GT Rider Up Country Dinner # 19 - Chai Prakarn

DavidFL

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Wednesday 29 January 2020 is the last Wednesday of the month to kick off the 2020 GTR up country dinners in the smaller quieter towns, that you may not normally stay in.

I've been looking at several options
  • Arunothai
  • Li
  • Ngao
  • Chae Hom
  • Nam Pat
  • Wang Nua
But have not decided yet. More research is required.

Wherever it is though, it is only a day / half day's ride from Chiang Mai.
 

DavidFL

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The last Wednesday of the month of January 2020 = Wednesday 29th January.

Arunothai was going to be the destination, but on account of it being Chinese New Year, the limited accommodation out there maybe at a premium.

Here’s a pic from today
upload_2020-1-24_20-6-24.png



So let’s take a chance of good ol Chai Prakarn on route 107, just south of Fang.

It is a town that you always flash past on a mission heading North to Fang / Doi Ang Khang / Doi Mae Salong or wherever you maybe heading to.

I’ve never had a night in Chai Prakarn, but have seen the development and lights along the 4-lane super as you ride on through.

It looks like to me the “centre of town”, where all the action is could be to the south.

There’s a coffee shop Doi Wiang Coffee to rendezvous at,
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/hPE1sXXiKXSJj6Gq5[/bcolor]
at the north end of town. Then work our way south.


So pick a hotel, make a rendezvous, then mosey on to the south of town.

Accommodation that I can see off google maps

I think the best options are at the north end of town.

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/M7ZT5a9pkquHZ2nd6[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://g.page/cpkmansion?share[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/kmEnHrQeAMqX2afy6[/bcolor]

The place I think will aim for
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/iE6oJ1M3nANQH8qr5[/bcolor]

There’s a cheap charlie looking place here
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/N8kMLTTrbg2urB6aA[/bcolor]


At the south end of town

If you want to splurge & stay close to the night life
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/W8aZp4PLY5cimGPb6[/bcolor]

Further away…. & near the hospital are these

Google Maps

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/KXQEg54xanW1mRYR7[/bcolor]

The Green Garden looks damn inviting too
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/oiq4UMUpnHXCyEre8[/bcolor]

Out the back to the west & down a lane behind the hospital, this place looks fabulous
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/t1xsVqPqnE18tR1L7[/bcolor]
but perhaps a bit out of the way

Food at the North end of town

The Steak Restaurant looks like it could be ok for a start to the evening
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/WXzUQmVzuCi5DCmC9[/bcolor]

as does

The Truck Corner Cafe & Bistro
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/H4QiKVo7T3PREdpb6[/bcolor]
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://web.facebook.com/TruckCorner-Dessert-Bistro-328426971360409/[/bcolor]


Food at the south end of town

At the south end of town the Usa is a local food institution that looks like a good place to eat as well
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/jjfNPPxCqpVc5tec7[/bcolor]

plus the pubs & restaurants at the south end will have food

The night life spots would appear to be here

Google Maps

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/EfZ1rWwSThVzxFxV6[/bcolor]


Riding options

1. Take R1001 to Phrao, then 1346 to Chai Prakarn & return on 107
2. Take R107 to Chiang Dao, then R178 to Arnothai, then R1340 towards Doi Ang Khang, but turn right at Sinchai & take the short cut across to Mae Bong Nua & R3001 to Chai Prakarn. Return via R107 or R1346/ 1001.


Let the adventure begin. See you all in magnificent Chai Prakarn. Wednesday 29 January 2020
Rendezvous at the Doi Wiang Coffee?
Google Maps
 
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DavidFL

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The last Wednesday of the month of January 2020 = Wednesday 29th January.

Arunothai was going to be the destination, but on account of it being Chinese New Year, the limited accommodation out there maybe at a premium.

Here’s a pic from today
View attachment 134154


So let’s take a chance of good ol Chai Prakarn on route 107, just south of Fang.

It is a town that you always flash past on a mission heading North to Fang / Doi Ang Khang / Doi Mae Salong or wherever you maybe heading to.

I’ve never had a night in Chai Prakarn, but have seen the development and lights along the 4-lane super as you ride on through.

It looks like to me the “centre of town”, where all the action is could be to the south.

There’s a coffee shop Doi Wiang Coffee to rendezvous at,
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/hPE1sXXiKXSJj6Gq5[/bcolor]
at the north end of town. Then work our way south.


So pick a hotel, make a rendezvous, then mosey on to the south of town.

Accommodation that I can see off google maps

I think the best options are at the north end of town.

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/M7ZT5a9pkquHZ2nd6[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://g.page/cpkmansion?share[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/kmEnHrQeAMqX2afy6[/bcolor]

The place I think will aim for
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/iE6oJ1M3nANQH8qr5[/bcolor]

There’s a cheap charlie looking place here
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/N8kMLTTrbg2urB6aA[/bcolor]


At the south end of town

If you want to splurge & stay close to the night life
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/W8aZp4PLY5cimGPb6[/bcolor]

Further away…. & near the hospital are these

Google Maps

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/KXQEg54xanW1mRYR7[/bcolor]

The Green Garden looks damn inviting too
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/oiq4UMUpnHXCyEre8[/bcolor]

Out the back to the west & down a lane behind the hospital, this place looks fabulous
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/t1xsVqPqnE18tR1L7[/bcolor]
but perhaps a bit out of the way

Food at the North end of town

The Steak Restaurant looks like it could be ok for a start to the evening
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/WXzUQmVzuCi5DCmC9[/bcolor]

as does

The Truck Corner Cafe & Bistro
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/H4QiKVo7T3PREdpb6[/bcolor]
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://web.facebook.com/TruckCorner-Dessert-Bistro-328426971360409/[/bcolor]


Food at the south end of town

At the south end of town the Usa is a local food institution that looks like a good place to eat as well
[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/jjfNPPxCqpVc5tec7[/bcolor]

plus the pubs & restaurants at the south end will have food

The night life spots would appear to be here

Google Maps

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://goo.gl/maps/EfZ1rWwSThVzxFxV6[/bcolor]


Riding options

1. Take R1001 to Phrao, then 1346 to Chai Prakarn & return on 107
2. Take R107 to Chiang Dao, then R178 to Arnothai, then R1340 towards Doi Ang Khang, but turn right at Sinchai & take the short cut across to Mae Bong Nua & R3001 to Chai Prakarn. Return via R107 or R1346/ 1001.


