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A 6 Day trip to follow part of the River Ping downstream
A 6 Day trip to follow part of the River Ping downstream 29/04/25
Day 1 The plan was to get up to Chiang Mai then follow the Mae Nam Ping (River Ping) south from CM to Nakhon Sawan where it ends and joins the Mae Nam Nan to become the Mae Nam Chao-Phraya which then goes all the way to Bangkok and into the Gulf of Thailand The Ping originates at Doi Thuai in the Daen Lao Range, which is near the Thai and Myanmar border. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ping_River https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...69a3ca4a_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...012ea150_c.jpg After getting my regulation coffee in my flask cup I set off, there was a bit of light rain but it wasn't nothing that was going to stop me from riding, it's been a long time coming. Waterproof jacket on. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1ed876ca_c.jpg Route 12, Nam Nao, Phetchabun, Thailand 14k's to Khon San then onto one off my favourite roads in my local area, the 12 The 12 from Khon San to Wang Thong is a good road to ride, through the mountains then a bit of flat before a nice winding dual carriageway through some more mountains. By the time I had got to the junction of the 2216 on the 12 the mist and rain had gone, it was still a bit cloudy, but the roads were drying. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7034e0ee_c.jpg Route 12, Phu Pha Daeng Wildlife Preserve Area, Lom Sak, Phetchabun, Thailand I took the ring road, the 126, north of Phitsanulok before getting back on the 12 towards Sukhothai. I've been to Sukhothai before on my very first Thailand ride at the end of 2014. From the 12 I got on to the 125 which took me on to the 101 heading north. I stayed on the 101 until Sawankhlok and picked up the 106 all the way into Thoen for my first nights accommodation https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d7b00f71_c.jpg Junction of the 1370 and 106, Sawankhalok, Sukhothai, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...30fdfc98_c.jpg The 106 I believe was previously the 1048 and on some mapping it may still be that...Apple maps and my older Reise Thailand paper map. It starts of quite flat with some long straight areas then goes into a valley before winding up over the mountains before you get you Thoen, it was a good road with some nice scenery. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7c0f7a56_c.jpg On the 106, Thung Saliam, Sukhothai, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...afccc93a_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7ce4a33a_c.jpg On the 106, Thoen, Lampang, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...359b1e81_c.jpg Once in Thoen I went hunting for a room. Undercover bike parking, is the important part for me, then a/c and a good shower. Also a supermarket or 7eleven is good. I found the Baan Hong Non Guest House, N17.62216 E.99.23686 500 Baht per night. Parking was good and it ticked all my other boxes, Lotus supermarket opposite and a 7eleven about 300 meters down the road at a PTT garage. The room was clean and tidy, with a balcony https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9c399b50_c.jpg Outside the Hotel, Thoen, Lampang, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...df7740ee_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...22749acb_c.jpg Wayne |
Nice ride mate!
I want to go back to Thailand to ride again.................. Northern Thailand ..... want to do the MHS loop again which I last did in 2022. Hope we can ride together again when I am next in Thailand. Got to rent a bike this time as I won't be riding across the border. :mchappy::mchappy: |
Quote:
There are a few places to rent in Chiang Mai I've not done the full loop, only parts of it Wayne |
We'll do the full loop then!
