MTB journey in the Chiang_Mai , Chiang_Rai & Mae_Hong_Son province

[Assurancetourix]

From the 5th to the 27th of november a french friend and I have made about 1,400 kilometers in these three provinces ;

it's not the first time I come there;

I went already with another french people at the beginning of this year, in march but we did that journey without luggages on the bicycles which were in my pickup driving by my son in law .

I went many other times whitout the MTB to visit these marvellous provinces and I will come again and again ....even I'm living with my wife and our family in Sakon_Nakhon province ; 720 km from Chiang_Mai .

Two days in my village for acclimatization before beginning the mountains in the north.

November the 5th

Not far from Sawang Daen Din , the main town not far from my village, road 22 which name is Nittayo Road from Udon_Thani to Nakhon_Phanom , about 15 kilometers towards Sakon, on the right side of the road an old Khmer castle from the 13th century

PB053360_ku_phanna_daniel by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB053361_ku_phanna_daniel by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Coming back home we stop to shoot some photo ; some farmers are selling their week rubber production in a field -- 22 baht the kilogramme that day; not much

PB053362_bis_na_thom_vente_caoutchouc_brut by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB053366_na_thom_vente_caoutchouc_brut by vanhouten1, on Flickr

November the 6th

Issan is " a plat pays" as we can read in some guide books

I decided to take my friend to the top of Phupalek National Park , about 25 kilometers from my village , on the road 2021 to Song_Dao ;

the last 5 kilometers are at a minimum of 10% ; when I'm in a good form I do these 5 kilometers in 30 minutes

PB063368_puphalek_daniel by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB063370_puphalek_moi by vanhouten1, on Flickr

A suivre ....

To be continued....

[Assurancetourix]

November the 7th

We leave our village about 70 km fron Udon_Thani at about 4 am

Some photos taken during the trip to Chiang_Mai

PB073381_route_11_den_chai__lampang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB073382_route_11_den_chai__lampang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB073383_route_11_lamphun__chiang_mai by vanhouten1, on Flickr

We arrived in Chiang Mai at our hotel Holiday Garden , Thanon Huai_Kaeo which is the road to go to Doi_Suthep;

A two bed room with a fridge, TV, airco ; " gargantuan " breakfast included for 800 baht .

PB083387_chiang_mai__holiday_garden by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083389_chiang_mai__holiday_garden by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083392_chiang_mai__holiday_garden by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083391_chiang_mai__holiday_garden by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

November the 8th

A day for visiting Chiang_Mai city with our MTB

PB083393_chiang_mai_un_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083394_chiang_mai_un_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083395_chiang_mai_un_autre_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083396_chiang_mai_un_autre_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083397_chiang_mai_un_autre_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083399_chiang_mai_un_troisieme_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083403_chiang_mai_arbre_dans_un_troisieme_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083405_chiang_mai_un_quatrieme_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083406_chiang_mai_un_quatrieme_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083408_chiang_mai_un_cinquieme_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083407_chiang_mai_un_quatrieme_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

The same day , november the 8th

PB083409_chiang_mai_camion by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083411_chiang_mai__musee_telecoms_&_belle_auto by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083412_chiang_mai__belle_auto by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083413_chiang_mai__wat_&_donald by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB083414_chiang_mai__wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

November the 9th

In march this year I met two belgian men ( Marcel & Marcel ) who like to cycle ; they are living in Chiang_Mai and they will come with us for the beginning of the day ;

we want to go to Doi_Ang_Khang and want to stop for the first day somewhere not far from Chiang_Dao

PB093416_chiang_mai__les_deux_marcel by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB093417_en_allant_a_chiang_dao by vanhouten1, on Flickr

We went to Chiang_Dao cave and coming back we stopped to drink something at a little restaurant , left side the road

PB093419_chiang_dao_grotte by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB093428_chiang_dao_grotte_cafe_suedois by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB093429_chiang_dao_grotte_cafe_suedois by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB093430_chiang_dao_grotte_cafe_suedois by vanhouten1, on Flickr

We are on the road to Doi_Ang_Khang and will stop for the dinner and the night in a beautiful resort where they have Chang beer, the beer I and we prefer in Thailand

PB093431_route_1178_vers_doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB093432_route_1178_resort_marcel by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB093433_route_1178_resort by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB093435_route_1178_resort_serveuse by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB093437_route_1178_resort by vanhouten1, on Flickr

In the night " lanterns" are going in the sky

PB093447_route_1178_resort_loi_kratong by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB093448_route_1178_resort_loi_kratong by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB093450_route_1178_resort_loi_kratong by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

To morrow I'm going with my wife to Na_Kae where we will take part a MTB race ;

60 km for the women and 80 for the men..

