Lampang to Lamphun

Friday September 22, 2017, 50 miles (80 km) - Total so far: 198 miles

(318 km)

Today was to be our most strenuous day so far. Actually, it wasn't too bad, possibly helped by the overcast conditions as we climbed over the pass. Don't be fooled into thinking the Khuntan service area is nearly the top…..you still have the steepest 4km to go! Very manageable though.

Highway 11 gets a bit tedious after a while, but we felt safer than we do on many B roads in the UK. Had a couple of dog encounters once we were on the 2037, but we seem to be dealing with this by slowing right down. Famous last words, obviously. This part of the route was lovely, but short!

We're staying at the Easy Hotel in Lamphun, which is a bit like a Travelodge. Absolutely fine but not brimming with character! Good rate though (520 baht on Agoda, air con and huge bed) and the staff are friendly and helpful. It's not right in town, but you can walk over a small pedestrian bridge to get there easily. They have a small shop with instant noodles and drinks, including beer.

We found excellent lunch and dinner at one of the vegan restaurants found thanks to Happy Cow. 120 baht for a ridiculous amount of tasty (spicy!) food.

We nearly didn't leave the hotel this evening but we were glad we did…. Great experience at the Wat Phrat That H - zero other tourists, just lots of chanting monks and religious others. Highly atmospheric. We also stumbled upon a fab walking street. So much for Lamphun being dull!