18/08/05 Huay Tung Tao ridge loop

The hike is ON

An update will be posted before 0630 on Sunday so, check before leaving home.

The hike starts from the Golden Buddha at Huay Tung Thao and from there climbs up the mountain onto a ridge above the lake, going first through woodland and then on dirt roads past upland farms and orchards with some nice valley views on the way. The descent is on good trails, but quite rocky in for the last 1km, back to Huay Tung Thao where those who want to can sample the delights of one of the traditional style lakeside restaurants and/or go for a swim (don’t forget to bring swimwear and towel if you want to swim).
The hike is about 12kms with an ascent of 500mtrs and expected to take 4-5 hours. It is very much an up-then-down hike so a reasonable fitness level is required.
Leader: pgb

Meeting Point & Time.
We will meet at 0745 for an 0800 start next to the Golden Buddha on the west shore of Huay Tung Thao (See map for directions). You will need to buy a ticket to enter the lake area (Thais 20Bht everyone else 50 baht). Huay Tung Thao is 12 km out of town from the north west corner of the moat.

Driving around the outside of the moat turn left onto Huay Kaeow Road after the Chiang Mai Ram Hospital. This is the road running out from the NW corner of the moat.
You will pass Central Kad Suan Kaeow after about 100 m on the left.
Drive on through the Amari Rincomb intersection, to the Phucombe intersection. The Phucombe intersection is the second major 4 way, traffic lighted, intersection, it is 2 km from the moat.
Turn right onto the Canal Road and keep going for 6.8 km.
You will see a sign for the turn off for the Huay Tung Thao lake on the left. Turn left.
Continue for 2.2 km to the lake. Pay 20/50 Baht per person at the toll booth.
When you get to the lake turn left and go around the lake for another 1.1 km.
You will see the large standing Buddha. We will meet near there.
If you want to join, make sure you have read the general hiking advice on this website as well as the details in this particular post. Then if you still think the hike is for you, just turn up at the meeting place on time. No need to let us know. No groups please.

Items to bring/prepare:

• at least 2 litres of water and/or rehydration drink
• energy snacks and/or a picnic brunch
• strong footwear with good grip and ankle support
• sticks recommended
• sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellant
• long sleeves/pants recommended
• plenty of energy, enthusiasm, team spirit and good humour

 

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2018/07/29_Ban Nasa hike + picnic

The hike is ON!

This is a new and special hike for us in a little-visited area of Mae Wang National Park. A lack of shops/restaurants in the area means that we will have a cooked picnic at the end, courtesy of Mr M and Khun K.

The hike takes us along a river valley and back. Total distance is 16km. Elevation gain/loss is 500m. There will be some shallow stream-crossings in which feet will get wet. But not a particularly difficult hike.

Estimated durations:  1 hour each way for driving; 5 hours for walking; at least 1 hour for picnic. So it should be possible to get back to Chiang Mai by 4pm, if you have a driver who aims for that. However, some people may also take an option of staying there overnight (Sunday-Monday). Be warned that there are no facilities other than the ground to sleep on, so people who take the overnight option must bring what they need in the way of bedding, tent, bathroom supplies etc.

Hike leader: Matt

Meeting Place: We will meet on Canal Road (121), at the open ground south of the PTT Station, south of the intersection with Suthep Road. See map.

Meeting Time: 07:15 for a departure at 07:30 sharp!

If you want to join: be sure you have read the general advice in this website (see tabs above) as well as the specific information in this post. If you still think the hike is for you, then just turn up at the meeting place on time. No big groups.

Note that we will car-pool to the hike location. Lifts in cars are usually available but cannot be guaranteed in advance. For this hike, when arranging a lift with a driver at the start-point, be specially sure to check that the driver intends to return to Chiang Mai at the same time as you do! Please offer your driver 100 Baht contribution to fuel.

Bring:

as per general advice, plus:

• extra fluids/beverages for the picnic
• mid-hike snacks. However, food for the apres-hike picnic will be provided.
• everything you need for surviving overnight (if staying overnight)
• Plenty of energy, enthusiasm and good humour.

2018/07/22_Huay Tung Tao – Mai Nai loop hike

Photo by Bob

The hike is ON!

