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11/1 Soi 3 Bamrungburi Rd., T. Prasingh,
A. Muang., Chiang Mai 50200
Tel. 053 - 814 455-6 Fax. 053 - 814 457
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There and back again:

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A quick ride to Jaesorn National Park

Text & Images: Mim Saisin

.gifI’ve been working hard recently, never getting a chance to leave the city. And much as I love my home town, it’s also nice to get into the country once in a while - to have a refreshing trip through the terrific landscape that lies all round it.

.gifSo when my friend May suggested we make a quick dash for the Jaesorn National Park, and promised to do the driving there and back, I didn’t need to be persuaded too much.

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.gifJaesorn National Park

.gifIt had to be a quick trip. I was working in the morning. That’s why we didn’t start till one of the week-end afternoon, heading south from the city in the direction - first - of the ancient city of Kelang Nakorn…better known these days as Lampang.

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.gifA pool where cool and warm water mingle

.gifJaesorn National Park is one of the really tiddly little ones, only 593 sq. kilometres in area, but it makes up for that in its impressive waterfalls and lovely scenery, as well as spectacular cliffs, rising as it does to some 2,000 metres. And then there are its hot springs…

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.gifPark stream

.gifAs I say, we started out at about one p.m., driving fast on the superhighway to Lampang, and I felt pretty safe. May comes from Mae Sariang and anyone who drives on those curvy roads had better be good, or they won’t survive. Little bit of a problem in Lampang itself, looking for the turn off to the town of Chaehom, but that located we sprinted north and at getting on for four-thirty we had passed the small district of Muang Pan and were following the signs to the National Park.

.gifAnd what a sight for tired eyes that turned out to be, the sunlight slanting on the verdant greenery, the country steepening all round. We made first for the Jaesorn waterfall, with its six tiers and all round full-force flow, located just about a kilometer from the park’s headquarters. We were on foot by this time, and not far away from the falls we came on the hot spring area, covering about 3 rai, nine different vents, with water temperatures around 70 - 80 C.

.gifI always get a kick out visiting hot springs, something to do with the thought that under the inoffensive surface of our earth are some pretty terrific forces, of which these streams are a gentle reminder. Also that we get quakes once in a while, not really serious like they have over in Burma and up in Yunnan, but still strong enough to give us a pretty brisk shake from time to time. Nothing more dramatic right here and now though than some tourists boiling - well, cooking - some eggs in a basket. The waters are all kinds of weird colours, from brown and orange to a murky grey, depending on the chemicals they have in them. And there’s one place where the hot and cool waters from different sources mingle, and it’s possible to swim. Next time, we promised ourselves - because with evening already closing in, we had to think of getting on our way. But next time, May and I agreed, we’d start early and stay overnight. Then we’d have a chance to visit some of the huts where you’re invited to dunk yourself in the healing waters.

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.gifBefore leaving we had a chance to chat with a couple of the kindly and helpful park officials at their office. They suggested instead of going the long way back to Lampang, we try the short cut instead. That’s why when we left the park, we turned north for Wang Nua and Mae Kachan on the Chiang Rai road, aiming to make a circuit of our journey.

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.gifRoad to Chaehom

.gifWell, ok, the sun was going down behind the forested mountains and it’s a romantic sight indeed, but a little bit lonely. And to add to our slight anxiety, we passed Wang Nua without tanking up and then discovered we were low - very low - on petrol. Oh! Oh! A night on the open road…not quite what we were looking for. But it turned out for the best, as it happened. We just made Mae Kachan on the last drops of the precious liquid, and discovered there was petrol station there: quite a relief!

.gifWe celebrated with coffee and some kanoms: and I bought a couple of items at the stalls selling the baskets, brooms and furniture this little spot is quite well known for.

.gifThen we hit the road again, darkness falling, ticked off the eighty or so kilometers back to the Rose of the North, getting there just in time for dinner.

.gifA trip to remember - but a better, longer one in the offing.

[There are several guestshouses at Jaesorn National Park which are provided by the Department of National Parks. The prices start from 1,200 Baht per night upto 4,000 Baht. Alternatively, you can take your own tent and camp for a minimal charge. Check out the park's website at http://www.dnp.go.th or call 66 5422 9000.]

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