Let the adventure begin. See you all in magnificent Chai Prakarn. Wednesday 29 January 2020
Rendezvous at the Doi Wiang Coffee?
Google Maps


Some GTR trip reports with ride options from the Chai Prakarn - Fang area.
Too many to poke a stick at, but confirmation there is a hell of a lot to see out in the Chai Prakarn - Fang area.

Fang & Back - A Fang Meander

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/a-top-end-meander-chiang-mai-chiang-khong-return.10296/[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/the-doi-ang-khang-loop.118/[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/fang-chiang-khong-loop.362/[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/the-doi-laem-loop.13393/[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/phrao-fang-thoed-thai-tea-anybody.5928/[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/the-little-house-in-the-big-forest-and-doi-pha-hom-pok.15326/[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/cnx-to-fang-and-back-and-along-the-lovely-r1346.8062/[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/huamereng-border-regions-doi-wawi-more.14602/[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/the-doi-ang-khang-nor-lae-nong-tao-fang-road.3765/[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/caution-very-steep-dangerous-road-collapse-restricted-area-dangerous-road.7646/[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/part-2-doi-salong-to-doi-ang-khang.4885/[/bcolor]

[bcolor=rgb(255, 255, 255)]https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/mae-ai-little-house-in-a-big-forest.13026/[/bcolor]
 
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DavidFL

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Chai Prakarn, the event & GTR dinner on Wednesday 29th January 2020

Wrapping up the final printing of the new GTR Golden Triangle map in Chiang Mai, my ride started from the X-Centre @ Mae Rim.

It was good to hook up with the Ambassador & the Ambassadoress, as it has been quite a while since I visited after moving to Chiang Khong.
upload_2020-2-3_16-57-9.png


and my coffee stop was highlighted by some oatmeal cookies from Stu Lloyd's missus; Mam
upload_2020-2-3_16-58-21.png


After which I was escorted off the premises by the waiting riders: Armin, Joe, Stu & Hoghead.
upload_2020-2-3_16-59-30.png


On your bike & ride was the command
upload_2020-2-3_16-55-8.png


upload_2020-2-3_17-3-57.png


Our group route was R107 Mae Rim – Mae Taeng, then across to R1001 & north to Phrao.
A PTT pit stop in Phrao, then on R1346 to Chai Prakarn.

R1346 is a gem of a winding, steep undulating deserted road across to R107 again just south of Chai Prakarn.
I got left behind the riders in this section on account of a few numerous photo stops.
A couple are below
GTR - IMG_7761.JPG

GTR - IMG_7772.JPG

We regrouped at the PTT south of Chai Prakarn.

From Chai Prakarn, Joe, Armin & Stu headed for Doi Ang Khang.
Tony & I sauntered into Chai Prakarn at a leisuerly pace.

We opted to stay at the Wang Tharn resort for 400 baht.
dsc_0507-jpg.jpg


Another bigger group of guys opted to stay at the Suk Siri for 500 baht, which I think may have been a better option.

Chai Prakarn Hotels

A lengthy beer o’clock occurred at the Suk Siri, with beer purchased out on the highway.
Kudos to the Suk Siri owners for providing glasses & tolerating out boisterous behaviour at the hotel entrance, and perhaps deterring a couple of customers.
DSC_0521.JPG

DSC_0519-01.jpeg

DSC_0518-01.jpeg

DSC_0517.JPG


A failed attempt to charter a mini bus for the rest of the night, resulted in us opting for bikes, rather than pay 1,800 baht for 4 hours & a return trip of 4 kms. We were the winners.

The Steak House was the closest good looking restaurant to check out & our arrival with 15 people on bikes, did cause some consternation; however it ended up being a super meal & night, once we had seconded table and chairs from various places.

DSC_0525.JPG

DSC_0523.JPG

DSC_0522-01.jpeg
DSC_0524-01.jpeg


Perhaps the only thing missing was a bit of live music, but the service was friendly enough & the food actually tops. Everyone was damn impressed with such a hidden gem! The Chai Prakarn steak house is highly recommended.

DSC_0526-01.jpeg

DSC_0527-01.jpeg

DSC_0529-01.jpeg

DSC_0532.JPG

DSC_0533-01.jpeg


Back out on the highway, another U-turn and head south for a km & on the left is the Chai Prakarn # 1 night spot. The Saengchan.
DSC_0535-01.jpeg

DSC_0539-01.jpeg


The music & staff were damn good, sufficient to keep some of the old fellahs spellbound until midnight, & then retire to their various quarters.

Chai Prakran was a magic night & a great surprise to everyone – beyond everyone’s expectations, which goes to show it’s a good idea to keep these GTR up-country dinners going.

15 people made it to this one & none of them would normally stay a night in Chai Prakarn, just ride on by…..now we all know it’s not a bad little town at all. You don’t always have to stay in a big town. “All” the little towns are good and have something too.

Thanks everyone who came.
 
Last edited: