2021/07/11_Mae Wan Valley

TODAY’S HIKE IS CANCELLED.

Forecasts are for heavy rain towards the weekend. The upswing in Covid cases means new public restrictions may be imposed which might also cause the hike to be cancelled. Please check this site before leaving home on Sunday morning to confirm the hike is on.

This is a shortish hike at 10km, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in height, with a total elevation gain of 800m. Our starting point is by the side of Highway 118 about 20km north-east of Doi Saket. Initially the trail climbs steadily up-hill to the crest of the ridge-line south of the highway. From here we descend southwards into the valley of the Mae Wan stream and follow for 2km downstream, with multiple stream crossings. Eventually we leave the stream on an abandoned motorcycle trail and climb back up to the ridge-line. After 1km or so of ridge walking we complete the loop and return downhill to the vehicles.

The ascents and descents are steep in places, but on graded motorcycle trails and firm footing. They should be of no concern for strained ankles, knees or any other part of the anatomy.

The first two stream crossings will be on bridges, the second of which is a somewhat rickety bamboo construction. For anyone preferring to wade in the stream, you will get wet about half-way to the knee. Below the second bridge we will be boulder-hopping to-and-fro across the stream. The agile may stay dry, most are likely to get wet feet.

We will stay together until the last stream crossing and the start of the climb back up to the ridge. The pace up this last climb will be comfortable for all hikers. Anyone finding the pace too sedate can burn off at this point for an early bath.

Estimated hiking time 4 1/2 hours including snack break. There are excellent options for a late lunch on the drive home.

N.B: On the way home you will pass through a Covid check-point just before Doi Saket. Normal practice is for vehicles with Chiang Mai plates to be waved through after the occupants have been temperature-tested. Vehicles with out-of-province plates may be pulled over for more detailed examination. As a matter of courtesy, wear a mask as you approach the check-point.

Hike Organiser: Richard.

If you would like to attend: Please read the general information on this site, as well as this particular post. If you still think this hike is for you, then just turn up at the meeting place on the day and time. We will drive in convoy from the meeting place to the hike start point. Be aware that during this active phase of the Covid-19 epidemic drivers may be unwilling to share vehicles with strangers.

Meeting Point: in front of the SUSCO filling station on Highway 118 at 07.20 for a 07.30 departure.

Please bring:

• Face mask.
• At least 2 liters of drinking water/ rehydration drink.
• Protection from rain and sun.
• An energy snack.
• Strong footwear with a good tread.
• Good humour and team spirit,
• Passengers please bring TB100 as a contribution to driver’s expenses and a change of shirt/ clothes.

2021/07/04_Huai Lan loop

We will orbit the Huay Lan reservoir. It’s similar to a hike we did about four months ago, but the change from dry/smoky to wet/fresh season makes it feel rather different. The main group will go up onto a ridge on the west side and reach a high point with good views of Chiang Mai City and Doi Suthep on north West side and Huai Lan, Doi Ton etc on East side. Then return to base-level on the south side, and do another slightly lower climb on the east side. There is an option for gentler hikers to skip the ridge climb and instead visit the smaller Huay Pa Rai reservoir before rejoining the main route.

Total distance for the main option is 12km, with 500m elevation gain, expected to take 4-5 hours. Some sections are stony: good footwear and care are advised in order to avoid twisting an ankle.

Hike leader: John (with Michael as deputy)

If you want to come: Please make sure you have read the general advice on this website (see tabs above) as well as this specific post. If you still think this hike is for you, just turn up at the stated time and place (see below). Lifts in cars are usually available. (Please offer your driver THB 100 toward fuel costs for the return trip.)

Meeting time and place: 7:30am for a 7:40 departure from the side of the 1317 slip road in front of Promenada shopping mall.

Bring: as per usual advice (see tabs above). Especially note:

• Good footwear in view of stony slopes
• Care about social distancing. Thankfully we can enjoy hiking together again, but life is not completely back to the old normal.

2021/06/27_Huay Tung Tao / Mae Nai loop hike

This is one of our regular hikes on the local mountain. It passes through forest and highland agriculture land and ends at a lakeside restaurant in Huay Tung Tao park.

The main hike is 14km, and there is some 700m elevation gain/loss, but the going is relatively easy, being on dirt roads and well defined paths. There are two viewing points and we aim to have a lunch break at the second. A buffalo corral (sometimes occupied) half way around the loop may prove to be of interest to the bovine minded. The hike should take five to six hours with breaks. Extra time at the end for meal and drinks at a lakeside restaurant.

