[Trip Report] My North Thai Trip with a 125cc bike

[ninjapura]

08 Jan 2010 (Fri)

Mae Sariang - Mae Hong Son

 

Landmark at Mae Sariang, a Burmese-style temple

 

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The route 108 from Mae Sariang to Mae Hong Son (2791km) was easy when compared to yesterday's route 105. The road is nicely paved, scenic is great too. The mountain route is kinda easy going one which one can really enjoy it in relax sweeping, not much tight hairpin. Reached Mae Hong Son at 4pm, after had my lunch, then walked around trying to find the MHS cert. Heard that it is at tourist centre but asked the person she said it is now at a booth opposite the post office. Cost 20 baht a cert, simply print anything (name, vehicle etc) on a cert saying that u have passed the 1864 curves to MHS. One thing I notice is, the northern girl really suay mak mak (very pretty), even the hotel receptionist is so beauty I kept chat up with her. But sorry hor, no photo cos her boss there watching us so I abit shy la... btw the hotel is Paranoma Hotel, if wan to see, u go urself ok. Hehehe...

 

Stayed at MHS because I do enjoy the atmosphere here. A little bit of tourity (20%) but still retain most of its simple thai flavour. The town is very easy to navigate cos all shops, hotels, restaurants concentrated along their main road. Also visted my thai friend who really talented artists and have his own shop and designed all his t-shirt and souvenier.

 

Nice and easy corner on this part of journey

 

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Superb postcard perfect scenery everywhere here... I couldn't actually capture the best pic but in reality it is much more better

 

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Famous temple in MHS

 

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MHS is quite a nice place to relax in...

 

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09 Jan 2010 (Sat)

Mae Hong Son - Pai

 

The journey from MHS to Pai is very short, about 160km. So I took it as an R&R day. Visited the fish cave on the way with huge huge fish living in subteranean cave. Ok to visit cos it is free and u can visit in in less than half hour. Then proceeded to Tham Lot Cave. It is the most famous cave in this region and if u have only a place to visit in MHS loopm, this is the one. If u see many Thais flocking to this place it means it is a very sanuk place to go. I am lucky (or thick skin) too chat up with a Thai couple (Mart & Oil) and followed them to the cave. Because u must need a guide to go inside the cave (550 baht per group, max 4 people), so by tagging along with others I really save some money. Plus, Mart speak really good english cos he is from Bangkok, so I also have very good translation from the guide tru him... thanks Mart... very good host u r... both Mart & Oil are very easy-going and fun people and I wish to meet them again in Bangkok.

 

Fish cave (free entrace), the big big fish kept flowing out of a cave...

 

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Hill tribe market along the route

 

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U need to take bamboo raft into the cave cos there is a subterannean river passing tru it, then sometimes have to get off the raft and wwalk or climb to different caves. Very impressive sight with so many attractions in one place... got different interesting cave, stone formation, old coffin, bats etc. Very entertaining. If coming from Mae Sariang very easy to miss the signage to Tham Lot (I was the one, to U-turn back near Pai), because it was mainly catered for day-trippers from Pai, so pls take note.

 

Bamboo raft by guides

 

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It's a boob!!!

 

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Mart & Oil... really a funny couple

 

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Sending postcard from Pai, very romantic to do... do u receive my postcard too?

 

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From Tham Lot onwards the route to Pai become very challenging, it was full of waves of tight hairpin. Very tight it is like a U-turn, and the pin comes again n again non-stop type. The make the thing worst, some hairpin are very steep upslope. If it is downslope, just control very slow speed will do, but if it is steep upslope, if going too slow bike lost power will buang, if too fast will run out of lane and kena bang. So need to really control the speed well. I witnesses a few accident around these pins too... and myself also had a few scary moments. When I reached Pai, was in total exhausted,

 

I myself do not really like Pai. It was too touristy and everything was too expensive. It is just like a resort town catering for all the visitors. It was too cold here at night, recorded at 7 degree on my thermo and I do not enjoy it too much. It was a torture to ride a bike so cold.

