Dec. 14th - Mae Sai to Chiang Saen - Kim and Glory - Cycling beyond

December 14, 2023

Dec. 14th - Mae Sai to Chiang Saen

The Golden Triangle

I actually plotted a back road route out of Mai Sae today, but the lady at the front desk said I should take highway 1290. I indicated I wanted to go by the river, but she said it was through many villages and kind of insisted I should take 1290. I had showed her my route and asked her if it was safe. She said 1290 was safer. I decided I would go ahead and take her advice considering I was near the border.

It’s too early in the morning for Bryan Adams’ reminders 😂

What’s this? Maybe tobacco per the fields I saw yesterday.

I did manage to find a side road that paralleled a canal that was just off the highway so got a little bit of quiet riding in. It’s also easier to just follow a highway than yo get lost in the twists and turns of country roads.

There was a time when I wouldn’t have sought out alternative roads. Glad I did today.

I had to stop and fix my handlebar bag. May as well enjoy the view

Literally, the view not long after I rejoined the highway

These two ladies had very flowery shirts on. I was trying to be discreet about my pic so not the best shot

I had things to see today like the Golden Triangle. That’s where Laos , Thailand, and Myanmar converge. Notorious for drugs and crime, but much safer these days.😀 Didn’t actually take a good picture of it because a) I was tired b) got distracted and c) thought the river looked ugly and muddy.

Part of the Golden Triangle. Only shot I got

These motorcyclists came up to me with out stretched hands and said, “much respect” and then wanted a selfie with me. Made me feel good.

Then I realized I had to walk under it 😂

Had to see the Hall of Opium museum too after a nice long rest break. I just read an article in the news that Myanmar has just taken over as the number one producer of opium. It was only 50 b for admission. Here’s everything you need to know about the the flower/drug and then some

I am in Chiang Saen next to the mighty Mekong River. Laos on the other side. Only 24 miles today with one hill (from hell) eliciting hike-n-bike. Thankful, not too long. I had to stop and rest pushing my bike up it! 🥵 Steep!

A series of brutal hills await me at the end of my day tomorrow. Pray for me! 😂

My day ended nicely at Siam Triangle Hotel

Where does the pool end and the river begin

Today's ride: 24 miles (39 km)
Total: 264 miles (425 km)

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