[Trip Report] Solo Ride to North Thailand

[G450X]

Wah you guys were great.......:thumb:Nice write up.....if only I can write like you guys...

 

Kmax, PiPi, Papa & Enjoy.....:thumb: way to go...

 

Siggest next round take the Cambodia, Laos, North Thailand route....damn shiok lar!!!

[pipipapipu]

Good morning your highness, we need you to share your knowledge and experience regarding the cambodia, Laos portion. Can I buy you Tao Huey when time permits? I want to take a bite out of that cherry too. If you can squeeze some time out of your busy schedule, do write a trip report and post it up in sbf so that we newbies can look upon in awe and start fantasizing about our very own shiok shiok ride.

It's really exciting to see so many adventurous rider plotting their own journeys rather than sitting around and talking about doing it.

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

WhoA !!! damn nice writeup Press on Man!!!

[G450X]

Orh orh!!!! I forgot to mentioned besides, Kmax, Pipi, Papa & Enjoy, there was also the great Yem Paul, Mordecai.....now who else did I missed......

 

It would be great if all those that have made such a great trip, gather together and share some stories. Pipi tau huey would be great and others can come too would be FANTASTIC.....

 

I am in planning for another ride to Cambodia and Laos and should happen sometime end of next year. I will be making a trip (by Air) to Hanoi and rent a Scram there with a few guys next year March and ride north of Vietnam from 3rd to 15th March 2011. I am looking forward to that as the itineary looks great. Will try to keep note along the trip and post some sharing when I am back.

 

In the meantime, Anyone game for a meetup soon to share? Sorry Enjoy steal/borrow your thread.

 

Interested:

1. G450X

2.

3.

4.

[G450X]

Double post!!!!

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

Orh orh!!!! I forgot to mentioned besides, Kmax, Pipi, Papa & Enjoy, there was also the great Yem Paul, Mordecai.....now who else did I missed......

 

It would be great if all those that have made such a great trip, gather together and share some stories. Pipi tau huey would be great and others can come too would be FANTASTIC.....

 

I am in planning for another ride to Cambodia and Laos and should happen sometime end of next year. I will be making a trip (by Air) to Hanoi and rent a Scram there with a few guys next year March and ride north of Vietnam from 3rd to 15th March 2011. I am looking forward to that as the itineary looks great. Will try to keep note along the trip and post some sharing when I am back.

 

In the meantime, Anyone game for a meetup soon to share? Sorry Enjoy steal/borrow your thread.

 

Interested:

1. G450X

2.

3.

4.

 

yo barn..it's ok.....count me in but i would nt be able to ride .....

[pipipapipu]

The time has come, I sense the awakening of a sleeping giant..

The return of the legend..

[GuiNNeSS]

Orh orh!!!! I forgot to mentioned besides, Kmax, Pipi, Papa & Enjoy, there was also the great Yem Paul, Mordecai.....now who else did I missed......

 

It would be great if all those that have made such a great trip, gather together and share some stories. Pipi tau huey would be great and others can come too would be FANTASTIC.....

 

I am in planning for another ride to Cambodia and Laos and should happen sometime end of next year. I will be making a trip (by Air) to Hanoi and rent a Scram there with a few guys next year March and ride north of Vietnam from 3rd to 15th March 2011. I am looking forward to that as the itineary looks great. Will try to keep note along the trip and post some sharing when I am back.

 

In the meantime, Anyone game for a meetup soon to share? Sorry Enjoy steal/borrow your thread.

 

Interested:

1. G450X

2.

3.

4.

 

All those who have a thread in this section. And MANY MANY untold individuals/groups........

 

Sure, no problem! Can share whatever that improves the touring scene. Maybe I can ride a bicycle there to meet you guys!

[amato74]

Valuable feedback n info there bro. Appreciate very much... I may just have a ride up this coming New Year...this is helps for my prep...thanks again..

[PaLmEr]

very good writeup there. Reminds me of my solo ride up to the same region in 2008.

 

Link

[yem_paul]

All those who have a thread in this section. And MANY MANY untold individuals/groups........

 

Sure, no problem! Can share whatever that improves the touring scene. Maybe I can ride a bicycle there to meet you guys!

 

Bro ... I can pick you up on my bicycle ... we can cycle together ... How's the progress on your Queen? I was at that same particular Barcelona Motors in 2009 for my Laos trip. Bike unloaded from Chiangmai Train Station. Small problem, bulb blown, no spare bulb and the dealer was just a stone's throw away. Only charged me for the bulb. No labour cost. How nice.

