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B udget W orld C lass D rive s Chiang Mai -Sukhothai Loop a m a z i n g THAILAND 1998 1999 SELF DRIVE V ACATIONS Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

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Page 1: Chiang Mai Sukhothai Loop - :: Budget Car Rental Thailand ... · Northern Thailand, however, is the “Thailand North” map published by Berndtson & Berndtson. Visitors will also

Budget WorldClass DrivesChiang Mai-Sukhothai Loop

a m a z i n gT H A I L A N D

1 9 9 8

1 9 9 9SELF DRIVE VACATIONSTourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

Page 2: Chiang Mai Sukhothai Loop - :: Budget Car Rental Thailand ... · Northern Thailand, however, is the “Thailand North” map published by Berndtson & Berndtson. Visitors will also

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NORTHERN THAILAND : CHIANG MAI - SUKHOTHAI AND BURMESE BORDERLANDS

1194

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11241125

1177101

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1110113051294 6

7

Thai ElephantConservation

Centre

Wat PhrathatLampang Luang

Thung KwianMarket

WANG CHIN

MAETHA

Wiang KosaiNational Park

To Chiang Rai

ToNan

To Wang NuaTo Chiang RaiTo Fang

LAMPHUN

LAMPANG

PHRAE

UTTARADIT

SUKHOTHAI

TAK

KAMPHAENG PHET

BanMae Sam Laep

Mae Salit

Doi Inthanon

19

1

CHIANG MAI

To Mae Hong Son

SARAPHI

SAN PA TONG

HANG DONG

MAE THA

BAN HONG

PA SANG

MAE LA NOI

MAE CHAEM

MAE SARIANG

KHUN YUAM

DOI TAO

LI

THUNGHUA

CHANG

THOEN

MAEPHRIK

SOPPRAP

SOEMNGAM

KO KHA

CHOM TONG

HOD

SAN KAMPHAENGMAE ON

CHAE HOM

HANG CHAT

SUNGMEN

DEN CHAI

LONG

OMKOI

Mae NgaoNational Park

SOP MOEI

Ban Mae Ramoeng

Ban Ton Phung

km.190

km.114

km.219

Mae Ngao National Park

SAM NGAO

Ban Tak

BanLahu

TilosuFalls

Ban MaeLamaoBan Huai

Kalok

Phrathat Ton Kaew

Phrathat Hin Kiu

MiyawadiMoei

Bridge

HilltribeDevelopment

Centre

Bhumipol Dam

MAE RAMAT

Lan SangNational Park

TaksinNational Park

PHRAN KRATAI

To Phichit

KHIRIMAT

Historical Park

To Nakhon Sawan& BANGKOK

BanKaoBAN

DAN LANHOI

SukhothaiHistorical

Park

HistoricalParkTHUNG

SALIAM

Airport

SI SATCHANALAI

SAWANKHALOK

LAP LAE

SI SAMRONGM Y A N M A R( B U R M A )

1

102

101

HUAI KAEW RD.

SUTHEP RD.

Airport

OM MUANGRD.

PI N

GR

IVER

Train Station

CHIANG MAI CITY

118

1006

11

106

108

11

107

Car and Truck Rental

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19

1

THA SONGYANG

MAE SOT

POP PHRA

UMPHANG

ToPhitsa-nuloke

0 10 20 kms.

Ban ThaSong Yang

Page 3: Chiang Mai Sukhothai Loop - :: Budget Car Rental Thailand ... · Northern Thailand, however, is the “Thailand North” map published by Berndtson & Berndtson. Visitors will also

100Kilometre Stone

Temple

Park

Water Fall

Hot Springs.

Hotel/Resort/Guest House

Hospital

Gas Station

Restaurant

0

Main Road

Minor Road

Unsealed Road

Suggested Routes

River

Province

District

Key Point.

Distance Between Key Points (kms.)12

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3

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Budget: Thailand

SYMBOL LIST

Budget WorldClass DrivesCHIANG MAI - SUKHOTHAI LOOP

Page 4: Chiang Mai Sukhothai Loop - :: Budget Car Rental Thailand ... · Northern Thailand, however, is the “Thailand North” map published by Berndtson & Berndtson. Visitors will also

TOUR PROGRAM

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4

Welcome to your exclusive Budget World Class Drive.

CHIANG MAI –SUKHOTHAI LOOP

The finest old wooden temples, World Heritage historical parks, untamed jungle,rugged mountainous scenery and hill-tribes in the remote reaches of north-westernThailand await you on this tour.

his Worldclass Drive takes yousouth to the city of Lampang

before going on to the historical birth-place of the Thai Kingdom atSukhothai. From there the full tour goeswest to the border town of Mae Sot, acolourful ethnic crossroads.

A special tour goes south to theboundary of Thailand’s last remainingextensive reserve of primary forest.There the remote district town of Um-phang is the base for eco-adventureinto the jungle for two days or more.

From Mae Sot the return routefollows the Thai-Myanmar bordernorth-west along the Moei Riverthrough country populated by theKaren. Striking karst scenery is fol-lowed by a pass through mountainouscountry to the Yuam River Valley andMae Sariang. Turning north-east, theroute crosses a major watershedbefore entering the valley of the RiverPing and passing the highest moun-tain in Thailand en route back toChiang Mai.

The full tour programme takes fivedays, but this can be shortened byreturning to Chiang Mai directly fromSukhothai on alternative routes. Thistour also offers scenic and culturalalternatives to the northern section ofthe busy main highway betweenChiang Mai and Bangkok.

ACCOMMODATION

The raw distance for each day’sdrive is fairly short, allowing time forstops along the way as well as for side-trips. Destinations for each night, there-

T fore, are flexible. The listings here onlyinclude the best places to stay alongthe routes. The main towns usuallyhave local hotels (see maps) forcommercial travellers, some of whichhave more expensive rooms or suites.The rooms in many of these hotels areoften satisfactory, though basic. Fullprice indications for accommodationare listed as follows:

(1500-3000 Baht)(500-1500 Baht)

(500 Baht or less)

Major credit cards are accepted bythe up-market hotels and restaurants,but otherwise you will needcash for the small, remoteplaces along the route.

