Chiang Mai > Tambon Mae Pang (96km)

Last step towards Laos. In few days I will be cycling across the Mekong. I repeat myself I know, but I’m still waiting for these famous hills situated on the north of Thailand where I’m now. Effectively, today was definitely not flat but that’s because I chose purposely a little road that goes through the hills (see the map). I could have been straight to the north an avoid that but it would not be interesting. I don’t like when it too easy ;-)

Map.

Elevation.

First my “plan” was to go east towards the next major city which is Chiang Rai but quickly I changed my mind. I looked at the map and realised that unique road going across this mountain chain will be painful. The traffic must be high between the two cities and I won’t have any other choice than to follow it. On the other hand, if I keep going north I will have more options to avoid the main road which will certainly less crowded anyway if I don’t have the choice. For now, I have to cycle on this highway until I leave the Chiang Mai area.

After the first 10km I had the opportunity to ride on a smaller road and grabbed that chance! Much better here!

Thailand countryside landscape.

Another view.

I’m having a short break here: banana, stretching, water, let’s go.

I’ve done about 40km now and I’m starving. Fortunately I’m in a small village and paid 30 baht for this meal. I had to buy some more rice to feel full but that all right. What I like about Thailand (contrary to Indonesia or Malaysia) is there is free unlimited fresh drinkable water. That’s good to eat and drink :-)

During lunchtime, I checked Maps and discovered that there should be a waterfall and a lake close to that village. It would be perfect to spend the next four hours there. Normally, if I go straight I should find it.

I think I’m late. The water is gone… Rah! That’s bad luck.

I decided to continue around what used to be a lake to find the waterfall. My expectations are very low actually.

Hummm, I don’t know where I’m going but I cannot hear anything from here.

Finally, I’ve reached the main road again and did not find anything. There is a shelter here, next to the police station. This is where I will have my nap.

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After few hours resting, I’m back on the road. The second part of the trip is more hilly than this morning but it’s largely doable. No problem at all, until now… :-) You won’t see my face today again but at least my bicycle. Smile ;-)

Nice valley.

Smelly flowers. I know that doesn’t help really… Have some imagination and smell this :-)

Or this one? Smell nice isn’t it? :-)

I’m in the valley I wanted to and the road is flat again. I must find a place where to eat. I will see.

First, I found the police station. I thought I could sleep there tonight. I’ve never try sleeping in police stations yet so that could be the occasion :-) On the way, I’ve seen what I thought was a restaurant but when I came back to it the women there pointed another place further back. I hoped it was not too far. A kilometre later I reached that second place, asked to someone who pointed a street on the other side of the bitumen. I followed his instructions, saw what restaurant he showed to me but unfortunately it was closed. A woman who speak a bit of english told me that this restaurant was closed today because they had a party yesterday. The owner is sleeping…

Few minutes later, I was back on the road, passed by the first fake restaurant, the police station and kept going further until I reached the next village. This time I got lucky and found straight away a place where to have dinner. I’ve order a big soup with noodle, meat and other things in it. It was delicious but certainly not enough. For 20 baht one soup I can have a second one :-)

Once full, I cycled towards a temple few kilometres away from the main road. I met a monk who showed me the place where I could stay overnight and then the toilets to have a shower. Very simple, very easy, I like this. Good night :-)