 

Pai landmark

 

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Beautiful scene in Pai, this place has been featured in many Thai movie and MV

 

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This is the no.1 landmark in Pai, everyone must come n take this pic to show off... btw I love my bike very much, cos she brings me to so many places with zero problem...

 

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Edited January 15, 2010 by ninjapura

[mrlazy]

wow you da man, finally there!

>> Fish cave (free entrace), the big big fish kept flowing out of a cave...

i think those fish are blind, where is that? Lod Cave?

 

>> Seems that they are from last time Taiwanese KMT era. But I don't

>> really like the people here, all gave me that kind of cold face >> and I believe cos alot of them are Burmese.

hahaha, they look like chinese but speak no chinese. i believe u found them along the borders, they do lots of business with Burmese, these Burmese usually cross the borders in the evening to get their "modern essentials" from them

[ninjapura]

10 Jan 2010 (Sun)

Pai - Mae Sai

 

Left for Huay Nam Dang first, it is very famous place featured in many thai MV. Very good place to watch the mountain view here. It cost me 80 baht (thai price), and read from guide book is is 200 baht for foreigner. It is also a must go place if u are in this region.

 

Its so cold at 10 degree in the morning, very unbearable to ride. Rode on to Huay Nam Dang to view the spectacular sight of mountain view from here. The loops ard Pai is very challenging type in which the hairpin loops come wave after wave. The moment u tot the pin is over there is another, and it made me total exhausted. Completed the MHS loop in total tiring, then rode towards Mae Sai border town cos it seems to be very interesting. The next day, will ride towards Nan, which is my most favourite route in this journey.

 

Foggy on the way to Huay Nam Dang

 

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It was too cold here in Pai, about 7 degree in the early morning

 

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Postcard perfect pic at Huay Nam Dang... a very famous spot here

 

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I am the King of the World... hahaha...

 

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Thought of going to Golden Triangle from Pai, and also thought that Mae Sai is that place cos in map it is a border town. But reached there at 4pm couldn't find any GT sign, and later found out that GT is at Sop Ruap, another 30km from Mae Sai. So stayed at Mae sai for tonight, anyway find this place interesting cos alot of Chinese wording in this town. Seems that they are from last time Taiwanese KMT era. Slept early to have early start tml.

 

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So anyone wanna work in Thailand?

 

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The mascot at Mae Sai... a giant scorpion...

 

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11 Jan 2010 (Mon)

Mae Sai - Nan

 

Early morning I rode at total darkness towards Golden Triangle @ Sop Ruak, another 30km from Mae Sai. Reached there and saw so many signposts here stating this is "GOLDEN TRIANGLE"... so took some pics and go. The scene is soso, so maybe for record purpose of been here did this la...

 

I here at Golden Triangle!!!

 

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Proceeded towards Nan cos according to my guide book it is the least touristry place in this area, few people make it to here cos it is too remote. So decided to bypass Chiang Rai. Along the journey saw the route up to Mae Salong. But it is so so steep I know my 125cc bike would not be able to make it, so maybe next time... cos heard it is a very nice town to hang out.

 

Took the following route towards Nan:

 

Sop Ruak - Thoeng (route 1173) - Chiang Kham (route 1148) - Nan (route 1080)

 

And this stretch is the most scenic and memorable road in this trip, esp the route 1148, which is number one in my life, much better than MHS loop... why???

 

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MHS is circling the top mountain in that region, so most of the time u r feeling that u r riding "inside" the mountain in a roller coaster ride and it can be very stressful. But for Nan, this city is surrounded by low hills, so u actually crossed one low hill over another and the route was not that evil too. Most of the time u will be riding either on top of the low hill or inside the valley... the feeling is just like u own the whole region... and this region is almost uninhabited, zero traffic, and no network. So, only if u r really confidence with ur ride then can come here.

