2 Day Group Ride: Tha Chompu, Incredible WRWR, & Wat Chaloemprakiet
Multiple Provinces | Rainy Season | 400 KM Ride | 2 Days
A ride to support the World Record Women Riders World Relay team as the WRWR Baton makes its way across the globe via female riders. On this day (Sunday 28th July 2019), the Baton was passed from Myawady Border Point in Myanmar to Thailand Guardian, Wasa. Two friends and I rode out to a meeting point in Phrae to support Wasa and the cause.
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Contents
Thailand Iconic Roads in the North
Big Bike Tours Recce Ride 2
5 Days 7 Provinces Loop
Border Ride. N.West to N.East – Northern Thailand.
Day 1. Chiang Mai to Phrae Province
Our first quick photo stop was at the magnificient Kruba Sivichai Monument
Kruba Sivichai Monument
Kruba Sivichai (1878–1939) was a revered Buddhist monk from northern Thailand, celebrated for his spiritual leadership and social contributions. Born in Lamphun, he became a prominent figure in Lanna culture and is often called the “Saint of Lanna.”
Known for his dedication to Buddhism, Kruba Sivichai initiated the restoration of numerous temples and inspired community-driven projects, such as the construction of the road leading to Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai. His emphasis on moral discipline, meditation, and social harmony left a lasting legacy, and he remains a symbol of faith and unity in northern Thailand.
Tha Chompu – The White Bridge
Tha Chompu, also known as the White Bridge, is a historic railway bridge located in Mae Tha District, Lamphun Province, Thailand.
Built during the reign of King Rama VI in the early 20th century, this arched concrete structure is a striking example of colonial-era engineering. It spans a serene section of the Mae Tha River and is part of the northern railway line connecting Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Surrounded by lush greenery and mountains, the White Bridge has become a popular spot for photography and tourism, offering a glimpse into Thailand’s transportation history and natural beauty.
We had a walk around and took some photos, before heading to one of the bamboo hut restaurants along the waterfront. The food was good and was nice to relax and watch the trains flit by.
We spent a fair bit of time relaxing and waiting to hear about confirmation about the time and meeting point for the WRWR – Biker Chicks Thailand meet up group.
When we received a meet point confirmation we set off again.
Tha Pla Duk Railway Crossing
Before rejoining the R11 highway, we took a quick detour to a railway crossing close to Tha Chompu Bridge.
Short story about the photo above. Just before this photo was taken, we had lined up our bikes nicely for the photo when pickup truck suddenly appeared and needed to get past us. So, we had to move our bikes.
However, as luck would have it, once the driver had passed us, he kindly exited his vehicle to take our group photo.
A slight hiccup
I needed to program the meet point destination into Google Maps, so I asked my friend Opal to send me the restaurant link via messenger. The following confusion ensued…
Turns out that it is a chain of restaurants, and that is why the mix up! We eventually found the right one and set off. After which, it was a smooth fast ride on the R11 to Phrae.
1st Meet Point: ปั้นข้าวเหนียว สาขาลำปาง
When we arrived at ปั้นข้าวเหนียว สาขาลำปาง Restaurant in Lampang, we met up with the Biker Chicks Thailand group, who were already there.
These girls are fantastic riders with an amazing collection of bikes.
We dined a chatted for a while, whilst we waited for confirmation from the Baton Guardian – Wasa, about where to meet her.
Once we had the destination point, we headed off towards Phrae.
Biker Chicks Ride Out
Riding with a large group of female riders was a first for me, and thrilling. I have a dedicated write-up and video on this ride, here.
2nd Meet Point: Ekanitcha Coffee
Once we arrived at Ekanitcha Coffee we hung out for a bit to wait for news of Wasa and the Baton.
However, due to delays at the Myanmar border side the wait time took longer than expected.
When Wasa and her ride team arrived, the atmosphere was electric!
The delay at Myanmar meant that by the time we had regrouped, we all had to ride in the dark.
Wasa, the Biker Chicks and my friend Sam, rode on to Nan (166km away) They would rest for one night in Nan and in the morning they would ride to the Laos border to pass on the Baton.
