Phrao

93km

H1001 to Phrao (93km) passes through pleasant rural scenery. In truth, Phrao does not have any special tourist sights. But because it has a long history as a remote wiang in a substantial valley isolated by geography, its people and their ways truly represent the northern Thai

From Phrao an easy 31 kilometre run along R1150 to Chiang Dao goes on a picturesque route that joins with Hl07 at km83.

Bua Thong Falls

48km + SE 3km

A dirt road leads to a cave temple and waterfall. Both these places classify as small out-of-the way spots. Before the falls, a short track to the left leads to a spring known as the seven colours spring.

Wat Mae Pang

76km

In the Vietnam war, a monk was seen flying in the clouds in the area. The monk was thought to be Luang Phu Wen Suchindo who died in 1985 at the age of 98. The legend led to the development of the temple. New temple buildings in the grove break with traditional designs.

Sri Lanna Falls

79km + W 18km

(H1001 km79 west turn 18.5km ) Take a picnic and allow a day for this) A degraded sealed road leads past a small dam and lake. It then becomes unsealed and increasingly steep as it climbs through a lovely cool evergreen forest.

The village of Mon Hin Lai at the summit cultivates tea with condiments. The waterfall and a fine outlook over the Phrao Valley lies at the eastern end of an orchard and pasture in front of the village. Upland bullock walking beyond the tea plantation looks interesting, but taking a village guide would be advisable.

Phrao

93km

Phrao is a small market town with one single main commercial street. The town has a long history. Its remoteness allowed it to serve as a refuge during the late 18th century when Chiang Mai was abandoned.

R1150 to Wiang Papao is unsealed and offers an alternative route to Chiang Rai that passes through Lisu villages. (53km )

Trips out of Phrao

Doi Nang Lae (North 4km) A narrow concrete lane continues north from the main commercial street to Doi Nang Lae. The'Dhamma Treatment Place' is guided by Nikhon Thammawathee, who became embroiled in a scandal when a follower accused him of fathering her child when he was a monk.

Since the scandal the centre has been quiet and the ex-monk eventually lost his case in the courts. The centre has buildings and statues in a strange mix of Chinese and Indian styles. Wat Son Pong in the village near the foot of Doi Nang Lae has also been decorated in a style that suggests large endowments.

Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong & Wat Tham Dok Kham

26km + S 500m

Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong contains a Lanna Buddha image cast in 1527.

The hill on is located is part of an old Thai Yuan settlement enclosed by earthen walls. These may be seen on the approach to the temple From Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong a sealed lane leads due south through villages. After 3 kilometres a west turn on a dirt road leads to the small cave temple of Wat Tham Dok Kham (take the right fork after 1km).

Where to Eat and Stay in Phrao

A local restaurant at the southern end of the main street ~ Maruai. 0800-1700) serves food to order, but the two local hotels are very basic indeed.

The Khrua Thai Restaurant (1000-2300. Local music after 2000. Tel: 96O4782) and two night spots are located just out of town on the road east towards Wiang Papao. For better accommodation, go to the Chiang Dao area on R1150.

©ChiangMai Mall 2001
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