Friday 13th. Good day to be Riding.

2wheels

Community Manager
Joined
Apr 2, 2012
Location
Chiang Mai
Bikes
ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC
Superstition has never occupied any part of my mind or life-style, so it was time to pack the CRF and head for some new roads.

My goal was the 'Doi Farang Bungalows' in Phrao.

Along 118 and a significant event.

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10,000 enjoyable and trouble-free kilometres.

The usual stop beside the abandoned resort at the Hot Springs …

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… where I paid my respects to the ladies there.

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Past Mae Kachan and left onto the 1150.
I'd never actually ridden that rode until now.
The cloud cover and smoke haze didn't encourage panoramic pics, but it was a very nice ride.

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There was some cheap accommodation along the way.
Precarious but cheap!

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Spirit houses, old and new.

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My Garmin Montana is still under repair (more about that later), but I turned right here off 1150 and rode around the mountains for a while.

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I called in to the Ban Khun Jeah school for a chat with the teachers on their lunch break.
95% Lisu and 5% Chinese students.
11 teachers, 92 students.
They have their own kitchen and cooks and on-site accommodation for staff.

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The views would be magnificent on a clear day.
Enough to make a retired 'chalky' come out of retirement!

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This teacher, here being thrashed by the student, later asked me where I was from.
'Australia', I replied.
He went away and returned with his iPhone and showed me a photo of a boomerang and wanted to know how Aboriginal people used them!

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Then into Phrao and a look around.

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To get to 'Doi Farang Bungalows' turn here off the main street.
(Their website has co-ordinates … it's not easy to find but well worth it)

http://www.doifarangbungalow.com


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Then, after about 2 kms, turn right here.

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The road-side signs here are quite accurate!

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Ride through the rice fields to the 'Khoom Kam Kaew Farm', where you enter to get to the 'Doi Farang Bungalows'.

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I stayed in this comfortable 'barn' for 600 baht.

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German Michael and his business partner Khun Pim have set this wonderful resort up after 15 years of labour.

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I felt quite safe all alone in my 'barn'.

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'Doi Farang' has a nice restaurant and comprehensive menu.
Rice soup for breakfast is free.

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A comfy coffee shop …

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… and excellent local coffee.

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A celebratory beer to acknowledge surviving Friday 13th.

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I met and shared many hours here with a German couple.
The woman actually races an old Hondas XL500 in Hillclimbs back at home!

Next to Arunothai the back way.
 
Saturday 14th and the goal was more new roads to Arunothai.

Out from Phrao and right at Pa Hin onto the 1346.

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And I'd found another 'favourite road'.
I'll be riding 1346 again when this weather clears!

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Past Don Din, onto 107 and towards Chai Prakarn.
Before CP I turned left here at Huai Pai and took the mountain road (which I think is 1340) through Sinchai.

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Into Chinese-Thai communities.

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It was a bit slippery when forced off the new concrete bits!

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Sinchai.

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And I'd found another 'favourite road'!

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There were about a dozen immaculate little Beetles after Sinchai.
This load-full decided to stop right here and enjoy a picnic.

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Near Arunothai.

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Hunger and welcoming Eucalypts meant a stop for lunch, just after Arunothai on 1178.

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Down 1178 and 'Skippy' makes a surprise appearance.

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I turned off 1178 and onto 3022 at Mae Ja.
Yep, another 'favourite road' appears before me!

Then through the rocky ranges (reminiscent of Vang Vieng in Laos) along the 1150 and in to Phrao.

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The 1150 near Phrao is being widened.

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ATM in Phrao.

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That was another very enjoyable and varied ride, despite the lack of sunshine.

Back to my 'barn'.
Tomorrow to Doi Saket.
 
Sunday 15th and heavy rain.

Michael at 'Doi Farang' is caring for this old Mercedes truck, owned by a Dane who will eventually return and continue his journeying.

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Nearby is the Doi Phra Jao Temple.

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I was told that one of these older 'graves' contains the remains of a European.

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Time to head home along the enjoyable 1001.
It bucketed down after Mae Ngat Dam and I arrived saturated into a grey and wet Doi Saket.

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Still time for a bit of track riding around 'my patch' though.

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Three days of enjoyable riding on, for me, new roads.
Friendly and interesting people.
No mishaps.
 
Saturday 14th and the goal was more new roads to Arunothai.

Into Chinese-Thai communities.

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Tomorrow to Doi Saket.

Lovely area Ron and I might head out to Phrao for some more exploring after reading your report - did you stop at the the tomb of General Lee Wen Huan in Ban Mai Nong Bua (the general died in 2000). The general was one of the two (competing) generals of the KMT troops which settled in the North of Thailand (see also my trip report http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/thailand-ride-reports/3787-up-north-another-one-day-loop.html)
 
Another good report Ron. And good you chose to do it in the cool dry season. C'yer at xmas mate.
 
Auke, I only researched accommodation in Phrao.
This was a whimsical 'ad-lib' circuit.
I know there is a great deal of history in the area though and will return to investigate that in more detail.

OK 'Steam'.
 
Was up Doi Ang Khang last week,last day of the K1ngs birthday holidays and it was packed with tents and Thais camping out wanting to feel the cold.

Fleecy,jumpers and hats everywhere but it was surprising warm shorts and t shirts weather,which was great if you`re riding a bike but a bit of a disappoitment if you`re looking for ice 555
 
Seems like we both got soaked over the last couple of days Ron
 
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