To be continued to morrow evening or after to morrow morning...

Enjoy

[Assurancetourix]

Hi, everybody,

Yesterday saturday 6th of december;

A bike race in Nakae , road 223, in Nakon_Phanom province;

80 kilometers with a hard final ;

I did 3 in my category ( more than 60 y old) average 29,7 km/h ;

fee 500 baht with a very beautiful shirt; I won 500 baht !

end of digression .

November the 10th

Resort in Chiang_Dao to Doi_Ang_Khang = 80 kilometers;

" dur! dur! " more than difficult ; some parts of the road are more difficult than climbing Doi_Inthanon

PB103451_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103452_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103453_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103454_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103455_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103456_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103457_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103458_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103461_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103462_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103463_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103464_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103466_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103467_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB103469_chiang_dao__doi_ang_khang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

November the 11th

Doi_Ang_Khang -- Thaton -- 76 kilometers

It's 7 am in Doi_Ang_Khang village ; some fog in the mountains....and cold also ; a good before starting

PB113471_doi_ang_khang_tathon by vanhouten1, on Flickr

On the top of the mountain a minority (which people? FabianFred help !! ) market along the road

PB113472_doi_ang_khang_tathon by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB113473_doi_ang_khang_tathon by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB113474_doi_ang_khang_tathon by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB113475_doi_ang_khang_tathon by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB113476_doi_ang_khang_tathon by vanhouten1, on Flickr

A farang meeting at the market;

The two other people are visiting the north on their Enduro motorbike; looking for off roads when it's possible.

The man on the right of the photo is a belgian windsurf champion ;

maybe some TVF members know about him ?

PB113477_doi_ang_khang_tathon by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

to be continued ....same day


[/url]PB113487_doi_ang_khan__fang_tathon by vanhouten1, on Flickr
PB113488_doi_ang_khan__fang_tathon by vanhouten1, on Flickr


The road -- 1249 -- coming to Mae_Sun and Fang is very dangerous


PB113490_doi_ang_khan__fang_tathon by vanhouten1, on Flickr


Road 1089 between Fang and Thaton


PB113492_doi_ang_khan__tathon_porte_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr
PB113493_doi_ang_khan__tathon_porte_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr
PB113501_doi_ang_khan__tathon_wat_interieur by vanhouten1, on Flickr


We are in Thaton and walk in the evening looking for dinner; some thai cyclists have a meeting on the bridge for a ride in the night


PB113505_tathon_route_1089 by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

november the 12th ( wednesday )

Thaton -- Mae_Salong 46 kilometers

Only 46 kilometers and it was enough for the day ; another hard day with much percentage on the roads .

The beautiful hotel where we passed the night, along the river,

PB123510_tathon_route_1089_hotel by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB123509_tathon_route_1089_hotel by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB123508_tathon_route_1089_hotel by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB123507_tathon_route_1089_hotel by vanhouten1, on Flickr

And the best one ( i will try to do ..)

PB123506_tathon_route_1089 by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB123511_tathon__doi_mae_salong by vanhouten1, on Flickr

The king Taksin ( without an " h " ) ; They love him in this province....and they love also the other with an " h " ...

PB123513_tathon__doi_mae_salong_king_taksin by vanhouten1, on Flickr

On the road to Mae_Salong

PB123516_tathon__doi_mae_salong by vanhouten1, on Flickr

We are in Mae_Salong , never forget it's a chinese village

PB123517_doi_mae_salong by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB123518_doi_mae_salong_eglise_protestante by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB123522_doi_mae_salong_pub_chinoise_true by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB123524_doi_mae_salong by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[jongunnar]

Wonderful photos, and a lot of km's. Very interesting !