:D:D |
A 6 Day trip to follow part of the River Ping downstream
Day 2 Thoen to Chiang Mai https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...693a5dcc_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...311d731c_c.jpg I set off quite early as I was going to meet some other expat bikers for a brew at the Yellow Coffee Truck, then on getting in to Chiang Mai I was going to get my chain adjusted at Honda Big Bike. The 1 was first up heading north towards Lampang. Dual carriageway through the mountains although I didn't find it as good as the 12. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8d9c8722_c.jpg On the 1, Thoen, Lampang, Thailand Once I got near to Ko Kha I went on to the 1034. In the town I stopped for some breakfast as I was pretty hungry. I had one of my favourite dishes which is sliced crispy belly pork cooked with a variety of sauces and chilli over jasmine rice. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e688bf62_c.jpg Food place, Ko Kha, Lampang, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4acf08b2_c.jpg Crispy Belly pork fried with spices and Jasmine rice Suitably refreshed it was back on the 1034, nothing much happening on this road, I was just using it as a cut across to the 11. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1b4ef0f7_c.jpg On the 1034, looking at the Wang River, Ko Kha, Lampang, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...47d94992_c.jpg The 11 is a 2/3 lane road and it was quite busy. But it did afford some nice views and some sweeping corners to keep it interesting. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...dcf2d62a_c.jpg Route 11, Hang Chat, Lampang, Thailand I stayed on the 11 until the Doi Saket junction then a short dash on the 118 into the town. Doi Saket is where I was meeting up with some guys for a brew. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...639f654d_c.jpg The Yellow Coffee Truck, just off the 118, Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c96d6fd6_c.jpg After a good natter and 2 coffees it was time to head into CM to get the chain done. Back on the 118 and straight into CM, it only took about 25 mins. Honda Big Wing N18.78784 E98.99180 were very helpful and adjusted my chain and lubed it up for no charge. I did give the mechanic some money for a beer or coffee. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5fa5a819_c.jpg Honda BigWing, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand Time to look for a room, I had a rough idea and I had found a possible place on bookingdotcom but I wanted to look at the parking arrangements Parking was good, so I stayed. Casa Marocc Hotel N18.77030 E98.99981 A great hotel with a Moroccan feel to it, including in the room. Everything works well. Clean and tidy with undercover parking. There is a good view from the roof area 650 baht including breakfast https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1598a218_c.jpg Casa Marocc, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e7f7e10b_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c40dc579_c.jpg Wayne |
A 6 Day trip to follow part of the River Ping downstream
Day 3 Chaing Mai to Li https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...47895011_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3d7817da_c.jpg Breakfast at the hotel was good and a nice to have before riding. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9717e628_c.jpg The plan today was to get to Li which was not far if you stayed on the major roads. But I wanted to ride along the Mae Nam Ping (River Ping) so lots of small roads with poor average speeds. I picked up the edge of the Ping about 1km from my hotel, although it starts more north than Chiang Mai as stated on Day 1 https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...148d579b_c.jpg My first view of the River Ping, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand After negotiating CM along the river I eventually picked up the 4032 along the western edge of the river. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a731825f_c.jpg On the 4032, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e8f68fe1_c.jpg Still on the 4032, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand I then nipped onto the 116 for a short while to go over the bridge where I picked up the 1156 on the eastern side. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9a3d53f5_c.jpg On a bridge on the 116, Ping River, San Pa Tong, Chiang Mai, Thailand The plan was to cross a bridge on the 3003 and head into Chom Thong but when I had got there the bridge had collapsed. So I had to double back a few k's and cross a smaller bridge and use the 108 for a bit into Chom Thong https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ee3338ce_c.jpg On a minor road off the 3003, Wiang Nong Long, Lamphun, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...88789e05_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c42ca93d_c.jpg On the bridge heading to Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, Thailand I then stayed on the 108 to Hot, where I stopped for a coffee The 108 on the other side of Hot became the 1012 and I followed that until the pick entered the Doi Tao Lake at this point I got on to the 4010 and 1103 skirting the eastern edge of the lake. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8d6abde8_c.jpg On the 4010, Hot, Chiang Mai, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e3a27967_c.jpg Looking towards the Doi Tao Lake, Hot, Chiang Mai, Thailand I stopped of at area on the lake but there was not a lot going on and IMO not worth the visit, the roads were good though. The reason I went to the lake is because the Ping forms it then disappears in to the mountains at the other side of the lake. I looked for a way to follow it through the mountains but there seem to be no roads. Although there may have been tracks I couldn't find I didn't think it was worth trying to find them on your own with a heavy bike. