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
Myself a couple of local guys headed out to Pai to meet up with the group going to Tai Leng in the Shan State, objective to try and find a slighty different route and keep off the 1089 or 107.
GPX at the foot of the post.
The route was a total of 370km covering some of the most beautiful scenery in the region.
Heading out of Chiang Rai on the south side Kok river dirt trail.
The old abandoned village on the side of the Kok, nobody seems to know the story behind it.
The south Kok trail is now sadly graded now but with it being so dry and compacted the loose sand topping can be very very slippy.
Evidence of burning still apparent all around Chiang Rai
Brian on his second trip on a dirt bike, he did very well.
Coming back along side the Kok river, signalling we are almost at the end of the trail.
Another of the many new stupas being erected in the region.
Leaving the dirt heading onto the 6039 and 3023 runnings parallel with the most boring section of the 1089, a welcome diversion. From there we had to ride a brief section of the 107 until we reached the turn for the 3048 (its numbered 3037 or 3038 on various maps).
Karst mountains line the 3048 with almost no traffic.
Indication of how dry it is right now.
The soil is very fertile in this region and the farmers grow a variety of vegetables all year round.
It is indeed a treat to ride and well surfaced all the way to the Army checkpoint south of Arun Thai.
Turning on to the 1178, again almost no traffic.
The broken sections heading to Wiang Haeng are being repaired at the moment and only a short section is broken.
The infamous last 20km that was graded and paved the other year still holding up well, with only a few minor repairs.
The 1178 is great road for motorcycling and the small broken section do spoil the fun but the better sections make up for that.
Coming into Piang Luang another fertile growing area.
Old Burmese style Wat in Piang Luang
Quick detour for lunch at the Khrua Piang Luang restaurant.
N19.68390° E98.62590°
Heading back to Wiang Haeng the gas station marks the turn for the trail over to Pai.
N19.58066° E98.61878°
Slowly but surely this trail is also being graded and paved.
Taking a left at the rangers station, the barrier dead ahead often locked.
N19.58109° E98.54065°
Being rocky it's still passable even in the rainy season with just a few spots that get water logged.
Dropping down to Muang Noi.
The slow pace of life in the village as we headed for a drink stop.
Des welcome of the break as the afternoon sun was blisteringly hot
A quick stop at the old Wat outside of Muang Noi, would make a nice camp spot next to the river.
The water buffalos had the right idea.
Pleased to reach Pai and check into the still amazing cheap rooms of the Pichai GH @ 350 for an aircon room in the centre of town.
N19.35706° E98.43977°
An enjoyable evening meeting up again with Sergio talking of his adventures in South America, in the morning we head to the Shan state and the numerous Army checkpoints.
GPX viewer
GPX at the foot of the post.
The route was a total of 370km covering some of the most beautiful scenery in the region.
Heading out of Chiang Rai on the south side Kok river dirt trail.
The old abandoned village on the side of the Kok, nobody seems to know the story behind it.
The south Kok trail is now sadly graded now but with it being so dry and compacted the loose sand topping can be very very slippy.
Evidence of burning still apparent all around Chiang Rai
Brian on his second trip on a dirt bike, he did very well.
Coming back along side the Kok river, signalling we are almost at the end of the trail.
Another of the many new stupas being erected in the region.
Leaving the dirt heading onto the 6039 and 3023 runnings parallel with the most boring section of the 1089, a welcome diversion. From there we had to ride a brief section of the 107 until we reached the turn for the 3048 (its numbered 3037 or 3038 on various maps).
Karst mountains line the 3048 with almost no traffic.
Indication of how dry it is right now.
The soil is very fertile in this region and the farmers grow a variety of vegetables all year round.
It is indeed a treat to ride and well surfaced all the way to the Army checkpoint south of Arun Thai.
Turning on to the 1178, again almost no traffic.
The broken sections heading to Wiang Haeng are being repaired at the moment and only a short section is broken.
The infamous last 20km that was graded and paved the other year still holding up well, with only a few minor repairs.
The 1178 is great road for motorcycling and the small broken section do spoil the fun but the better sections make up for that.
Coming into Piang Luang another fertile growing area.
Old Burmese style Wat in Piang Luang
Quick detour for lunch at the Khrua Piang Luang restaurant.
N19.68390° E98.62590°
Heading back to Wiang Haeng the gas station marks the turn for the trail over to Pai.
N19.58066° E98.61878°
Slowly but surely this trail is also being graded and paved.
Taking a left at the rangers station, the barrier dead ahead often locked.
N19.58109° E98.54065°
Being rocky it's still passable even in the rainy season with just a few spots that get water logged.
Dropping down to Muang Noi.
The slow pace of life in the village as we headed for a drink stop.
Des welcome of the break as the afternoon sun was blisteringly hot
A quick stop at the old Wat outside of Muang Noi, would make a nice camp spot next to the river.
The water buffalos had the right idea.
Pleased to reach Pai and check into the still amazing cheap rooms of the Pichai GH @ 350 for an aircon room in the centre of town.
N19.35706° E98.43977°
An enjoyable evening meeting up again with Sergio talking of his adventures in South America, in the morning we head to the Shan state and the numerous Army checkpoints.
GPX viewer