[Assurancetourix]

Thank you very much Jon...

I will visit u soon; have a problem with my CD player on the computer

It's not finish; the last day november 27 th ;

I have still many photos to upload here.

[Assurancetourix]

November the 13th ( thursday )

Mae_Salong -- Mae_Chan -- Chiang_Rai --73 kilometers

Wat Santi_Kiri

PB133526_mae_salong_route_1234_wat_santi_kiri by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Road 1234 ; plantation 101 , it's tea

PB133527_mae_salong_route_1234 by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133528_mae_salong_route_1234 by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133529_mae_salong_route_1234 by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133530_mae_salong_route_1234 by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133531_mae_salong_route_1234 by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133532_mae_salong_route_1234 by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133533_mae_salong__chiang_rai by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Before arriving in Chiang Rai, U-Turn about in front of the big SINGHA building to have a look at the " Black House " of Khun Tawan_Duchanee ;

free entrance , close between noon and 1 pm

http://www.thawan-duchanee.com/

PB133534_ban_du_maison_noire by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133535_ban_du_maison_noire by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133537_ban_du_maison_noire by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133538_ban_du_maison_noire by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133539_ban_du_maison_noire by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133541_ban_du_maison_noire by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133542_ban_du_maison_noire by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133543_ban_du_maison_noire by vanhouten1, on Flickr

In Chiang Rai we find easily a nice GH in the center of the town ; 500 baht breakfast include ; second photo, the boss of the GH

PB133545_chiang_rai_GH by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133546_chiang_rai_GH by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[MJP]

Some one did mention the Tour de France was going to be held in LOS.

Props to you good Sir!

An amazing feat of endurance.

I need hospitalization if the air con packs up in the truck. I genuinely have no idea how a person can cycle in that humidity.

[Assurancetourix]

Same day , 13th of november , continue

Visit of Chiang Rai town;

The clock Tower

PB133547_chiang_rai_nlle_horloge by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133548_chiang_rai_nlle_horloge by vanhouten1, on Flickr

The mosquee

PB133549_chiang_rai_mosquee by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133550_chiang_rai_mosquee by vanhouten1, on Flickr

A or the ? bike shop for new brakes ( 700 baht for the two wheels )

PB133551_chiang_rai_magasin_velos by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB133552_chiang_rai_magasin_velos by vanhouten1, on Flickr

The main Post Office

PB133553_chiang_rai_la_poste by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[shaggy1969]

Full credit to you Assurancetourix.

Wow....1400km.that is amazing,I can only hope that I have the fitness and stamina that you have when I am 60 years old.

Also,nice photo documentary of your adventure.

Respect!!!

[Assurancetourix]

November the 14 th ( Friday )

97 kilometers

We leave Chiang Rai to come back to Chiang Mai;

previously we wanted to stop and sleep in Bo_Sang.

Chiang Rai ,In the same GH as us

PB133554_chiang_rai_gh_grosse_bmw by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB143555_chiang_rai_gh_grosse_bmw by vanhouten1, on Flickr

A few kilometers after Chiang Rai, the celeb White Temple : Wat Rong Khung which had any little problems after an earthquake a few months ago

PB143556_chiang_rai__wat_rong_khun by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB143559_chiang_rai__wat_rong_khun by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB143560_chiang_rai__wat_rong_khun by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB143561_chiang_rai__wat_rong_khun by vanhouten1, on Flickr

What is the most important ; the temple or my bicycle ?

PB143563_chiang_rai__wat_rong_khun by vanhouten1, on Flickr

On the parking lot, this beautiful coach Scania

PB143557_chiang_rai__wat_rong_khun_autocar_tourisme by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB143558_chiang_rai__wat_rong_khun_autocar_tourisme by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Edited December 7, 2014 by Assurancetourix

[Assurancetourix]

Same day , november the 14 th ( friday ) continue

On the road to Bo_Sang -- road 118

PB143564_chiang_rai__doi_saket by vanhouten1, on Flickr

We stop there for the night ; Cabbages & Condoms , it's the name of this 24/24 hotel, a few kilometers before the road cross for Phayao ( roads 118 & 120 )