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...bb907514_c.jpg Doi Tao Lake, Hot, Chiang Mai, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...57cc640f_c.jpg I stayed on the 1103 until the 4022 and past the small Mae Hat Reservoir and on to the 3008 all the way into Li for my next nights stop. The 4022 and 3008 were nice roads to ride and in places had some nice new black top. The views were good for most of those roads https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...68802312_c.jpg On the 4022, Doi Tao, Chiang Mai, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5ed5a4d1_c.jpg Still on the 4022, Doi Tao, Chiang Mai, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d6789898_c.jpg On the 3008, Li, Lamphun, Thailand I found a really nice place for 450baht with breakfast and great parking for the bike but no WiFi, so that was a big no for me. After riding around I eventually found.. Rung Sapphire Linna Resort N17.80764 E98.94258 Found this by accident as it's not on Apple or Google maps unless the coords are incorrect on the mapping as it shows one next door There is a 7/11, Big C mini and a lotus mini on the main road about 10/15 mins walk Nice clean rooms Boiling vessel for hot water provided WiFi is mediocre. A/C works well There is undercover parking but not near the room, so I got the bike under the overhang right outside the room 600 baht https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b1b0e3d0_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4607d512_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...69d9ae9f_c.jpg Wayne |
A 6 Day trip to follow part of the River Ping downstream
Day 4 https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d7ac3b7c_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d89b7519_c.jpg I set off for Tak after a good breakfast at the same place I had food last night Last night was Crispy belly pork cooked in a red curry paste with Jasmine rice This morning I has Chicken fried rice with a fried egg Well worth a stop for food if you're in the area Khun Daeng's Kitchen N17.80491 E98.94697 https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ec0efd75_c.jpg Khun Daeng's Kitchen N17.80491 E98.94697,Wang Din, Li, Lamphun, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0b0ce79a_c.jpg Tak wasn't that far away and I would have been there relatively quickly if I had stayed on the main roads. The 106 from Li to Thoen (where I stayed at the end of day 1), was not a bad road to ride, once in the mountains it got twisty with some good views. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...de2f6c85_c.jpg On the 106, Dong Dam, Lamphun, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...78b7bcd7_c.jpg Still on the 106, Thoen District, Lampang, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c41672f9_c.jpg On another part of the 106, Thoen District, Lampang, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ffee3999_c.jpg After a coffee in Thoen I picked up the 1102 along the edge of the Wang River rather than stay on the 1 which is a major artery route, it was a nice road to ride and far better than the alternative https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...305d0e8b_c.jpg The River Wang, Thoen Buri, Lampang, Thailand I did eventually join the 1 at Mae Phrik but only for a short blast to the junction with the 1357 towards the Bhumibol Dam. I went there mainly because the Ping came out of the Bhumibol Reservoir and it's where I found I could start to follow it again. The dam and reservoir were good to look at once there, there is a bit of a market there also food places and a coffee shop. It's quite a big area overall. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f340e6e6_c.jpg Bhumibol Dam, where the River Ping starts again, Sam Ngao District, Tak, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e0e3c1ba_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3837ea71_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2fa5bb00_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e1875e86_c.jpg Just downstream from the dam, River Ping, Sam Ngao District, Tak, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6e7580e5_c.jpg When I left the dam I picked up the 1107 on the western edge of the Ping all the way into Tak and my night stopover https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0b7a69ca_c.jpg On the 1107, River Ping at Nong Bua Nuea, Mueang Tak District, Tak, Thailand Berich Hotel N16.88345 E99.12262 A nice hotel, big room, breakfast included in the price double rooms 690 baht but they were all booked so I ended up with a twin at 790. They are on bookingdotcom but I walked in. WiFi and A/C are good, staff friendly 7eleven and a lotus about a 15 min walk Bike is parked undercover right outside reception https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d881b1a8_c.jpg BeRich Hotel, Tak, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...34b41c84_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8fe4e269_c.jpg Wayne |
A 6 Day trip to follow part of the River Ping downstream