[papabread79]

Mr Enjoy now at Penang... rode the bike back ady.. tmw shd b reaching la.

[kmax]

Mr Enjoy and Queen Kong are safe at home.

 

now need to fight for parking lot

[GuiNNeSS]

Yup, am back safe and sound. Just did inspection and road tax renewal earlier in the morning on this very last day. Shall update more info by the following week, cleared crazy backlogs of work for the past 2 days.

 

Yem: Yeah, they are a great bunch of people! Now, that is what I call service orientated, right down to the receptionists.

 

Kuang: Eh, I only got 1 bike now leh.....more like I need to snatch from u! Returning your map real soon.

[GuiNNeSS]

Updated all hotels I have stayed throughout the trip.

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

welcome back!

[GuiNNeSS]

Part 2, Day 0,1 (SG - KL - ChiangMai)

 

Took last flight of AirAsia to arrive midnight at KLIA for transit of morning flight to ChiangMai. Burnt 6 hours of night time lazing around. Very little sleep given the uncomfortable location.

 

Mummified my top box since my wife is coming along and I needed to check in after they found out it's more than 7kg, argghh!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgWw5hxFXI/AAAAAAAAA_w/lfi1H3k7oHw/s800/DSC_0068.JPG

 

Mountainous once we are around north

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgW1SsXIcI/AAAAAAAABAE/PVkBtY6-2ZU/s800/DSC_0073.JPG

 

Once we touched down, checked into hotel and rented kup kia to move around. They only have wave and click (auto) are all booked. Damn, no choice but to hop on it. So I wobbled my way there together with my wife and the parts to Barcelona Auto to give the mech so that he can start working on my bike asap. He only have 1.5 days to complete it since 31st Dec is their public holiday too. And to make things worse, they are closed from 31st Dec to 3rd Jan.

 

Asked for directions to make new insurance since it's already expired. Got it done for 150+B for 3 months, which is the minimum period, cheap!

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgW4C0_eyI/AAAAAAAABAM/l9WxadZsnaM/s800/DSC_0075.JPG

 

Went over to Immigration to settle 'visa' for the bike which is already expired by 3 days. Lunch time, so had to wait. Finally, there's someone at the counter and I tried to ask how to extend this piece of document. They took some time to figure out what's that and told me to go to Customs department which is a few units back.

 

Reached Customs and helpful officer told me that he needed to see my passport in order to extend it, which is held by the hotel for rental of bike. I told him I would go pick it up and come back in an hour time but he said they are having a major meeting and nobody would be around. Told me to come back the next day at 10am.

 

Went shopping around for the rest of the day.

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgW9_vVNEI/AAAAAAAABAg/yK7TY5lr5j8/s800/DSC_0081.JPG

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgXHnrvqsI/AAAAAAAABA0/ds7WGyJROQ4/s800/DSC_0086.JPG

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgXOporymI/AAAAAAAABBQ/g7Mh3ptQmmk/s800/DSC_0094.JPG

 

Part 2, Day 2 (ChiangMai)

 

Went straight to Customs and got the documents settled. Paid a fine of 400B, 100B per day. The officer helped me to pay the fine which I actually have to go over to another block to do it. He said it would be hard and much longer for me to do it because of language barrier. Kind man. You need 2 criteria for extending this, 1st being valid passport visa (officer will extend to the expiry date of visa in Thailand). Secondly, officer has to see the bike.

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgXS-FwQsI/AAAAAAAABBk/jIZBC1DT-O4/s800/DSC_0099.JPG

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgXTal5FrI/AAAAAAAABBo/agYAzNGinu4/s800/DSC_0100.JPG

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgXcZKDk0I/AAAAAAAABBs/tz-9cAJgt34/s800/DSC_0101.JPG

 

We went Doi Suthep

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgXthy3dnI/AAAAAAAABBw/pvyO6UBH_E0/s800/DSC_0102.JPG

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgYZt4AjiI/AAAAAAAABCU/6cL6Udm7n1M/s800/DSC_0109.JPG

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgYoMDDnSI/AAAAAAAABCo/uf9wkN-KCIM/s800/DSC_0114.JPG

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgY56bEe5I/AAAAAAAABDI/E2T5GxJuGpA/s800/DSC_0121.JPG

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgY7SV0HbI/AAAAAAAABDM/cry1sejCWbo/s800/DSC_0122.JPG

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgZCUR5QsI/AAAAAAAABDc/cLKck0RO7UQ/s800/DSC_0126.JPG

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgZOHpmb5I/AAAAAAAABD8/a8MIJ0fLX7I/s800/DSC_0134.JPG

 

And I received call that my bike is ready!

