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Short trips on the CB500x in my local area, Isaan, Thailand
The first proper ride out on my new CB500x
I felt a bit like I was on a BMW, riding out to a coffee shop LOL. :whistling: I've owned BMWs! But it was a nice ride out. The view point is on the way to Chulaphorn Dam in the Phu Khiao/Khon San area. N16.50742° E101.69127° The road there was good, going through a lot of villages, there was even a bit if gravel/dirt road to contend with, then heading in the the hills and mountains. Coming back I stayed on the bigger roads but even they were good. No stops on the way there or back as it was more of a run out for the new bike. Once there the view was great. There was a food stand and a coffee place, they grow and grind their own beans. http://i.imgur.com/tl7tU13l.png http://i.imgur.com/OqVmvkol.jpg http://i.imgur.com/dFsUq3Dl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/c3RJMD6l.jpg http://i.imgur.com/N8IgfsUl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/Pt2cop8l.jpg http://i.imgur.com/yWZFfF5l.jpg http://i.imgur.com/UhvDun6l.jpg http://i.imgur.com/N2loxJql.jpg http://i.imgur.com/2TWw2Srl.jpg Wayne |
A 2 day trip around Phu Tap Beok & Phu Kradueng areas, Thailand
It was great getting out on the bike and doing a couple of days away.
I had just had my 1000km service so it was time for my friend from Roi Et and I to have a ride out. We planned on going to the Phu Tap Beok and Phu Kradueng areas on some of the smaller roads. This happened on day one but day two was a bit hit and miss. I was going to meet my mate at a PTT fuel station just outside Chum Phae as it was on the route to where we were going, rather than him come out of his way to come to mine. He had done 170km before we started the trip. https://i.imgur.com/NIu1XIa.jpg https://i.imgur.com/HXGEgN5.jpg Ready for the off Once I got to the station it was time for a coffee and wait, I was there about 30/40 minutes before Fred turned up https://i.imgur.com/fMyXJ82.jpg So, another brew was in order, then a fill up of fuel. We were then off!! https://i.imgur.com/j2n05VW.jpg Day 1 https://i.imgur.com/zwH3ALp.jpg Day 1 Google Earth https://i.imgur.com/8qppNgQ.png Close up of the last km's as we close in to the campsite We had planned on stopping at a waterfall at the start of the trip, (hence the bit that sticks out early on the route) however when we got there it was closed. So we did an about turn and carried on. It was only about 8Km from our turn off so it was no great loss. The roads on day 1 were great, some long straights, some long flowing corners and some tight hairpins later on. All with a lot of ups and downs, and I don't mean problems. So a good mixed day in my opinion We didn't have places planned to visit we just stopped as and when for food and photos https://i.imgur.com/jVgwnmK.jpg Nam Nao https://i.imgur.com/xgmLuRR.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NzsFhO8.jpg Once we had got some K's under the belt it was time to feed my stomach so we stopped at a noodle place on the outskirts of Nam Nao https://i.imgur.com/EdeHd3N.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lksH4O9.jpg Tom Yum Pork Noodles Fed and watered it was time to get a shifty on. |
2 day trip continued
Once we had left the noodle place we continued on the 2216 and followed it all the way to where it meets the 21. We stopped a couple of times on the 2216 to take some photos but other than that it was just time to enjoy the road. The 2216, is about 100km long riding route in Phetchabun province of Thailand. Sweeping curves and tight corners, high elevation, steep up to 12% at certain stages. The best part of all, hardly any traffic.
https://i.imgur.com/NCW2hqL.jpg https://i.imgur.com/AfKXmsn.jpg https://i.imgur.com/c1Cn9gx.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NTUo5TJ.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zTzReDI.jpg https://i.imgur.com/SLGCUFP.jpg From there we got on to the 21 for a bit then turned right at some traffic lights and got on to the 3013, this led us on to the 2372 before we turned right again and on to the 2331, which went up and up to the Phu Tap Beok. The 2331 is a scenic road with some great views of the valley below, lots of bends, and sharp up hill hairpins. You are climbing all the time. Once we neared the entrance to the Phu Tap Beok National Park we slung another right and head up to where the campsite was. https://i.imgur.com/8XqvzX3.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CFJ4AQ2.jpg Fred on his CB500x https://i.imgur.com/RBxEiQG.jpg |
2 day trip continued
When we got to the campsite we parked up the bikes and went to pay for the pitch. If you don't want to carry a tent they have tents and small bungalows there for you to use. A pitch for your tent was THB 100, about GBP 2.40
Campsite Coords N16.89694. E101.10652 https://i.imgur.com/auTjolN.jpg Some views from the campsite viewpoint, we were at about 1600 meters https://i.imgur.com/spldNpd.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gAX5fOf.jpg https://i.imgur.com/JjFNlMs.jpg This is the road we had just ridden https://i.imgur.com/4TiRLes.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GoQShg6.jpg Time to set up shop for the night https://i.imgur.com/uYCkkk2.jpg A room with a view |
2 day trip continued
When we had got sorted out it was that time, beer o'clock
So we sat and chilled for a bit before going to get some food. https://i.imgur.com/Z6C57yS.jpg There was a restaurant a stones throw from where we were sleeping, so we walked over a grabbed a bit to eat. There was a nice view from the restaurant. https://i.imgur.com/xM3GE78.jpg https://i.imgur.com/XKmiap5.jpg I had a prawn kind of soup with some omelette in it with herbs. It tasted good, but little did I know I was going to reap the rewards later. https://i.imgur.com/eAqTFe0.jpg When we had finished eating we went back to the tents armed with some more beer and carried on the motion, it was also beginning to get a bit chilly, 15 degrees, some might say "that's not cold". I can agree. But having not had a winter in 9 years, living in Thailand and working in Iraq, then yes I was cold. Fortunately I had brought my fleece and Fred got in his sleeping bag after putting his fleece on. https://i.imgur.com/vNPQxoc.jpg We rounded the evening off with a tot of 15 year old Dalmore which I had put in a hip flask https://i.imgur.com/LXfGE2k.jpg https://i.imgur.com/N7IJBro.jpg As time was getting on, it was time to hit the hay Then my fun and games began |
2 day trip continued
Well! All was going great, in the tent, nice and warm in the summer sleeping bag until about 0015 hrs and then it hit me, I am glad I woke up. I needed the loo so bad. The toilets were 5 baht a go and I had 3 coins. I managed to get there just in the nick of time. Such pain in my stomach. No loo roll but thankfully a bum gun. Anyway, that was done and I set off back to my tent and as soon as I got there I need to go again, another 5 baht down. Once I had done I managed to get back to the tent and have another 3 hours sleep before it hit me again, my last 5 baht. This time I stayed up as my stomach was churning. Now I think about it I think is was the prawns.
I stayed awake this time as I could not settle. On a plus side I managed to get some night shots of the valley below. At about 0500 hrs I needed to go again, no 5 bahts, I did however have a tent, and a plastic bag, I will leave the rest to your imagination lol By about 0600 the shops had started to open and I managed to get some change for the next round. We were going to go to a temple on the top of Phu Tap Beok with a large stupa but I said to Fred that I need to find a Pharmacy in either Lom Sak or Lom Kao. I needed some Imodium and quick. I do carry a First Aid Pack with bandages, plasters, and headache stuff etc but I didn't have any Imodium, school boy error on my part. We left the campsite at around 0800 hrs after my last visit to the loo. https://i.imgur.com/5QrYVqV.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FhZ4FwD.jpg https://i.imgur.com/BlhV3ao.jpg https://i.imgur.com/M06jhtt.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VLyj212.jpg Just as the sun was starting to break |
2 day trip continued
Everything was packed and we were ready for the off, I had my last visit to the loo then got my kit on.
https://i.imgur.com/gICJnGG.jpg https://i.imgur.com/kK15JOq.jpg https://i.imgur.com/bXq1Vgt.jpg Day 2 https://i.imgur.com/E8RqZdz.png Day 2 Google On the way down I stopped and took a few more photos, then it was off to the Pharmacy in Lom Kao. https://i.imgur.com/v93U5k5.jpg Looking back at where we had come from https://i.imgur.com/VZLt7Hq.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5e8XyAh.jpg That done, we set off on the last leg the trip |
2 day trip continued, the end
I cannot remember what the route was going to be but we ended up doing the 21, then slung a right on to the 2002 on to the 2140 to Wang Saphung, then south on the 201, past Phu Kradueng and towards home.
