The wife wants to take visiting relatives up to Doi Intanon tomorrow and being the designated driver, I really don't wanna fight holiday traffic for a full day up and back down to CM. Any recent traffic reports??

I saw on Thai TV that the weekends are having turnouts of OVER 5000 Thais up there camping. It looks anything but peaceful. Looked like a crowded market with camping tents instead of umbrellas and tables. So I'd avoid the weekend at all costs.

I drove up there today with my family, and it was quite busy. We left early enough to get ahead of some of the minibuses, but once we left the main road, it was fairly steady traffic all the way up. I just let the crazy ones go by, and took my time. We were on top by 10am, and it was very pleasant. We did not stop at the two stupas, because they were packed out. Some big monk was visiting today, apparently..? We took our own lunch, so didn't have to worry about finding something to eat/drink. The board walk was fun, as we hadn't done that in a while. Driving back was worse. It is a long, tiring day trip, which we don't do often. The first big waterfall on the right was in full flow, but the rest were not as exciting. Have fun..!

They showed Doi Inthanon on the Thai news this evening. Looked very busy. Busier than I have ever seen it.

I drove up there today with my family, and it was quite busy. We left early enough to get ahead of some of the minibuses, but once we left the main road, it was fairly steady traffic all the way up. I just let the crazy ones go by, and took my time. We were on top by 10am, and it was very pleasant. We did not stop at the two stupas, because they were packed out. Some big monk was visiting today, apparently..? We took our own lunch, so didn't have to worry about finding something to eat/drink. The board walk was fun, as we hadn't done that in a while. Driving back was worse. It is a long, tiring day trip, which we don't do often. The first big waterfall on the right was in full flow, but the rest were not as exciting. Have fun..!

What is the normal time to make the trip? Of course a week or so after the New Year.

Jaideeguy, why don't you take them on the scenic route via Mae Kamphong (with a waterfall) & then over the hill to Jae son NP, returning via the hwy 1252. All to the NE of Chiang Mai, closer to where you live? And probably a lot less crowded. Beautiful scenery, far from the madding crowds....

I drive pretty slowly, and it took me 2.5 hours from our house in Sansai to the top of the mountian. We did have a couple of stops, for coffee and photos though. It is 105 km each way.

I drive pretty slowly, and it took me 2.5 hours from our house in Sansai to the top of the mountian. We did have a couple of stops, for coffee and photos though. It is 105 km each way.

thank you

Jaideeguy, why don't you take them on the scenic route via Mae Kamphong (with a waterfall) & then over the hill to Jae son NP, returning via the hwy 1252. All to the NE of Chiang Mai, closer to where you live? And probably a lot less crowded. Beautiful scenery, far from the madding crowds....

That was my plan B anyway. One of my favorite drives and so close and I consider it one of the best kept tourist secrets around CM......but they are discovering it fast with the 2 different ziplines. Also can hit the SK hot springs on the return.

Thanks to all for the traffic reports. now I can tell the wife that I have 1st hand knowledge of the situation.

It will be so great after Jan 3, when we can have our rose of the north back to ourselves again.

Drive safely folks. Do look out for drunk drivers, especially this period.

Chok dee na

Really busy in town today. I think the car might be staying in the garage till after New Year!

Really busy in town today. I think the car might be staying in the garage till after New Year!

Really busy on superhighway near Saraphi, this afternoon. A lot of vehicles heading towards the city

And a lot of fresh "white graffiti" on the 500m run up to the traffic lights

Edited December 28, 201213 yr by MESmith

A nearly solid line of cars from Hong Dong to C.M. Reminder to myself, more leg power and less horse.

Really busy in town today. I think the car might be staying in the garage till after New Year!

Very true. I took a ride from the south side of town and down the moat to the road up to Doi Sutthep. It was solid cars all the way and every intersection was a bolox with people going through on red lights and then getting stuck in the intersection... which of course blocked all the vehicles trying to go through on a green light. I'm sure glad I was on my scooter.

This is the number one holiday I refuse to drive anywhear in Thailand.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/607957-33-dead-as-seven-dangerous-days-of-new-years-break-begin-thailand/

luckily we chose the northeast loop, as traffic was minimal and we had a nice cruise up the mountain and back around to the San Kapheng hotsprings [which was a little crowded] and an easy return home....

I hate traffic, especially with a truckload of kids!!

luckily we chose the northeast loop, as traffic was minimal and we had a nice cruise up the mountain and back around to the San Kapheng hotsprings [which was a little crowded] and an easy return home....

I hate traffic, especially with a truckload of kids!!

Which way did you go around, & can you avoid paying to go through Jae Son NP?

Thank you guys for pointing out new places to visit. I checked out Mae Kampong on the Google map but couldn't locate it. But, somehow, I managed to find it. And then this Jae Son NP that MESmith has mentioned is actually Chai Son (Som) National Park. That Highway 1252 seems an interesting route. Will surely visit when the daughter come visiting in Feb. Thanks guys! Oh, it seems it's got hot springs in that national park also!