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgZzw8EnAI/AAAAAAAABEo/fIzbQACQ0qQ/s800/DSC_0148.JPG

 

Already partying themselves at 2pm, 30th Dec.

 

Mech went out and wasn't around. So I paid the bill first, pump up the tires and went out for a test ride. Everything good.

 

Chatted with him and said a million thanks (I pleaded him to make time out for my bike during this period). Chance upon a mech, Yap, from Penang Auto Bavaria (BMW) visiting him.

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgZ1QOlTQI/AAAAAAAABEw/ujPX2s2kJ5g/s800/DSC_0150.JPG

 

Even more bikes when I lasted visited.

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgZ5DUcbkI/AAAAAAAABE8/OuXUR1cLbSE/s800/DSC_0154.JPG

[GuiNNeSS]

We went for a Ping River Cruise. Whole boat only the 2 of us. Great experience.

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgZ-9zVonI/AAAAAAAABFM/ayFr5LDkv0c/s800/DSC_0158.JPG

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgaExa2zeI/AAAAAAAABFY/Aa36qcBB8NE/s800/DSC_0161.JPG

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgaSTH89DI/AAAAAAAABF8/m_vrHglXhrc/s800/DSC_0168.JPG

 

The locals having a friendly match. Damn, they are freaking fast.

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgag_0cEaI/AAAAAAAABGY/kf73UZ9eITQ/s800/DSC_0175.JPG

 

The boat ride includes a visit to a little 'farm'.

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgas5M20bI/AAAAAAAABGw/EKutPeOMKWQ/s800/DSC_0182.JPG

 

Commonly found in insect repellent

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgavTD9i1I/AAAAAAAABG4/pUDEo5uALII/s800/DSC_0184.JPG

 

Elephant Jaw

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSga2lTi1ZI/AAAAAAAABHQ/WA1iT4dEcsU/s800/DSC_0189.JPG

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSga3slBLUI/AAAAAAAABHU/9mtoBXkJ6GA/s800/DSC_0190.JPG

 

Guess what?

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSga9N5-V0I/AAAAAAAABHg/EEMdWlBhBcc/s800/DSC_0193.JPG

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgbB_ByJpI/AAAAAAAABHw/Z28OSjkx5Y0/s800/DSC_0197.JPG

 

Regretted leaving my jacket on the kup kia on the return trip

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgbHGZ-vJI/AAAAAAAABIE/PKqQyfcTzpg/s800/DSC_0203.JPG

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgbNGz9FZI/AAAAAAAABIc/CApPdsIQqGE/s800/DSC_0211.JPG

 

Part 2, Day 3 (ChiangMai - Tak)

 

We woke up at 5.15am early in the morning!

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgbSgsH2pI/AAAAAAAABIw/p6fBaC6MKgk/s800/DSC_0217.JPG

 

Rode a freezing 20 mins to the base of Doi Suthep. I will never ever forget this ride.

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgbXTE6NVI/AAAAAAAABI0/wR3eOs01IE0/s800/DSC_0218.JPG

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgbZfY4iiI/AAAAAAAABI8/vCKvB6_3ZG0/s800/DSC_0221.JPG

 

Warming ourselves in a little coffee house, reluctant to get out.

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgbj2uBM4I/AAAAAAAABJg/zWBn-_vjHOQ/s800/DSC_0229.JPG

 

Went back hotel to laze around, eat breakfast, and left for Doi Inthanon. Traffic was extremely heavy. Jams here and there.

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgbqdUYHiI/AAAAAAAABJ0/QszradQkuHw/s800/DSC_0236.JPG

 

One rider that I respect. He has been on the road for more than a month. Travelling across 5 countries (with Laos and Cambodia) bringing an insane load of 70kg FULL of pencils, etc. to give out to kids along the way. People asked why didn't he just buy it while he's at major cities rather than bringing it all the way from SG, he replied:"I wanted to feel the hardship, and I felt great lightening my load along the way."

 

The lady beside him is from Finland which he met along the way and joined him to tour around. His nick is Joemac_kint that frequents Vara forum.