Thankfully the Imodium type stuff I had taken was kicking in so that made things easier. The 21 going north from Lom Kao was not too bad with some long and tight turns with some good straights to say it was a major road. https://i.imgur.com/AVJbQEa.jpg https://i.imgur.com/0OmqWZ9.jpg I took the above photos when I stopped to wait for Fred as I had lost him in my mirrors for awhile, he is normally right with me or in front paving the way. Once I had taken the photos I turned round and went to look for him, about 3 k's back down the road I found him. https://i.imgur.com/h5rDiFa.jpg He was not feeling too great also, but it wasn't the prawns as he didn't have them :whistling: We pushed on some more and stopped at a roadside food place for some much needed grub and fluids. https://i.imgur.com/6Nn4Fem.jpg The food place, approximately N17.20556 E101.159546 https://i.imgur.com/CbOM08h.jpg I had pork fried rice but couldn't manage it all, I did take on some fluids, note to oneself, carry electrolyte also We chatted about what to do, turn round or move forward, either way was ok for me but Fred still had another 170km to do once we parted. We decided to move on as there was only about 50km in it for Fred whichever way we went. So we carried on up the 21 head towards Loei then turned on to the 2002 which led us on to the 2140. https://i.imgur.com/VhpQSy5.jpg On the 2140 https://i.imgur.com/T0blBVl.jpg A shot near Pha Nok Khao Once the 201 met the 12 we parted company he went left towards Khon Kaen and I went right to go home. Fred has a Youtube page and once he has done the video I will add the link on here. The trip was good, even though a bit marred, it was good to get out again. It's all part of the trip, good and bad! Three days on and my stomach is still suffering a bit. Wayne |
4 day trip to Isaan's northern roads, following the Rivers Hueang & Mekong, Thailand
Day 1 - Isaan's northern roads, following the Rivers Hueang & Mekong, Thailand - Part 1
Got my usual hot coffee from our business in my flask cup and off I went Route, the 12, 2216, 21, 2014 and 2113 The day was very overcast as you can see by the photos further down However it was a good days riding, nice and steady, I try to limit it to between 150 and 200 km a day so the ride is leisurely and not too long. I also keep the speed down, I might have touched 90kmh once lol otherwise, road dictating, I tend to stay at around 80. I ride to enjoy the road and scenery and not blast past. The first part of the day was taken up with a road that I did on my last short trip, the 2216. I did this road because it kept me off a long main road and also because it’s a nice road to ride Apart from the short stint on the 12 and 21 the roads were a lot of tight and sweeping bends with lots of up and down. What more do you want!! https://i.imgur.com/ctttZO2l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/za7KWsPl.png https://i.imgur.com/zNJ22HOl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/mVUaHlol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hTBJtmll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/QObtHw2l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/UTWnnwul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5hqCvqP.jpg https://i.imgur.com/I4rbKLv.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ov1JYDm.jpg https://i.imgur.com/QrLqd1x.jpg https://i.imgur.com/z81aPmY.jpg |
Day 1 - Isaan's northern roads, following the Rivers Hueang & Mekong, Thailand - part 2
On my last trip I wore my RST adventure suit trousers and off road body armour with an off road shirt. This time I wore my full RST adventure suit, which I have had for years. It’s well vented and it seems to be working well when on the bike, but the main reason I wore it was so that I can take it off when I stop, as this is more of a PITA when you wear off road stuff. I stayed in the Na Haeo Resort in Ban Mueang Phrae Price was THB 690, on booking.com. Rooms were nice, however my first room had a lot of ants, up the walls and in the shower area. They moved me to another room. There is no food here but there is a 7/11 and local vendors selling food on an evening, it’s 5 minutes away on the bike. Pork fried rice and a chicken red curry to take away and eat outside my room. The bike was parked outside my room. I would use the place again. https://i.imgur.com/AcrWDFdl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/oJaj3jSl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/fXSChupl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/tdu0aVMl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/PvX9362l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/6SVuk6gl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/IOre2Lvl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/L9q6XjMl.jpg Wayne |
Day 2 - Isaan's northern roads, following the Rivers Hueang & Mekong, Thailand - part 1
The road today was great , 2195 all the way from my room last night and into Chiang Khan I followed the edge of the Hueang River from Ban Mueang Phrae to where it meets the Mekong River at the Chiang Khan skywalk then followed the Mekong into Chiang Khan The road was great to ride, much the same as yesterday, lots of tight and flowing bends with ups and downs over the top of hill and mountain ranges. https://i.imgur.com/EnKH13Xl.png https://i.imgur.com/6enLzgtl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/SFMbFu0l.jpg My first view of the Hueang River http://i.imgur.com/qSzGZ63l.jpg http://i.imgur.com/WDePW6Yl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/mIv5bILl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/uZ6Z6qzl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/aWdI576l.jpg http://i.imgur.com/n86D9g1l.jpg http://i.imgur.com/G5jmz3Gl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/RKWpmkdl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/vdwWt6ql.jpg http://i.imgur.com/5w5vTMql.jpg http://i.imgur.com/ogS6GYPl.jpg The people in the photo above were moving bales of straw from the bank I was on to the embankment in the middle of the river, they were being closely watched by 2 guys in civvies carrying M16's, possibly Immigration Police to ensure they don't go all the way over the river and in to Laos. I think they were selling the straw to someone from Laos hence it was being monitored Wayne |
Day 2 - Isaan's northern roads, following the Rivers Hueang & Mekong, Thailand - part 2
I didn't stop at the Chiang Khan Skywalk as I was only there 2 months ago when my mother came over, so I thought it pointless to go again It is however in my opinion a good place to go and visit. You cannot take your own vehicles to the top. There is a car park at the bottom, there are also some kiosks when you buy your ticket to go up and get issued your red velvet slip over shoes, a bit like those CSI slips over. Then you get on a large tuk tuk type vehicle and it takes you to the top http://i.imgur.com/077aFGwl.jpg Where the River Hueang meets the River Mekong http://i.imgur.com/jh3IeU9l.jpg The Mekong http://i.imgur.com/eDgu0S4l.jpg http://i.imgur.com/01tFgh5l.jpg http://i.imgur.com/z18D0Vkl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/ERXZZ0Kl.jpg |
Day 2 - Isaan's northern roads, following the Rivers Hueang & Mekong, Thailand - part 3
I stopped at Tha Li for some food and then carried on Another great day on the bike The plan was to camp tonight but when I got to where the camp site was supposed to be I could not find it so I ended up in The White House guesthouse in Chiang Khan, N17.89348 E101.65114 not too far from Walking Street. I did a bit of a look see on Booking.com to see if there was any places with secure parking. Then I went to find them before booking. The first one I went to look at I could not find, so on to the second one, the lady there spoke really good English and when I asked her about the parking she said here, just in front of the guesthouse, I said no, so she said I could put my bike inside the foyer. Happy with that. https://i.imgur.com/RAggDhvl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/vD98p7ql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/K914700l.jpg The River Hueang https://i.imgur.com/0YxB9nll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hiZM04ql.jpg The Mekong, just outside Chiang Khan https://i.imgur.com/0Y5uPtQl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/jRv4nUml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/6Kk3U9nl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/w7JI2sCl.jpg View from the rear of the guesthouse, The Mekong and Laos Walking Street Chiang Khan https://i.imgur.com/BSx5UWGl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NcEqonul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/QJ81ASal.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9nhHmksl.jpg I found this nice little place selling craft ales https://i.imgur.com/UzLsorMl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/2z1vF4zl.jpg Wayne |
Day 3 - Isaan's northern roads, following the Rivers Hueang & Mekong, Thailand - part 1
It was very overcast all day and I did get a few spots of rain However it was nothing to wet the roads and spoil the ride Although getting wet is part of riding a motorcycle it’s better if it doesn’t! I took the 211 from Chiang Khan on to the 242 into Nong Khai following the edge of the Mekong The roads yet again were great with yet more twisties and ups and downs coupled with some stretches of dual carriageway The Mekong looked very dry in some places especially early on after leaving Chiang Khan. It some places it looked like you could walk across into Laos https://i.imgur.com/7afCFSfl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/h4bldwUl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/aOE3AELl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/kKBoqrbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/rdj2Mq9l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GovNTOpl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/YUCWwDll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/l7ITr8Ll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/e6DQasBl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/jnTl1wOl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Udh7dSVl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/fomII0hl.jpg |
Day 3 - Isaan's northern roads, following the Rivers Hueang & Mekong, Thailand - part 2
I stopped at Sangkhom for a coffee and some food, the couple running the food place spoke excellent English, they were both in the hotel trade in Hui Hin and Phuket before coming to settle in Sangkhom, the food was tasty The Coffee Shop is at N 18.062849 E 102.275622 and 2 doors to the right as you're looking at the coffee shop is the food place. I didn't follow the main drag into Nong Khai, I went on some smaller roads following the edge of the Mekong When I got to Nong Khai I stopped at the Irish Bar on Walking Street and had a quick pint before going to the hotel I stayed in the Asawann Hotel near the Asawann Shopping Complex. Rooms were good, breakfast great https://i.imgur.com/6KsEmtTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5sP2GYVl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hiAMMgXl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/mIfZaoIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CiNjIacl.jpg My first view of Vientiane, Capital of Laos https://i.imgur.com/3YHDnivl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/72y9inWl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NP3xZgZl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/XRMpIuTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9BwceCUl.jpg The Irish Bar, Walking Street, Nong Khai https://i.imgur.com/i9ldjGYl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/OWGDTcbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Qa3Qvn0l.jpg |
Day 4 - Isaan's northern roads, following the Rivers Hueang & Mekong, Thailand - The end
When I went down for breakfast it was drizzling, although it was my last day and the ride home, I didn’t relish getting wet through. Once I had packed the bike it was still coming down, time to go. A bit of luck, about 2 k’s down the road it had stopped and the roads were dry. The plan was to take the 2 to Udon Thani then follow the ring road round to the 210, which goes to Nong Bua Lam Phu, then the 228 in to Chum Phae and home. On my way into Udon I missed the ring road turning as I was in the wrong lane and ended up in a short tunnel, a quick about turn and I was on the right road. It was, however, a bit of a boring road so I set the sat nav for some smaller roads and had a good ride, eventully! Total of 790.6 k’s over the 4 days. https://i.imgur.com/34k0plTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FGFvw9Yl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/KAOummml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/mnTcKyEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4OSALZvl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dS7srzrl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/jNn1hhCl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Qw2710Vl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VhabxYLl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/E3l5hjfl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zv5XceEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/suGAyMll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/7fEP67kl.jpg Wayne |
A few hours out doing my 90 day report
That time came around again. It was time to visit my not so local Immigration Office for my 90 day report. Instead of taking the car and going down the main dual carriageway I decided to take the bike and take a more scenic route, going on the dual carriageway is about 220km round trip, scenic route was about 234. Most of the journey is done on Route 2159.
