THE TRIP Sunday 21st
David, Philippe and I met up at the "Kafe" for breakfast. I think we got away around noon. It was a nice clear, cool day for riding, but there was a short sprinkle of rain early in the morning. Traffic was a bit heavy as we departed Chiang Mai northbound on Route 118. Of course our Fearless Leader was setting a quick pace, with myself in the middle and Philippe, with all his worldly possesions, bring up the rear. He's moving house, you know.
We stopped at Charin Garden Resort for coffee and some of their delicious pies. They are a must! Connecting to Route 1 we passed thru Chiang Rai. Be careful of the "oil slick" intersections at the stop lights in Chiang Rai. Continueing up Route 1 we connected with Route 1016 and proceeded into Chiang Saen for a drink break, at the riverside. Many Chinese cargo vessels there. Leaving Chiang Saen on route 1129 we arrived in Chiang Khong a bit behing schedule and missed the sunset. Lots of guest houses here. David and I stayed at Baan Tam-Mi-La and Philippe returned to his old stand by Baan Fai.
Following a relively quite night we ventured out on Monday to one of the many Hmong villages nearby. This one is the home of Khun "A". Hmong people are very friendly. We ventured around a bit and learned or the New Year Celibration schedule. Returning later in the afternoon, we were lucky enough to observe ritual chanting removing the old year's spirts and welcoming in the New Year's spirits, at Khun "A"'s home. They invited us, to share with them, some of their sacrificied chicken with rice. I asked Khun "A"'s father about the many sacks stacked up against their wall. What was in these? It was about a 2 year supply of mountain rice.
The following 2 days were spent on short trips around Chiang Khong for photo ops and returns to the above Hmong village. They had many dance performances by young Hmong girls dressed up in Traditional Hmong costumes. Also some electric music, by some of the local musicians, that also hold court at night at the local disco.
Chiang Khong is a ralaxing place to visit and it is also a border crossing to Laos. Before I forget, if you like Mexican food, be sure to have dinner at the Bamboo guest house. They have the best Mexican food I have had in Thailand.
David took off for Chiang Mai on Wednesday and I headed for Mae Sai on Thursday. Last I heard Pilippe was still resided in Chaing Khong. As recommended by Phillipe I took Route 1020 at Huau Yen and traveled northwest along the Mekhong river. It's a good, quiet route with many photo ops of the river. I connnected up again to Route 1129 and continued thru Chiang Saen via the "Golden triangle" to Mae Sai.
After a quick visa run to Tachilek, Burma I headed south on Route 1 and took a right onto Route 1130. This road quickly heads up into the mountains and the vista's are stunning. This road winds its way up the ridges so you have views on both the right and the left. It is sometimes hard to concentrate on the winding road. Where route 1130 comes to a "Y" on top of a mountain I turned right, (by mistake) and continued UP the ridges as they get narrower and narrower. I ended up at an Army check point and when the soldier asked me where I was going I said "Fang". After some looking at the map he pointed out that I was near Mae Mo and that was the end of the road for me. I returned to the "Y" at the top of the mountain and continued on Route 1234. Again this is a road along a mountain ridge with villages scattered along the way. I took a Tea break at Mae Sa Long and then continued down the road and connnected up with Route 1089 and also leaving the mountains. The road straightens up here and it is time to open it up a bit. I had planned on stopping at Fang but instead headed down Route 107 to Chaing Mai. It was a good trip all and all. John