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgb1GVZPEI/AAAAAAAABKE/7E0LKJ5wWY8/s800/DSC_0240.JPG

 

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http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgcHB0wSZI/AAAAAAAABKs/n6kh8pJoGz0/s800/DSC_0249.JPG

Edited January 11, 2011 by Enjoy

[GuiNNeSS]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgcN7XpbdI/AAAAAAAABK8/KEPTCNOVVx4/s800/DSC_0253.JPG

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgcVes6unI/AAAAAAAABLI/MtTAai2OXsw/s800/DSC_0256.JPG

 

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No space for Queen Kong, she's sad!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgdC8iYqCI/AAAAAAAABMg/rtlQWN-0Kvg/s800/DSC_0276.JPG

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgdG9qTNRI/AAAAAAAABMo/PqDG_VJbr10/s800/DSC_0278.JPG

 

It was getting late and we are done with photo taking so we left.

 

And this ulu place has Gasoline 95?! Somewhere near Li.

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgdXKo_yeI/AAAAAAAABNE/grbooJTBkHs/s800/DSC_0285.JPG

 

The sky getting really dark and I chiong my way at the last portion to reach Tak. Rode in the dark for a short distance. Had some troubles looking for accommodation. Went to serveral guesthouses and all were either full or too run down (some as low as 150B). So went over to Viang Tak 4* and saw loads of Motorrads from Penang. And I recalled Yap (from Auto Bavaria, Penang) telling me there's a group of riders coming up so these bikes must be them. I knew my chance of getting a room is slim as the carpark is very full as well. Spoke to the receptionists and yeah, it's full. But I got them to help me call the various hotels to check which one is still available. The Thais are really a helpful bunch of people. Khob kun Krub!

 

We went night market after we checked in. Overwhelmed by the crowd. Seems like everyone that lives in the radius of 20km is there at the carnival.

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgdcpQ3ChI/AAAAAAAABNg/onpFo57ZRyM/s800/DSC_0293.JPG

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgdoPRrR_I/AAAAAAAABOI/d4RZf_NPqAs/s800/DSC_0303.JPG

 

 

 

Part 2, Day 4 (Tak - Huahin)

 

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgdtLr5rNI/AAAAAAAABOc/udPS_3Xu3Do/s800/DSC_0308.JPG

 

Rode in the dark for short distances as well because we left a little late this morning. Had the same problem upon reaching Huahin. All guesthouses and small hotels are FULL. HuaHin is overloaded with Farangs, everywhere! Looked over 10 places and I gave up, I went further out of the main shopping area and finally found one.

 

As usual, went out for dinner.

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgd4LpSIeI/AAAAAAAABPE/Vcnu29DNo1A/s800/DSC_0318.JPG

 

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http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgeH0diYNI/AAAAAAAABP0/r_1myFaMZ5g/s800/DSC_0330.JPG

 

I think I got the last available room.

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgeMk8p9qI/AAAAAAAABQE/q2gXhMbi7zg/s800/DSC_0334.JPG

 

Everything is expensive, didn't like it here.

 

 

Part 2, Day 5 (Huahin - Trang)

 

Real boring stretch of road. Now I fully understand why most riders take train straight to Bangkok.

 

We had the most luxury meal of this trip.

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgea-duueI/AAAAAAAABQk/rj5RV523Y0Q/s800/DSC_0343.JPG

 

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http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgeivloNuI/AAAAAAAABRA/jir6rSX_kPk/s800/DSC_0350.JPG

Edited January 11, 2011 by Enjoy

[GuiNNeSS]

Part 2, Day 6 (Trang - Hatyai)

 

Easiest ride of trip. Had rain here and there and reminded me it's still monsoon area in this region. I really took the dry and cool season in the north for granted. It was perfect riding conditions up there.

 

We miss the good food in Hatyai and didn't want to leave Thailand so soon hence we rode to Hatyai which is only less than 200km away.

 

Went to try the Teochew noodles recommended by someone here.

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgeok5PRqI/AAAAAAAABRU/4jPQZUrgE5c/s800/DSC_0354.JPG

 

But we still prefer the usual stall that we patronise. We ate and ate and ate, for the whole day, lol!