I took the same route out and back. Just riding straight there and looking about then on the way back stopping at Mahachulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University (Chaiyaphum Monk University), Mueang Chaiyaphum, the Chaiyaphum Provincial Culture Centre and the entrance to the Phu Laen Kha National Park. There was also time for a nice coffee at the Warmhouse Cafe and Bakery at N 16.14639 E 101.90717, very nice indeed I also stopped at Robinsons in Chaiyaphum to go to Top Market to get some bits I cannot get in Chum Phae. Anyway it turned a mundane run out into a good run out. https://i.imgur.com/EgI5Ed0l.png https://i.imgur.com/dyU2nbol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VtGYUlql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/MUzc9kNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/rEASUwVl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/wANtPvCl.jpg Mahachulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University (Chaiyaphum Monk University), Mueang Chaiyaphum https://i.imgur.com/u0G1iO5l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/QLWa79vl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/azXDGJOl.jpg Chaiyaphum Provincial Culture Centre https://i.imgur.com/WB3Lk3Sl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/k6KN4zIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/p4lHDgIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/nYT93Ycl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Clc7Erwl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Okh0QJql.jpg Warmhouse Cafe and Bakery https://i.imgur.com/aJX8aIbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/R2faZ3Sl.jpg Wayne |
A quick ride out to Chulabhorn Dam
A quick ride out to Chulabhorn Dam Pt 1
The weather was nice, so why not. I had a quick ride out to Chulabhorn Dam, N16.53404 E101.64905, its a bit further down the road where I went for a coffee in my first post on this thread. A nice place which is well manicured and looked after. There is a coffee shop there and a place to get some food. https://i.imgur.com/pWMfbdXl.png https://i.imgur.com/tc9bT2dl.png https://i.imgur.com/4wfQHwdl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/epcvrqhl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/fa4tic0l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/vSnVp64l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Mhy62cNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/TEkRWqkl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5Bw7Lwyl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/yu6OyJUl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/x0UKwrYl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/QA2A94pl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/vpCDRQhl.jpg |
A quick ride out to Chulabhorn Dam Pt 2
I wanted to stop and get a nice fresh ground coffee at the viewing point from my first post, but when I got there the lady was no longer there, just someone selling instant. So I had a bottle of water a rode home to have a Coffee and my shop https://i.imgur.com/YjBKFGcl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Gu6nY5sl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/3bWmobyl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NNVjhXhl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hxrTjkcl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/f4Mz5rbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zVcrkvCl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ZaroZFFl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/bpRp9V4l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FJVlUTAl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/bhq4G9Ml.jpg |
A Day Out Exploring 010823 Pt 1
I get out on the bike quite a bit, but mostly popping into town or doing a quick loop around my area. It's been a while since I went out properly. I have been down the 2216 a few times now, both on the bike and in the car and as you're traveling towards Nam Nao on the right there is a good range of hills just south of the Phuphaman National Park and I have fancied seeing if you could get through them traveling from east to west and ending back up on the 2216. I plotted a series of waypoints on the Montana, A to L which gave me a rough route to the 2216 and set off the following day. https://i.imgur.com/RxGBi6Ul.png https://i.imgur.com/8jUYJE6l.png The weather held off (nearly) and I had a good days ride. I took my mini compressor, tyre gauge and puncture repair kit in the tank bag, along with a hot coffee from my coffee shop. Then it was off to the fuel station on the 12 before heading up the 201 for a bit and slinging a left heading towards the 2216 https://i.imgur.com/RIWlUASl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/8g3sx8el.jpg https://i.imgur.com/tpSk2wnl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/RBomNZkl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/yg2AaPql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9DLjDJkl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gg6HUG2l.jpg Wayne |
A Day Out Exploring 010823 Pt 2
As I started to hit the hills the road went from normal to a mix of gravel track and hard compact mud and it stayed like this until I was back on the 2216. I let about 10lbs of pressure from both my front and rear tires to give me a bit more grip. There was also a place where cars had to ford across a what looked like a small river, on inspection it looked very slippery, fortunately there was a metal bridge big enough for bikes to cross. If I had had to cross the ford I think I would have been sat in the water! Once on the 2216 I stopped for a coffee, waited until the tires had cooled down a bit and put some more air in before continuing on home. Whilst at the Coffee Shop the rain came down, although it didn't last long. https://i.imgur.com/lBW5wVFl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/fytUJQdl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/o4kQfgXl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/SFD7qqSl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dXIWy0Ll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lM8qwELl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/QZCDAxxl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/JlDg3WZl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/coCfAlHl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/s9Tdvizl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/TBDBInsl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Ze2qBwRl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/O0hzOK1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/O7yq0tIl.jpg Wayne |
Another day out exploring 160823 pt 1
When I went for another 90 day report in Chaiyaphum my wife came with me this time and we went in the car along the dual carriage way and on the way back I was gazing out of the window as you do and got to thinking if I could get across the hills to the west of Kaeng Khro. I wanted to cross both ridges traveling east to west traveling across the bowl in the middle. So a rough route was planned just using waypoint markers and a few days later I set off to see what the day would throw at me. https://i.imgur.com/YALG2J2l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CqvOBiYl.png The first 45k's was just down the dual carriageway heading towards Chaiyaphum then I slung a right and started heading west. Crossing the first ridge was on narrow concrete roads at first then it went onto a hard compact mud track, then back onto concrete road. https://i.imgur.com/OzbF4OQl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GeHMcmZl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4ApBRVNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Qe0qWVal.jpg https://i.imgur.com/OKas4usl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/uQ8Gohll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/D93GKNGl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/UEUIiGml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xbgGMjOl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/S4eEGz1l.jpg Once I had crossed the ridge I headed south as I wanted to visit a temple I had seen when looking at my route, the view was great. Temple Prong Chang Pha Sawan, N16.07911 E102.09968 https://i.imgur.com/VfSmlwol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1XUZePml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/wW3Br3ul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CGMqlzpl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/m87RrI2l.jpg Wayne |
Another day out exploring 160823 pt 2
From the Temple I went towards a dam across the Lamprathao Bon Reservoir but I found out the the road had collapsed. So I decided to carry on crossing the bowl and continue with the journey rather than go round. https://i.imgur.com/eIcJ3T7l.jpg I rode in a southwest direction heading towards Chaiyaphum and went past the entrance to the Tat Ton Nature Park and Waterfall But did not go in, although I might take my wife one day. Then I headed towards another viewpoint I wanted to go see on the ridgeline at the other side of the bowl. This turned out to be interesting, especially on a bike weighing in at about 200kg The track started off nice and flowing https://i.imgur.com/OmStebzl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1kKr67cl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/guFZoc4l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/82xksH8l.jpg Then it got worse https://i.imgur.com/3qZcavbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/wYCKzHYl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hiObJOdl.jpg I came across a fork on the track, which was not on my mapping, forward was sloppy mud and slightly right was dry and uphill. I only had about 800 meters to where I needed to be but clearly this wasn't a beaten route. I decided to go straight on, so I left the bike and walked down the track looking for the best route through. I wouldn't have bothered if I had been on my old CRF250x. Anyway, route decided and off I went, and the bike started sinking and the rear wheel was spinning. I had to help paddle the bike through, I got a bit of a sweat on. It was only about 100m and I was back on the dry, thankfully. Then I was at the viewpoint. Phahuanak View Point, N16.05659 E101.94893 https://i.imgur.com/u1blqEgl.jpg Left fork took me to the car park https://i.imgur.com/lzGivHyl.jpg A coffee and a bottle of water was in order. https://i.imgur.com/YvUbNxfl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/T3VaG2Yl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Y4rigdHl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/2GRRjo1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/HIWs1d8l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/0vQj6bEl.jpg It was then time to start heading in the direction of home https://i.imgur.com/feQ8rXQl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/HXraCDWl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CwwgF4jl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/2lZ1RHpl.jpg Wayne |
Blue Lagoon, Phu Pha Man, Khon Kaen, Thailand 270823