WHEN TO GO

The peak season runsfrom mid-November till afterthe Chinese New Year (at theend of the first lunar monthof the calendar year) andrises again for the Songkranfestival (Thai New Year) inmid-April. Advance bookingis necessary for peak periods.

Warm clothing is neededfor cold temperatures inupland areas, especiallybetween November andMarch. The rainy season(July-September) offers tur-bulent skies and clearervisibility over the ruggedlandscape, not to forget lowseason discounts of 50% ormore on accommodation.

MAPS, KEY POINTSAND INFORMATION

The maps in this booklet have beenspecially researched and prepared forthis tour. Key Points along the routeindicate important road junctions. Auseful addition as a general map ofNorthern Thailand, however, is the“Thailand North” map published byBerndtson & Berndtson. Visitors willalso find invaluable a good guide bookproviding cultural background andmore comprehensive information.

DAY 1

Chiang Mai - Lampang99 kms.

DAY 2

Lampang - Sukhothai205 kms.

DAY 3

Sukhothai - Mae Sot166 kms.

DAY 4

Mae Sot - Mae Sariang232 kms.

DAY 5

Mae Sariang - Chiang Mai190 kms.

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11

116

1033

11

1093

1034

1037

11

1

1035

1

1184

1317

1006

2

3

4

11

Thai ElephantConservation

Centre

Wat PhrathatLampang Luang

Thung KwianMarket

MAE THA

To Wang Nua

LAMPHUN

LAMPANG

19

1

CHIANG MAI

SARAPHIHANG DONG

MAE THA

PA SANG

KO KHA

SANKAMPHAENG MAE ON

CHAE HOM

TH

AR

I VE

R

HANG CHAT

CHIANG MAI to LAMPANG

REVI

RG

N IP

0 10 20 kms.

To Chiang Rai

To Thoen & Tak To Den Chai & Phrae

To Chiang Rai

To Thung Hua Chang

WA

NG

RI V

E R

24 hr.

24 hr.

24 hr.

LampangRiver Lodge

Khun TanNational Park

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5

DAY 1 : CHIANG MAI -LAMPANG 99 kms.

1 KEY POINT ONE

H11 to Lampang and Om MuangRd.

KEY POINT TWO

H 11 (KM.20) & H1034 to Ko Kha

KEY POINT THREE

H1 to Chiang Rai & H11 to ChiangMai

11 is a fast divided highway andthe main trunk route to the south.

If you are on the slower itinerary

The Thai Elephant Conservation Centre and Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, thefinest example of a Northern Thai temple, are highlights in a day’s drive that goessouth to Lampang, a historical city on the banks of the Wang River.

2

3

outlined in this guide, you will still haveto start early in order to visit Lamphun(alternative route) as well as catch the11:00 show at the Thai Elephant Con-servation Centre (ST.1). Many templescan be visited on this tour, however,and you may find it better to leave avisit to Lamphun for your return. Turnleft off Highway 1 to enter LampangCity (see city map).

Lampang was formerly known asKhelang and has been in existencesince before the 14th century. Theruling house of this city fought forindependence from the Burmese in the18th century and established an

autonomous northern vassal statecentred on Chiang Mai, which wasfinally incorporated into the Kingdomof Siam in the late 19th century.

The old wooden trading buildingsalong the river front have been well-preserved in the Talat Kao area on thesouth banks. The commercial southpart of the town can be seen in a tourby horse and cart starting from in frontof the provincial office.

On the northern banks remnantsof the old city walls enclose spaciouscompounds and temples. A large teakhouse built in 1885 called Ban Sao Nakis open to the public (10:00-17:00), andBurmese style buildings are found atboth Wat Phra Kaew Ton Taew andWat Pongsanuk Tai. Wat Chum Si andWat Si Rong Muang south of the riverare also Shan-Burmese in style.

For dining in the evening the riverfront offers several good restaurantsand pubs; recommended is the HuanChom Wang (17:00-22:30).

Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang

H

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ACCOMMODATION

Lampang Wiengthong Hotel. 138/109 Phaholyothin Rd. T Suan Dok,Lampang 52100 Tel: (054) 225801-2,Fax: (66 54) 225803. A modernupmarket hotel.

Lampang River Lodge. H1 KM.591opposite Susco Gas Station. Tel: (054)226922. Bangkok Res. Fax: (66 2) 2560248.

DAY 1: SIDE TRIPS★ THE ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CEN-TRE — ST 1

(H11. KM.29. [1 km.]) This centre is an attemptto counter the threat to the Asian Elephant inThailand and includes an elephant hospital. Amodest entrance fee is charged for shows (10 &11 a.m. everyday; 1.30 p.m. weekends only) andrides are offered.

★ WAT PHRATHAT LAMPANG LUANG VIAKO KHA — ST 2

(KM.20 [27 kms.]) Turn left (south) on H1034to Ko Kha and Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang (12kms.) Lovely old buildings are found within thefortified compound of what is considered thefinest wooden temple in the region. A pamphletavailable from the Phra Kaew Museum (08:00-17:00) in the temple compound to the south ofthe walls gives details and recounts the legendof the origin of the temple. Return by going on to Ko Kha (4 kms.) and thenturning left (east) across the river and continuing straight to Lampang.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE VIA LAMPHUNWat Phrathat Haripunchai and Wat Chamadevi,

Lamphun. (32 kms.) You may begin the day bytaking the pleasant, but slow, tree-lined highway(H)106 through Saraphi to Lamphun (26 kms.). Thecity is said to have had its origin as a Mon settlementin the 10th century. Wat Phrathat Haripunchai andWat Chamadevi temples are amongst the majortemples of interest in the north.

Thai Elephant Conservation Centre

Wat Phrathat Haripunchai

Relaxing riverside resort.Pin Hotel. 8 Suandok Rd, Lampang

52100 Tel: (054) 221509, 322283-4.Small modern hotel with central loca-tion.

Tipchang Hotel. 54/22 Takroa NoiRd, Sobtui, Lampang 52000. Tel: (054)226 501-6. Fax: (66 54) 225362.Thai style mid-range hotel near nightentertainment area.

