The Cave and Mountains
SuanGlangNa is a great base for exploring the spectacular mountain scenery of Northern Thailand. For the energetic we suggest this 120 KM, 7 stop route through some of northern Thailands most beautiful scenery.
Cave Sanctuary -
Tham Pha Nong Khoi
This remarkable sanctuary cave is a short 40 minute drive from Suanglangna. The entrance is a marked left turn off highway 101; and the parking is 1 KM from the turn off. From the parking area there is a scenic 250 m climb to the entrance to the karst cave.
The story:
Along time ago, a princess named Aranyanee fell in love with a man named Kanongdetch. The princess was pregnant, so she and her man decided to run away together. They both were hunted by a group of soldiers. The princess was fatally shot at her chest before they both managed to struggle to reach this cave. The princess gave birth to her son inside the cave and told her man to run away for his life. The legend says that the princess intended to wait for her man forever and that caused her to transform into stone.
Waterfall -
Huai Rong
After leaving the cave you return south on the highway for around 10 KM where you turn left on route 1134 leaving the valley floor on your climb to Mae Thang reservoir.
Restaurant on the Lake -
ร้านอาหารแพโชควิชัย
We have spent a whole afternoon eating and exploring at this spot and have never been disappointerd by the food. They farm the fish from this location so guaranteed to be fresh. There 2 restaurants that share this parking area. Look for this sign at the entrance to the steps down to the restaurant on a raft.
After lunch the route leaves the lake and proceeds thru the scenic mountain route 1342. Shortly after returning to route 1342 there is a turn off to a picturesque view point.
The turn off to the Mon Mae Thang Overlook is easy to miss. There is a small blue sign with white lettering in Thai facing the opposite direction. Listen caefully to your GPS instructions.
Mon Mae Thang Overlook
The view is definitely worth the trouble of finding the turn off.
After leaving the overlook the route continues east over gentling rolling mountain landscape on 1342 for 10 KM to the intersection of route 1024. Turn right on 1024. You will drop into the Mae Thang river valley and then climb back to ridge line. About 6 KM from the intersection you will reach Mon Mae Tik
View Point and Coffee -
Mon Mae Tik - ม่อนแม่เติ๊ก
After leaving MonMaeTik continue southwest on 1024. The next 5 KM follows the ridge providing greart mountain views before dropping into the NaKhuHa valley In another 5 KM you will see signs for U NA Cafe, if go another 100 M you see the smaller entrance to NaKhuHa Coffee. It is worth the search.
NaKhuHa Coffee
The 2 Restaurant Coffee shops above the Temple complex, U Na and NaKhuHa Coffee, are worth the visit. We recommend NaKhuHa coffee if you are only going to visit one of them. This shop has the best view of the valley and a unique layout and design.
A few hundred meters down the road from NaKhuHa Coffee is the road down to the temple complex. It is the first right, very sharp, and not well marked. There are good signs facing the opposite direction clearly marked "Entrance". Be careful on the steep decline as sometimes the road is slippery down to the temple.
Wat NaKhuHa
The photos tell the story. The NaKhuHa valley is one of the most visited locations in rural Phrae province.
After visiting the temple complex follow the exit signs to route 1024 and proceed down to the Golden Rock Temple. You will see signs with photos just before the entrance. You fork left and after a 300 meter climb there is a parking area on your right. Park and follow the paths to your right to view the temple figures and take in the scenic mountain views.
Golden Rock Mountaintop Temple
If you made it all the way here , congratualtions; it has been a long day. You are almost home; proceed down the valley 13 KM to SuanGlangNa and Bunny's Steakhouse. Refreshments are awaiting.