Travelers planning a road trip during the winter season should not miss the beautiful landscapes along these roads, complete with the touch of morning fog. Here are 11 scenic routes for enjoying the cold weather on national highways:
- National Highway No. 1093 (Khun Huai Krai - Pa Tang section) at Kilometer Marker No. 63+500 is within the Phu Chi Fah road maintenance area, which is a route leading to Phu Chi Fah National Park, known as the "Roof of Siam." Around Kilometer Marker No. 64+600, there is a camping area for nature contact and star gazing at night.
- National Highway No. 1009 (Chom Thong - Doi Inthanon section) at Kilometer Marker No. 40-41 is located within the Chom Thong Road Division, Chiang Mai Highway District 1. It leads to the sacred pagodas of Phra Maha Dhatu Nabhamethanidol and Phra Maha Dhatu Nabhapolbhumisiri, as well as the natural study trails of Ang Ka and Kew Mae Pan and Doi Inthanon, the highest point of Siam. For those who want to rest or camp amidst the mountaintop atmosphere, accommodations can be found at the Chom Thong Road Division, around Kilometer Marker No. 30+450, about 10 kilometers past the scenic point.
- National Highway No. 1095 (Tha Khrai – Mae Hong Son section) at Kilometer Marker No. 154+800 is the Luk Khao Lam scenic point within the Mae Hong Son Road Division, Mae Hong Son Highway District. This viewpoint serves as a rest stop en route to Pang Mapha - Mae Hong Son.
- National Highway No. 1095 (Mae Na - Tha Khrai section) at Kilometer Marker No. 120+500, is the Kiu Lom viewpoint in the Pang Mapha Road Division, Mae Hong Son Highway District. This is a morning scenic spot where visitors can admire the complex pattern of mountains between Pai - Pang Mapha.
- National Highway No. 108 (Mae Surin – Pang Moo section) at Kilometer Marker No. 337+025 is the Pa Bong viewpoint within the Mae Hong Son Road Division, Mae Hong Son Highway District. It's about 12 kilometers from Mae Hong Son town and serves as a resting spot along the journey from Mae Hong Son town - Khun Yuam.
- National Highway No. 1226 (from Jabo to Pangkham) at Kilometer Marker No. 3+150 is situated in the Mae Hong Son Highway District. This location provides a stunning 360-degree panoramic view.
- National Highway No. 2196 (from Na Ngua to Thung Samo) at Kilometer Marker No. 23+600 is within the Khao Kho Highway District, Phetchabun Highway Area 1. This route takes you up Khao Kho, a breathtaking viewpoint. The Department of Highways has provided camping spots for tourists who wish to immerse themselves in the foggy city atmosphere.
- National Highway No. 1090 (from Huai Nam Rin to Umphang) between Kilometer Marker No. 87+935 - 88+135 is located in the Kirirat Highway District, Tak Highway Area 2. This is a halfway resting point on the route from Mae Sot to Umphang. Use National Highway No. 1167 and connect to National Highway No. 1288 to reach Tee Lor Su waterfall, the largest waterfall in Thailand, and sixth largest in Asia. There are camping areas available for tourists wishing to stay overnight.
- National Highway No. 2222 (from Khong Chiam to Saphue) at Kilometer Marker No. 0+850 is within the Khong Chiam Highway District, Ubon Ratchathani Highway Area 2. The area is adjacent to Wat Tham Khuhasawan and offers a cliffside view overlooking the Mekong River. Camping areas are available for tourists to enjoy nature during twilight.
- National Highway No. 211 (from Si Chiang Mai to Huai Chiang Da) at Kilometer Marker No. 73+500 offers a viewpoint within the Sangkhom Highway District, Nong Khai Highway Area. Alongside the Mekong River, tourists can experience the refreshing and beautiful natural surroundings, and see mountains in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. This route has been set up by the Department of Highways as a rest stop on the way to the Skywalk, Wat Pha Tak Suea, approximately 10 kilometers away, and onwards to Pak Chom and Chiang Khan in Loei province.
- National Highway No. 1 (from Phan to Rong Khun) between Kilometer Marker No. 896+845 and 897+158, is alongside the Phahonyothin Road, within the Chiang Rai Highway Area 1, Mae Lao Highway District. There you will find the Huay Sai Khao hot spring, which has 4 rooms available for soaking, two foot-soaking spots, and a Thai massage service point, all free of charge. Open daily from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, with attendants ready to provide assistance at any time.
For more information, travelers can call the Highways Department hotline at 1586, available 24 hours a day.
Source: Department of Highways
Tel. +66 2354 6668
For more information