 

And one plus plus special of the route 1148 is lined with a kind of wild plant about 3 metre height which is very very beautiful. I saw some farmer collected it but not sure what is it. In that whole route, I felt that I am the only one in the world and own the whole mountain and valley. It was really so peaceful and enjoyable to ride in. The atmosphere is cooling too giving me a kind of Switzerland feel.

 

Best route in my journey, route 1148, totally clean feel... and the cloud is so so low I felt that I could touch them

 

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Nice view with the wild plants along the road... isnt them lovely and look like swan feather?

 

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In Nan, not sure what the special about, so asked the cashier (suay mak mak oso) at 7-11 and know that it is famous with its Wat (temple)... so went to visit them later... one thing good here is the hotel I stayed... a total teak wood building which is very classic and cheap too (350 baht). The name is Nanfa Hotel just next to the popular (cos very standard look) deevaraj hotel along the main street. Highly recommended. Read that Nan is famous for its sweet orange... struggled for very long but decided not to buy cos it is in kilo... sure laosai...

 

City pillar shrine in Nan, totally whitish n beauty

 

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Very classy teak wood Nanfa Hotel

 

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12 Jan 2010 (Tues)

Nan - Suphanburi

 

Took the main highway because it is a long road away for today.

 

Had my scariest moment today, at 300km towards Bangkok, along the main highway on lane 2 riding at 90kmh. Suddenly felt my rear wheel lock and immediately the bike glide on the road left and right. At that moment I tot that 99% I will sure crash... anyway I somehow managed to balance it and bring it to stop at shoulder. It turned out that a bag tied to my pillion seat fall and some thing stuck on between my rear wheel and mud guard.

 

Took out all tools to remove the wheel and took out the stuff... took me one hour. I am so glad that I am still alive. Cos that route is so heavily traffic with lorries and trucks towards BKK. So if I buang my bike and myself sure kena smashed.

Edited January 15, 2010 by ninjapura

[ninjapura]

Wah.... Mr Ninja, looks like after your trip, u can be an OR-KUI-NIZER already.

 

All of them so interested in the certificate... but I think give them a certificate, is got chance......, but not the presenter.

 

if i am single, I for sure with go for that MHS cert gal la... I asked her liao she stil single...

 

so anyone of u interested pls ride on to MHS to find her...

[scubasimon]

Am really fascinated by your Thailand adventure and traced your route on Google Maps. Amazing!!!

Edited January 14, 2010 by scubasimon

[ZZR600]

hey ninjaman,how long is your whole trip going to be? 2 months?

[ninjapura]

13 Jan 2010 (Wed)

Suphanburi - Chumphon

 

It is the same route I took when going north. Nothing special. But since I have some spare time so stop at Hua Hin for a while. Do not like here much because it is too ang-moh place. So after staying here for 2 hours I make my move to Chumphon town for a rest.

 

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14 Jan 2010 (Thurs)

Chumphon - Hatyai

 

Finally back to Hatyai today. Took the easy and direct route 4 towards Hatyai and reached about 4pm. All is safe and nice. Will be staying here for a few days and gathering with my friends. Sad to say, have to go back to Singapore to work on Monday.

 

Happy family outing... again... and now without Justin and Desmond around I am the only one to entertain them... today welcome party at Laser till 4am, totally exhausted.

 

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Welcome party by Nom... a cutey pie

 

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My gf bro Dek and sis Ice... but she is as hot as fire when she dance

 

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Sai is so happy because she just had her kfc-fix

 

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Edited January 15, 2010 by ninjapura

[ninjapura]

uploaded pics to my 10 Jan journey, completed...

[VidaK]

rest well... can't wait to see you again!

[ninjapura]

part 1 of my video @ Hatyai

 

[mrlazy]

route 1148 looks gorgeous! gotta go on my next trip

 

>>Nice view with the wild plants along the road... isnt them lovely and

>>look like swan feather?

i think it's called silver grass

 

btw, don't mind if i ask if yr girl beautiful blue eyes are natural?

[ninjapura]

route 1148 is the most beauty route I been...

