After having a last breakfast in Chiang Mai until just before xmas we ordered a Bolt ( Uber thing ) to take us to the bike shop. The guys had the bikes ready for us and after getting our stuff loaded we rode tentatively out into the traffic, of course we took a wrong turning but eventually having fueled up we headed towards Lampang . A busy town which we visited before, main roads the whole way. Driving is different but in general much slower so you get a chance to think. Found a coffee shop near our hotel and had some slightly spicy food and at the 7/11 ( spar type shop ) got beer, all good so far.
The following day we rook some amazing back roads where we saw a guy riding an elephant with a baby elephant in tow, you don't see that in the sma glen! We stayed in Sukhothai , a braw day and even found a biker bar for beer and food. We then headed to lom Kao over some amazing very twisty mountain passes, but dual carriageway the whole way, and I though we were the first world country, we are having the wool pulled over our eyes by politicians that's for sure.
Thursday into Nong Bua , wonderful very high passes but only two lanes and very quiet, spectacular views everywhere. Roadworks to improve bridges and upgrading the roads and more importantly the drainage, passing through very traditional villages where the people are still working the land.
A visit to the very busy market and then a sports bar later for burger and chips and HP Sauce, amazing.
Friday and we only had roughly 60 miles to do today, it was very hot and the traffic busy as hell, stopped about half way for food and petrol. Ran into a German biker who stays here in the winter with his Thai wife, talked nonsense with him and then headed towards Nong Khai which is on the other side of the river from Vientiane capital of Laos.
En route the roads were packed with people waving Thai Flags and at one point a whole school waving ft us, Fiona had spotted a official looking convoy but I realise it was for my benefit, thanks guys, i'm touched.
We looked for a viewpoint to see the bridge to Laos but got lost and ended up at a customs station, quick u turn and then headed to our Hotel.
Super nice staff so we decided to stay another night. Out for a wander down the walking street where the market was happening. A beer and food and plenty people watching , plenty to see. Fiona joined in an impromptu dance at some point, crazy woman !
Over 750Km so far, bloody warm though but all good.
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| The route so far |
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| Favorite Snap |
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| Market |
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| Night traffic |
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| Bikes resting |
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| Temple at night |
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| KFC, sometimes you just have to do it |
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| Beer, sometimes you just have to do it |
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| Chinky at the side of the road |
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| Bikes at the side of the road |
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| Not a bad view |
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| Fifi's new pals |
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| Nice place |
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| The Mekong, and the bridge between Thailand and Laos |
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| Street market |
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| Fiona joining in Later |
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| And again |
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| Beer time |
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| The band |
Aye Fi and Gino, All looks and sounds very civilised, with good riding roads to boot! No wonder my 3 times cousin retired to Phuket, with his Thai wife and only visits Scotland once a year for 3 weeks to play golf, in the early summer. Small Nellie and Maw appear to be in good health. At least they weren't chained up and made to do tricks. :( Bikes are not what we expected, appear to be larger cc, so, suspect Kawasaki 650 twins or similar? We note your weren't making any shapes on the dance floor! ;) Just nursing a cool, light foaming shandy, after the days exertions. Any ideas what the crouching band member, to the left was up to? Bearing in mind the cat's cradle of street wiring, maybe the stage wiring was a similar writhing mass of vipers? Off to stoke the stove, as the wind is gusting 30 - 40mph and the rain continues to fall. Good health, Bill & Kat
ReplyDeleteHi Gino Fiona, you're on the road! Great stuff but your earlier post sounded a bit stressful what with bank cards etc.
ReplyDelete(Travel can be so stressful nowadays, especially the air travel part!)
But not a problem for seasoned travelers such as yourself and obviously once you get on bikes you're in your happy place, of course that is combined with the essential lubricity of a few libations. 😂
Continue to enjoy the trip, we'll be watching you from somewhere.
eric & amy
It has been a bit stressful but then that's travelling! I hate flying now , terrible experience . Tahe care and enjoy the classic club dinner!
DeleteGino & Fiona
Before I retired four years ago, some of my co-workers at the health center were from Thailand. It would be a dream come true to ride a motorcycle on one of those countries. Happy holidays and have fun!
ReplyDeleteFantastic people and great roads, try it you would love it 👍
DeleteHi Fiona and Gino,
ReplyDeleteNice to see you guys enjoying Thailand on your bikes after sorting initial hiccups with bank cards and etc..
Wish you a merry Christmas and Happy new year
Cheers,
Sobath
Hi Sobath, thanks for commenting. Have a great time over the festive period and hope that 2026 is good to you.
DeleteRegards
Fiona & Gino