Ohm. and I went for a ride out to the Blue Lagoon N16.66442 E101.83150. I had seen it when I had been looking where to go on my previous trips out. The place is a quarry which is filled with water and it's been turned into a bit of a tourist spot There are a couple of places to eat local food and a small coffee shop. We got talking to the guy who owns the coffee shop, he's also a bike rider. Once we had been there I took Ohm to a shrine she wanted to visit. Then it was home. A good 6 hours out and only a few spots of rain. https://i.imgur.com/UcGyCAMl.png https://i.imgur.com/323RJxEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/yeGJj92l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/bATQQBsl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lNxrGp4l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/qAJyCsWl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xtETGBSl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FE5zvILl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/DRkg384l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lGT9Y0El.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Qb2VbWSl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dYbnjBjl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VQ2xPVSl.jpg Pork noodle soup and Noddle Salad Isaan style https://i.imgur.com/FkRntCml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/KtG3OJzl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ikFBMmol.jpg Wayne |
A few hours out, Isaan, Thailand 031023
I been a while since I managed to get out and go somewhere rather than popping into town due to the rainy season, it has started to ease off but its not quite finished yet I took the plunge today and went out for a few hours an area where I had not been So I stopped off and got my ritual hot coffee in my flask cup from our shop and off I went. https://i.imgur.com/N1dFVRnl.png https://i.imgur.com/JCUpUcDl.png It was good to get out, and I was time to test out my new gear on a decent run, see separate thread. https://i.imgur.com/cUq4HYTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ANtzkJJl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/H9aE4kql.jpg Fields were still flooded https://i.imgur.com/PHwZCUZl.jpg Rivers still high https://i.imgur.com/Y3IOisNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/6Pw4raAl.jpg Catching the days food https://i.imgur.com/ovN1ULll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/007ii7pl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4DSC4sNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/BLn6qmql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/nNvLHpEl.jpg I also found quite a nice temple on the way, I caught a glimpse of it in my wing mirrors so went back to check it out. Wat Pa Phu Phrabat N16.43877 E102.24201 https://i.imgur.com/3RZBHiMl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/AR2T1Z9l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ZKieSqxl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/j1KY6QIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/rd1eaYOl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/h7u0kO1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Y8EpBoLl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/KMyxGc4l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/LL6TfcQl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dyL02Lyl.jpg Wayne |
3 days, Isaan and beyond 281123
The plan was to go up north and see Snakeboy from this site, as I have not seen him since around 2017/18 due to other commitments. We first met when we rode together in Laos early Jan 2015. So I was looking forward to the trip. Then the plan was to go further up north to meet some likeminded people from the GT riders forum, https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/ , and have some food, drink and banter. Day 1 Home to near Lampang. I set off at about 0630 as my trusty Montana 600 was saying about 430k's to where I need to be and I am not getting any younger so I like to be able to stop as frequently as necessary. The journey as to take me roughly west on the 12 then north on the 11 I was cold when I sent off and there was some mist on the early stages of the 12 cutting through the mountains. I was wearing my new gear and my arms we stinging with the wind blast, at least I know the jacket is working well and letting air in!! https://i.imgur.com/ocLt2yPl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/C0WAwbil.jpg Both on the 12 and 11 there were good dual carriageway roads twisting and turning through the mountains dotted with great views, which meant I didn't not have to ease up on the throttle as much and the ride flowed well. https://i.imgur.com/kV2rWlxl.jpg Phu Pha Daeng Wildlife Preserve Area, Lom Sak, Phetchabun, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/8LHwSO9l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/WHY0NHkl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/UU8scdXl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/OePU5nel.jpg https://i.imgur.com/yN2CatAl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5CuUeitl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/oAqOnJgl.jpg Khao Kaeo, Khao Kho, Phetchabun, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/nUIsSctl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/EL2lbf0l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/tRc47SVl.jpg Nakhon Thai, Phitsanulok, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/O6Ga5Odl.jpg Wayne |
Day 1 continued
Snakeboy had given me co-ords to a Temple which was on route, very nice it was too.. Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri, Den Chai, Phrae, Thailand. N17.97569 E100.01490 https://i.imgur.com/MkBj8Ykl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/l8NXXstl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/XyZCZfgl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CpBHZhul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4gdD0KUl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Y4Tozrwl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/LFqY4zel.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lmrWlWll.jpg Then it was back on the road to Snakeboy's for the last hour https://i.imgur.com/bcSefCXl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gbnKJbyl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/SKRxi5rl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hbGvZqil.jpg Meeting an old friend https://i.imgur.com/Waoz0ZTl.jpg Some great Northern Thailand food and hospitality, delicious https://i.imgur.com/DgzWf0Kl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Y23eKmGl.jpg Wayne |
Nice!
Plan to tour Thailand in 2024 and I will ship my bike from Kota Kinabalu to Port Klang and then ride up North to the Thai/Malaysia border crossing. Hope we can meet up! :scooter: |
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Message on here or pm me when you have a plan Wayne |
3 days, Isaan and beyond 281123
Day 2 Had a steady morning and a good breakfast before heading out We were heading up to Chiang Kham with a few stops on the way https://i.imgur.com/ZYGKVIol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/pb6DIPal.jpg First up was a visit to the Mae Mo Power Station, Lampang, Thailand. It was massive and EGAT (electricity generating authority Thailand) had done quite a lot of conservation work in and around its real-estate https://i.imgur.com/sjMbPxml.jpg Mae Mo, Lampang, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/vPoMfPnl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zBBC2gIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/tA19qQ1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4EA7UMml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/HP2pGdpl.jpg Then it was off to the Bua Tong Field of Flowers which were still good even though they were getting past their sell by date. N18.34371 E99.75554 There is a good view point there also. https://i.imgur.com/x7Unz4Bl.jpg Bua Tong Field of Flowers https://i.imgur.com/fxo7nJvl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/o5q0HWOl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/SqkX3k1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1Jd0eZml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/O3TGaCsl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/I71wvO9l.jpg We were then back on the road heading up to Chiang Kham We stayed in the Chiang Kham Hotel N17.97569 E100.01490 Not too bad actually, price was THB250 with a fan or THB350 with A/C Room was basic and clean. Hotel closes between 2400 and 0600 https://i.imgur.com/Stoz4wcl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Ssh4bbGl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/YOjtIL8l.jpg We had gone to Chiang Kham to meet up with a couple of guys from the GT Riders forum https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/ for a bit of food, drink and a natter It was good to meet up although the place we had food was not very busy, it was still a good evening White House Bar and Restaurant N19.52998 E100.29326 https://i.imgur.com/QdsT415l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/aYzh6nRl.jpg Wayne |
1 Attachment(s)
Wayne,
Will do. Did I get your location correct? Brendon |
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I notice that your route has tolls, motorcycles are not allowed on the toll roads if your coming via Bangkok, I don’t know if you’re aware? Wayne |
3 days, Isaan and beyond 281123
Day 3 Time to travel home with a long day a head in the saddle, with stops it took me about 9.5 hours. 573km. The first part of the journey was on roads I had not been on but then it was back on to the long sweeping dual carriageway bends on the 11 and 12. It was still dark when I set off which offers a good chance to see how the lights on the bike were. https://i.imgur.com/7RWhrXul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lLrRLiJl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/g76hdZXl.jpg Chiang Kham area, Phayao, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/ro0gPPHl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VmCfkGXl.jpg Chiang Muan area, Phayao, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/1QcUs4Il.jpg https://i.imgur.com/vwayyJul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hj8mFNIl.jpg Nakhon Thai area, Phitsanulok, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/DkWmiaJl.jpg It was a good few days out with a grand total of 1260km. Wayne |
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Got it. Drop by for coffee next year then! I just did a quick route from the Malaysian side border to your district. I wasn't aware that bikes are not allowed on Thai highways. is there a minimum engine capacity to use the highways or is it a blanket restriction for all bikes irrespective of engine size? Thanks Brendon:scooter: |
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Bike are not allowed on the elevated toll roads in and around Bangkok, no matter what the engine size. So if you go into or through Bangkok you will have to stick to normal roads. There are a lot of other 2 and 3 lane roads both in Bangkok and in the country with are perfectly fine to go on. The elevated toll roads in Bangkok have signs saying no bikes allowed. Some info on here, dated a few years ago but as far as I am aware it’s still applicable https://aseannow.com/topic/661675-where-not-allowed/ Coffee shop is on Facebook also Wayne |
Roger that.
