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.
and my coffee stop was highlighted by some oatmeal cookies from Stu Lloyd's missus; Mam
After which I was escorted off the premises by the waiting riders: Armin, Joe, Stu & Hoghead.
On your bike & ride was the command
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.