LAMPANG

1093

11

1

11

1035

ToChiang

Mai

To Chae Hom

SusarnTrilak

Wat Phra Kaew Ton Tao

WatSi

Chum

WatPongsanuk

TaiWat

Si RongMuang

To Ngao &Chiang Rai

To Den Chai& Phrae

To Mae Tha

To Ko Kha (ST.2)

To Hang Chat

WA

NG

R I V E R

ProvincialHall

Ban Sao Nak

Asawin Night Market

Oldwall

s &moa

ts

4

3

HOTEL & RESTAURANT1.Ban Nam Chim Restaurant2.East Side Pub3.Huan Chom Wang Restaurant4.Kim Hotel5.Lampang Wiengthong Hotel6.Riverside Pub & Restaurant7.Thip Chang Hotel

7236

1

5

4

0 1 2 kms.

Wat Phra Yeun

SportsStadium

Wat Chamadevi

Wat Mahawan

HaripunchaiNational Museum INTHAYONGYOT RD.

WANG SHINE RD

CHAROENRAT RD.

Sriphan Noodles(09:00-15:00)

ToChiang

Mai

Ku Chang

Train Station

Bus Station

Wooden House

Dao Khanong

Wat Phrathat Haripunchai

QueenChamadevi Monument

& To Rung Market

5000 m.

KU

AN

GR

I VE

R

106

114

1015

LAMPHUN

106

To Sanpatong

To Lampang

To Pasang

Khum Ton KaewThai Vegetarian

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8

9

1093

1034

1037

11

11035

2

3

4

5

12

1113

11131201

1048

1056

1113 1195101

12

11

1023

1124

1

1125

1177101

102

101

130512946

7

WANG CHIN

MAETHA

Wiang KosaiNational Park

LAMPANG

SUKHOTHAI

SOPPRAP

KO KHA

HANG CHAT

BanKao

BANDAN LAN

HOI SukhothaiHistorical

Park

SiSatchanalaiHistorical

Park

THUNGSALIAM

Airport

SI SATCHANALAI

SAWANKHALOK

SISAM

RONG

LAMPANG to SUKHOTHAI

WA

NG

RI V

ER

YO

MR

I V E R

0 10 20 kms.

To Chiang Rai

To Den Chai& Phrae

To Kamphaeng Phet

To Tak

SiSatchanalai

NationalPark

24 hr.

24 hr.

WatPhrathatLampang

Luang

24 hr.

R7

DAY 2 : LAMPANG -SUKHOTHAI 205 kms.

The route passes into the Yom River Valley and follows it to the northern reaches ofthe central plains. There the ancient cities of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai flour-ished prior to the rise of the great Siamese Kingdom of Ayutthaya.

Si Satchanalai Districttown is also known as HatSieo, which is famous for theweave of the people of LaoPhuan descent. Looms canbe seen beneath houses in thenearby villages, especially tothe north across the river. TheSathorn Gold Textile Museum(08:00-18:00) provides aninteresting opportunity toappreciate and buy some ofthe delicate work. Goodrestaurants for lunch areavailable in town.

Study the map of the SiSatchanalai-Sawankhalok andSukhothai areas to determineyour route and how far youwant to go for the day. Thefastest route to the SukhothaiHistorical Park is via little usedH1305 and H1113 (approx 52kms.). The turn off south-westonto H1305 is south of KM.2

on the road that followsthe west bank of the

Yom River, but it isunmarked (except

for a woodensign to Si Satcha-nalai NationalPark-the returnjourney to thepark waterfallsis 100 kms.). H101 is themain route fromwhich side tripsmay be made toSi Satchanalai

Historical Park(KM.18) and Sawan-

waranayok NationalMuseum (Sawankhalok),but it is more pleasant to

4

5

6

7

8

KEY POINT FOUR

H1 to Chiang Rai & H11 to DenChai

KEY POINT FIVE

H11 to Den Chai & H1023 to WangChin

KEY POINT SIX

H101 KM 29/28 and the road acrossthe river in Amphoe Sri Satchanalai.

KEY POINT SEVEN

H1195 to Sukhothai and H1048to Thoen

KEY POINT EIGHT

H101 Si Satchanalai/KamphaengPhet & H12 Sukhothai/Tak

11 goes through secondary wood-lands and a pass to

the Wang Valley anddown to Key Point5, where you turnoff onto H1023for Wang Chin.The small dis-trict town hasone restauranton the riverbank as wellas some foodstalls on thesingle highstreet.

The route toSi Satchanalai fol-lows H1125 alongthe Yom River andthen takes H1177, join-ing H101 after 28 kms. Wat Chang Lom

H

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SI SATCHANALAIto SAWANKHALOK

Si SatchanalaiHistorical Park

SawanwaranayokNational Museum

SAWANKHALOK

SukhothaiCeramics

Centre Kiln 42

SI SATCHANALAI

Kiln 61

Airport(BangkokAirways)

To Uttaradit

To Si SatchanalaiNational Park

ToThung Saliam

& Thoen

To Ban Kao & Sukhothai Historical Park

To Sukhothai

To Den Chai &Wang Chin

102

1305

1113

1048

1201

101

1195

101

1056

1113

1294 1201

9 k ms.

The SukhothaiResort Hotel

6

SISAM

RONG

102

101

Km 28

Km 29

24 SathornMuseum

RoseRes.

UnchanRes.

7

6

0 5 kms.

take the less busy alternativeroute on the west bank of theYom River. This will enable youto visit the kiln sites (left side ofroad after approx. 8 kms.),which are extensions of theNational Museums (see below),and then drive on to the histori-cal park and southwards.

Si Satchanalai National Parkoccupies a peaceful site on thebanks of the Yom River, and thenearby Suwanthanas Resort isgood for a meal if not to staythe night. Several local goldsmiths are well-known for theirhand-wrought jewellery.