Thanks for the heads up info. Will let you know in advance once my plan for extended tour in Thailand is finalized. :scooter::mchappy: |
5 days, Isaan's Northern Roads cont'd, Following the Mekong East then South. 250124
My first getaway of 2024. I would have gone sooner but I had to sort out my marriage extension with Thai Immigration before going anywhere. Anyway, all sorted so now I am back on the road. I had a loose route planned, which was to start where I left off, Nong Khai, then continue heading east on Isaan’s northern roads before dropping down and head south on Isaan’s eastern roads. Ending where the Mekong disappears in to Laos before I head off home. I have a couple of places to see on route, otherwise it’s pretty much a see what’s out there ride! I was planning to cover approx 250km per day for the first 4 days then roughly 460km on the last day heading home. Day 1 http://i.imgur.com/5xN808Sl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/kCT1IQQl.png http://i.imgur.com/iH3DLnQl.jpg Getting my coffee to take with me The plan was to get to Nong Khai where i finished off on my last Mekong trip and then continue following the river east. The journey to Nong Khai was pretty much the same as my route home the last time, less the cutting though the hill range. This time I stayed on the duel carriageway. At one point the road cut through some hills just past Nong Bau Lam Phu, so it broke up the monotony of the 210. Then it was on to the 2 all the way in to Nong Khai Once in Nong Khai i stopped at Macky’s Riverview restaurant, N17.88492 E102.74624 for some lunch. Food was good http://i.imgur.com/Ev97OUnl.jpg Mueang Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Thailand http://i.imgur.com/YDBu6tEl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/wSGqv8Gl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/v17h4Oll.jpg http://i.imgur.com/Bb55FEhl.jpg Macky's Riverside Kitchen, Mueang Nong Khai, Nong Khai, Thailand http://i.imgur.com/jqiyXzRl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/8VEXgSYl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/yqnuH3Tl.jpg A view into Laos from Macky's http://i.imgur.com/0OJ9sNrl.jpg |
Day 1 continued
Then I pushed on a bit further down the road using the 212 as the main artery and then cutting in to be close to the river where possible. I ended the day in Phon Phisai http://i.imgur.com/ukX3NeBl.jpg Phon Phisai, Nong Khai, Thailand http://i.imgur.com/u1vIXrPl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/VsjTCAAl.jpg Stayed in the Boon Thawi hotel N18.02908 E103.08015 in the town, various prices from 450 to 700 baht Room was fine http://i.imgur.com/XgdncgVl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/NRTTwnYl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/K0PvIibl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/dJkpTv2l.jpg I relaxed for an hour or so before going for a walk and to find some food. http://i.imgur.com/A0JtkFQl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/IbkWjidl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/tg8izI5l.jpg Bang Fai Phayanak Viewpoint, Phon Phisai, Nong Khai, Thailand http://i.imgur.com/T6T8gVBl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/uwCJ2Mjl.jpg Wayne |
Wayne,
The pictures are not showing up mate. :scooter: |
Quote:
Wayne |
5 days, Isaan's Northern Roads cont'd, Following the Mekong East then South
Day 2 part 1 https://i.imgur.com/Eg4MSQul.png https://i.imgur.com/cWyxW2Ql.png I set off with no real plan apart from a rough direction and continuing to follow the Mekong/212 south branching off and taking the smaller roads staying close to the Mekong First stop was the International Buddhist Park, N18.15680 E10313736. To be honest I was expecting a bit more but it was still nice. On one of the smaller roads I came across a nice bit of the river at N18.36812 E103.24659 It looks like they are building a new Thai Laos Friendship Bridge at around N18.40146 E103.56750 https://i.imgur.com/VQSgfDml.jpg International Buddhist Park, Phon Phisai, Nong Khai, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/gJ3zIeul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/OywMInJl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/tAc0tSdl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Fm9FRh3l.jpg Pak Khat, Bueng Kan, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/ARQTWP0l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/upQZWRql.jpg I believe, The making of a new Thai/Laos Friendship Bridge, Mueang Bueng Kan, Bueng Kan, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/LHnyaCKl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/TEz42b4l.jpg Coffee time at the Thong Mai Cafe, nice place with a tranquil little pond outside, N18.30133 E103.80480 https://i.imgur.com/f9NgEL4l.jpg Time for a drink, Mueang Bueng Kan, Bueng Kan, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/7gthRXsl.jpg The tree lined road, 3008, reminded me of my time in Germany. Most of the 3008 was a pleasure to ride https://i.imgur.com/VMPrfKgl.jpg Bung Khla, Bueng Kan, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/NjuvZS7l.jpg |
Day 2 part 2
The opposite side of the river in Laos was quite mountainous and earlier on in the day they were covered in clouds, looking like the rain was coming. Fortunately it held off and the sun came out. I came across a nice Church on the outskirts of Nakhon Phanom, Saint Anna Nong Saeng Church, N17.42132 E104.77670 I have not seen many on my travels, especially like this. https://i.imgur.com/TuJv8bYl.jpg Bung Khla, Bueng Kan, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/L1yCi0wl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/PZxhPeKl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/jNDqUUTl.jpg Ban Phaeng, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/tQ304u6l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/HPC0tFml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/S47NRonl.jpg Saint Anna Nong Sang Church, Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/rvrNJHIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zdDNVQxl.jpg My room for the night was the SP Residence in Nakhon Phanom, N17.39747 E104.78614. 550 baht for the night, room was big and comfortable. The bike was undercover in a sheltered area which was locked at night. https://i.imgur.com/9xtKd6Al.jpg SP Residence, Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/siTGtAgl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Cg8fFRDl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Y1WrdQfl.jpg There was a market on Walking Street in the evening so I had a good walk out. https://i.imgur.com/C9NZsB3l.jpg Looking across into Muang Khammouan, Laos https://i.imgur.com/yLKFzTnl.jpg Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/EQkf3n2l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Nl69Bx0l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1O5k8Lql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/RrdKhpVl.jpg Wat Okat https://i.imgur.com/Qq2BeuYl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/svNFI49l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/d7uTkjAl.jpg An evening dinner Mekong cruise Wayne |
Pictures are showing now mate.
:clap::scooter: |
Ahh.... good trip mate!
Reminds me of my trip to Northern Thailand in June 2022 when borders were reopened after the pandemic. I have to plan for my Thailand trip and ship my Tiger 800 to Port Klang by RORO by 2nd quarter of 2024. I am actually trying to sell my Tiger 800 and then buy a used Yamaha Xmax250 at KL. Riding a lighter bike is so much easier. :scooter::scooter: |
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The Major Grande Hotel is ok, my mother & sister stayed in there, there is also the Cheewin Hotel, never been in but meant to be nice. Wayne |
5 days, Isaan's Northern Roads cont'd, Following the Mekong East then South
Day 3 part 1 https://i.imgur.com/2F5ldPtl.png https://i.imgur.com/ifhKlodl.png The 212 was the main artery running south to Mukdahan so I looked for the smaller roads between the Mekong and the 212 I turned off just past the Nakhon Phanom University after going though a lot of small villages I got to the side of the Mekong, when I kept on the edge for a good few km’s. The road then ended and went into a track. As I was turning round to head back to a turning to the 212 an old guy came up from the river and started to tell me the track was good and not far. So I carried on. True to his word it was fine and maybe about 1000m of zig zagging through small hamlets. Once I got to That Phanom it was time for breakfast, fed and watered it was time to push on. https://i.imgur.com/y0tEmbXl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/n7o6euGl.jpg Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/JLuFqwNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4shQ9u5l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VB2TALFl.jpg Khong (Mekong) River, Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/FVE2tJRl.jpg Food stop, That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/grfc0eVl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xTFc2OTl.jpg I took the 3015 south from That Phanom which I thought was a nice road, cutting into the river where possible On this route I stopped at the Kaeng Kra Bao rapids, N16.80288 E104.73306, the rapids were ok and the were places to eat and drink, the views across the river were good https://i.imgur.com/Ujnhki8l.jpg Kaeng Kra Bao rapids, Wan Yai, Mukdahan, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/QkrX8ZTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/3rMXczZl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/givXTdul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/XwFAxFMl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VOZ9y5ul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zEOSBGjl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/u6qiJEjl.jpg |
Day 3 part 2
Next up was Mukdahan, I have visited it a few times and gone across the 2nd Thai Laos Friendship Bridge on numerous occasions to get to Savannakhet in Laos on visa runs. But I had never been under the bridge. In Mukdahan I picked up the 2034 then the 2242, using those as my main routes continuing towards Khemarat, my overnight top. https://i.imgur.com/43kIrMpl.jpg The 2nd Thai Laos Friendship Bridge, Mueang Mukdahan, Mukdahan, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/feAoKX5l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hDSoTV1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GnPBqmll.jpg Savannakhet, Laos across the river https://i.imgur.com/NzG9C8ul.jpg On route I stopped at a viewpoint at Don Tan, N16.32493 E104.93004 I even stopped at some rapids at N16.17828 E105.01707, but they had been turned into a bit of a shanty town so the view wasn’t the best As I left the rapids my Garmin Montana 600 we off and wouldn’t turn back on. I have had it since they first came out and I thought it had given up on me. I carry a road map so no great issue, but it had all the places to visit marked on it. Anyway about 15km down the road I tried it and it came on…I think it had got a bit hot. https://i.imgur.com/5oYcA3yl.jpg Viewpoint, Don Tan, Mukdahan, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/KTfHxV0l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zwyFhVpl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/AOF6ijel.jpg Some more little rapids, Chanuman, Amnat Charoen, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/Ng23h1gl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/D3JVLWll.jpg At Khemarat I stopped at the Baan Toey Kafé N16.04404 E105.21990 for a drink. As my wife and I have a coffee shop I was interested in their menu which was quite good. My room for the night was the Wasana Resort on a side street in Khemarat, N16.0434 E105.21953. Nice place, rooms we clean and quite big, 500 THB for the night, bike was parked next to the room in its own carport. https://i.imgur.com/xR1eZLql.jpg Baan Toey Kafé, Khemmarat, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/1i7huQol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/KTKuQW1l.jpg Wasana Resort, Khemmarat, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/fsAaqsAl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dDd3uTSl.jpg Time to relax a hour before going out for some dinner Wayne |