Day 5 Finishing the River Ping https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...04c44341_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...94b4e3d4_c.jpg After breakfast at the hotel I went to find the 3005 which was going to take me along the eastern side of the river https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...03d7ef19_c.jpg The first part of the 3005, for about 20km was just like an ultra long row of house on both sides of the road with lots of dogs roaming about. But it was still better than sitting on a highway. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c7eb1b98_c.jpg On the 3005, Mueang Tak District, Tak, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f6c46981_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...07caa1ae_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...876cd016_c.jpg Over the Ping River, Mueang Kamphaeng Phet, Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand Just before Wang Chao I turned on to the 3002 which took me all the way into Kamphaeng Phet. At Kamphaeng Phet I rode around the periphery of the Historical Park, a lot of history here and old buildings and temples part of the ancient city which was there. I didn't go in as it would have taken too long to go around. It's a bit like Sukhothai Historical Park and I was there in 2014 The dual pricing system was 20 baht for Thais and 100 baht for foreigners If you want to ride your motorcycle around the park it's an extra 20 baht https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8d27d6c7_c.jpg Parts of the Historical City, Mueang Kamphaeng Phet, Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e8c5618e_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...fbaf02ef_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...80a1b093_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ff02a64d_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...99cf84de_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c6c44f2b_c.jpg From Kamphaeng Phet I took the 1084 to Wang Khaem where I was going to pick up the 1052 on the western edge but yet another bridge was down so I had to continue down the 1084, which to be honest was a bit boring in places. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b3f1acbe_c.jpg Another bridge down, Khlong Khlung, Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e37481bf_c.jpg On the 1084, Khanu Woralaksaburi, Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand I got on to the 4054 and skirted the edge of the river, under the 122, and carried to the 117 where I used the 117 bridge to pick up a road on the western edge all the way into Nakhon Sawan. I stayed on this road until the River Ping ended. The Rivers Ping and Nan join together in Nakhon Sawan to form the Chao-Phraya which then goes all the way to Bangkok and into the Gulf of Thailand. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e4372785_c.jpg Where the Rivers Ping and Nan meet to form the Chao-Praya, Mueang Nakhonsawan, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...57dbbe7d_c.jpg Where the Chao-Praya River starts, Mueang Nakhonsawan, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand I then looked for a place to stay, I decided on Rank Khun Resort 2. N15.70752 E100.13054 Brightly coloured room which are a reasonable size WiFi is good as is the A/C and shower Different prices depending on what you want, I went with the room with the car port attached, 595 baht including breakfast There a few local food eating places nearby and 7eleven about a 3 minute walk away https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8570bd28_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...003b23dc_c.jpg Glad I didn't get a pink one https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8972cc82_c.jpg Wayne |
A 6 Day trip to follow part of the River Ping downstream
Day 6 https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...df591d0c_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...31118526_c.jpg The trip home was uneventfully as it generally is when I am on my way back. I don’t know what it is but when I am away for a short time or even on my previous longer trips I find that I just want to get home so I can just get sorted out and relax. Whereas on the trip I am quite happy moseying along. I left after I had finished my breakfast at the place I stayed in last night. It was fine, there were several hot dishes to choose from with boiled rice, bread for toast, water and coffee. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...32ea5681_c.jpg It was still quite busy for early on a Sunday morning and getting out of the city was slower than expected. The route today was chosen by Apple Maps, so it was pretty straight forward. Out of the city, on to the 225 which in the early stages too me through a bit of a wet land area. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0ab2044a_c.jpg On the 225, Mueang Nakhon Sawan District, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b7265f8a_c.jpg Still on the 225, Chum Saeng District, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a4c89392_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...386f4265_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...49b5a000_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...973a0e13_c.jpg The 225, Bueng Sam Phan District, Phetchabun, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...91853fa2_c.jpg Then it was on to the 21 in the direction of Phetchuabun, using the 234 ring road to the west of Phetchuabun, then on to the Lom Sak junction where I slung a right onto one of my favorite stretches on the 12. Once at Khon San it was on to the 2004 and home. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...55dfb3b2_c.jpg On the 21, Nong Phai, Phetchabun, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2944da40_c.jpg The 234, Mueang Phetchabun District, Phetchabun, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0ea3fe92_c.jpg Back on the 12 and nearly home, Phu Pha Daeng Wildlife Preserve Area, Lom Sak District, Phetchabun, Thailand https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8e7c6a6a_c.jpg The roads today were not that exciting, long stretches of nothing with the odd small hill range thrown in for good measure, but if you blinked you missed them. Until the 12..then it was back to some nice winding roads on the outer edge of the Nam Nao National Park all the way to the Khon San junction. 1626km covered on this trip Wayne |
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