Si Satchanalai was a provin-cial centre of the Khmer empirein the 12th century, before

MONUMENTS AND MUSEUMSIN SUKHOTHAI PROVINCE

The museums (open Wed-Sun:09:00-1600), historical parks andnearby temples in Sukhothai Pro-vince charge admission fees. If youplant to visit most of these, you cansave by buying a ‘total ticket’, whichwill give you access to all sites in theprovince within 30 days.

There are separate charges forvehicles to enter the Historical Parks(Access to Si Satchanalai Historical

Park is on foot only after 17:00until the park is closed at 19:00. Adetailed map is available at theinformation centre. For a map ofSukhothai Historical Park, go to theadjacent National Museum)

The National Museums (atSawankhalok and Old Sukhothai)and the kiln site extensions containBuddha images, pottery, old photos,models as well as in-depth informa-tion about the sites.

becoming part of the Kingdom ofSukhothai that King Ramkhamhaengbuilt up at the end of the 13th century.Thai history books attribute to thiskingdom the foundation of the inde-pendent (from the northern Tai, Khmerand Mon) Siamese Tai kingdoms thatevolved into present day Thailand. Atthe height of its power the kingdomdirectly controlled the western half of

Sukhothai Historical Park

Kiln 61

SI SATCHANALAIHISTORICAL PARK

101

To Kiln Sites &Si Satchanalai

To Sawankhalok/Sukhothai

To Si Satchanalai

InformationCentre

footbridge

Wat Phra SiRattanamahathat

Chaliang

WatChangLom

KaengLuangRapids

SuwantharasWang Yom

Resort

Yom

Rive

r

0 500 m.

NEW SUKHOTHAI

ToKamphaeng

Phet

To Airport &Sawankhalok

To Si Samrong &Sawankhalok

To Phitsanuloke

To TakSukhothai

Historical Park& Pailyn Hotel

101

12

1195 101

12

8

NorthernPalace

(Wang Nua Hotel)

RatchathaniHotel

Nightmarket

area

Fuang Fah Res.(10:00-22:00)

Y O M R I V E R

0LD SUKHOTHAI(BAN KAO)

SukhothaiHistorical

Park

SukhothaiNationalMuseum

Wat TrapangThong Luang

Ban Kao

WatMahathat

WatSa Sri

Information (09:00-16:00)WatSri

Chum 1113

12

12

To Tak 12

1212

12

1113 To Si Satchanalai & Thung Saliam

To Sukhothai &Sawankhalok

BanKao

Pailyn HotelSukhothai

Cultural Centre-ThaiVillage House (Resort)

9

0 500 m.

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the upper Chao Phraya basin andenjoyed vassal tribute from as far asPegu in Burma, Luang Phabang in Laosand Nakhon Sri Thammarat in thesouth. After Ramkhamhaeng’s deathin 1298, Sukhothai rapidly declined,making way for the growth ofAyutthaya.

The provincial town of Sawan-khalok is smaller than (new) Sukhothaiand seems to have more charm. Both

have hotels, but Sukhothai has moreto offer at night.

ACCOMMODATION

(listed in order of location on therecommended tour route).

Suwanthanas (Wang Yom Resort).78/2 Mu 6 Si Satchanalai. Tel: (055)611179, 612277 ext. 279 Fax: (66 55)623448. Mobile: 01-3565627. Lovelygarden atmosphere and quiet bunga-lows on riverbanks. Adv. bookingrecommended.

Suphalai Place Hotel. 39 Mu 4,Sawankhalok, Sukhothai 64110. (055)641627 Fax: (66 55) 641772. Asmall but reasonable hotel 2 kms. southof the centre of Sawankhalok

The Sukhothai Resort Hotel, 99 Mu7 Tambol Samruan, Sisamrong District,Sukhothai. Tel: (055) 681698-9, 681700.Fax: (66 55) 681697. KM 19/20left turn by large seated Buddha northof Samrong District. Luxurious resorton the banks of the Yom River.

Northern Palace Hotel (Wang Nua).43 Singhawat Rd, Sukhothai 64000. Tel:(055) 611193-4 Fax: (66 55) 612038.

Thai style hotel in the middle ofthe new town of Sukhothai.

Pailyn Hotel. 10/2 Charodwithi-thong Rd (H12), Sukhothai 64210.

QUICK RETURN ROUTES TOCHIANG MAI.

Sukhothai - Chiang Mai viaThung Saliam, Thoen, Li andChom Thong. 326 Kms.

Take H1113 from SukhothaiHistorical Park approx. 29 kmsfrom Key Point 9 and turn left(west) onto H1048 and head forThoen (82 kms) via Thung Saliam(20 kms). Though sign posts are inThai only, the road numbers areclearly marked.

From Thoen you may proceedalong H1 to Key Point 3 and thefastest route to Chiang Mai (totaldistance 186 kms), or you may takethe less busy route H106 via Li.This will allow you to return eithervia Lamphun, visiting Wat BangPang at KM.86 on the way (215kms — see alternative route onDay 1), or via Doi Tao using H1103to Key Point 17 in Hod, rejoiningthe full tour (257 kms. see Day 5).

The first (approx.) 30 kms. ofH106 to Li has many bends and isa conduit for slow, heavy truckscarrying lignite. Once past thelignite mine, the route becomeseasy.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTESOUTH TO BANGKOK VIAKAMPHAENG PHET

From Key Point 8 it is just over80 kms. on H101 to a third historicalpark at Kamphaeng Phet. The townowed its importance to its locationon trading routes following theRiver Ping on the frontier of theKingdom of Sukhothai betweenAyutthaya and Lanna.

The town makes a conve-nient overnight stop on atwo-day drive to Bangkok.Modern hotels in the down-town area include:

Phet Hotel. 189 Bamrung-rat Rd., Kamphaeng Phet62000. Tel: (055) 712810-5Fax: (66 55) 712816.

Chakungrao Hotel. 123/1 Tedsa Rd. KamphaengPetch 62000. Tel: (055) 711315,711325-6.

