Roads Less Travelled

[millwall_fan]

Mrs Millwall Fan and I are planning a few days up in the mountains in conjunction with a border run. We're planning to drive from Mae Sai to Doi Anghan, then across the mountians to Wiang Haeng. Does anyone know of there's now a metalled road leading from Wiang Haeng to Bangmapha/Soppong or to Pai over the mountains? We don't have a 4 wheel drive, but our trusty old Indonesian Kit Car has taken us around most of the north's tallest peaks over the past few years We can cope with fairly steep gradients, but obviously not any off roading. I've looked on the motorbike site GT Rider, which suggests its not possible, so I'm turning to you guys with real local knowledge of that area. Any thoughts

[Pikey]

I did it on a road bike last year without too much trouble. The road number is 1178 between Arunothai and Lin Luang - about 35km of hardpack dirt and no mega hills. Weather permitting you'd probably be OK. Lovely area too. That'll get you from DAK to Wiang Heng but from there to Pai is a lot tougher and proiper off road - dirtbike/4WD only IMO.

GT-R trip report link is here: http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycl...aeng-t4148.html

The DAK - Wiang Heng bit is detailed here along with a few pics: http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycl...it=burma#p34531

Cheers & let us know how you get on!

Pikey.

[rodcourt49]

I did it on a road bike last year without too much trouble. The road number is 1178 between Arunothai and Lin Luang - about 35km of hardpack dirt and no mega hills. Weather permitting you'd probably be OK. Lovely area too. That'll get you from DAK to Wiang Heng but from there to Pai is a lot tougher and proiper off road - dirtbike/4WD only IMO.

GT-R trip report link is here: http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycl...aeng-t4148.html

The DAK - Wiang Heng bit is detailed here along with a few pics: http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycl...it=burma#p34531

Cheers & let us know how you get on!

Pikey.

..great link there Pikey..must have been a great adventure..

[Pond Life]

Its been a couple of years since I did it.

The Pai side of the route was very tough, (Toyota Hilux 4WD).

I'd also do it on a Honda Dream ,If you've got the experience.

Definately forget it in the rainy season.

[cloudhopper]

Most of the steep bits of the road between Ban Tanjedton in Pai and Muang Noi have been concreted or double tracked. The road is normally graded all the way from there to Vieng Hang but has been closed by landslides in the past. There is also a 4WD route from Muang Noi to Pangmapa. The roads are all well-trafficked by loggers, smugglers as well as Army and forest dept vehicles facilitating their trade. Don't go up there if there's been or it's going to rain.