2022/09/25_HIKE GOING AHEAD

REVISED POST: 2022/09/25_HTT to QSBG

The following post has been revised from the version posted on Thursday. The changes are:

• Slightly different meeting/starting-point
• Request that hikers carry a plastic bag, clean shirt and pair of socks/slippers for taxi back to the starting point

^{The above photos are third-party stock photos. There may be seasonal differences.}

We haven’t done this before: walk from Huay Tung Tao (HTT) park all the way to Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens (QSBG). It is slightly longer (about 15km) and more strenuous (about 1000m elevation gain) than our average hike, but not specially difficult, being all on vehicle tracks. The way goes through forest and orchard terrain, before entering the botanical gardens by the back entrance. Starting below 400m altitude, the hike rises to include viewpoints at about 1100m (across the Mae Sa valley toward Mon Jaem) before descending to about 600m at the end. The duration between the start and end of hiking is estimated as 5-6 hours.

This hike is also unusual in that we will call up taxis to take us from the QSBG main gate back to our starting point in HTT. There are washrooms at QSBG for you to make yourself a bit cleaner for the taxi. Do please put on a fresh shirt and socks and put the old ones and your muddy boots in a bag. In HTT some or all of us will finish up with refreshments at one of the lakeside restaurants.

The cost per taxi is about THB 250 – so about THB 80 to THB 120 per person. Entrance to HTT will cost you THB 50 per person.

Leader: Michael

If you’d like to come: Please consider whether you are fit enough for this hike (especially if the weather is going to be hot), and ensure you have read the general advice on this website (see tabs above) as well as this specific post. If you still think the hike is for you, just turn up at the stated meeting time and place.

Meeting time and place: 7:20am for a 7:30 am hike start from 18.873, 98.939 (the parking area around the big tree at the junction at the north corner of Huay Tueng Tao lake. To get there you will need to enter the HTT park, passing through the pay booth where you will probably have to pay THB 50 per person. Then drive round to the right until you reach the meeting point.)

Bring: As per general advice (see tab above), but especially remember to carry:

• Plenty of water to drink along the way (especially if the weather will be hot)
• Enough money for the taxi, the entry to HTT and the refreshments afterwards.
• For the taxi trip:
  • about THB 250 per taxi
  • a bag to isolate your muddy boots and sweaty shirt and socks
  • a clean shirt and socks/slippers

2022/09/18_Try again: Wang Bua Ban to the Hidden Waterfall Loop

This hike is carried over from last Sunday, when it was cancelled due to the effects of excessive rain. Let’s hope the weather is more favourable this time.

This will be a familiar hike to many, starting at Wang Bua Ban and, after passing Pha Ngoep, going up by the secondary route joining the trail that splits off from the so-called ‘Ironman’ track (the primary direct trail from Wang Bua Ban to the Hmong village of Ban Khun Chiang Khian) and goes to the ‘five-way junction’.

This hike involves an elevation gain of between 700 and 800 meters, so if you are not in the mood for hiking uphill, then maybe this hike is not for you. The upper section of this part of the hike goes through a patch of forest where there are some wonderful specimens of large trees.

From five-way, we descend by dirt road down to a valley where Hmong tend lychee orchards until we reach an access path to the hidden waterfall. The last 50 meters or so on the trail to the waterfall involves scrambling, depending on how high up and close hikers wish to go to falling water.

We’ll take a short break refreshing ourselves in the moist breeze that should be emitting from the falls at this time of year. After that, depending on the mood of the group, we will either descend back to the start point by the Ironman trail, or we will continue up to Khun Chiang Khian for lunch/drink at the Chong Wa Coffee Shop.

In the event that the group decides to split after leaving the falls, with some wanting to continue up to the village and others happy to go down, the hike leader will go with the group that wishes to descend following the loop as posted: that is after showing those who wish to continue up the start of the direct trail up to the village. Total hike is around 13.5km (longer if going to Khun Chang Khian) with an elevation gain/loss of 800 meters (900+ if going to Khun Chiang Khian) and will take 5–6 hours.

In the event of heavy sustained rain shortly before the hike is due to start, notification of hike cancellation will be posted on this site.

Bring your own snacks/drinks 

Meet Point: The car park by Wang Bua Ban on Hwy 1004 to Phuping Palace

Time: 07:50 for 08:00 start

Hike leader: Oliver

2022/09/11_HIKE CANCELLED (HEAVY RAIN)

Today’s hike (Hidden waterfall from Wang Bua Ban) is cancelled due to enduring precipitation and waterlogged, slippery conditions in all parts of the hike. The return trail will be like a stream in parts.

See you next week!

2022/09/11_Wang Bua Ban to the Hidden Waterfall Loop

This will be a familiar hike to many, starting at Wang Bua Ban and, after passing Pha Ngoep, going up by the secondary route joining the trail that splits off from the so-called ‘Ironman’ track (the primary direct trail from Wang Bua Ban to the Hmong village of Ban Khun Chiang Khian) and goes to the ‘five-way junction’.

This hike involves an elevation gain of between 700 and 800 meters, so if you are not in the mood for hiking uphill, then maybe this hike is not for you. The upper section of this part of the hike goes through a patch of forest where there are some wonderful specimens of large trees.