 

for blue eye ah... I tot is contact lens la... maybe I can confirm w her again on 28 Jan... will be going back again...

[bryan_LaZY]

:thumb::thumb:

 

Upzz for u la Ninja

[minefield14]

all e best n have a safe trip bro.

[mrlazy]

route 1148 is the most beauty route I been...

 

for blue eye ah... I tot is contact lens la... maybe I can confirm w her again on 28 Jan... will be going back again...

thanks, sorry for my curiosity

 

btw, the longest i stayed in thailand is at most 9 ~ 11 days, so I'm wondering for longer trips, how u settle the $$$ issue especially in rural areas. I don't suppose you stash $$$ all over you?

 

thanks!

[ninjapura]

thanks, sorry for my curiosity

 

btw, the longest i stayed in thailand is at most 9 ~ 11 days, so I'm wondering for longer trips, how u settle the $$$ issue especially in rural areas. I don't suppose you stash $$$ all over you?

 

thanks!

 

hmm, okay, to ans ur Q... I actualy exchange all my money into thai baht in thai, carry them in a wallet w me everywhere w me. I suppose thai is a very safe country?

 

Btw due to my profession (as a self-D instructor), and oso plus the baton and the police vest my thai fren gave to me, the least I worry abt is the personal safety... my utmost worry is abt my single piston bike but lucky all is well

 

But my advise to anyone else going is, spread ur $$ to different places as in u will do when go tour... its the same in thai... U just never know...

[ninjapura]

15 Jan 2010 (Fri) -17 Jan 2010 (Sun) &&& Home Sad Home

Hatyai - Singapore

 

Went to patronise my gf's sis bar @ Daza... very nice atmos here... it is out of the town so 100% thai customers here...

 

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Zuper... very famous & yummy dish among Thai... very very spicy chicken feet soup

 

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Look gross (as in no.1 scariest food on NGC) but... still oka la... u dun think too much eat can liao...

 

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Thai people really LOVE to sing... to such an extent when the live band is performing... my gf wil barge onto stage and asking if she can sing the song

 

bad example :

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Was totally warmed by my frens here... so much so I was totally drunk by their laughter... and funny shot of Icy alcoholic shake mixed by my sis-in law --> Da Ice @ Da Za

 

& me wearing my white MHS shirt...

 

... me in super red face ...

 

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Really regret to let my gf drink... she in my pink MHS shirt

 

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Bro (in-law to be)... and KNS KNN... U STIL OWE ME 2k baht lor...

 

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if u ask me, will I go north thai again w a 125cc bike? I will tell u, maybe...

 

was I scared? No... not at that journey... but yes, when I think back, how I narrowly escape some accident but still alive... and how my single piston bike still alive... sheer luck? I duno...

 

but if u asked me, am I regret? No... not at all... cos in this journey, I have the sweetest memory in my life... be it friends I have, my gf, the scenery, anything... u cant get it by just sitting in PC alone n seeing all these pics... right?

 

Seriously, I can not, and never can, describe to u 100% how good, how bad, how scary, how sanuk, how sad, how lonely ... it to be if u r solo in north thai... but, it is 101% worthwhile...

 

This trip will stay in my memory forever, and I will always have some stories to share w anyone... if interested...

 

so, if u ask me, shld I go the long way up trip... I will just say, Go for it!!!

 

But... understand ur own limitation, and goes if u can... some advise

 

1. do not come north thai solo if u inexperienced, or u no confidence w ur bike;

2. do not go along route btw mae sot & mae sariang, if u solo, zero network here;

3. do not go on route to Nan, if u solo, also zero network,

4. know some Thai language, it helps,

5. ride w/in ur limit, dun try to be hero...

6. in Thai, the only traffic rule is : UP TO YOU. Pls remember,

7. be disciplined, wake up at sunrise, and ride til prior sunset (4pm), then find a hotel and R&R,

8. U only live once,

9. U need at least 1k SGD to go,

10. But if u straight away tell me u cant go cos u no $$, it just means u no ball...

 

see u guys later... this is the end of my story... but will stil ans some of the Q here...