Sukh

oth

ai

Da

wn

DAY 2:SIDE TRIP★ WIANG KOSAI NATIONALPARK. — ST 3

(H1023. KM.74. north turn 3kms.) The park centres on therelatively small Mae Koeng LuangFalls. A walkway leads up (approx.300m) to the seventh level of thecascades.

Wat Phra Si Iriyabot

Tel: (055) 613310-5 Fax: (66 55) 613317. The best hotel close to the Histo-

rical Park in Sukhothai.

SAWANKHALOK

101

1201

1048

1195

101To

ThungSaliam

andThoen

To Si SatchanalaiHistorical Park To Si Satchanalai

Historical Park

ToSi

Nakhon

SawanwaranayokNational Museum

To SukhothaiSuphalai

Place

Muang Inn

Footbridge

To Airport &Sukhothai

YO

MR

IVE

R

7

KAMPHAENG PHET

101

101

115

To Tak

To Sukhothai

To Phichit

To Nakhon Sawan & Bangkok

Historical Park

Wat Phra SiIriyabot

Wat Phra Non

City Pillar National Museum

1 2 kms

Wat Phra KaewOld City Walls

ChakungraoHotel

Phet HotelNavarat Hotel

Nightmarket

area

PI N

GR

I V E R

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1090

1090

105

1140

105

1175

12

10

11

8

9

13

115

1

1011132104

12

105

1175

1

12

12

101

SUKHOTHAI

TAK

KAMPHAENG PHET

Ban Tak

To Thoen & Lampang

Ban Lahu

To Umphang

Ban MaeLamao

PhrathatTon Kaew

Ban HuaiKalok

PhrathatHin Kiu

MoeiBridge

Miyawadi

Ban Lahu Ban Lahu(Musoe Hill

Tribe Villages)

Lan SangNational Park

TaksinNational Park

PHRAN KRATAI

KHIRIMAT

Historical Park

BanKao

24 hr.BANDAN LAN

HOISukhothaiHistorical

Park

MAE SOT

SUKHOTHAI to MAE SOT

MO

EI

RI V

ER

PI N

GR

IVE

R

Y

OM

R I V E R

0 10 20 kms.

MAE RAMAT

HilltribeDevelopment

Centre

R10

KEY POINT EIGHT

H101 Si Satchanalai/KamphaengPhet & H12 Sukhothai/Tak

KEY POINT NINE

H12 Sukhothai/Tak and H1113 toSi Satchanalai

KEY POINT TEN

H1 Lampang/Tak & H12 toSukhothai

KEY POINT ELEVEN

H1 Tak/Kamphaeng Phet andH105 to Mae Sot

KEY POINT TWELVE

H105 Tak/Mae Sot & H1090 toUmphang (traffic circle)

rom Sukhothai Historical Park, H12is a fast drive to Tak. You may turn

DAY 3 : SUKHOTHAI -MAE SOT 166 kms.

The route crosses to Tak and the mountains that bound the western flank of theRiver Ping Valley. Visit national parks and hill-tribe villages on the way to Mae Sot, atown grown rich on border trade.

8

9

10

11

1211. The drive offers side trips to parksand hill-tribe villages, as well as theopportunity for fresh coffee at thehill-tribe products market at KM.29. Ashrine at KM.70 honours Chao PhoPhawo, who died defending the spot

left at Key Point 10 or drive straight tothe river. Turn left (south) immediatelybefore the bridge across the river tosee the town and go to the Chid ChonRestaurant.

Turn west onto H105 at Key Point

Wa

t M

ah

ath

at,

Su

khot

ha

i

F

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11

DAY 3: SIDE TRIPS★ BHUMIPHOL DAM— ST 4

(61 Kms.) Toreach the world’s eighthlargest concrete archdam turn north on H1and then west at KM.462to Sam Ngao. Followthe signs from Tak toBan Tak and Sam Ngaofor an alternative ruralroute on the west bankof the Ping. A rest housenear the dam offersaccommodation.

★ LAN SANG NA-TIONAL PARK — ST 5

(3 kms.) The parkcontains a small water-fall popular with thepeople of Tak.

★ LISU, HMONGAND LAHU VILLAGES — ST 6

(5 kms.) A right (south) turn ona sealed concrete road just beforeKM.26 leads through a Lisu and aHmong village to a Hill-tribeDevelopment Centre. Drive throughthe centre to reach a Lahu village.Other villages of the Lahu Shehlehsub-group may be reached bytaking a north turn (5 kms. 4WD)along a dirt road near KM.27.

★ TAKSIN MAHARAT NA-TIONAL PARK — ST 7

(3 kms. 4WD after 2 kms.) The

against a Burmese army in the late 18thcentury.

Mae Sot is a busy trading town bestknown for its morning market. Youmay purchase gems, semi-preciousstones and other products fromMyanmar, perhaps at prices that aregood.

park is famous for a huge specimenof anisoptera, a species of diptero-carp. You have to sign in beforeentering the park. To reach the treeyou walk 400m down a very steeptrack to the bottom of a ravine. Birdcalls, primary forest and cooltemperatures in the evergreen lowerdown compensate for the stiff climbback up. Allow one hour for thewalk.

★ THE MOEI RIVER FRONTIERCROSSING — ST 8

(5 kms.) Drive past Key Point 13to the end of H105 at the bridgeacross the Moei into Myanmar. Tour-ists may walk across for a day visit(until 17:30) and will need 10 US$.You will get a new visa upon return-ing to Thailand. The Grapow Plarestaurant on the north side of thebridge ramp is good.

Am

azi

ng

Tree

Mae Sot morning marketB

hu

mip

hol

Da

m

Lahu Shehleh

TAK

PI N

GR

I VE

R

104

1

12

1107

Viang Tak 2 Hotel

Suan SinGarden Resort

Chid ChonRestaurant

To Kamphaeng PhetTo Mae Sot

TourismAuthority

of ThailandShrine

of King Taksinthe GreatBeer

Gardens

Footbridge

To Thoen

To Sukhothai

ToBanTak

10511

1

10

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ing on state of upkeep) make travelslow. Allow at least five hours for thejourney.