From five-way, we descend by dirt road down to a valley where Hmong tend lychee orchards until we reach an access path to the hidden waterfall. The last 50 meters or so on the trail to the waterfall involves scrambling, depending on how high up and close hikers wish to go to falling water.

We’ll take a short break refreshing ourselves in the moist breeze that should be emitting from the falls at this time of year. After that, depending on the mood of the group, we will either descend back to the start point by the Ironman trail, or we will continue up to Khun Chiang Khian for lunch/drink at the Chong Wa Coffee Shop.

In the event that the group decides to split after leaving the falls, with some wanting to continue up to the village and others happy to go down, the hike leader will go with the group that wishes to descend following the loop as posted: that is after showing those who wish to continue up the start of the direct trail up to the village. Total hike is around 13.5km (longer if going to Khun Chang Khian) with an elevation gain/loss of 800 meters (900+ if going to Khun Chiang Khian) and will take 5–6 hours.

In the event of heavy sustained rain shortly before the hike is due to start, notification of hike cancellation will be posted on this site.

Bring your own snacks/drinks 

Meet Point: The car park by Wang Bua Ban on Hwy 1004 to Phuping Palace

Time: 07:50 for 08:00 start

Hike leader: Oliver

2022/09/04_Wat Mae Takhrai 2022

Since our last hike late December 2022 a lot of work has been done at the Wat, scaffolding removed, gold leaf completed and other buildings started, so worth a visit, especially for the photographers. The hike starts at an elevation of 830m, at the large white Buddha, known as Phra Caao Than Cai, it is located at the high point of the 1229 road. The hike combines some great ridge walking with good valley views and a visit to the developing temple site. The hike is 13km with some 550m of height gain.

For the first 4 km one drops down eventually to the scenic valley containing the village of Mae Takhrai. On joining the quiet road to the village one passes a small shop with drinks snacks and ice creams, only 400m up the road there is a temple with a constantly developing site which features a giant statue, still in construction of the famous monk, Luang Phor Thuat, who appears to be on a pilgrimage and is already visible from afar. Opposite is one of the Thai ‘hell parks’ which shows some graphic reminders of the effects of straying too far from the middle way.

Leaving the village the real work of the main hike begins, gradually ascending at first and eventually quite steep, but never difficult, the ascent takes one up onto a scenic ridge that offers views, both of the valley one has just climbed from, as well as the Mae on area. One or two rocky promontories offer scenic places for snack breaks. The ridge eventually drops down to the path used earlier and returns to the White Buddha..

Hiking time will be around 4 ½ hours, plus whatever time the group chooses to spend exploring the temple area. A small roadside restaurant in the first village met descending from the mountain road offers simple but good Thai fare,

Hike leader: John

If you want to join: Please ensure you have read the general advice on this website (see tabs above) as well as this specific post. If you still think the hike is for you, just turn up at the stated place and time. Lifts in cars are almost always available.

In view of the recent uptick in Covid-19 infections in Chiang Mai, please be extra careful and wear masks when sharing car rides. A mask will be needed while visiting the village.

Meeting time and place: 7:20am for a 7:30 convoy departure from the side of the 1317 slip road in front of Promenada shopping mall. OR at the White Buddha Phra Caao Than Cai at 8am for hike start at approximately 08:15. Google maps ref for the Buddha: https://goo.gl/maps/V9czBKFYi2fq3Ffm8 or the simple Google ref: P7CF+2VH

2022/08/21_Huai Cho Loop: 3 Ridges, 2 Dams, 1 Valley

This Sunday it is good to repeat the recently trail that we did on May 8, 2022. Right now there are a lot of young bamboos, mushrooms and sweet vegetables. Also other lovely flora and fauna…

… as well as the “unseen temple” (Wat Pa Thang Pra Neon), Reclining Buddha and weird forest scenes.

This route is about 11.5km long with 450m altitude gain/loss. The hike is all on good trails (except a short scramble up to the last ridge). It is expected to take 4½-5 hours.

Parts of the hike are exposed to the elements, so please be prepared with hat, raincoat, some snacks, 1.5-2 liters of water and climbing stick.

After hiking we will stop at the Isan Restaurant, “Tammor restaurant”, as we did before, for lunch and refreshments.

Leader: Champ

Meeting point:

Susco/Esso Gas Station (Nong Chom Branch on the 1001) at 07.20 for 07.30 departure.  

OR at the hike start point – the carpark in front of the Reclining Buddha of Wat Doi Thaen Phra Pra Neon – by 8am.

If you want to join, read our general advice on the above tabs, then if you are sure the hike is for you, just turn up at the meeting point on time. No groups please. No need to let us know you are coming. Note that places in cars cannot be guaranteed but are usually available. Please take care and wear a mask when other people are around and in the car if sharing a lift.

Attention! Changed start-point for “Big Foot” hike

Referring to the previous post – the “Big Foot” hike on 14th August: a check has shown that the originally planned starting point is not feasible, because the condition of the access road is too bad. Therefore the start point (for meeting/starting around 8.45am) has been changed to: Wat Khantha Phueksa วัดคันธาพฤกษา (วัดแม่กำปอง) GPS: 18.865989, 99.351877 https://goo.gl/maps/sfkrL8xPL9ttxfhg9