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
Well the plan was to first and foremost stay as dry as possible, which is no easy task considering the weather we have had of late secondly, try a different approach to the loop trying to get off the beaten track where possible.
So 3 day's on the little 250's covering 1256 km here is the loop, I will post gpx files for those who want to explore further.
Day One
Soon leaving the dreaded Hwy 1 and it's speed cameras, we would take our usual route along the 1193 missing out Phayao and its multitude of traffic lights. Pulling onto the 1316 I wanted to take a quick look at the Wat Analayo Complex, but first stopping at Wat Pha Chang Mup, surprising the local monk.
N19.18711° E99.81650°
Nearby the Wat Analayo Complex is huge, well worth a visit if you have a few hours to spare, with little time we quickly stopped at the Wihan Chaomae Kuan-Im Yok Khao Shrine on the fringe of the complex.
N19.18458° E99.81234°
This place is pretty amazing, although I have visited it several times and never seen a soul there.
Great view from here to Kwan Phayao Lake.
From there it was onto the 120, and for once clear views ahead.
Then at Wang Nuea turning onto the 1035 heading to Lampang.
Sptted this chap carrying a large basket.
Turned out he had a couple of piglets take away.
Amazing views for this time of year.
Warming up now, pulled over to Bruno Coffee which is run by the Catholic Church.
N18.73216° E99.58145°
Guess they don't get many farangs stopping by judging by the inquisitive looks. Was a great cup of coffee @ 30 baht each, they also do pizza's (next time) and other Thai dishes.
I noticed on my GPS a waypoint for a bridge for motorcycles only, got my attention so a quick detour along a dirt track picturing a nice swing bridge of some type, sadly it was not what I expected and simply a sluice gate.
A liitle further I spotted what could be a good location for some camping just outside the village of Ban Thung Kaow, so of onto to a little dirt to explore further.
Turned out to be a great spot for camping with a swimming opportunity.
N18.54931° E99.49369°
I could see another waterhole on the map, so poked around to see what it had to offer.
Unfortunately, it was pretty disappointing but an interesting trail ahead for another time.
It was getting late in the day so no surprise we had to run for cover from a storm or two.
Unintentional dead dog picture.
An enjoyable ride through Hot, it should be noted parts of the 108 are under construction again and it's pretty messy.
Finally reaching Mae Sariang after 593 km covered and checked in the Huen Kong GH for 600 baht a night, bringing Day one to a close.
gpxviewer_gpx_viewer
So 3 day's on the little 250's covering 1256 km here is the loop, I will post gpx files for those who want to explore further.
Day One
Soon leaving the dreaded Hwy 1 and it's speed cameras, we would take our usual route along the 1193 missing out Phayao and its multitude of traffic lights. Pulling onto the 1316 I wanted to take a quick look at the Wat Analayo Complex, but first stopping at Wat Pha Chang Mup, surprising the local monk.
N19.18711° E99.81650°
Nearby the Wat Analayo Complex is huge, well worth a visit if you have a few hours to spare, with little time we quickly stopped at the Wihan Chaomae Kuan-Im Yok Khao Shrine on the fringe of the complex.
N19.18458° E99.81234°
This place is pretty amazing, although I have visited it several times and never seen a soul there.
Great view from here to Kwan Phayao Lake.
From there it was onto the 120, and for once clear views ahead.
Then at Wang Nuea turning onto the 1035 heading to Lampang.
Sptted this chap carrying a large basket.
Turned out he had a couple of piglets take away.
Amazing views for this time of year.
Warming up now, pulled over to Bruno Coffee which is run by the Catholic Church.
N18.73216° E99.58145°
Guess they don't get many farangs stopping by judging by the inquisitive looks. Was a great cup of coffee @ 30 baht each, they also do pizza's (next time) and other Thai dishes.
I noticed on my GPS a waypoint for a bridge for motorcycles only, got my attention so a quick detour along a dirt track picturing a nice swing bridge of some type, sadly it was not what I expected and simply a sluice gate.
A liitle further I spotted what could be a good location for some camping just outside the village of Ban Thung Kaow, so of onto to a little dirt to explore further.
Turned out to be a great spot for camping with a swimming opportunity.
N18.54931° E99.49369°
I could see another waterhole on the map, so poked around to see what it had to offer.
Unfortunately, it was pretty disappointing but an interesting trail ahead for another time.
It was getting late in the day so no surprise we had to run for cover from a storm or two.
Unintentional dead dog picture.
An enjoyable ride through Hot, it should be noted parts of the 108 are under construction again and it's pretty messy.
Finally reaching Mae Sariang after 593 km covered and checked in the Huen Kong GH for 600 baht a night, bringing Day one to a close.
gpxviewer_gpx_viewer
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