Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Fang & Tha Ton
The northernmost towns in Chiang Mai province feel light-years removed from the pro-
vincial capital and its sophisticated ways. Few foreigners stop in at Fang, which was ori-
ginally founded by Phaya Mengrai in the 13th century, although the locale dates back at
least 1000 years as a stop for
jeen hor
caravans. The odd foreigners who do wander into
town do so to catch a bus elsewhere. While here they might wander around the Shan-style
Wat Jong Paen
(near the New Wiang Kaew Hotel), which has an impressive stacked-roof
wí·hăhn
, Fang's other source of notoriety comes from its proximity to Myanmar, and the
surrounding district is an 'underground' conduit for
yah bâh
(methamphetamine). Police
checkpoints along the highways are typically inspecting vehicles for contraband.
More charming is Tha Ton, a petite settlement planted on a pretty bend along Mae Nam
Kok. Travellers come here to catch the river boat to Chiang Rai, but recently new guest-
houses have been enticing visitors to stay a little longer and explore the wild corners of
the province and enjoy the river views. It is easy to cycle around the town, exploring rice
fields and small villages, or take a day trip to the high-altitude village of Mae Salong or
the hot springs at Doi Pha Hompok National park. You can also charter a boat to various
points along the river, including the Myanmarese border or small hill-tribe villages.
