Travel news - destinations in north Thailand

Bo Klue - Nan

I'm not sure if you remember but a couple of weeks ago I wrote about Highway 1256, the mountain road that connects two districts of Nan Province, Pua and Bo Klue.

From Bo Klue, you can take the 1081, and either go northwards to the border pass at Huai Kon in Chalerm Phrakiat District or drive southward as featured in today's column.

To get to our Point A, the Phu Fa Centre, first you have to get to Ban Phak Huek, eight kilometres south of Bo Klue. There, you'll find a minor, yet well-paved road that leads to the centre 12.5 kilometres away.

After a visit to Phu Fa, drive back to Ban Phak Huek and continue southward on the 1081. This hilly section of the road is pretty tricky - the soil looks unstable and damages from landslides during the rainy season can be seen here and there. Be careful and try not to get too close to the road's edge.

Anyway, 25 kilometres from Ban Phak Huek, you'll run into an intersection where your road meets with the 1257. Turn right to stay on the 1081 and follow it for 17 kilometres through the hills covered with corn fields - not the best view, I must say, considering that these areas were once pristine forests - until you reach another intersection where you should shift to Highway 1169 and head toward Nan town.

About nine kilometres from that intersection, you'll get to yet another intersection at Ban Phu Yaeng, turn right and stay on the 1169. (If you go straight, you'd be on the 1125 heading to Santisuk and Mae Charim.)

Now continue along the 1169 for 30 kilometres and you'll reach Nan town where you should have no problem getting to Nan National Museum, Wat Chang Kham and Wat Phumin which are close to one another. As for Wat Phra That Chae Haeng and Wat Phra That Khao Noi, they are a few kilometres out of town. The first can be reached via Highway 1168 (towards Mae Charim) and the latter via Highway 101. Just follow the road signs. You can't get lost.
Bangkok Post December 05 www.bangkokpost.com