5 days, Isaan's Northern Roads cont'd, Following the Mekong East then South
Day 4 part 1 https://i.imgur.com/wzi4ajel.png https://i.imgur.com/lxkBOSNl.png The 2112 was the main artery today which went from Khemarat to about 5k’s short of Khong Chiam where I then picked up the 2134 into town. A good day with a few diversions to get to the river as the roads did not skirt the river for much of the day due to hill ranges The 2112 scenery wise was good nearly all the way south. However the road surface was appalling. It was tarmac but the smooth surface was gone and the tarmac welded stones were on the surface, it was also very pitted and patched. It was like riding over a wash board ( for those who remember them). There were the odd patches of smooth new road. First up was a stop at the Sai Sung Beach N16.00512 E105.41932. To get there I took the 4082, one road in and out. The view was good. It wasn’t very busy as I was there early. There is a floating food place on the river. I managed to take the bike down to the rocks and beach. https://i.imgur.com/wmUeAYnl.jpg Sai Sung Beach, Khemmarat, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/X7fwDmpl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1djzqw1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/PFBkMsUl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4pJtYRrl.jpg From the beach it was back on to the 2212 to visit another viewpoint at Wat Phra To, N15.93208 E105.34346. https://i.imgur.com/fPtVxcJl.jpg Viewpoint, Wat Phra To, Na Tan, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/4UV3uiVl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/nDN5fnal.jpg Then it was a quick stop at Hat Chom Dao N15.90731 E105.34074, looking back up the river from this point I could see the Wat and ramp where I had just been. https://i.imgur.com/9X4nDKkl.jpg Hat Chom Dao, Na Tan, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/6JWXY38l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/q8tMUlBl.jpg Salung Beach, N15.82280 E105.38701 was the next stop. It was not far off the 2112. I also had some food at a little restaurant next to where the bike was parked. The lady there spoke good English. https://i.imgur.com/pO7pwfjl.jpg Salueng Beach, Pho Sai, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/UYcArE4l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/OKOvnFPl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ik3b8vVl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xLx8oY4l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/fIl4I6vl.jpg |
Day 4 part 2
A quick visit to another viewpoint which turned out to be a non starter led me to a nice road, albeit short, and some nice rock formations. Road junction N15.73035 E105.47823. There was a big rock around this area N15.74538 E105.49483. It would have been a great area to explore on a small bike. https://i.imgur.com/B4nI12cl.jpg Pha Taem National Park, Pho Sai, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/u0wjbLml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Oy1CV5nl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1O5nkeEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/BPb6B5bl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/PLxpMogl.jpg The 2112 then came away from the river and skirted along the edge of a hill range, with some great views. https://i.imgur.com/MhMLR8Dl.jpg Pho Sai, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/WzP4OgSl.jpg Si Mueang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand I rode through Khong Chiam, which is where I was stopping the night. But I wanted to go to the end of the road to where the Mekong goes into Laos, never to be seen in Thailand again. A quick stop on the bridge over the river Mun where you could see it flowing into the Mekong. https://i.imgur.com/UPgT2Nml.jpg Mun River, Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/30r7GEAl.jpg Then a nice restbite at The River Café at the Bi Coloured River This is sat in the grounds of a very nice resort N15.31597 E105.51247. The views and surroundings were super. On Booking dot com the price for the night is just over 2500 baht in the resort. https://i.imgur.com/szvrK6wl.jpg The Café at Bi Coloured River, Kaeng Tana National Park, Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/7EYmoqnl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/j9VPD6rl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/HX2rnUbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FUsO117l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/szvrK6wl.jpg |
Day 4 part 3
Then I push on about 5/6km to the end and the final shot of the Mekong in Thailand, N15.32018 E105.55811 I have done quite a bit of the Mekong up in Northern Thailand and even on the Laos side but following it from where the River Hueang joins it in the NW corner of Isaan ( first Mekong trip) right down to the bottom. It was a good ride!! https://i.imgur.com/kjmQZ4wl.jpg Where the Mekong goes back into Laos, just above the bike seat about 1km down stream, Kaeng Tana National Park, Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/ZmHyYATl.jpg Back to Khong Chiam for the night before heading home tomorrow A quick stop at the Two Colour River viewpoint N15.31705 E105.50284 then on to the hotel https://i.imgur.com/7CIgbfRl.jpg Two Colour River Viewpoint, Wat Khong Chiam, Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/DW81MFJl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/wMZXu8al.jpg https://i.imgur.com/QBifrptl.jpg I stayed at the Khong Chiam 2 hotel, N15.31711 E105.49297 Nice and clean, hotel in 2 parts, a hotel bit and like a little lodge area, rooms are bigger in the hotel, same price, 600THB. Breakfast included https://i.imgur.com/CLZLynSl.jpg Khong Chiam 2 Hotel, Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/Ryy0HXAl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/XM5SFLzl.jpg I relaxed for an hour then it was time to go and get some food and try and find a cafe pizza place I had seen while riding around the town https://i.imgur.com/u4nyqbZl.jpg Cafe&Pizza, Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/SVexxmSl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dST4fRcl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/8lkmpN7l.jpg Wayne |
5 days, Isaan's Northern Roads cont'd, Following the Mekong East then South
Day 5 https://i.imgur.com/y79x57Ul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/OGIbFnLl.png I wanted to get a good start today as I had a fair way to go. So, the bike was packed and after breakfast at 0700 I set off. Going up the hill in Khong Chiam there was a nice temple and my final view of the Mekong on this trip. Wat Tham Khuha Sawan N15.32229 E105.48785. https://i.imgur.com/MyQtRCZl.jpg Wat Tham Khuha Sawan, Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/zAeDPmBl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/TkDFafwl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/423D4F3l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/49StwX5l.jpg The last look at the Mekong, Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand My route was taking me along the Mun River to Udon Ratchathani on the 2222 then the 217. On the way to Udon I passed through Phibun Mangsahan where I stopped to have a look at the Mun River N15.24772 E105.23888 https://i.imgur.com/i86x5cvl.jpg Mun River, Phibun Mangsahan, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/KUhmKFVl.jpg Once round the Udon ring road I picked up the 23 towards Yasothon, then Roi Et. Wat Yang Talat N15.71595 E104.24774 The rice fields were looking nice and green on route https://i.imgur.com/kCFgt6hl.jpg Wat Yang Talat, Kham Khuan Kaeo, Yasothon, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/HR0Lab6l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Z1KHDbwl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/q6x85aZl.jpg At Maha Sarakham I stopped for a nice coffee on the edge of the town, Sweet Me Coffee N16.18952 E103.29704 On leaving the coffee shop I went on the 208 to Khon Kaen, then on to the ring road before picking up the 12 heading west to Chum Phae and home. https://i.imgur.com/yVpsXgXl.jpg Brew time, Sweet Me Coffee, Mueang Maha Sarakham, Maha Sarakham, Thailand That is the Mekong skirting the edge of Isaan finished, from where it enters Thailand to where it leaves Thailand, 790km on the first trip and 1427km on this one, a rough removal of getting to and from the river of 1110 km leaves roughly 1107km along the river. https://i.imgur.com/4L9NvFRl.jpg The Mekong in Thailand, Ridden is in yellow If you take into account my first trip on a bike in Thailand , back in Dec 2014 where I covered the Mekong the north, following it from the Golden Triangle to Chiang Khong then the 1155 to Wiang Kaen. Less about 4km, where it disappears back into Laos, it’s all been ridden in Thailand https://i.imgur.com/ZmRyt4vl.png?1 Previous routes from Dec 2014 https://i.imgur.com/O2Wo0xul.png?1 For me, it’s been great following a small part of the 12th longest river in the world and the 3rd longest in Asia. Seeing the life on the edge, so to speak. Estimated length of 4500km, length goes up and down depending on where you get your information from. Hopefully I will get chance to do more of it in other countries. Mayanmar, Laos (ridden some of it already), Cambodia, Vietnam. Wayne |
2 Days around Ubol Ratana Reservoir 29/03/24
