Day 4 – Mae Sai -> Golden Triangle -> Chiang Khong
-> Chiang Mai
After breakfast, the journey continues. The first
destination was Golden Triangle. It was a short ride, about 35km from Mae
Sai. I also realize that there is a second friendship bridge to Myanmar which
has been in operation. I will check this out on other ride then. Along the way,
the view is beautiful with green paddy field with the mountain as a background.
Also, realise that the road has been upgrade to 4 lane highway toward Chiang
Sean. It has change from the last ride here back in 2009.
The first place we stop in Chiang Sean was an Opium Hall.
Here, we are being brief by the staff about the history of Golden Triangle and
the Opium Trade.
After an hour or so in Golden Triangle, we move on to Chiang
Khong on route 1129. The road construction is in progress along this route and
I believe that the expansion of the road will be reaching Chiang Khong soon.
Road along route 1129 are not as good as in Chiang Sean especially in the
mountain area. But, once on the top, the views are stunning, we can see the
Mekong and Laos from this site.
The road decent also fabulous, it remind me to road to Mae
Hong Son. We did stop at the view point in Huai Sai. From here, the Mekong
river can be seen much more clear.
At the end of route 1129, we turn right to route 1120 and
have a coffee break at the Chiang Khong port. I did explain to the guys, across this Mekong river is Huay Xai town which the entry place to ride
in Laos. Yup, this will be another ride for them.
From route 1120, we divert to rural road on route 1174
toward Chiang Rai. The route is much better view and we can even see village
life around this route. Part of this route are under construction and it feel good to ride on this dusty flat road.
From Chiang Rai on Highway 1, heading south and take
another diversion onto route 118 to Chiang Mai. The road is very good with some
area with twisted curve. We did enjoy riding here.
We reach Chiang Mai around 8pm and after check in straight
for a dinner. In Chiang Mai, it was not a problem to find halal place to eat. It
was a few minute walk from the hotel. After dinner, as usual we have a walk
into the night market.
