ban Pangpho and a nice short dirt section to get me back on the 1093.
Getting late now, time to hit the gas and get to Phu Sang.
The main objective was to reach the checkpoint and confirm crossing requirements.
Fortunately, i met an officer whom i had chatted with last year, he confirmed the crossing was due to open to foreign travel some time next month, so i will keep in conact woith him for updates.
Phu Sang park ahs had a bit of the facelift and the camping area is back in action, just a pity they wont let you camp at the falls but it is free still from what i could see.
The waterfall a little slow today.
All the boxes ticked it was time to head home.
Spectacular sunset as darkness fell.
So that's about as much fun as you can cram into a days riding, 362 km in a little over 8 hours and the old girl never skipped a beat.
Until next time.
I will post a gpx file at the foot of the post, but its 370 km of absolute fun on a 250 machine.
You can find lots of information of the 4 key spots in the area here.
The four Phu's
Here is another great information website of the the region and maps.
Phu Chi Fa - Chiang Rai Thailand Attractions
First stop the charming small wat of Thung Yang, nestled on the edge of this small village
Considering the size of the village it is pretty impressive.
From there pulling away from the 1152 and the magnificent golden Wat Khao Kaeo, which has some unusual images on display.
Almost Hindu influance.
Well it certainly is well funded, a lot of construction work underway.
A little gaudy for my taste but it certainly makes a statement.
Impressive statues being constructed marking the entrance.
The entrance to an old stupa not shown on any maps was worth a look but the stairs are completely overgrown.
Heading into fruit growing areas now as i turn onto dirt.
turning into a nicely graded trail with the smell of fruit trees all around me.
Grey skies overhead this could be a short trip i thought.
This small filed had several scarecrows, not sure what they are protecting the filed is mainly weeds.
Hard to imagine i am only a few km from the 1152, very peaceful out here.
Suddenly on tarmac, had me thinking that was the end of the dirt section.
A rare fixer upper opportunity
Suddenly the tarmac ended and back to dirt.
Was enjoying this, just a pity it wasn't longer.
A very small poor village, no signs of life anywhere.
Then suddenly onto this silky smooth twisty tarmac section for a few km's
Reaching the village of Ban Chok Chai and its pretty Wat had me on solid tarmac once again.
First glimpse of the mighty Mekong as i head along the 1155
Wat Phrathat viewpoint looking over the Mekong.
A multitude of spirit house, i guess this corner has had many fatalities.
Riding through Wiang Kaen on the 1155, headed to the road end to recon some camping area's.
The end of the road.
A beach of sorts next to the scenic area.
Deserted at this time of year, but this could be a perfect camping spot for a future trip.
The restaurant was open but no signs of life.
Nice camping area overlooking the river.
Heading back into the pretty shabby village of Ban Huai Luek.
THe village prom getting a facelift for the high season.
Back on the fun bits of the 1155.
The viewpoint at Doi Pha Thang, a little too misty to get good shots.
General Lee memorial.
The view on the Laos side.
I had earmarked a trail from a previous ride and hoped this would connect, the trailhead was totally overgrown so not a good sign.
Some beautiful views along this section.
Starting to narrow to nice single track.
Next was this climb, initially i didn't give it enough respect and the poor old Baja on made it a quarter of the way up, undertered i went back down for another go.
this time 2 3rds of the way but no traction with my road biased tyres and was sliding back down.
After dropping the bike several times and lots of grunting and sweating after an hour i somehow reached to the top of the first climb, so it was onward as i didn't fancy trying to go down the hill again it would surely end badly.
After the easier next a climb a gate so i expected some cattle on the trail.
Whilst stuck on the hill climb it started to rain to the downhill section was a little slick so i tiptoed along.
A nice shaded trail, only 4.5 km to the paved village but very ejoyable.
The guy in the mazda was eying up the trail ahead, not a good idea.
Stopped at the local shop, bought the kids some sweets while i down a few cold drinks to rehydrate myself.
Another detour in search of dirt and shortcuts, this time through Ban Pangpho and a nice short dirt section to get me back on the 1093.
Getting late now, time to hit the gas and get to Phu Sang.
The main objective was to reach the checkpoint and confirm crossing requirements.
Fortunately, i met an officer whom i had chatted with last year, he confirmed the crossing was due to open to foreign travel some time next month, so i will keep in conact woith him for updates.
Phu Sang park ahs had a bit of the facelift and the camping area is back in action, just a pity they wont let you camp at the falls but it is free still from what i could see.
The waterfall a little slow today.
All the boxes ticked it was time to head home.
Spectacular sunset as darkness fell.
So that's about as much fun as you can cram into a days riding, 362 km in a little over 8 hours and the old girl never skipped a beat.
Until next time.
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