Sunflower Fields at Doi Mae U-Kho
For those attending the 2017 Memorial Ride, note that the Sunflower Fields at Doi Mae U-Kho should be blooming nicely. They are usually at their best in the 2 weeks through mid November.
There is likely to be lots of tour traffic, but if you've never been there when the sunflowers are in bloom, it is really spectacular and worth the detour if you are not in a hurry. It might be a good option for those wanting to return to Chiang Mai through Mae Chaem or Mae Sariang rather than onward from MHS to Pai etc.
If you are coming from Mae Chaem, the turn-off is approx 25 kms before Khun Yuam and there is an alternative route beyond the Sunflower fields, past the Mae Surin Waterfall, around the Ban Nong Khaio reservoir and back down the mountain onto Highway 108 approximately 20 kms north of Khun Yuam... The descent is steep with some interesting corners... not for the fainthearted.
Trip Report: Why We Must Ride The 4009!
GPX Track attached: courtesy of Moto-Rex
The 100 metre Mae Surin waterfall is the highest single-tier waterfall in Thailand.