Umphang offers comfortablerustic-style bungalow/guest houseaccommodation. There are noodleshops on the high street and restau-rants at the guest houses. Nightentertainment is provided by well-known folk singer Khru San at GiftHouse (H1090. KM.162), when he isin town.

Guest houses offer combinationrafting, elephant and trekking toursthrough magnificient scenery towaterfalls and Karen villages alongthe Umphang River. The minimumrequired time is two nights inUmphang for the main day-trip toTilosu falls, but longer treks for wild-life enthusiasts can be arranged.

Though walk-in clients are cateredfor, advance booking is advised,especially during peak periods.

ACCOMMODATION INUMPHANG

Bunyaporn Resort. 106 Um-phang-Palatha Rd, Umphang, Tak63170. Tel: (055) 561040-1. - Anolder guest house with newly-builtriverside bungalows on stilts.

Tu Ka Su Cottage. 40 Mu 6,Umphang, Tak 63170. Tel: (055) 561295or mobile: (01) 8258238. Fax: (66 2)9164164. - Khun Suchart (‘Woody’)provides friendly service in adjoiningfamily-sized bungalows.

Umphang Hill Resort. Umphang-Palatha Rd. Umphang, Tak 63170.

R12

SPECIAL SIDE TOUR TOUMPHANG

(164 kms one way. 4WD) H1090is the only way in to the smalldistrict town of Umphang, which isbounded by the Burmese border andby mountainous and protectednature reserves.

From Key Point 12 H1090 is agood highway. H1206 (KM.31 westturn) goes to Pop Phra District, thelarge Karen refugee camp at Ban MoKoe, and the border crossing at BanWa Le. The Kulap Doi (MountainRose) Restaurant. (07:00-21:00: Tel:055 520349) and Phacharoen Falls(700 m. west ) are both near KM.36and provide an opportunity to break.

The last gas stations beforeUmphang are around KM.44, afterwhich point the road narrows andthe surface deteriorates. The rest ofthe journey follows a spectacularroute along precipitous slopes, highridges and across deep ravines.Sharp corners, steep grades, pittedand broken road surfaces (depend-

ACCOMMODATION

Viang Tak 2 Hotel. 236 ChompholRd. Tak 63000. Tel: (055) 512507-8.A modern medium rise hotel on theriver front near the main market of Tak.

The Central Mae Sot Hill Hotel, 100Asia Highway, Mae Sot, Tak 63110. Tel:(055) 532601-8 Fax: (66 53) 532600.Bangkok Office Fax: (66 2) 541 1038.

The most luxurious hotel in theMae Sot area.

Porn Thep Hotel. 25/4 Soi Sri Wiang,Prasathwithi Rd, Mae Sot, Tak. Tel: (055)532590-4. Thai style medium risehotel in the middle of town.

Tel: (055) 561063-4. Fax: (66 53)561065. - Part of SP Tourwhich has an office in Mae Sot (055)546112-4 (see map) and operates arustic guest house near Mae Salit(Day 4).

Tilosu Falls

Skaw Karen

MAE SOT

105

105

105

105

1090

13

12

To Moei River Bridge & Myanmar

To Mae SariangKhao-Mao Khao-Fang

(km.2 10:00-22:00)

Porn Thep Hotel

DK Hotel

Kwangtung (Chinese)Restaurant

To Tak

To Umphang

Morning market area

SPTour

The CentralMae Sot Hill

Hotel

0 500 m.

UMPHANG

ToMaeSot

To Doi Hua Mot & Ban Palatha

Phu Doi Res.

Bunyaporn Resort & Res.

Umphang Hill Resort (SP Tour)

Villa Tour (GH.)

HuaiNam Yen

GH.Tu Kasu Cottage & Res.

Ruan KaewGarden Resort

PowerStation

Hospital

DistrictOffices

Umphang House (GH.)

(Karen. 26 kms. 4WD)

U M P HA N

GR I V E R

1090

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1194

105

105

1099

1090

105

105

1175

14

1517

16

1213

108

108

1088

1103

Mae Salit

MAE SARIANG HOD

OMKOI

Mae NgaoNational Park

Ban ThaSong Yang

SOP MOEI

Ban Mae Ramoeng

Mae UsuCaves

Ban Ton Phung

To Ban Sam

km.190

km.114

km.94

km.219

6:00-21:00

24 hr.24 hr.

Mae Moei National Park

Ban HuaiKalok

24 hr.

Phrathat Ton Kaew

Phrathat Hin Kiu

MiyawadiMoei

Bridge

MAE RAMATM Y A N M A R( B U R M A )

THA SONGYANG

MAE SOT

MAE SOT to MAE SARIANG

Y U A MR

I VE R

MO

E I RI V E R

MA

ET

UN

RI V

ER

NG

AO

RI V

ER

0 10 20 kms.

MA

EC

H A E M R I V E R

Ob LuangNational Park

To Mae ChaemTo Mae Hong Son

R

13

KEY POINT THIRTEEN

H105 to the Moei River and H105to Mae Sariang.

KEY POINT FOURTEEN

H105 to Mae Sot and H108 MaeSariang/Chiang Mai

DAY 4 : MAE SOT -MAE SARIANG 232 kms.

Karen villages in striking scenery are found along the Moei River that forms thefrontier between Thailand and Myanmar. The route follows the river before climb-ing away to the north to pass over into the valley of the River Yuam and to the smalltown of Mae Sariang.

13

14

he Moei river flowsnorth-west into the

Salween river in Myanmarthrough borderlands occu-pied by the Karen. Untilrecently the Burmese sideof the border was undercontrol of independentKaren, many of whomhave fled to Thailand andnow live in refugee campsin the Mae Sot area (H105passes one of thesearound KM.60.)

Tha Song Yang Dis-trict town is a small bor-der town, but the sceneryis more impressive aroundthe half-way point at MaeSalit (KM.114), wherethere is a small restaurant(06:00-18:00). You maydetour to see life on the

T

CAUTION:Do not travel H105 between

the district towns of Mae Ramatand Sop Moei after dark. Militarycheckpoints may prevent you fromentering remote stretches of roadbecause of recent instability alongthe border. The route is quite safeduring the day, but you shouldmake sure you have a full tank ofgas when you leave Mae Ramat orTha Song Yang district towns.

