Road Trip 2008 - Part 2, Doi Angkhang

Doi Angkhang, touted as one of the Swiss of Thailand, sound very appealing to me. Such comparison creates expectations. Well, in my honest opinion, it is far from it. But the cool climate is inviting and I love the place the way it is.

Approaching Doi Angkhang, ascending roads get steeper & steeper with a fair bit of holiday traffic.
















Scenes were rewarding once altitude gained.
















A dirt track leading to local village in valley below.





















Mountains bordering Myanmar with mood that changes with the weather.
















A hill side community in the distance.
















While looking for a place to spend the night, reached a Thai Military outpost at the Myanmar border. Surprised to find it open free to campers; many tents were already set up for the night.
















With direct view of Burmese military hilltop outpost right across .
































Thai national flag at line of demarkation I reckon.





















My air matress foot pump wasn't effective, some soldiers came to help with a borrowed hand pump from the village. Wow, how helpful! Another watched across the trench smiling.





















Women folk of local tribe sold vegies & food to campers outside.
































The evening scene gets more charming as the chilly wind blew.
















The morning after, clouds sat below mountain tops. Campers took turn for photo shots.
















While others took another glimpse across before leaving.
















Thai military bunker and trenches facing the Burmese reminds of occasional tension do exists.
















This soldier returned from a mission to ambush drug traffickers the night before - their primary military duty not neglected. Another surprise they provided complimentary hot coffee & instant noodles at this kiosk! Campers just donate as pleased.





















A child looked up curiously as I drove past the tribal village leaving.





















Journey onwards, came upon rows of Sakura trees that captivated attention of many to pull over.
















Fortunate to come by this time to see in full blossom!
















It was also a base camp of the KMT's 3rd army who took refuge here after the 1940's communist defeat in China. They were later enlisted to defeat Thai communists entrenched in Petchabun mountains with Thai citizenships in reward.
















This fortress like compound is open to tourists with guided tour.





















Now theirs decendents who still speaks mandarin set up shops here. Dried corns adorns this restaurant - their "Kah Moo", stewed pork leg, seemed very popular!





















Next stop towards Doi Tung in Chiang Rai.