Day 1, part 1 The Ubol Ratana Reservoir is quite big and I had been looking at it on the map for a while. So after a bit of route planning and looking for places to visit the trip was on I got my usual coffee from our coffee shop and left for a 2 day trip. https://i.imgur.com/3wyze4k.png https://i.imgur.com/fBSkO3R.png First was a blast down the 12 towards Khon Kaen for about 45 km then I turned North at Don Mong to do the Eastern and Northern sides of the reservoir I wanted to go to the view point which overlooked the reservoir but once I got there it was closed for maintainance, and it was in a national park so that would have meant extortionate prices for non Thai’s. But it would have been good to go and have a look, there is also a rock cluster there. Although the day was quite hazy so the view might not have been that great. National Park and Viewpoint entrance N16.61150, E102.60469, on the 5035 https://i.imgur.com/nC0cArV.jpg Nong Ruea, Khon Kaen, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/m8WT2NI.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9oRh4UN.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ragajin.jpg Nam Phong National Park, Ban Fang, Khon Kaen, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/mbTQ9hL.jpg https://i.imgur.com/I20Lndd.jpg https://i.imgur.com/3oRku1j.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gxLNbhI.jpg There were a lot of campsites on the eastern side along the 2063 but to be honest they were all pretty bare and did not look inviting. I did pull into one of them to get near the edge of the reservoir. The riding was good however and it’s always good to get out on the bike. Campsite N16.59465, E102.57194, one of many https://i.imgur.com/z35ltZn.jpg Nam Phong National Park, Nong Ruea, Khon Kaen, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/P2oPIVD.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5xv1Uxi.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ZOQwHhm.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VskH9pt.jpg Viewpoint on the 2063, N16.61994, E102.57236 https://i.imgur.com/EY3rE2h.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CIT0UJx.jpg Wayne |
2 Days around Ubol Ratana Reservoir
Day 1, part 2 I stopped at the Nam Phong National Park Visitors Centre. The place was nice, lots of places to sit and relax, they had a little coffee shop. N16.62531 E102.56969 https://i.imgur.com/aJ2gVzg.jpg Nam Phong National Park, Nong Ruea, Khon Kaen, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/W2MuKYi.jpg https://i.imgur.com/iltR73I.jpg https://i.imgur.com/OhhvyYZ.jpg https://i.imgur.com/pT1TTcB.jpg https://i.imgur.com/cGlXKNL.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xjU2ffu.jpg https://i.imgur.com/o0XA1Ti.jpg Next up was the Ubol Ratana Dam, N16.77035, E102.62248 It's. pretty much the same set up as the Chulabhorn Dam which I have been to. There is a viewing area and a restaurant/coffee shop https://i.imgur.com/C4NZdCY.jpg Ubolratana, Khon Kaen, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/cJqiYZx.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NIAGBmk.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1diyYC9.jpg https://i.imgur.com/pzYQr9Y.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ZllzpIi.jpg https://i.imgur.com/XJe005U.jpg https://i.imgur.com/rtTW4ml.jpg On route I had planned to stop at a Sky Walk on the 2146, but, it was closed also. They did let me into the car park to take a couple of photos though and it was still a bit hazy. Sky Walk N16.80061 E102.61346 https://i.imgur.com/i9TfM2q.jpg Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kam National Park, Non Sang, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/NlbcwV2.jpg https://i.imgur.com/41jPFEx.jpg Then is was a stop off at Noi's Kitchen for some food and a drink. I have been before. The place is nice to visit, owned and run by an English expat and his Thai wife, food is good, a mix of Foreign and Thai, Wednesday and Fridays they have live music in the afternoon Noi's Kitchen N16.86693 E102.40200, นภ. 3002, Non Sang, Nong Bua Lam Phu 39140. https://i.imgur.com/WgehHLJ.jpg https://i.imgur.com/smOhwxS.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GHlWMuH.jpg https://www.facebook.com/NoisRestaurant/ https://restaurantguru.com/Nois-kitc...ng-Bua-Lam-Phu Fed and watered I moved on to my accommodation for the night, which was about 10 minutes down the road. Nuch's Apple Guest House N16.89444, E102.36486 The link takes you to SE Asia places to stay, as I put the guest house in there yesterday https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...-rueang-105200 https://www.booking.com/hotel/th/nuc...s=1&#hotelTmpl Wayne |
2 Days around Ubol Ratana Reservoir
Day 2 Late evening and into the night there was a big thunder storm over the area I was riding. Oh well I could be getting wet tomorrow! The thunder storm had stopped and the roads were quite dry and the sun was coming out After my nice breakfast at the guest house it was time to set off. https://i.imgur.com/Gye09A1.png https://i.imgur.com/4kHQZq2.png There were a couple of inland beach areas I was planning to visit on the ride down the western side of the reservoir My route I had hoped to take had to be changed on the hoof as I was going to take some tracks to stay a bit closer to the reservoir however due to the storm last night they were still wet so I stuck to the roads instead. https://i.imgur.com/3U7cWgg.jpg Nong Na Kham, Khon Kaen, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/Db5lbbS.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xs9KPdt.jpg Phu Wiang, Khon Kaen, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/H2qx8Ry.jpg First up was Sawan Beach N16.67930 E102.56901, some nice scenery and the view to the hillside on the otherwise of the reservoir would have been great if it wasn't so hazy https://i.imgur.com/KcSa0Hr.jpg Sawan Beach, Phu Wiang, Khon Kaen, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/OTKFeJY.jpg https://i.imgur.com/KgEW2pP.jpg https://i.imgur.com/wBBxqT9.jpg https://i.imgur.com/kfexokf.jpg From Sawan I headed towards Pattaya 2 beach, N16.63727 E102.54569, nothing like the Pattaya some of you may know! There were more people milling about and going to the loungers on the edge of the reservoir, plus some areas for food. Not a bad set up if you fancy a basic day out. https://i.imgur.com/95TxNzO.jpg Pattaya 2, Phu Wiang, Khon Kaen, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/ysL5sJQ.jpg The loungers along the edge of the water https://i.imgur.com/A5gzRHO.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xlPNkXc.jpg Looking at the food stalls/ outdoor eateries https://i.imgur.com/q3q8EMQ.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zcryffB.jpg Laab Moo (Spicy minced pork) with sticky rice Once I left Pattaya 2 it was time to head further south and onto the 12 for the direction of home. https://i.imgur.com/pImCYfo.jpg Phu Wiang, Khon Kaen, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/pLWP1fz.jpg Ubolratana Dam Reservoir, Nong Ruea, Khon Kaen, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/J6Tkcvh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5cDEPOc.jpg https://i.imgur.com/iwwx6FA.jpg https://i.imgur.com/iMvI2NQ.jpg This trip was not as interesting as some of my others, however it's time on the bike and seeing new places. Its also one of the local places I have wanted to look around so all in all a good 2 days. 373Km covered door to door Wayne |
Nice mate!
:scooter: |
Thanks for posting your trip.
I love my CB500X and it's my go to bike for touring anywhere. Flying it into Canada next month for a tour from East to west coast and then into the US. :mchappy::clap: |
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Yes it’s a great bike. Enjoy the Canada/US trip Wayne |
3 Days on some old and new roads, Isaan, 07/06/24
Day 1 I had been in touch with @9v6wx and we had arranged to meet up when he came into Isaan on his Thailand trip, all the way from Malaysia. I planned to take him on some nice roads whilst heading north towards Chiang Khan so we would avoid sitting on the 201 all the way, it's not the most exciting ride. The route was the 12 for about 40km, then an old favorite of mine, the 2216, next up it was on to a new road which I have been wanting to ride for awhile, the 2016 https://i.imgur.com/nDRZqRMl.png https://i.imgur.com/EdRexzJl.jpg We set off at about 0815 after getting 2 coffees to go from my coffee shop. https://i.imgur.com/Mncj2Kwl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xKHHjDhl.jpg A quick stop on the 12, Lam Choen, Phu Pha Man, Khon Kaen, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/pzl5WT2l.jpg Nam Nao, Phetchabun, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/MXQyTqfl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/vtELLtGl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zS3Axs7l.jpg The 2216 and the 2016 were great roads to ride, lots of flowing and sharp bends coupled with the ups and downs of the hills and mountains, great scenery and small villages. The 201 is a bit boring but we got on it after Wang Saphung and kept heading north. We had a bit of rain...it is the start of rainy season now, but it was nothing to dampen the day. https://i.imgur.com/GoM7swCl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ahlErGnl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9z8nmRbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/l2n7UJ8l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/q5YPH5zl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/SqXREHKl.jpg Lom Kao, Phetchabun, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/5INyDHTl.jpg Once we hit Chiang Khan we looked for a place to have a coffee and set about sorting a place to get ours heads down. https://i.imgur.com/pqQwhRDl.jpg Chiang Khan, Loei, Thailand We picked the Aomsin Guest House N17.89566 E101.65885. Rooms were fine for what we needed then to be albeit a bit small and it was about 200m from walking street https://i.imgur.com/pUQxz3jl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lR0CBMul.jpg We had a couple of hours chilling in the a/c then we went on to walking street, I have been a few times and there are other photos on this thread, but we did find a different small bar with a selection of local and craft beers https://i.imgur.com/Bi7h7kSl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/IBbFPYRl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/eMDP2QWl.jpg Wayne |
3 Days on some old and new roads, Isaan
Day 2 part 1 The route today was from Chiang Khan to Nong Khai using the 211 and the 242, but coming on to some smaller roads along the side of the Mekong where possible. https://i.imgur.com/QXxLmO5l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/XoBK1jil.jpg I had looked at the weather forecast before we set off, rain was on the cards for later on in the morning. Time will tell! The Mekong was looking pretty dry as it flows through this area. https://i.imgur.com/PPuvfYOl.jpg Pak Chom, Loei, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/gvTOeT2l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/nNjxfjxl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/K7m1kTgl.jpg Coffee stop on the 211, More-verest Mekong View Coffee shop N18.02616 E 101.90082 https://i.imgur.com/HJAcfg5l.jpg More-verest Coffee Shop, Pak Chom, Loei, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/R7cezVDl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/7GuGeOCl.jpg Back on the road heading towards Sangkhom https://i.imgur.com/3K2NYsLl.jpg Sangkhom, Nong Khai, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/KO6fgP1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/QRNTkKhl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/BLthJVrl.jpg We stopped in Sangkhom in the hope of getting some food at a place where I ate on my last ride here, it was however closed and didn't look like it would be reopening. So I grabbed a coffee and snickers then we moved on https://i.imgur.com/e9Wi7jnl.jpg Sangkhom https://i.imgur.com/BLthJVrl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/3R7UaGSl.jpg Wayne |
Nice mate!
