Backdoor to Chiang Khong

[KTMphil]

Backdoor to Chiang Khong

We did a quick trip to Chiang khong from Chiang Mai this weekend and decided to take a route not used much, illustrated below



Map copyright www.RideAsia.net

It doesn't really take you much out of your way and you get to experience the fantastic views from R 1155 & experience the crazy R 4018.

Here's R 1155 with the bikes looking in a SW direction



It had been raining so the farms were very green




The Harley while it was still clean (lots of rain & road resurfacing to come)



A left turn off R 1155 take you onto the crazy R 4018. Most maps don't have R 4018 on it as it's a relatively new road, it's quite a marvel to look at.

 

[KTMphil]

Close up of R 4018 that isn't on most older printed maps - The new http://www.RideAsia.net printed map obviously includes this road.





Working the farms in the mountain must be tough, here working in the R 4018 area







We gave the Teak Garden Hotel a shot in Chiang Khong, its brand new and had a promotional rate of 1,000 bht a night including breakfast



Really decent bungalow's for 1,000 bht with views of the Mekong river

 

[KTMphil]

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Great views from on the balcony down the Mekong river



And even great views across to the town of Huay Xai, Laos on the far river bank of the Mekong river




Sign and phone number for the Teak Garden Hotel, Chiang Khong



They are brand new bungalows, flat screen tv, card entry & air con.




Great restaurant too, Chiang Khong isnt the easiest place to find decent food




They even gave our bikes unbrella's as it was raining - there is 24 hr security & security camera's in their car park




Some interesting Thai houses next to the hotel in Chiang Khong



Some traditional boats at the pier/ quay in Chiang Khong





The northern end of R 1020 approaching Chiang Khong is still under construction, not ideal for Harley's

 

[KTMphil]

Coming down the mountain on the western end of R 4018, the clouds broke and gave an interesting view. If you haven't driven this road you should make a point of getting there.



Rice farms on R 4018



The "Super" restaurant opposite the Teak Garden Hotel

 

[LivinLOS]

Due to a puncture just in late afternoon we had an unplanned overnight in Chiang Kong.. And had an unplanned great night..

Will have to try the 4018

 

[KTMphil]

Due to a puncture just in late afternoon we had an unplanned overnight in Chiang Kong.. And had an unplanned great night..

Will have to try the 4018

Where did you stay?

 

[LivinLOS]

Some kind of 400b fan room place.. Decent for the money but not worth noting.. I could find it again but no idea on name..

We only get into the room after 4am and out again at 7 or 8.. Not worth a good one when touring with Sam Ended up a very 'odd' night..

 

[KTMphil]

Huay Xai, Laos, across the Mekong river from Chiang Khong, Thailand (same trip) - early morning with the moisture rising from the mountains.