Moei River

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LotusHotel &GuestHouse

Mit A ReeGuestHouse

ToMae Sam Laep

(46 kms)

WatSuphan Rangsri to Mae Sot (230 kms)

Wiangmai Rd.

Laen

gPh

anit

Rd.

MAE SARIANGTo Mae Hong Son

Riverside Guest House

Kamolsorn HotelInthra 08:00-23:00

Renu 09:00-23:00Mitr A Ree Hotel

km.103

ToChiang

Mai

108

108

105

14

Royal Foundation forHandicrafts

R14

KEY POINT FIFTEEN

(KM.56) The bridge at Ban KongLoi and the turn off for side trip 11.

KEY POINT SIXTEEN

(KM.22) The junction of H1088 atthe start of the alternative route to MaeChaem, the summit of Doi Inthanonand Chom Thong (117 kms.)

KEY POINT SEVENTEEN

The clock tower at Hod and the

DAY 4: SIDE TRIPS★ MAE USU CAVES — ST 9

(KM.94. West turn 2 kms.) Part of the Moei RiverNational Park, the caves are about 300m. long. Karen guides(voluntary contribution expected) will show you throughthe caves.

★ NATIONAL PARKS OFF H105 (4WD) — ST 10The Moei River National Park HQ is 11 kms. up a dirt

road at an east turn north of KM.114. There are two guesthouses after 15 kms (check first if they are open. TheMonkrating Guest House is run by SP Tour. Mae Sot Tel:(055) 546121-4 Fax: (66 55) 532279. Bangkok Res. Fax: (66 2)5737942). The road climbs to viewpoints (18-20 kms) overmisty valleys in the early morning, before descending tothe Karen village of Mae Ra Moeng (35 kms.)

At KM.190 a dirt road goes to Mae Ngao National Park(5 kms.) and to a viewpoint over the morning mists.

DAY 5 : MAE SARIANG -CHIANG MAI 190 kms.

The main road crosses the high country populated by the Karen and Lawa betweenthe Salween and Ping watersheds before entering the valley of the Mae Chaem River.Routes upstream and downstream along the Mae Chaem Valley offer differentapproaches to the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon.

15

16

17

18

A

river at Mae Salit and Ban Tha SongYang, before the road turns passes overto the valley of the Mae Ngao and downto Mae Sariang on the Yuam River.

ACCOMMODATION

Kamolsorn Hotel (Mae Sariang Rd).Tel: (053) 618623. Fax: (66 53) 681203.

Functional downtown hotelLotus Guest House (Wiang Mai Rd)

T e l : ( 0 5 3 )681048, 681156.

Functionalhotel in enter-tainment complex.

Mit A Ree Guest House (Wiang MaiRd) Tel: (053) 681109. Fax: (66 53)681280. Bungalows at the back ofthe hotel compound offers the bestaccommodation in Mae Sariang.

junction of H1012 to Doi Tao and Liwith H108

KEY POINT EIGHTEEN

Wat Phrathat Chom Thong

KEY POINT NINETEEN

Airport Plaza intersection of H108and the Om Muang Rd near the Bud-get Office.

fter the climb away from theYuam River Valley, the route

crosses cleared uplands in a series ofpasses between small valleys. Sideroads lead to Karen and Thai villagesin the plateau country.

The road descends from the pineforests of the Bo Luang plateau, reach-ing the turn off for the alternative routeto Mae Chaem on H1088 at KM.22. Goto Ob Luang gorge at KM.17 on H108for short walks in the National Park ona picturesque part of the Mae Chaemriver.

H108 continues to Hot and Chom

19

Nea

r B

an

Th

a S

ong

Ya

ng

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15

DAY 5:SIDE TRIPS★ BAN SAM — ST 11

(H108 KM.56 Left turn [north]after bridge. 46 kms. 4 hrs). This roadfollows high ground to the newMae Tho National Park and theHmong village of Lao Lee(KM.16). From Lao Lee the roaddescends passing Karen villages[At Ban Mae Ap walk 1.5 kms to awaterfall at KM.24] in beautifulmountain scenery, eventuallyreaching the Lawa village of BanSam.

Thong. The village of Nong Ap Chang(Pa Saeng Da Textile Museum KM.69right turn [east]. 500m.) is famous forlocal weaving. In Chom Thong itself,Wat Phrathat Sri Chom Thong is an im-portant pilgrimage site for Thai Bud-dhists.

From Chom Thong you may visit DoiInthanon (KM.60 left turn [west] onH1009. 47 kms.) as well as to the MaeYa Falls (KM. 60 left turn [west] onH1009 for one kilometre and then leftturn [south] again).

From Chom Thong, H108 is a fastroute back to Chiang Mai and the Bud-get Office near Key Point 19.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO MAECHAEM & DOI INTHANON

Turn left (north) at KM.22 ontoH1088 to Mae Chaem (45 kms.). Theroad passes the Thephanom hotsprings after 9 kms. Beware of truckscarrying lignite using the same road.Mae Chaem is a small rural districttown famous for weaving. Sur-rounding villages are traditional andhave some lovely old temples, andthe nearby hills are populated by theHmong and Karen.

H1192 is a narrow road withmany sharp curves up Doi Inthanon,joining H1009 after 22 kms. Turn left(north) onto H1009 to reach the royal

chedis at KM.40 before going to thevisitor centre and nature trail at thesummit.

The journey down to ChomThong (47 kms. from the summit)passes the park headquarters andthree major waterfalls. On H108 a 2kms. detour south along H108 toWat Phrathat Sri Chom Thong (KeyPoint 18) is worthwhile beforereturning to Chiang Mai.

Lai Hin Guest House (2 kmsfrom Mae Chaem on H1088). Tel:828258. The most comfortableaccommodation and restaurant inthe Mae Chaem area.