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgepRGTcLI/AAAAAAAABRY/kfithLHrFq8/s800/DSC_0355.JPG

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgerTeDSLI/AAAAAAAABRg/b3sk-rKYjyk/s800/DSC_0357.JPG

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgesHTEXiI/AAAAAAAABRk/Hf2B9sfivrU/s800/DSC_0358.JPG

 

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http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSge5o2lR8I/AAAAAAAABSE/3mfe_3fRPk0/s800/DSC_0366.JPG

Edited January 11, 2011 by Enjoy

[GuiNNeSS]

Part 2, Day 7 (Hatyai - Penang)

 

We woke up early this morning so we could have our favourite breakfast in Hatyai.

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfM77esCI/AAAAAAAABSQ/orynykr7fe0/s800/DSC_0370.JPG

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfN5zLKBI/AAAAAAAABSU/2yMUiVN99As/s800/DSC_0372.JPG

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfP84NXgI/AAAAAAAABSg/-NALqVWJIco/s800/DSC_0375.JPG

 

Really really fantastic you-tiao.

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfRbm_VPI/AAAAAAAABSo/OaIskryGdQU/s800/DSC_0377.JPG

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfSznHlkI/AAAAAAAABSs/CCGniPAoysM/s800/DSC_0378.JPG

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfUUO83uI/AAAAAAAABS0/Bnd45TBwI7Y/s800/DSC_0380.JPG

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfXWuhnCI/AAAAAAAABS8/clZ2UGTLTNg/s800/DSC_0382.JPG

 

And mini pineapples

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfZcdhajI/AAAAAAAABTE/x1EvHpVErd0/s800/DSC_0384.JPG

 

And we left for Penang. If I'm alone, I would take the Yala route down and explore that area. Not safe to do it when I have pillion.

 

Got held up in Sadao border as explained in the first post. Had an easy ride down since it's near.

 

Went food hunting again after checked in. Well, that's what Penang is famous for!

 

Hock Seng Rojak

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfbMH8CSI/AAAAAAAABTM/iqjuSrV-h2I/s800/DSC_0386.JPG

 

Random Wanton mee

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfdI6-8SI/AAAAAAAABTU/X0jLrcoQ2HE/s800/DSC_0388.JPG

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfev1zeVI/AAAAAAAABTg/fxmihmn54A8/s800/DSC_0390.JPG

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfh811iuI/AAAAAAAABTs/2UdFuDMQtc8/s800/DSC_0393.JPG

 

Famous Penang Road Teochew Chendol. Some say it's even better than Malacca! I feel the chendol is better but not the gula.

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfnYZzYGI/AAAAAAAABUA/cWxrFPdUxfw/s800/DSC_0398.JPG

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfkTVZTSI/AAAAAAAABT0/W5orfUrPmxU/s800/DSC_0395.JPG

 

Cha Kuey Teow

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfpdS9N4I/AAAAAAAABUI/O5NdM7q887M/s800/DSC_0400.JPG

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfs96wXtI/AAAAAAAABUU/XjDGD0sqpFU/s800/DSC_0403.JPG

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfuZJhVAI/AAAAAAAABUc/C-4EAooiKvU/s800/DSC_0405.JPG

 

I was feeling a little uncomfortable as if signs of having a fever. So went back hotel early and took 2 pills of panadol just in case. I can't afford to fall sick.

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgfyezDHUI/AAAAAAAABUo/CKMBk4MKi0Q/s800/DSC_0408.JPG

 

 

PS: Sorry that it ended up more like a foodie post rather than road trip report, especially to muslim mates since it contains many pictures of pork. But that's about the pictures I took as I realised that I took a lot lesser sceneries pictures when I travel with my wife. Too much hassle to stop.

Edited January 11, 2011 by Enjoy

[GuiNNeSS]

Part 2, Day 8 (Penang - Home)

 

Had a great breakfast at the hotel to start the day. Check my bike and EO is running low. I also ran out of EO to top up. So I rode over to Auto Bavaria to see if I can do a oil change. Actually, I visited them yesterday but I went there during lunch time and no one in Motorrad section is around. This time, the garage door is open but no sign of mechanic, I was hoping to see Yap which I met in Chiangmai. I waited and waited but to no avail. Went over to reception and found out that he went out for breakdown case. Apparently, he's also a one man show here in Penang.

 

Guess what I saw

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgf8GOuw2I/AAAAAAAABVU/GwFyaJaLD8o/s800/DSC_0420.JPG

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgf_GU_8tI/AAAAAAAABVc/qJv3olT6S0E/s800/DSC_0422.JPG

 

I went off and bought a bottle of EO from a small bike shop.

