All Entries in the "Northern Thailand" Category
Wat Hua Mai Kham -Remote Temple Trip
I was challenged to find this remote stupa, so I couldn’t refuse. It turned into one of my more enjoyable undertakings…….
Chiang Mai- Rose of the North
Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand and many times called by guidebooks (incorrectly) the second largest city in Thailand. A major tourist center, it is an area of contradictions and confusion.
Here is a photo collage and a ‘Map Jack” tour of the Jewel of the North…
Khun Tan Railway Station and Tunnel
A nice ride through the mountains and National Parks to a quaint railway station and tunnel in the mountains.
This is the main line from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and carries hundreds of passengers daily.
U.S. State Department Travel Info-Thailand
This is the current travel and country information by the U.S. State Department. Click on their link to “Background Notes” for some interesting history of Thailand.
Where the Heck Are You??
Not everyone is familiar with S.E. Asia. Here you will find maps with waypoints to the main locations with links to an associated story. Just click.
The Legend of the Golden Horse Temple
There is a legend of a fighting monk (called “The Tiger Monk”) who lives in the Monastery of the Golden Horse. This monk allegedly gave up a successful boxing career, some 16 years ago, and took up the calling of the monkhood to start this remote temple. He fought and held off Khun Sa and his men until they relented and supported his teachings. He trains young orphans, Nens, in boxing and horseback riding. After hearing this tale I had to find the temple……
“Prince of Death” Road Trip-Khun Sa
“Khun Sa”. The name strikes fear in some, admiration in others. Was he a freedom fighter as his admires claim? Or was he the biggest and most famous drug lord in S.E. Asia as claimed by the U.S, DEA $1,000,000 bounty on his head. Watch linked video “Opium Warlord of the World – Burma”.
Hearing of his death and a planned memorial service, what should a former Narcotics Unit Commander do? Head for Thoed Thai of course………
4 J’s and a Hawk at Chiang Mai Speedway
Just south of Chiang Mai is the Chiang Mai Go-Kart Speedway. They rent go-karts and hold some organized Kart races as well as Motorcycle races. Really great is the fact that they also let you rent the track by the hour or the day at a ridiculously low price by Western standards. No worries about insurance or liability. just have fun and enjoy yourself.
Dirt Biking the Old Elephant Trail
What is sometimes called “The Old Elephant Trail” is dirt/road trail running from the town of Samoeng to Mae Hong Son. This entertaining story by two of my friends tells of a 3 day dirt bike ride.
Chasing Sunflowers
Every November the Sunflowers come into bloom around Mae Hong Son, Thailand. A popular year-round tourist destination, it is breathtakingly beautiful at this time of year.
The “New” 1252 Loop
It was a terrible dirt road. Now it had transformed into an asphalt road with breathtaking views………and mudslides, floods, and riders down!
Slippin’ & Slidin’ Thru the Jungle
This post is by my good friendJustin Sallows, a.k.a “Big & Tall”.
So Silverhawk had heard about a wooden temple stuck in the forest in the Mae Wing valley somewhere. It sounded like a good enough reason to go traipsing through the jungle on motorbikes. The three wise men did not heed the call to go [...]
Chasing Floods
Our goal was to try and find some of the damaged areas from the recent flood and mudslides. Torrential rains has caused flooding and mudslides over a vast area in this region. Although the exact toll may never be known it is estimated at least 100 people are dead and missing and 100,000+ left homeless and entire villages wiped out.
Mae Sot Loop and Beyond
A trip around the tallest mountain in Thailand, past Thailand’s largest refugee camp, with some unexpected people and sites along the way………
Doi Phu Kha Loop
A stunning rainy season ride into the mountains of Nan Province. The Doi Phu Kha Loop is one of the best rides in Thailand.
Huay Xai Mapping Trip
A trip to Chiang Khong where we view the catch and slaughter of the Giant Mekong Catfish. Onward for my first crossing of the Mekong River by wooden boat.
A Visit to Padaung Long Necks and a Lisu New Year
A controversial visit to a Padaung Long Neck village. Please read the articles and you decide.
Also a colorful celebration of the Lisu New Year......
First Ride & Guns and Poses Road Tour
This is the story of how I met David Unkovich, the Golden Triangle Rider. It also tells the story of my first outing with true “Round the World” travellers, the story of the “Red Haired Singer” and breaking new ground on the Burmese border.