PB143565_route_118_GH_faisan by vanhouten1, on Flickr

They have some birds in big cages, like this pheasant

PB143566_route_118_GH_faisan by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB143567_route_118_GH_faisan by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB143569_route_118_chiang_rai__doi_saket by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

November the 15 th ( saturday )

121 kilometers

We live Cabbages and Condoms for Bo_Sang

Go shopping every morning for water and cakes

PB153571_route_118__seven_eleven by vanhouten1, on Flickr

A stop at the hot springs on the right side of the road 118 ; there is also a restauration of a khmer castle...;

but what I prefer is to shoot coaches, trucks and cars...

( my work during so many years; can't change the way I was )

PB153572_route_118__sources_eau_chaude by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB153573_route_118__sources_eau_chaude_atocar_tourisme_bibendum by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB153574_route_118__sources_eau_chaude_atocar_tourisme_bibendum by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Another stop to buy some bananas ; five baht for this piece of a bunch ... ; at the market in Chiang Mai or in Issan it's between 20 and 30 baht .

PB153576_route_118__bananes_regime_5_baht by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Arriving at Bo_Sang we are looking for a restaurant and stop there;

good and cheap ; left side of the road, about 500 meters before the umbrella's mill

PB153577_bo_sang__restau_pas_cher by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB153578_bo_sang__restau_pas_cher by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

Same day -- November the 15 th ( saturday ) continue ,

As we are in Bo_Sang at noon , I left my friend visiting the umbrella mill and we decide to continue to Mae_Rim where we arrived between 4 and 5 pm;

We found a nice and cheap 24/24 hotel on the left side of the road;

just before a little bridge on a river and an orchid farm on the same side

PB153579_mae_rim__ferme_orchidees by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB153580_mae_rim__ferme_orchidees by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB153581_mae_rim__ferme_orchidees by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB153582_mae_rim__ferme_orchidees by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB153584_mae_rim__ferme_orchidees by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB153586_mae_rim__ferme_orchidees by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB153587_mae_rim__ferme_orchidees by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB153588_mae_rim__ferme_orchidees by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB153589_mae_rim__ferme_orchidees by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB153590_mae_rim__ferme_orchidees by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB153591_mae_rim_gh by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

November the 16 th ( sunday )

Mae_Rim -- Pai -- 117 kilometers

Charlie's GH ; center of Pai, a few minutes all " attractions " , quiet , cheap and good prestations .

PB163594_pai__charlies_gh by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB163595_pai__charlies_gh by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB163596_pai__charlies_gh by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Walking in the city :

PB163597_pai_wat_birman by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB163598_pai_wat_birman by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB163600_pai_poteaux_electriques by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB163601_pai_walking_street by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Have a look at the bicycle on the roof

PB163602_pai_walking_street by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB163604_pai_walking_street_boite_lettres by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB163605_pai_mosquee by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

November the 17 th ( monday )

Pai -- Phang_Mapha ( Soppong )

40 kilometers + 22 kilometers

Breakfast in the street

PB173607_pai_interdit_alcool_dans_rue by vanhouten1, on Flickr

A col to go there in the fog and the wind...

PB173608_pai__pang_ma_pha by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB173609_pai__pang_ma_pha by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB173610_pai__pang_ma_pha by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB173611_pai__pang_mapha by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB173612_pai__pang_mapha by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB173613_pai__pang_mapha by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Little Eden GH , on the right side of the road;

Very good prestations;

excellent food;

prices between 400 baht for little bungalows to much more for luxuous suites...

PB173614_pang_mapha_soppong by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB173615_pang_mapha_soppong by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB173618_pang_mapha_soppong by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

November the 17 th ( monday ) continue

+ 22 kilometers ; we were visiting some villages of minorities people around Soppong and the beautiful road to go to the cave

PB173619_pang_mapha_soppong by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB173620_pang_mapha_soppong by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB173621_pang_mapha_soppong_route_4014_wat_vers_grotte by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB173622_pang_mapha_soppong_route_4014_vers_grotte by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB173623_pang_mapha_soppong_route_4014_vers_grotte by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB173624_pang_mapha_soppong_route_4014_vers_grotte by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB173625_pang_mapha_soppong_route_4014_vers_grotte by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

