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Khun Wang - Khun Yuam Weeks ago, I told you about an alternative route between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces - the offroad track that starts from Ban Wat Chan northeast of Chiang Mai past Karen villages of Huai Pu Loei and Huai Pu Ling to meet Highway 108 at Ban Hua Mae Sakued just south of Mae Hong Son. Well, today I've got another for you, this one is exclusively for skilful 4x4 drivers. Let's start our journey from Khun Wang Royal Agricultural Research Centre which can be reached either via Chom Thong or San Patong. (From Chom Thong, the easier way, take Highway 1009, the road to Doi Inthanon, drive to Kilometre 31 and turn right onto Highway 1284. Khun Wang is 16 kilometres down the road. From San Patong, the shorter way from Chiang Mai, take Highway 1013, drive past Mae Wang and Mae Win, then turn left onto a side road to Ban Nong Tao, Ban Pa Kluay and Ban Pong Lom Raeng. Khun Wang is about 15 kilometres from Ban Nong Tao. Use the names of these villages as keywords when you ask the locals for directions. You won't get lost.) Now, suppose that you're already at Khun Wang and are set to continue. From Khun Wang, there's a 20-kilometre or so shortcut that can take you to Highway 1263 near Ban Mae Na Jon. Six kilometres along this bumpy road, you'll reach Mae Jon Luang Highland Agriculture Experiment Station. From the station, you'll have to drive through the Hmong village of Khun Wak and then pass Mae Jon Luang Watershed Management Unit. From here the road gets not just narrower but also rougher and rougher. This section, which goes through the forest, is pretty dangerous and requires good offroad driving skills otherwise you might end up rolling down the steep hillside. Anyway, once you've made it down the mountain to Highway 1263, turn right and drive through Ban Mae Na Jon. About 4.5 kilometres from the village you'll reach an intersection, go left to stay on the 1263 and follow it all the way to Ban Pang Oong and Khun Yuam. From Khun Yuam, Mae Hong Son is an easy drive of less than 60 kilometres up north. |