We did this hike three months ago so this time we will do it the other way around. This means there will be a warming hill climb (up a dirt road) at the beginning, but overall this 16km hike is relative easy and mainly on dirt roads and well-defined paths through mainly shaded forest and some agricultural areas. Total elevation is only 500 metres. There are four stream crossings and given the recent rain they will be deeper than last time but not unfordable. There are two good viewing points (we will have a lunch break at the latter one) and, for the bovine minded, one buffalo corral (sometimes occupied). The hike should take 5-6 hours and afterwards we will retire to one of the lake restaurants for refreshments.

Starting point and details

7.30AM at Huay Tung Tao at the far end of the reservoir.

Huay Tung Tao (or Huay Thueng Thau) is a park about 10km north of the centre of Chiang Mai. Driving northwards on Canal Road (121), watch out for the signs telling you where to turn off to the left. Then there is an approach road of 1.5km leading up to a pay booth where you may have to pay THB 50 Baht per person. (The park is open by 7am but sometimes the pay booth is not yet in operation and you can drive straight through.)

After passing the ticket booth turn right and continue along the reservoir to the far end where there is an open flat area opposite a large tree.

Hike leader: Stephen

If you want to join, make sure you have read the general advice on this website (see tabs at the top). If you still think the hike is for you, just turn up at the stated place and time.

Special advice: Be ready to wade through streams and possibly walk in rain.

As ever, we look forward to your energy, enthusiasm and good humour!

 

2018/07/08_Bua Chan Village Hike

Hike Description: This is a moderate hike of about 15 km. The start and end point to the hike is the Samoeng Road near to the Samoeng border. The starting point of our hike is 900 m above sea level; our highest point is 1320 m. We walk on wide dirt roads and in the village on a concrete road. It goes through a beautiful forest and some agricultural areas where we need sun protection.

The main group will take this hike at a gentle pace. If you cannot contain your energy and you want to gallop forward, please be clear about how you know the way. The hike should take 5-6 hours. After the hike we will stop for refreshments at a restaurant on the way back to CM.

Hike leader: Tom

Meeting place and time: Meet at 7:20am for a 7:30am departure, on the Samoeng Road (1269)  next to the Fire Station 100m west from the Samoeng Road’s southern intersection with Canal Road (121).

GPS Coordinates: 18.72472 98.92531.

Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/18%C2%B043’29.0%22N+98%C2%B055’31.1%22E/@18.7253703,98.9249399,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d18.72472!4d98.92531

The hike starting point is about 35 minutes by car from the meeting point.

If you’re thinking of joining…
Please carefully read the general advice and warnings on this website as well as this specific hike description. If you still think the hike is for you, just turn up at the meeting-place on time: there is no need to tell us you are coming. Lifts in the cars of other hikers are usually available but cannot be guaranteed.

Please bring:

• at least 2-3 litres of water/rehydration drink, energy snacks and (first) lunch.
• sun protection, raingear, long sleeves/trousers to stop stings, bites and thorns.
• plenty of energy, enthusiasm and good humour.
• 100 baht for your driver if you are a passenger. Change of clothes too.

18/07/01 Pam’s Ban Doi Pui Loop

 

The hike is ON

Check the site on Sunday for any updates which will be posted before 0630

This Sunday’s hike is from Pam’s vast catalogue and last done by the group about 4 years ago.  As the title suggests it starts, and finishes, in Ban Doi Pui and is basically in 3 parts, a flattish section, a downhill section and, of course, an uphill section with an overall distance of about 14km and a total ascent (and descent if you want to look on the bright side) of about 750mtrs.  The loop passes through a bit of everything forest, mountain ridge and farmland and the trails are all well marked and generally wide.  As with last weeks hike there is the probability of  leeches at this altitude, we found 3 of the critters when checking out the trail 10 days ago and also encountered some hairy caterpillars.

This is not a particularly difficult hike but, a reasonable fitness level is needed for the uphill section and, as ever, good footwear is a must.

Meeting time and place:

We will meet at 0730 for an 0740 start at the Arboretum carpark on Huay Kaew Road, see maps below.

