Small Phrae loop

This 90-kilometer-long route is highly recommended when visiting Phrae. Routes 1024 and 1342 wind their way through the beautiful green jungle-clad mountains of the Phi Pan Nam range, just outside Phrae town. The winding roads will take you to majestic temples set against lush green mountains, viewpoints with stunning mountain views, and 40 steps descending into a dark cave. There are various coffee shops and restaurants along the way where you may stop and fill your belly or drink a coffee while admiring the spectacular scenery.

These roads see very little traffic and are in relatively good shape. When driving in Thailand, just be aware of the normal hazards, such as stones and sand in the corners and the occasional dog or other animal on the road. It had rained heavily several weeks before I arrived, and certain areas of the road had collapsed at the sides.

The Golden Rock Temple or Wat Phra That In Kwaen is a wonderful temple to visit, with several large golden statues perched on the side of a jungle-clad mountain providing stunning views of the surrounding lush green mountains.

Doi Chang Pa Daeng viewpoint is about a 16-kilometer drive from the Golden Rock Temple. The viewpoint is perched on the top of a jagged limestone cliff. According to a Google Maps review, there are also caves and a campground. I attempted to reach the viewpoint, but the last 5 kilometers up are dirt road. During this 5-kilometer dirt road, you will ascend 225 meters and descend 108 meters. I went up for a short distance with my Honda CB300f and race tires, but opted to return since I didn't want to crash the bike. If you're riding an off-road bike, or a Honda Wave or something similar, it shouldn't be a problem if you're a capable driver.

The sealed road goes over into a dirt road at a small village called Ban Mae Lua. Next time I'll visit Phrae I will park my motorcycle in this village and walk the last 5 kilometers. But I didn't have time enough time on this trip. Luckily, I found another viewpoint at the next destination: Na Khuha Temple.

Na Khuha Temple is only a two-kilometer drive from the Golden Rock Temple. When you arrive at the temple, the first thing you'll notice is a large golden Buddha sitting in front of rice fields. A bamboo bridge next to the Buddha connects to a small trail that leads to a 40-step ladder that you must descend to access a dark cave. Continue 350 meters up the mountain from the cave to reach Pha Sing Viewpoint. See my post about Prae for more details.

Mon Mae Tek Campground is a fantastic stop. There is a coffee shop with a rooftop, a platform with tables and chairs, and a 180-degree view of the lush green mountains. A restaurant that serves a tasty pad kra pao (fried holy basil) and other Thai favorites. There are three A-frame bungalows perched on the mountainside, as well as place to pitch a tent.

Just before exiting the mountains, you'll reach Mon Me Thang viewpoint. The viewpoint provides magnificent views over the lush green mountains just visited as well as the scenic Mae Thang Reservoir.

There are is a circular structure you can sit in and take shelter if necessary. There are no stalls that sell food or drinks, so you'll have to bring your own if you want to drink or eat here.

Pae Muang Pee Forest Park is a small area with pillars formed by erosion. It's quite small with just a few pillars, but worth a stop if you're close by anyway. There is no entrance fee and the signage is in both English and Thai. Read more about this site on my post about Phrae.

I stayed at the Huern Che Ta One Hotel and there was a sign for a car & motorcycle rental shop called Be Bike Phrae. See my post about Phrae for more info.