Discover the beauties of Northern Thailand (part 3 and conclusion)

The North is one of the most beautiful areas of Thailand and in particular the area around Mae Sot, Mae Hong Song and Pai. A must is the route 1095 with its more than 1800 hairpin bends from Chiang Mai via Pai to Mae Hong Son. The route can be driven in one day, but all tourist attractions and beautiful views will be passed.

Part 3 and conclusion

After another night in Pai I continued on the 1095 to Mae Hong Son. If you want to see all the sights in the vicinity of that town, you must reserve at least five days for it. What is possible; the Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, a beautiful white temple. The Sutongpe Bridge, a wooden bridge between lush green rice fields. The Tham Lot Cave, a fabulously beautiful cave but very touristy, but well worth a visit.

The Fish Cave with crystal clear rivers in which thousands of hungry fish swim.

The Yun Lai View point high in the mountains with beautiful views. Also several Hot Springs, Waterfalls, and three Long Neck Villages. One of them is not accessible by normal car. The other two are very touristy. You can reach one by boat, the other by car where you first have to drive through nine shallow rivers. Seems like an adventure but is easy to do by car or moped.

Mountain dwellers. They mainly come from Burma and Laos and have entered Thailand from the North since the last century. Some of them are the Akha, the Lisu, the Karen and the Hmong.

A visit to the mountain villages is recommended, but these are not easy to find. It is better to book such a trip through a local travel agency.

A trip to China City is a must. This Chinese-inhabited village is located deep in the mountains. The ride goes through high mountains and sometimes on narrow, but passable roads to the mountain village. Beforehand you pass a waterfall on the right that is easily and freely accessible.
It is advised to use the horn on some S-turns. You pass small villages, beautiful views of rice fields and extensive tea plantations.

China City is a village built entirely in the Chinese style, and you can taste all kinds of tea. There is a huge range of dried fruits and even regional wine is offered.

There are more mountain villages to visit in the area, such as Monk City. Unfortunately, the route is not or hardly indicated, but if desired I can provide the GPS coordinates.

I want to share one more adventure with you. Driving on the 1095 from Mae Hong Son you can turn left after about 35 kilometers to the 1226. This road ends after about 25 kilometers against the border of Myanmar. In this area there are some caves that I have unfortunately never found. These are the Pha Phueak Cave and the Mae La Na Cave. The latter, according to information, is the longest in Asia.

In Thailand, tourist attractions are generally well signposted, but sometimes you miss the follow-up signs and that is simply because they are not there. I have already driven the 1226 four times, even to the border, but in vain. After about 10 kilometers the road is in such a bad condition that you can only drive at walking pace. After about 20 kilometers you come to a very tricky Check Point. You don't pass easily, they ask the shirt of your body in advance and, moreover, in a language that no one understands.

Arriving at the exit I had doubts, should I try again? My new map indicated that Mae Lana Cave would be about halfway on the right. The sign at the exit with the text; MAELANA CAVE and The Longest Cave in Asia and was the deciding factor, so one more try.

To prevent me from going into the fog for the fifth time, I turned right about halfway to a village and, sure enough, there was an arrow with the text; Cave. The slowly ascending road became narrower and was considerably affected by rain and green deposits. Again I was the only tourist and that gave food for thought.

It has happened to me more that a road suddenly wasn't a road anymore or that I had to cross a river on the gamble so what was waiting for me now because it was rainy season.

In Thailand, dangerous roads and tourist attractions are sometimes closed by means of a barrier due to excessive rainfall. And yes, also now a barrier. The Thai there said that the Mae La Na Cave was closed, but a visit would still be possible. After payment of 300 Bath he, and also as a guide, would accompany me on the further route by moped.

At first no problems but suddenly, at a sharp bend the road plunged steeply with a number of super sharp hairpin bends. The turns of, I think at least 35 degrees, were so steep and tight that I couldn't stand it anymore. I'm used to what roads are concerned, but that was a bit too much of a good thing. I stopped and wanted to reverse, but I couldn't. The only option was to follow the road down.

At my guide's direction, I twisted through bends with sheer cliffs on both sides, some of which had had entire stretches of road tumbling down. My car has quite a lot of horsepower, but there was also a way back waiting for me. I couldn't imagine that the road surface on the steep parts with that slippery layer of moss would give me any grip on the climb. My guide was imperturbable, it was possible.
I was fitted with a headlamp and we started exploring the 500 meter long cave. Really fantastic and my guide was a child at home.

But I was already on my way back in my mind and really didn't like it anymore. Therefore, much of his explanation long passed me.
Before we started on the way back, my guide showed us the place where a German fell down a few weeks ago. Well, that could also be added. My guide advised to explore the bends beforehand and then to drive at the highest possible speed. At low speed my tires would lose grip on the road surface. Relieved I reached the barrier but they don't see me there anymore.

I advise everyone to avoid that cave. It can only be reached by car and in the rainy season a true horror road.

Back in Pattaya I could look back on an adventurous journey with many experiences. I enjoyed the beautiful nature, the contacts with the mountain people and the always delicious Thai cuisine.

Submitted by Hans