Maneeya Dhammataree
Tourism in the north of the country typically reaches a peak during the end of the year as the cooler climes start kicking in, attracting domestic travelers and international visitors alike.
The more comfortable temperatures and breathtaking views at altitude provide the ideal environment for an end of year vacation, supported by the area's year-round cultural attractions, as personified by the colorful hill tribe peoples who reside there.
Peace and quiet
While the small town of Pai in Mae Hong Son province has gained a good deal of coverage over recent years as an increasingly popular tourist destination in northern Thailand, I recently got the chance to visit Mae Chaem, a small town located in a remote district of Chiang Mai, just west of Doi Inthanon National Park.
Although it's officially in Chiang Mai province, Mae Chaem is roughly half way between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son province to the northwest. Due to its close proximity to Doi Inthanon – Thailand's highest peak (2,565 meters above sea level) – Mae Chaem also enjoys glorious vistas, as well as possessing its own unique attractions that woo visitors year-round.
Although it doesn't look like a long journey when consulting a map, getting there can be quite an adventure in itself.
From Chiang Mai, take Highway 108 (Chiang Mai-Jom Thong), then switch over to route 1009 (Jom Thong-Inthanon). At Inthanon, you will need to take route 1192 (Inthanon-Mae Chaem), which represents the final leg of your journey to the charming destination. This 116-kilometer trip can take up to four hours to complete.
The road itself is fairly narrow and very windy, which has no doubt helped to protect Mae Chaem from the developer's bulldozer. You'll encounter picturesque tiers of rice paddies, along with an impressive background, featuring the park's impressive peaks. The rice fields are particularly verdant during the rainy season, so some folks even choose to pay the area a visit during that time of year, weather conditions permitting. In contrast, the landscape has a rather more golden-colored appearance during October to November.
As the sun begins to set over the Mae Chaem River, the presence of a group of folks fishing and some children playing nearby only enhances the overall ambiance.
Traditions retained
While most residents of Mae Chaem are involved in agriculture, some make a living by weaving textiles. Sin Teen Chok, a well known form of sarong, which features finely detailed embroidery along the hem, is thought to originate in Mae Chaem. You'll find plenty of outlets here where you can purchase items if looking to take home a souvenir, or a nice gift for someone special. It pays to have your own vehicle if visiting Mae Chaem since there are a number of other interesting attractions located nearby. For example, two waterfalls – Mae Parn (left) and Sai Leung (right) – are located about 17 km from the town.
If you're visiting the area during this time of year (November to early December), you could tie in a visit to Mae Chaem with a trip to Doi Mae U-Kor. This area is renowned for its marvelous sunflowers, which provide some stunning views. Located about 100 km northwest of the town, the journey from Mae Chaem to Doi Mae U-Kor should take you no more than two to three hours by car.
And a visit to Mae Chaem would really be incomplete without a visit to the nearby hill tribe villages. One interesting spot I encountered during my visit was a 'Coffee Cottage', which is managed by teachers and students from Pang Tong School. The warm welcome and wonderful smiles of the children will certainly help you to recharge your batteries before heading home. Transport connections:
Air: Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Airways, and Air Asia all operate regular flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Due to fairly intense competition, if you book in advance you may be able to secure a single (one way) flight for as little as 1,500-2,500 baht (US$45-75), including taxes.
Various international carriers also operate flights to Chiang Mai from a number of locations within the region.
Car: There are two main routes to Chiang Mai from Bangkok.
Route 1 – From Bangkok, take Highway 1 (from Phahol Yothin Road) and then switch to Highway 32 (the Asian Highway), which will take you through the provinces of Ayutthaya and Ang Thong, then to Nakhon Sawan, where you should take Highway 117. This highway will take you to Phitsanulok, from where you should switch to Highway 11. Highway 11 will take you through Lampang, Lamphun and on to Chiang Mai.
The total distance covered using this route is 695 km.
Route 2 - Follow the route just described until you reach Nakhon Sawan. From Nakhon Sawan, take Highway 1, which will take you through Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Lampang and then on to Chiang Mail.
The total distance covered using this route is 696 km.
Bus: Second class and first class air-conditioned buses leave for Chiang Mai daily (8 am-9 pm) from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal). For precise times, call Tel: +66 (0)2 936 3600, +66 (0)2 936 2852, or +66 (0)2 937 8055.
Private buses, which can be booked at numerous hotels and other tourist-oriented locations in the capital, provide another alternative. Nevertheless, it should be noted that public buses operating from the Northern Bus Terminal are generally more reliable (according to Tourism Authority of Thailand [TAT]).
The journey takes approximately 10-12 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Train: Express and rapid trains operated by the State Railways of Thailand (SRT) leave for Chiang Mai from Bangkok's main Hualamphong Station six times per day from 8 am-10 pm.
The trip takes about 11-12 hours for express trains.
For further information, contact the SRT on Tel. 1690, or +66 (0)2 220 4444. For further information on trains to Bangkok from Chiang Mai, call Chiang Mai Railway Station on Tel: +66 (0)53 24 2094, or +66 (0)53 244 795.
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