Items to bring:

• good footwear is essential, stick/pole desirable
• inset repellant, sunblock
• hat and rain gear (unless you don’t mind getting fried or soaked)
• change of clothes
• at least 2 litres of water
• snacks, energy drinks, etc.
• 100Bht contribution for fuel if you are a passenger (and something extra for any drinks/meal post-hike)
• a good sense of humour, most essential

 

2018/06/17_Doi Lang Lo Loop

Reminder: hikers remain responsible for their own safety and actions at all times

The previously-planned hike at Nam Mae Kwong must again be set aside. Instead, we will repeat the memorable Doi Lang/Nang Lo loop hike we did in May and December last year. It will commence beside the Mae Pha Han reservoir, a twenty minute drive from the meeting point. After one kilometre of flat paths we will ascend a series of ridges. We will then climb up a five metre rock outcrop which, although not difficult, has a drop off on one side so a guide rope will be provided. We will have lunch/snacks at a viewing spot 100 metres down from the summit with good views, weather permitting, of the CM countryside. We will hike down a series of ridges, ending with a relatively flat three kilometre walk back to the cars. Please note that if you have a fear of heights this hike is not for you. The hike should take four to five hours and can be considered moderate to reasonably strenuous. Please also note that in the event of heavy rain the hike may be cancelled so, if it is raining cats and dogs, consult the web site before 7AM. After the hike, most of us will stop for refreshments at a small restaurant/shop on the way back to CM.

 

Hike leader: S

 

If you want to join:
If you want to join: just turn up at the meeting place on the day, on time. We cannot accommodate groups. Seats in cars are usually available but cannot be guaranteed.

.
Meeting Place
Meeting Place: We will meet at 07:45 in front of Promenada Mall on R1317 (location marked “A” on the map below) and start on time at 08:00.  We head straight out along the R1317 and move onto Mae Pha Haen reservoir.

Promenada map

Please bring:

• As per usual advice but especially:
• good footwear and essential
• hat is essential if the sun is out
• change of clothes/plastic bag for muddy footwear for the return car journey,
• THB100 contribution for fuel etc if you are a passenger, and something for any drinks/meal you buy.

View in December. It may not be as good just now!

18/06/10_Pang Faen to Pang Daeng

Update: hike cancelled due to rain. Let’s try again next time.

The final missing link in the looong ridge along the NW side of the Chiangrai road H.118. We start and finish quite low, so be ready for a hot sunny ending, unless it rains, so also be ready to get wet. Brief very steep, rocky descent. Some narrow trails above steep drops.  Long walk out. Stream crossings. Sorry for ending at the same place as last Sunday’s relocated hike.

About 12 kms, up 650m, down 750m. About 5-6 hrs including breaks. Mostly shady on clear trails with varied scenery: ridge views, stream valley, bamboo, farmland, buffalo. Second lunch next to Wat Pang Faen. New trip reporter volunteer to be ‘selected’.

Meeting point:

Meet at 07.20 for an 07.30 departure, at Susco petrol station, opposite Suzuki showroom. From the city centre, head NE along Kaew Nawarat Rd towards CenFes, past H.11 superhighway, then middle ring road and Sansai Noi (Sam Yaek) market traffic lights, and continue 400m straight on the CM-Doi Saket-Rd, H.118 towards Chiang Rai. It’s on the left. Fuel, toilets and convenience store available. If leaving a vehicle here, please park considerately, outside the petrol station. 40 minute drive to the trailhead. Car shuffling between start and end points required.

If you’re thinking of joining…

Please carefully read the general advice and warnings on this website as well as this specific hike description. If you still think the hike is for you, just turn up at the meeting-place on time: there is no need to tell us you are coming. Lifts in the cars of other hikers are usually available but cannot be guaranteed.

Please bring:

• at least 2-3 litres of water/rehydration drink, energy snacks and (first) lunch.
• sun protection, raingear, long sleeves/trousers to stop stings, bites and thorns.
• strong footwear with good grip and thick soles for rocky ground. Stick?

• plenty of energy, enthusiasm and good humour.
• 100 baht for your driver if you are a passenger. Change of clothes too.