Chiang Mai > Mae Sai > Mae Salong > Chang Dao ( + restricted area -Myanmar border)
Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai Province | Rainy Season | 200 KM Ride | 2 Days
(2014) Chiang Mai to Mae Sai, Mae Sai to Mae Salong (via a restricted area), then down to Chiang Dao and a slight detour around Pha Daeng way. (Mainly because of going off track on a scenic agricultural route and getting a bit lost!).
Click to Close
Contents
Thailand Iconic Roads in the North
Amazing Weekend Music Festival Ride
Big Bike Tours Recce Ride 2
Fantastic 600km One Day Loop in Sizzling Thailand Heat
Day 1. Chiang Mai > Mae Sai > Mae Salong
The ride out. I took the direct 118 highway to Chiang Rai then onto highway 1 up to Mae Sai. This route is pretty much just a long monotonous busy road and I always aim to get it over with as quick as possible.
First, I stopped in at พิซซ่าภูโอบก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือภูโอบ Cafe-Restaurant for a quick coffee and to enjoy the view.
Next, I headed direct to Mae Sai where I crossed the border for a quick visa stamp, then headed to the 1149 restricted area road, which runs along the Thai/Burmese border.
R1149 Restricted Route
This route is often zoned off. I was lucky that day and got in.
At the checkpoint you need to provide your passport/ID in order to pass through. There are also a couple of checkpoints where you need to show ID again.
The road along this restricted border zone is stunning. Pretty much no one on this road. The 1138 to Mae Salong is also stunning. Some video footage of the craggier steeper road sections:
River Cooldown
By the time i came out of the restricted access zone and nearing Mae Salong, i was overheating a bit. It was a long hot day and although I was wearing a mesh armour jacket (and a Camelbak bladder), but I was sweating. So, I took the opportunity to cool down in a nearby stream.
There were loads of butterflies at this stream and the stream itself was cool and flowing. I also nearly lost a pair of flip-flops I’ve had for around 8 years that i love. I watched the stream carry them off on its current, but, determined to get them back i launched myself after them, and got them back…haha! Yes, i really DO love those flip-flops that much…
Feeling refreshed I carried on to Doi Mae Salong.
Mae Salong
Mae Salong is a small hilltribe village in the mountains, with cool fresh air and a quiet vibe.
The locals are ethnically Chinese and the main language is Yunnanese. Really doesn’t feel like Thailand much at all. Food-wise there isn’t a great selection really (imo), but you wont go hungry. There is even a 7/11!
Sweet Mae Salong Coffee Shop
As a coffee lover I made my way to Sweet Mae Salong (although Mae Salong is best known for tea), which had great coffee, great cake and a great view. They even provide binoculars.
After coffee, I made my way to a resort I was recommended: Phumaktawan Resort.
Phumaktawan Resort
After checking in and taking a rest, I headed out for food .
The restaurant had some amazing insects and I enjoyed the company whilst eating.
When I got back to my room at the guesthouse and tried to settle down… I was sadly disappointed. I know I shouldn’t really complain about the accommodation in Mae Salong, because it was beautifully scenic. However, the buildings on the resort are all semi-detached and the connecting walls are really too thin. So unfortunately when a rather noisy family with a rather noisy child with a penchant for noisy tv viewing came to stay next to me, my idealistic accommodation became a little less rosy.
It is always great to stay somewhere beautiful but my main priority is always a good nights sleep over and above anything. I didn’t sleep as well as I had hoped…anyway, Mae Salong itself is a very interesting place.
End of day 1
Day 2. Back to Chiang Mai
After breakfast and checking out later than planned, I made a start towards Chiang Dao. It was a nice easy route down the R107, so much so that i had time to kill before heading to Chiang Mai, so took a detour onto a rural road.
Turned out to be a really beautiful agricultural route with practically zero vehicles around.
In the end I got a bit lost trying to head towards Chiang Dao, and although my GPS said one way, two sets of locals said another.
I decided to ignore the GPS and go with the locals directions..which did actually land me at Chang Dao.
Chiang Dao
In Chiang Dao, I stopped off at Chang Dao Nest resort for a cool drink. It is always a nice experience there. After Chiang Dao, I headed directly home.
Chiang Mai City
I arrived home later than i hoped, but feeling good. It was a great trip!
– End of ride
I hope you enjoyed this Restricted Road trip report.
Leave a comment!
That is a very good write up
Thank you so much for your feedback Jamil! Appreciate that 😀