ACCOMMODATION

Khao Krairaj Resort. KM.17.Hot-Mae Sariang Rd. Hod. Tel: (01)2243818. Plank wood rooms inlovely setting at Ob Luang National Park.

Hot Resort. (KM.5 [4 kms. fromHot]) Tel: (053) 460070. Mobile: (01)9501700. Rustic A frame huts bythe Mae Chaem River.

Pang Thong Hotel (KM.58 on thenorth side of Chom Thong). Tel: (053)826605. Fax: (66 53) 826609. Fun-ctional new hotel near the town.

Spaghnum moss on Aangh Kha(Doi Inthanon)

Mae Phan Falls, Doi Inthanon

Ban Muang Pon

Ban Hang Pon

Ban Nong Haeng

Ban Mae La Luang

Ban Mae Pang

Ban Mae Tia

KHUN YUAM

MAELA NOI

MAESARIANG Ban Kong Loi

Ban Lao Lee(Hmong)

Ban Mae Ap(Karen)

Ban La Up(Lawa)

Ban Sam(Lawa)

MAE CHAEM

MA

EC

H

A E MR I V E R

CHOM THONG

HOD

PI N

GR

I V

E R

SANPATONG

HANG DONG

SAMOENGMAE RIM

Doi Inthanon

Park HQ

Lai Hin Guest House09:00-24:00

Mae Pan

19

18

1716

15

14

12

24 hr.

22

km.54

24 hr.

km.103

24

SunflowersBan U Kho(Hmong)

(Karen)

Ban Mae Ho(Karen)

06:00-21:00

(Hmong)Mae Tho

Ob LuangKhao

KrairajResortThephanom

Hot Springs

To Om Koi (50kms)

HodResort

Ban Huai Mana

Ban Thung SieoVachiratarn

Mae Klang

Pang Thong Hotel

Mae Ya

Little HomeGuest House

Mae Sa1096

108

CHIANG MAI1263

108

1266

108

108

YU

AM

RI V

ER

Luang Ta Kham10:00-22:00

Kao MaiLanna

10:00-22:00

Mon Duang Duan06:00-21:00Ban Nong Ap Chang

P I N GR I V E R

108

1088

1270

1192

1263

1099

Altern a tive route

Alte

rnat

ive

rout

e

MAE SARIANGto CHIANG MAI

Page 16: Chiang Mai Sukhothai Loop - :: Budget Car Rental Thailand ... · Northern Thailand, however, is the “Thailand North” map published by Berndtson & Berndtson. Visitors will also

À¬ÿ¥

À¬ÿ¥

µ√«®

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SAFE DRIVINGIN THAILAND

DRIVERS LICENSE

All drivers must hold acurrent, non-probationarylicense. The license may eitherbe Thai, or from the renter’scountry of residence (with anEnglish translation), or aninternational driver’s permit.Licenses (and a valid passport)must be carried at all timeswhen driving.

IF YOU HAVE ANACCIDENT:

If possible leave yourvehicle where it came to rest,(so that police can apportionblame for the accident) andcontact the police as soon aspossible. Dial 191 for a toll freecall to the local police or 1699for the tourist police. Makesure injured parties get to ahospital as soon as possible(other Thais will often takecare of this) and set up warn-ings for other drivers ( placingbranches of trees on the road);then contact Budget. Stay withyour vehicle and take care ofyour valuables!

DRIVING ON DIRTROADS

Dirt Roads go all over themountains, but even Thais canget lost in the maze of cross-roads, so taking a guide(approx. 500 Baht/day) forremote roads is advisable.

The tracks are steep andnarrow and very tricky in therainy season. If you plan anovernight trip on a dirt roadtrip take the following: torch,candles and matches, warmclothes (especially in winter),water, dry food, insect repel-lent, and a full tank of gas.Drive very slowly to preventmechanical problems fromstranding you.

Happy safe driving!

at the major towns, but ruralstations will close in theevening. Prices are around 13baht a litre, and gas stationswill require cash.

ROAD RULES

The maximum speed limitis 60 kph in town and 90 kphon highways, if you canbelieve it! Seat belts should beworn and driving while drunkis illegal.

FALLING ROCKS (LAND SLIDE)STEEP HILL

STOP (POLICE) CHECK SLIPPERY ROAD

STOP NO PASSING

For reservations, please contact yourtravel consultant or call Budget:

In the U.K.: 0541 56 56 56In the U.S.: (800) 527-0700

In Germany: 01 80 / 5 24 43 88In Australia: 13-28-48

In Singapore: 532-4442In Thailand: 66 2 203-0250

WITH

IN D

ESIGN

(053) 272111-2

THAI ROADS

All main and most minorroads are sealed. Warningsigns and reflective arrowsmark sharp corners, while tem-porary signs mark hazards likelandslides and road works(these can be extensive whereupgrading is in process). Mainintersections are illuminatedwith sodium lighting. Thegovernment is firmly in con-trol of the whole country andhighway robbery has beenunheard of for many years.

ROAD SIGNS ANDKILOMETRE STONES

Bilingual (English/Thai)road signs indicate destinationsand route numbers beforeintersections, and show theroad number and the distanceto the next main destinationafter the intersection. Kilo-metre markers show the roadnumber and distance downthe road on the front face. Dis-tances to the next destinationin the direction of travel arefound on the side of the stone.

LOCAL DRIVERS

Most drivers in Thailandare reasonable, if not a littleselfish for they tend to giveway little. Be careful ofoncoming vehicles that over-take and force you to take tothe hard shoulder. Be ready togo onto the hard shoulder at amoment’s notice, especially oncorners and hills! Be careful ofvehicles entering from sideroads, which may not stop.

AT NIGHT

Many vehicles do not haverear lights, especially carts,motorcycles and bicycles. Do

not drive fast just after dusk aslots of local traffic is returningto the villages. Many trafficaccidents happen at this timein Thailand! Be careful ofoncoming vehicles with onelight — they may not bemotorcycles! Night driving isnot recommended.

FUEL

24 hour service stationsare found on main routes and