I revisited Lom Phu Keaow this July, on a Saturday. A magical spot indeed.
There are now some concrete bridges over the streams on the dirt road, making access easy, if it hasn't been raining.
It is located just about 14 klms from highway 1, near Ngao and only the last 3 or 4klms is dirt road.
I saw several saloon cars driving in and out, plus a couple of modern road bikes.
A parking area has been laid out and there was a National Park guy there, looked like he was there for the day at least.
They even have a Visitor Centre now. This place must get quite busy in the high season, with easy access from highway 1. Luckily, the area is still clean and no signs of plastic garbage anywhere.
The map is interesting, as there are quite a few things to see within the Tham Pathai N.P.
On my last visit to LomPhu Keaow, rainy season 2016, I also went to see the Mae Kae and Kao Fu waterfalls, RachaKrue Cave and ancient cave art at Bahn Huay Hok. All worth a visit.
The bat cave at PaThai looks worth checking out some time, as well.
Past the Kao Fu waterfall, the trail continues on over the mountains to Jae Hom and that is on the bucket list to do sometime after the rains.
When I arrived at the pool, there were two other people there..... it is getting popular...!
After they left, I had some solitude for 20 minutes contemplation, before the next couple arrived.
I rode a klm further up the track, for a look. What a gorgeous area.
Tyre tracks continued up the little river, but I didn't fancy it, the trail coming in was slippery after rain.
Pulled into Phayao for lunch. Salted pla Nin from the lake. Seems to taste much better than farmed fish.
Being a Saturday, the tourist boats were full on, ferrying people out to the temple on the island in the lake. I would quite like to see that...... but......
....it would involve travelling like this......
I really couldn't do that.... assigned seat, lifejacket and straw hat....
I guess bikers are not very good at package tour trips.....
Many of us have been watching the lakeside mansion getting restored. It really looks wonderful now with a fresh coat of wood stain.
So, if you get a chance, a visit to Lom Phu Keaow is well worth it. In the dry season, any vehicle can get there now.
You don't need a map to find it, there are signs on highway 1 at Ngao. Then plenty of signs along the local road.
But it is here; 18 deg 46' 02" N, 99 deg 52' 25" E
There are now some concrete bridges over the streams on the dirt road, making access easy, if it hasn't been raining.
It is located just about 14 klms from highway 1, near Ngao and only the last 3 or 4klms is dirt road.
I saw several saloon cars driving in and out, plus a couple of modern road bikes.
A parking area has been laid out and there was a National Park guy there, looked like he was there for the day at least.
They even have a Visitor Centre now. This place must get quite busy in the high season, with easy access from highway 1. Luckily, the area is still clean and no signs of plastic garbage anywhere.
The map is interesting, as there are quite a few things to see within the Tham Pathai N.P.
On my last visit to LomPhu Keaow, rainy season 2016, I also went to see the Mae Kae and Kao Fu waterfalls, RachaKrue Cave and ancient cave art at Bahn Huay Hok. All worth a visit.
The bat cave at PaThai looks worth checking out some time, as well.
Past the Kao Fu waterfall, the trail continues on over the mountains to Jae Hom and that is on the bucket list to do sometime after the rains.
When I arrived at the pool, there were two other people there..... it is getting popular...!
After they left, I had some solitude for 20 minutes contemplation, before the next couple arrived.
I rode a klm further up the track, for a look. What a gorgeous area.
Tyre tracks continued up the little river, but I didn't fancy it, the trail coming in was slippery after rain.
Pulled into Phayao for lunch. Salted pla Nin from the lake. Seems to taste much better than farmed fish.
Being a Saturday, the tourist boats were full on, ferrying people out to the temple on the island in the lake. I would quite like to see that...... but......
....it would involve travelling like this......
I really couldn't do that.... assigned seat, lifejacket and straw hat....
I guess bikers are not very good at package tour trips.....
Many of us have been watching the lakeside mansion getting restored. It really looks wonderful now with a fresh coat of wood stain.
So, if you get a chance, a visit to Lom Phu Keaow is well worth it. In the dry season, any vehicle can get there now.
You don't need a map to find it, there are signs on highway 1 at Ngao. Then plenty of signs along the local road.
But it is here; 18 deg 46' 02" N, 99 deg 52' 25" E