 

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Edited January 23, 2010 by ninjapura

[mrlazy]

hmm, okay, to ans ur Q... I actualy exchange all my money into thai baht in thai, carry them in a wallet w me everywhere w me. I suppose thai is a very safe country?

 

Btw due to my profession (as a self-D instructor), and oso plus the baton and the police vest my thai fren gave to me, the least I worry abt is the personal safety... my utmost worry is abt my single piston bike but lucky all is well

 

But my advise to anyone else going is, spread ur $$ to different places as in u will do when go tour... its the same in thai... U just never know...

Thanks for your sharing your experiences.

 

hahaha ... you mean your knuckles are harder & faster than the bullets? Whatever, still gotta to be careful and remember to stay low profile.

 

I won't try to travel alone especially in rural areas like these.

but at least now you got another story to tell your grandchildren later in life

 

chicken feet are awesome & packs loads of collagen!

[ninjapura]

Thanks for your sharing your experiences.

 

hahaha ... you mean your knuckles are harder & faster than the bullets? Whatever, still gotta to be careful and remember to stay low profile.

 

I won't try to travel alone especially in rural areas like these.

but at least now you got another story to tell your grandchildren later in life

 

chicken feet are awesome & packs loads of collagen!

 

For those who like to go on trip... best is in grp... cos if anything happen can take care each other... but if not... going solo... why not? We only live once...

 

Grp ... time is a factor, waiting time etc, need to factor in diff people preference too...

 

Solo... time is my own... I wan go here stop here is my own matter... but need to overcome loneliness... best to have some frens to call when in Thai to curb the lonely feel...

[mrlazy]

For those who like to go on trip... best is in grp... cos if anything happen can take care each other... but if not... going solo... why not? We only live once...

 

Grp ... time is a factor, waiting time etc, need to factor in diff people preference too...

 

Solo... time is my own... I wan go here stop here is my own matter... but need to overcome loneliness... best to have some frens to call when in Thai to curb the lonely feel...

exactly we only live once, that's why don't take unnecessary risk. especially for those who have dependent at home.

 

anyway, different strokes for difference folks. just be mindful of risks involve and know how to manage those risks

[dancingbiker]

Ninjapura, you are awesome!!! I take my hat off to you man. I read your trip and saw all the pics and I think its just amazing. You are my personal hero. One day I want to do the same too i.e. ride solo all the way to Northern Thailand. Hope that dream comes true one day. Hey if you ever organise any trip, call me. I will go with you to the end of the world man. My hp 96661405 email is [email protected].

[oriental]

Yo bro, I juz back frm Thai but by plane..haha..ur trip report n pictures r very poisonous...sibei swee sceneries!!

[ninjapura]

Ninjapura, you are awesome!!! I take my hat off to you man. I read your trip and saw all the pics and I think its just amazing. You are my personal hero. One day I want to do the same too i.e. ride solo all the way to Northern Thailand. Hope that dream comes true one day. Hey if you ever organise any trip, call me. I will go with you to the end of the world man. My hp 96661405 email is [email protected].

 

ok noted...

 

thank you guys for ur interest...

 

this trip is actually my dream to ride a 2b bike to north thai & I have accomplished it... there r so many moments I could not even share w u by words or photo, and the only thing is to try urself... and the memory wil always stay in u... trust me, it is very poisonous becos now I been thinking of going back again...

 

haha... a few fellow riders after reading my trip, also will go up this feb, lets wishing them all the best! Will wait for their pic...

[ninjapura]

Yo bro, I juz back frm Thai but by plane..haha..ur trip report n pictures r very poisonous...sibei swee sceneries!!

 

bro... welcome back!!! Wil catch up w u & ur dar soon... got alot of things to ask u... need ur help!!!

[oriental]

bro... welcome back!!! Wil catch up w u & ur dar soon... got alot of things to ask u... need ur help!!!

 

No prob, nid to get my number plate frm u too..