November the 18 th ( tuesday )

Phang_Mapha -- Mae_Hong_Son

66 km + 6 km ( wat on the top of the hill )

A difficult stage with much mountain

Soppong market early in the morning and rapidly the first col in the thai fog

PB183626_pang_mapha_soppong_route_marche_matin by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183627_pang_mapha__mae_hong_son by vanhouten1, on Flickr

On the top of the col, an ethnic market

PB183628_pang_mapha__mae_hong_son by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183629_pang_mapha__mae_hong_son by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183630_pang_mapha__mae_hong_son by vanhouten1, on Flickr

A steep slope and the second col as difficult as the first one

PB183631_pang_mapha__mae_hong_son by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183632_pang_mapha__mae_hong_son by vanhouten1, on Flickr

We had a third col about 10 kilometers before arriving in Mae_Hong_Son ;

Going to the lake, we found a good and cheap GH where we were staying for two nights.

6 km more ( 3 x 2 ) to visit the wat at the top of the town

PB183633_mae_hong_son_wat_Wat_Phra_That_Doi_Kong_Mu by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183637_mae_hong_son_wat_Wat_Phra_That_Doi_Kong_Mu by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183634_mae_hong_son_wat_Wat_Phra_That_Doi_Kong_Mu by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183635_mae_hong_son_wat_Wat_Phra_That_Doi_Kong_Mu by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183636_mae_hong_son_wat_Wat_Phra_That_Doi_Kong_Mu by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Our headquarters for eating - good or very good and cheap

PB183638_mae_hong_son_salween_river_restaurant by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183639_mae_hong_son_salween_river_restaurant by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

November the 18 th ( tuesday ) continuing

Not a good quality ; my compact is a Olympus TG 610, good to shoot photos in the water but not good in the night

PB183640_mae_hong_son_wat_chong_kham by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183641_mae_hong_son_wat_chong_kham by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183642_mae_hong_son_wat_chong_kham by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183644_mae_hong_son_wat_chong_kham by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183645_mae_hong_son_wat_chong_kham by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183647_mae_hong_son_wat_chong_kham by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB183648_mae_hong_son_wat_chong_kham by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Edited December 8, 2014 by Assurancetourix

[Assurancetourix]

November the 19 th ( wednesday )

50 kilometers

We are going to Ban_Nai_Soi where is living Padong people ;

going there without our bags which are in the room at the GH .

PB193649_mae_hong_son_charlie_gh by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB193651_mae_hong_to_ban_nai_soi by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB193652_mae_hong_son__ban_nai_soi by vanhouten1, on Flickr

The last two kilometers are more than bad ;

PB193654_mae_hong_son__ban_nai_soi by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB193656_ban_nai_soi by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB193657_ban_nai_soi by vanhouten1, on Flickr

The school of the village ; children here understand and can speak english without problem ; don't know why thai students cannot speak english as well as karen/padong babies....

PB193658_ban_nai_soi by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB193660_ban_nai_soi by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB193661_ban_nai_soi by vanhouten1, on Flickr

I went in this village three times before that day;

about two years ago there were a catholic church and now only a beautiful cross, the church has disappear ;

But coming back to the "thai civilisation " we can find a new and big church on the left side of the bad road and another church at the end of the bad road and the beginning of the asphalt road .

PB193664_ban_nai_soi by vanhouten1, on Flickr

The big door arriving in Mae_Hong_Son coming from Pai

PB193665_mae_hong_son_porte_entree by vanhouten1, on Flickr

A good lunch in our headquarters

PB193666_mae_hong_son_salween_river_restaurant by vanhouten1, on Flickr

The end of the day in Titan shop for repairing the brakes ( again !! ) ;

this man is The Leonard Da Vinci of the bicycles... ; shop in the center of Mae_Hong_Son it's also an Internet Cafe and he rent bicycles for 100 baht the day ( one hour = 20 baht );

it's written Titan in big letters in thai language and Titan in little letters in our alphabet .

