Riding in Thailand
 

I'm stopping in Thailand for a week on my was back to Australia from Europe and plan on riding north from Pattaya to the Chang Mai/Chang Rai area.

A friend has organised the hire of some (large) bikes, but I was wondering if there is anything out of the ordinary that I should be aware of?

A friend has organised the hire of some (large) bikes, but I was wondering if there is anything out of the ordinary that I should be aware of?

The Ladyboys in Bangkok (sorry could not help myself but you did ask)
Nick

Thanks Nick!

Yeah, I really wasn't after that sort of trip... Just riding around the countryside, seeing some sights and meeting some people. Not the sort of people that are out at night in Bangkok though!

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http://www.robstravels.com

Rob, The riding is, in the main great around Thailand, biggest danger is (as always) drivers of other vehicles. Oncoming Trucks and cars will pull out and pass in front of you so when aproaching a cluster of oncoming vehicles have a emergency exit route in mind. Defensive riding is the key to survival, other than that the roads in generally good condition, the cops out in the country areas are helpful.

yes I agree about the traffic. It's ok most of the time but watch out for the U-turns on highways. They are usually indicated with flashing amber lights but trucks and cars (and anything really) WILL just make a U-turn wherever they like. I found out this out early Sept when I hit a large truck up the back rather hard in northern Thailand when it did tried to do a u-turn across the grass.
Generally it's ok though.

Thanks for that. I'd heard that the road rules were along the lines of "give way to anything bigger than you", so am prepared.

Also, I ride defensively pretty much all of the time on the road in whatever country I'm in. I think the track is the place for aggressiveness...

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http://www.robstravels.com

Mate once you see the beautiful sinewy lightly traffic'ed tarmac of northern Thailand all that defensive bollocks will go out the door. Well it did for me. Just because we're overlanders it doesn't mean we have to ride bolt upright all the time. The fun part of motorcycling is the leaning. Get those panniers down!

.. yeah that's probably why I rode into a truck http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif

Also.. another thing. If you go through Bangkok which is pretty likely looking at your route.. do not ride on the Tollway or on the carriage way directly below the tollway as motorcycles are banned from both. You have to get stuck in traffic like all the scooters which is a mare! I had numerous arguments and chases with cops after riding on both. They try and fine you 2000 baht if you get caught and they do that by asking for your license then asking for the fine/bribe. Good fun riding on that road though.

Hi Rob,

We found that there were empty highways up north to Changmai area and that the traffice is relative safe. But we come from India...
It is a beautiful area and the interesting part is the hill tribes that live at the border area with Myanmar. Make sure you visit them. info at visitor centres and hotels in Tha Ton

Thailand is great for bikes. We hired in Chang Mai and explored the 'Mai Hon Son loop' towards the Burmese border. There are some fantastic trails if your into 'dirt.' Can't remember how much it was to hire, but as with everything in Thailand I'm sure it was 'dirt' cheap.

....Bob

Thanks to everyone for all of the advice!

I'm off on Sunday and can't wait to get away from the madness that has been work this year...

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http://www.robstravels.com

Hi Rob,
We have just arrived in Bangkok and will be heading towards Chiang Mai on an old r80rt bmw. perhaps we could get together for a beer or ride....
Cheers, Peter and Carol

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I am convinced the BEST bike to tour the North on is the one I used, an NSR150RR.

Of course NOT for dirt1

But the BEST for those paved roads...and cheap too...but hard to find to rent, and buying requires planning...

borrow?

All the info you need for riding around North Thailand & the Golden Triangle is at
www.gt-rider.com
There's also a message board with Road & Trip reports at
www.gt-rider.com/message/
Take a look & you'll be impressed.

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Davidfl