Drove that recently and it should be great when it's finished. However, there are many miles of dirt and I would not recommend anyone drive it in an ordinary 2 wheel drive car after rain.

They are putting tar seal directly onto the dirt after rolling it flat, which seems to me to be strange given it is being improved for all the trucks that will be using it. Can't see a few inches of tarseal surviving long under heavy trucks without a solid base. Tell me if I'm wrong.

 

I'd also recommend passing through Chiang Khong at night, after the traffic has stopped. Narrow road without parking space lined with parked cars on both sides when I drove through. Very easy to scrape the car.

I would have preferred staying in Chiang Saen. Less busy with wider roads and a restaurant beside the river.

 

Don't expect any restaurants after Chiang Khong till nearly to Chiang Saen.

 

The part of the trip I enjoyed most was the scenery before Chiang Khong on 1020. Spectacular.

I like the Mexican place in Chiang Kong, if it's still there... must be three years since I was there now.

A Thai couple who had lived in Mexico ran it, the guy was quite friendly and the food good.

You may have to ask for the Mexican menu, he doesn't get it out for every one.

 

 

 

55 minutes ago, sceadugenga said:

I like the Mexican place in Chiang Kong, if it's still there... must be three years since I was there now.

A Thai couple who had lived in Mexico ran it, the guy was quite friendly and the food good.

You may have to ask for the Mexican menu, he doesn't get it out for every one.

 

 

 

It's still there.  We went for lunch awhile ago.  But, they only do Mexican food for dinner. 

I drove that stretch of road a few months ago with a friend visiting. It was a pretty rough stretch and I wouldn't do it again until the road improves. But when finished it will complete a nice loop Chiang Rai > Mae Sai > Chiang Saen > Chiang Khong > Chiang Rai.  The rest of the roads are good to excellent. Very scenic country side with lots of river views. And enough restaurants, coffee shops and hotels along the way.