PB193667_mae_hong_son_ed_titan by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB193670_mae_hong_son_ed_titan by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Edited December 8, 2014 by Assurancetourix

[Assurancetourix]

November the 20 th ( thursday )

Mae_Hong_Son -- Khun_Yuam

66 kilometers

A beautiful and not difficult road, even it's not the "plat pays " dear to Jacques_Brel

Breakfast before leaving Mae_Hong_Son

PB203672_mae_hong_son__breakfast by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB203673_mae_hong_son__khun_yuam by vanhouten1, on Flickr

A "burmese " wat on the road

PB203674_mae_hong_son__khun_yuam_porte_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB203675_mae_hong_son__khun_yuam_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB203676_mae_hong_son__khun_yuam_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

The rice fields look like a huge straw matting ( door mat ) ; the farmers are working

PB203677_mae_hong_son__khun_yuam by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB203679_mae_hong_son__khun_yuam by vanhouten1, on Flickr

The beginning of the road going to Ban_Mikrowave where are living Hmong people; I did that road in march this year; it's 7 kilometers long and very narrow ;

a huge percentage all along it; always more than 20% ...So, so difficult to climb without luggages so we decide to forget it

PB203680_mae_hong_son__khun_yuam by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

November the 21 th ( Friday )

Khun_Yuam -- Mae_Sariang

100 kilometers , average 22,3 km/h

PB213681_khun_yuam__mae_sariang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

In Mae_Sariang we are looking for the North-West GH;

on Tripadvisor so many people dithyrambic about it ...

Why ? was our questions when we had our room ?

Impossible to close the windows , noise all the day;

airco ...said the boss ...

No remote and when we had it we understood why...

it doesn't work... ;

In the bathroom...opening the tap for the hands and you can also wash your feet;

and so on ...

I don't remember all mal functions but I know I will never come back there.( even the food is good )

PB213682_mae_sariang__north_west_gh by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB213684_mae_sariang__north_west_gh by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

November the 22 nd ( saturday )

Mae_Sariang -- Hot

103 kilometers -- average 18,5 km/h

A very beautiful road; I did it many times, alone or with friends ; always so beautiful countryside....

PB223690_mae_sariang by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB223691_mae_sariang__hot by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB223692_mae_sariang__hot__pickup by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB223694_mae_sariang__hot by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB223696_mae_sariang__hot by vanhouten1, on Flickr

We stop at the entrance of the Op_Luang National Park where there is a good restaurant on the left side of the road, coming from Mae_Sariang ; we are at about 20 kilometers from Hot;

A steep slope before arriving to the restaurant

PB233703_vitesse_maxi_22_11_2014 by vanhouten1, on Flickr

The shirts out to dry on our bicycles

PB223697_mae_sariang__hot by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB223698_mae_sariang__hot by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB223701_mae_sariang__hot by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB223702_hot by vanhouten1, on Flickr

[Assurancetourix]

November the 23 rd ( sunday )

77 kilometers ;

We stopped at Hang_Dong where I get back my pickup which was in the house of one of " the Marcel " ;

Putting the two bicycles in the back of the pickup and going to our Holiday Garden Hotel where we were at the beginning of the Tour

The GH where we were in Hot; we liked it cheap and breakfast include

PB233704_hot__gh by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB233705_hot__gh by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB233707_hot__gh by vanhouten1, on Flickr

The beautiful Wat outside Hot, after the bridge on the river, road 108 to Chiang_Mai

PB233708_hot__wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB233709_hot__wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB233710_hot__wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Along the road, left side, weaver women before arriving in Chom_Thong

PB233712_hot__chom_thong__metiers_a_tisser by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Some shots for our friends who like Michelin trucks

PB233713_chom_thong__camion_bibendum by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB233714_chom_thong__camion_bibendum by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Another beautiful door

PB233716_chom_thong__chiang_mai__porte_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

PB233717_chom_thong__chiang_mai__wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Entrance of one of the Wat in Hang_Dong ; in front of the Public Hospital

PB233718_hang_dong_route_108_porte_wat by vanhouten1, on Flickr

Arriving at our hotel, a good shower and a walk to the Maya Complex which is at about 500 meters;

some "essai" shooting the escalators

PB233719_chiang_mai__complex_maya by vanhouten1, on Flickr