Thanks for the ride and the hospitality! Much appreciated! My ride report will be updated when I get home in about 2 weeks time. bier:mchappy::scooter: |
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Enjoy the rest of the journey Wayne |
3 Days on some old and new roads, Isaan
Day 2 part 2 We left Sangkhom and continued along the 211 towards Nong Khai. The plan was to keep the 211 as the axis and keep going in towards the Mekong as I have done previously but on our first attempt it started to rain quiet heavy, so it was on with the water proofs and back on to the 211 mainly because the small single track farm roads are not much cop in the wet. The rain eventually stopped. https://i.imgur.com/iSfL2onl.jpg Si Chiang Mai, Nong Khai, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/ZsACVG8l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Y6AYMfml.jpg We got to about 2/3 km from Nong Khai and needed some food, so we pulled in to the Lekhong Restaurant N17.88033, E102.72894 for a bite to eat. Just as we had finished it rained again https://i.imgur.com/BjSLX8Bl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/0pTfQKTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/0t806XHl.jpg View of the 1st Thai Lao Friendship Bridge https://i.imgur.com/g1fTt24l.jpg The place we were stopping was only about 2 km's away so my riding partner pushed on and I decided to wait it out as my old all in one wet suit was past its sell by date and was as much use as a chocolate fireguard! I eventually made it to the overnight stop. Pikul Apartments and Hotel. N17.88261 E102.74487 Relax for a couple of hours before heading on to Walking Street https://i.imgur.com/jjAQCKbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/0j1vWVgl.jpg Walking Street had a Evening Food Market, so we sat and had some street food next to the Mekong https://i.imgur.com/9w022wFl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/muJKfKgl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/fitjG0Kl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zfLHp0cl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/W9BQCF9l.jpg Wayne |
3 Days on some old and new roads, Isaan
Day 3 It was time for me to head on home. 9w6vx was stopping in Nong Khai for another few days so he could get an extension on his visa at Immigration and his TIP extended at Customs. We had a natter and a coffee then I set off I set the Montana 600 on the shortest route and went where it took me. https://i.imgur.com/GgOJI0Al.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GEM4UEjl.jpg There was not a great deal so see on the route home and it was pretty flat but the roads were good on the first half. Then it was on to the 228 all the way in to Chum Phae. I did come across some Buddha statues on the 2097. N17.58196 E102.40855 at Wat Pa Si Samran. https://i.imgur.com/SaJTg8Ml.jpg Wat Pa Si Samran 2, Ban Phue, Udon Thani, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/WZ4IV70l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/uFBVRMel.jpg I had a good couple of day riding with 9w6vx and it was good to get out. It was also a chance to ride the 2016 and to show him some good Isaan riding roads. I will be doing the 2016 again! 682km for me over the 3 days and its now time to get my bike serviced. Wayne |
A day meandering in Isaan 160824
Part 1 The plan was to head north on the 201 until I got to Nong Hin there sling a left following some of the smaller roads before getting on to the 3029. Then picking up the 2016 and 2216 which I have ridden before but this time riding them anti clockwise https://i.imgur.com/DwUxA3Wl.png https://i.imgur.com/kGv2yxyl.jpg The ride up to Nong Hin was pretty none eventful on the 201, once there I stopped to top off the bike before back tracking a bit and picking up the area I wanted to ride. https://i.imgur.com/g5fKhl1l.jpg Nong Hin area, Loei, Thailand The 3029 was not a bad road to ride but it did disappear and go into a track road, due to it being rainy season and it was quite away until I hit the main road again I decided to turn around and head back. https://i.imgur.com/C1KQkpyl.jpg Nong Hin area, Loei, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/nyFcTAHl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/SaL3TXOl.jpg I branched off the 3029 to visit a waterfall, which to be fair was a bit of a let down, Phiang Din Waterfall N17.06553 E101.74771 https://i.imgur.com/sou1Sfll.jpg Phiang Din Waterfall, Nong Hin, Loei, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/5n4DvIyl.jpg On the way back from the waterfall I stopped at Suan Hin Pha Ngam N17.05024 E101.74350 https://i.imgur.com/u414eztl.jpg Suan Hin Pha Ngam, Nong Hin, Loei, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/pviIVYUl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ArFMfGQl.jpg Back on the 3029 https://i.imgur.com/VVOT3yul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4MrQNsCl.jpg From the 3029 I picked up the 3021, on the 3021 I saw a large man made Cobra in the distance, so I made a little bit of a deviation and found a Temple at N17.13039 E101.75406. https://i.imgur.com/WOfd5vll.jpg Wat Pa Sitte Thammaram, Phu Luang, Loei, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/2tSjX7zl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/HtSqLwUl.jpg Back on to the 3021 then the 2473 before getting on to the 4038. The 4038 did eventually go on to a wide track and it was about 5km to the 2016, The track looked well used so I continued rather than turn around. https://i.imgur.com/GF0wueIl.jpg Phu Luang area, Loei, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/pF4aocel.jpg https://i.imgur.com/bbDqw42l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dbJ1piZl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/esti1Wtl.jpg Wayne |
Man made cobra! That me me stop and double check what I was reading!
:rofl: Nice mate......... .beerjeiger What goodies did you get on your recent trip back to UK? :mchappy::mchappy: |
The only thing I brought back with me was a new seat pad for the bike. The Treat Lite2, I had one of these on my XT600e when I did my Balkans Trip, they are great
https://danmedicasouth.co.uk/product...mfort-seating/ There's a photo of it on the bike above, I went for the large size Wayne |
A day meandering in Isaan 160824
Part 2 Doing the 2016 and the 2216 anti clockwise as you’re looking at the map was great, I much preferred it that way. I found the roads to be more flowing and you get to look at the scenery from a different perspective. Not many photos on the 2016 and 2216 as I was really enjoying the roads. https://i.imgur.com/veOrfZJl.jpg Phu Luang, Loei, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/jDKJIJXl.jpg Lom Kao, Phetchabun, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/VgK5eurl.jpg Nam Nao, Phetchabun, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/XrD3wIgl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dRZVaGYl.jpg I had also not stopped for a coffee since filling up the bike. So I stopped at the Take Hill coffee N17.07846 E101.47413 on the 2016 https://i.imgur.com/wZj0Wqtl.jpg Take Hill Coffee, Lom Kao, Phetchabun, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/nzHhFjCl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/yTqVfsQl.jpg and the Runjuan Coffee shop N16.72987 E101.74065 on the 2216 near Nam Nao. https://i.imgur.com/f7LkEjhl.jpg Runjuan Coffee Shop, Nam Nao, Phetchabun, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/WJI4imHl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hqEwkhHl.jpg I had planned on doing more roads today but time just got away and by the time I was back home I had covered 323km. But it's another excuse to get out and about another day! Wayne |
A Day meandering in Isaan revisited 011224
Part 1 As I said on my last report, meandering in Isaan 160824. There were other roads that I had wanted to do that day but they never got done due to the kilometers. So today was the day when I was going to do them It was a bit, chilly when I set off and the wind was whistling through my Knox armoured shirt. The plan was to go up the 201 to Phu Kradueng, stop at the PTT, fill up, and then get on with the route. I had put some waypoints on my Montana 600 but that was it! https://i.imgur.com/eGQi7Gbl.png https://i.imgur.com/XCP41NHl.jpg From the fuel station I carried on up the 201 for about a km before hooking a left on to the 3113 heading into the Phu Kradueng National Park area https://i.imgur.com/UB4yBQcl.jpg On the 3113, Phu Kradueng, Loei, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/ZJFfVGkl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/l8tTR94l.jpg The 3113 turned into the 3114 and then barriers....I didn't realize there were barriers on the road until I got there and I wasn't sure if the road was closed or not. The ride out might be short lived! A guy came over and I showed him where I intended to go, the barrier went up and I was allowed to pass through without parting with any money. The intention was to try and do a circumference of the Phu Kradueng mountain but there was a bit of about 6km where I didn't think I would get through on my 500x and a river crossing with no knowledge of if there is a bridge. I believe I was still on the 3114 but anyway, the road slowly deteriorated and became sparodic loose stone, rutted and in places gravel. The gravel was deep enough to make it feel like the front was going to wash out, fortunately there wasn't a lot of it. https://i.imgur.com/9URpylFl.jpg Entrance to the Phu Kradueng National Park, Phu Kradueng, Loei, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/oJlob0ll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/EiwWgL2l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/IN2aQ8Tl.jpg Tat Hong Waterfall area, Phu Kradueng National Park, Phu Kradueng, Loei, Thailand I didn't go to the waterfall as it was quite away down a track and I didn't fancy leaving the bike and walking in my boots From the waterfall I turned around to have a look at the junction where 6km into the unknown awaited. Anyway after having a look I decided against it, smaller bike and with someone, yes no problem, but on my own! Back up the road to the barrier it was. https://i.imgur.com/OZ5duUnl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1HVCMY2l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/nwN03Cwl.jpg On the 3114, Phu Kradueng National Park, Phu Kradueng, Loei, Thailand Back on the normal road and heading to the Phu Kradueng National Park visitors centre on the 2019 for a look and a coffee. https://i.imgur.com/JysBFoml.jpg Visitor Centre, Phu Kradueng National Park, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/ficNaUPl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/8LSygfLl.jpg A nicely brewed coffee The visitors centre is good and it was very busy, Camping, hostel, showers and souvenirs etc. You can get on a trail and go to the top of Phu Kradueng and camp over night at the top. There are even sherpa's to carry stuff up to the top for you if you wish https://www.thainationalparks.com/ph...-national-park https://www.discoverythailand.com/ph...-national-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phu_Kr..._National_Park Back on to the 2019 for a bit before a left on to the 3028 Wayne |
A Day meandering in Isaan revisited 011224
Part 2 Once on the 3028 I was heading for a bit of a valley on the northern edge of Phu Kradueng mountain The road started off really good smooth tarmac and then went to concrete laid in sections. But it was still nice to ride https://i.imgur.com/dd3JJN0l.jpg On the 3028, Phu Kradueng, Loei, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/c3rtAZdl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Pl5Djmdl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/YMZKFLjl.jpg Then the concrete road stopped and was replaced by a vehicle width track of dried mud with smoothed rocks and stones embedded in it. Lots of ruts. It was enjoyable but hard work on the 500x on stock tires. From this point on it was a mix of the hard mud and concrete road pretty much all the way to the 2216 affording some great views. https://i.imgur.com/jF6AvUPl.jpg The road after the 3028, Nam Nao, Phetchabun, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/KdfUtOLl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4wH2qebl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zlxTPsel.jpg https://i.imgur.com/AFEL4ndl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/e1OlaQXl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/6jvrEDGl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/mZCFDi0l.jpg Once on the 2216, a favorite of mine, I was back on the black top and going a little coffee shop I like. https://i.imgur.com/CPy2uYnl.jpg On the 2216, Nam Nao, Phetchabun, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/oDBoqoHl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/JIhq06ul.jpg The coffee shop is the one I stopped at on the first meander on the 16/08/24 Runjuan Coffee shop N16.72987 E101.74065 on the 2216 near Nam Nao https://i.imgur.com/mYopaVwl.jpg Runjuan Coffee shop on the 2216, Nam Nao, Phetchabun, Thailand https://i.imgur.com/3tjF2BWl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/e58kdltl.jpg Then it was time for the last 40/50km home 237km covered Wayne |
Missing Photos
Apologies for the missing photos but Imgur decided that they were against its policy. As stated to me when I emailed them to find out why my content had disappeared. Although I do not see how, otherwise they would have taken everything down as it's all the same kind of content....bikes and scenery!
Some of it had been on the system for a year. I will endeavor to re-up the photos and complete the threads again at some point. Wayne |
Mate,
That's a bummer! I hope you get it sorted out. Is there a more reliable place to store the pictures online? I actually don't mind paying for the storage space if the price is not prohibitive. :(:( |
Quote:
I have also opened another account with Flickr, but you can only have 1000 photos on their free account. They are good IMO. There is also Smugmug, who bought Flickr out years ago. Wayne |
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