My friend Opal and I had commitments in Chiang Mai so we split from the main team and rode 50 km to Lampang . It was pitch black riding at this time for all of us.
Arrived Lampang
In Lampang we rested up at the Pin Hotel in Lampang city, and had some great food nearby, before heading back to our rooms to get some sleep.
End of day 1
Day 2. Lampang to Chiang Mai
One this day we took a detour to one of Thailand’s most stunning temples.
We both woke early (having had not enough sleep really) so, we were on our bikes earlier than anticipated, which turned out to be just a little too early for the Flat White Cafe, which I recommended for breakfast and coffee (last year I met with David Unkovich (GT.Rider.Com) at this cafe, and we took some great photos at the temple opposite. That trip report is HERE).
Seeing as the café wasn’t ready to serve coffee, we took a couple of photos at Wat Chiang Rai instead, then found another cafe nearby for coffee and breakfast.
After quick fuel stop, we were off on the 1035 to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat.
The Route to Wat Chaloem Prakiet
When we took the turn off that takes us direct to the temple, I was in heaven. This road is a fantastic little rollercoaster route and you feel like you are chasing that iconic view of the limestone rock and temple peaks.
Once you see the pagodas sticking out from the peak, your jaw drops!
Additionally, once you realise you will be soon be standing right up on top of that very same peak, you can hardly believe it!
We arrived at the base of the temple mountain, parked our bikes, paid our fees, bought some water, then took the truck ride up to the next level (after which we would climb a further 800km to the peak).
Wat Chaloem Prakiet
Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, also known as Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn, is a stunning temple located in Lampang Province.
Perched atop limestone cliffs in the Doi Phra Bat mountains, the temple is famous for its striking white pagodas that appear to float among the clouds. Built to honor King Rama IV, it symbolizes faith and devotion while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
At the base of the temple you are required to purchase a shuttlebus ticket that takes you partly up the mountain, after which it’s a steep hike and not for the faint-hearted.
As we began to climb I turned around to check on my friend and had quite a shock! I had never seen her look so drenched! She was literally pouring with sweat. My friend is fit, but this climb was testing her stamina level to the max and I was concerned that she might be overheating, but thankfully we brought water with us.
When we arrived at the top Opal looked half dead but after resting for a bit she began to feel better.
At the top viewpoint she was amazed by the view. It really does seem like a big climb, but once at the viewpoint, it is breathtaking, making the climb at least worth it.
We walked around the temple area, going from the small lookout to the larger one.
The climb down was much easier of course, and we sympathised with those coming up.
At the base we took the truck down to the main level and ordered some food at the local restaurant. The food was great, but made us a little sleepy!
After eating all that was left to do was to high tail it back to Chiang Mai.
Back to Chiang Mai
Leaving the temple, we rode back down the route to connect with the main R11, fueling up on the way. Then we high tailed it back to Chiang Mai, where we parted ways.
Was a brilliant ride with friends, that included a fantastic Record Breaking WRWR Women Riders World Relay Event, that will go down in history.
– End of Ride
I hope you enjoyed this 2-day group ride report.
Leave a comment!
Nice blog. I have started to follow you after my trip to Mae Hong Son and finding your info. Northern Thailand seems a great place for biking and in general. I’m finding the inspiration to come back and take more trips.
Safe travels 🙂
VietNomad
Hi! Thanks for following me 😀 I am glad if I give inspiration for visiting again.
From your name I am guessing you are based in Vietnam. I have only recently visited the city of Hanoi, but haven’t yet had the pleasure of riding in Vietnam.
I have heard it is really beautiful to ride in the North, so I hope to do that sometime this year or next year 😀
My best!
Nice blog. I have started to follow you after my trip to Mae Hong Son and finding your info. Northern Thailand seems a great place for biking and in general. I’m finding the inspiration to come back and take more trips.
Safe travels 🙂
VietNomad
Hi! Thanks for following me 😀 I am glad if I give inspiration for visiting again.
From your name I am guessing you are based in Vietnam. I have only recently visited the city of Hanoi, but haven’t yet had the pleasure of riding in Vietnam.
I have heard it is really beautiful to ride in the North, so I hope to do that sometime this year or next year 😀
My best!