Hike leader: SRR

Meeting place and time: 7.30am at Huay Tung Tao at the far end of the reservoir. After passing the ticket booth (where you may need to pay THB 50 if you are non-Thai) turn right and continue along the reservoir. When you reach the end of the lake, do NOT turn left to towards the straw animal sculptures, but continue straight ahead along the new road for 1km (there is a sharp left bend in the middle) until you reach the National Park checkpoint. There is a small carpark with limited space. If it is full, just go back a little and park by the side of the road. Co-ordinates: 18.872,98.930.

If you want to join: Please be sure 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, then just turn up at the stated place and time. No groups please.

BRING A MASK AND OBSERVE DUE COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS ON THE HIKE

2021/06/20_Foggy Sea View (Phu Talay Mork)

This is a relatively easy hike of distance around 10km and total elevation gain less than 500 meters. Since the entire hike is close to a ridge line the “ups” come in short, sometimes steep, segments and there are no protracted climbs or difficult descents. The entire hike is along well-marked trails or quiet country roads.

Total hike time should be between 3 1/2 and 4 hours, including a snack break. This will not be an extreme work-out, but an exercise in quiet contemplation and appreciation of the natural world, during which we will reap the benefit of the several wonders on offer, which include:

The locally famous views west towards Samoeng which, though lacking the eponymous “foggy sea” during the wet season, should at least be clear.

Nice views to the east over Mon Chaem and the Mae Sa Valley.

Abandoned resorts. This one previously a good location for our snack break, but possibly too rickety now.

Luxury villas. Lifestyles of the rich and famous Thai-style.

And a huge old tree.

A couple of points to be aware of:

For a short section the trail passes through head-high grass. If it has rained recently we will get soaked from head to toe.

In places the trail is exposed to the sun. Hats and sun screen recommended.

We should finish this hike about noon. There is a tried and trusted restaurant on the way home for those interested in post-hike refreshments.

Meeting Point and Directions:

We will meet at the parking lot in front of the 700-year Sports Stadium on Canal Road (Highway 121) for a 07.30 departure and drive in convoy to the hike start point. Do not enter the stadium area, this parking lot is OUTSIDE.

Our route will take us north up Highway 107 and via the shortcut that by-passes Mae Rim onto Highway 1096 to Samoeng. The turn-off for the hike is on the right about 10 kilometers after passing through Pong Yaeng Village and is onto a narrow hard-topped road at the top of a steep hill. There is a sign for Phu Mork Dao Resort, but this junction is easily missed and care is required.

We will park by the side of the road in Ban Buak Toei village.

Hike Organiser: Richard

Please read the general information on this site as well as this particular post. If you still feel this hike is for you, just turn up at the meeting point on the day and time. No need to let us know you are coming. Please be advised that we cannot accommodate groups.

Advice:

Please bring:

• Face mask.
• At least 2 liters of water/ rehydration drink
• A snack
• For passengers: 100 Baht towards fuel costs and a change of clothes/ footwear
• Hat and sun screen
• Long pants recommended
• Energy, enthusiasm and good humour

2021/06/13_Semi-private hike

Covid precautions still seem to mean we shouldn’t advertise open hikes. But if you are interested in joining a more private limited-numbers hike this Sunday, contact Michael, or state your interest in the comments below and he will get back to you. (Emailing of hike details is expected to go out on Friday)

2021/06/06_semi-private hike

Due to Covid, we are still not advertising fully open hikes, but there will be a private hike to Mae Kwong area this Sunday. If you would like to join, please contact Michael or tell of your interest in the comments below, and he will get back to you.

Covid precautions still seem to mean we shouldn’t advertise open hikes. But if you are interested in joining a more private limited-numbers hike this Sunday, contact Michael, or state your interest in the comments below and he will get back to you.

2021/05/23_No public hike (Covid regs)

Although the clear prohibition on gatherings of more than ten people has been lifted, there are still some other rules and restrictions – and the general spirit of the public health effort – that make us refrain from posting a public hike this week. Have good hikes with your partners, taking due precautions!

“Until further notice”

Although the April covid outbreak seems to be coming under control, the prohibition on gatherings of more than ten people is still in place “until further notice” (Communicable Disease Committee Order 47), and we are not posting public hikes while this is the case.

It’s good to hear that many of our regulars are having good hikes in private smaller groups taking due covid precautions.