Wang Chin to Lampang

Wednesday September 20, 2017, 42 miles (68 km) - Total so far: 148 miles

(238 km)

Up bright and early once again to avoid the heat. The ride out of Wang Chin along the 1023 would have been stunning in any case, but the mist and early morning light made it truly wonderful. The whole area seemed to be asleep, in contrast to Si Satchalanai yesterday, which was positively buzzing at 7.30am!

Eventually the 1023 meets highway 11, and we turned left to head up up up and over the hill to Lampang. We stopped at the 'service area' to stock up on cold drinks and use the toilets, then headed up the hill. It was already in the high 20s temperature-wise, so these poor Brits were melting right from the off!

The climb is long and fairly tough, although not particularly steep at any point. The road was pretty quiet and we had a 'crawler' lane which meant plenty of space. I was a bit disappointed with the lack of fanfare at the top: no view, no sign, no nothing! But the descent was sweet.

The 11 becomes a fair bit bigger once you're off the mountain, which was less fun but still fine. We turned off onto the 1036 then 1037, and followed it all the way into Lampang, an easy ride if you're used to Asian traffic.

We headed straight for 'Guan Im veggie' - a vegan restaurant opposite Chiang Rai temple. The English-speaking staff member was dispatched to help us, and we ate like kings (monks?!) Really delicious food for 115baht.....for both of us, including an iced coffee. Highly recommended, but only open in the day.

We're staying at Baan Kieng guesthouse which is very nice indeed, about 550 baht for a double room including breakfast, We locked our bikes together outside, but the kind staff have moved them inside. We ate early dinner at Aroy one baht - such a treat to have all this choice!

Lampang is pretty cool with a fair amount to see. Day off here tomorrow.