 

This time, we took the ferry service to go back to mainland. Was preparing to pay. But the road links straight up to the waiting area. So I thought, exit then pay. We felt a little uneasy because practically everyone was looking at us like we were some aliens. Maybe yes, dressed like don't know what and with a huge bike and 3 boxes.

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSggGViPxwI/AAAAAAAABVs/vm8bBFQwaDY/s800/DSC_0425.JPG

 

We wish we could board that ship back to Singapore, wahaha!

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSggHhqVpcI/AAAAAAAABVw/52y-wItDpyU/s800/DSC_0426.JPG

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSggQPdwJlI/AAAAAAAABWI/6Di_1V8_qzI/s800/DSC_0432.JPG

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSggQpW5kOI/AAAAAAAABWM/DYlLLUakHRo/s800/DSC_0433.JPG

 

Nah, we didn't have to pay. Then I remembered I didn't pay when I exited through Penang bridge years ago. So, payment is only needed when you enter Penang.

 

For lunch

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSggY6GWbRI/AAAAAAAABWk/3SWQj4g5nbs/s800/DSC_0439.JPG

 

We rode down and it rained. I escaped a few times by blasting through the rain. But luck ran out quickly when we went past KLIA. At a short span of 10 secs, we were all wet, the rain was that heavy. I couldn't stop as well, too dangerous. Switched on all available lights, fog lights, hazard lights. Rode slowly through slightly flooded roads and managed to stop under a bridge after a good 5-10 mins of thunderstorm.

 

And this is already when the rain lightens and I could bring out the camera without getting it all wet.

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSggdAfBvFI/AAAAAAAABWw/4bt1esTtpYQ/s800/DSC_0442.JPG

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSggeANt9EI/AAAAAAAABW0/w_mPt8ZfdZI/s800/DSC_0443.JPG

 

So it was rain coat all the way to Ayer Keroh R&R. Almost dry just before I got there. Hang dry the raincoats, had our dinner and just before we left, it started raining again. Damn!

 

I cannot recall how many times the rain came on and off. It was heavy rain, rain, dry, rain, heavy rain, ..........I went slow, really slow. It's quite scary to see in the mirrors how much water the rear wheel spun up when a car close up the distance behind me. But I had to move. It could just rain all night long. Finally, it stopped somewhere before Machap and I sped up to reach GP Petronas.

 

By then the temp. licence plate is already gone. Not surprised with this sort of rain.

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgggSzr23I/AAAAAAAABW8/GjrdtlryXCY/s800/DSC_0446.JPG

 

And I got home....

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSggkR9_QmI/AAAAAAAABXM/EVPaJUtL56U/s800/DSC_0450.JPG

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSggksIulII/AAAAAAAABXQ/-12L2_rIgqM/s800/DSC_0451.JPG

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSgglcZWAvI/AAAAAAAABXU/7uyjdF1mhek/s800/DSC_0453.JPG

 

Already with some items off.

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSggmQi9WTI/AAAAAAAABXY/aKBP7wMmbio/s800/DSC_0454.JPG

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSggnQfnp9I/AAAAAAAABXc/lG1qGIwdKi8/s800/DSC_0455.JPG

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs8qjqmG_5s/TSggqpjeBTI/AAAAAAAABXo/85NVjGFpCj8/s800/DSC_0457.JPG

 

Seeya next time, Land Of Smiles! Amazing Thailand!

Edited January 11, 2011 by Enjoy

[GuiNNeSS]

Reserved.......

[Kazky]

Direction to MHS Chamber of Commerce Office (MHS Cert)

If you are coming from Mae Sariang, there is a T-Junction that you need to turn right INSIDE MHS town. Going straight is an upslope and seems (I didn't go, so I dont know) to lead you to nowhere. The office is on your left. Before Baiyoke chalet hotel, opposite Post Office. If you see KFC or even Panorama Hotel, you have overshot. U-turn and go slow. You should see it in a moment or two.

 

GPS Co-Ordinates

N 19.29930

E 097.96561

 

Bro, ur GPS Co-ordinates is in hddd"mm.mmm' right? I tried to input in the numbers but i have problems wif the E coordinates. 097.96561, the GPS only allow me to input no 5 the max on that particular digit.

Can u double confirm it pls.. Sorry for the trouble.

[GuiNNeSS]

Bro, ur GPS Co-ordinates is in hddd"mm.mmm' right? I tried to input in the numbers but i have problems wif the E coordinates. 097.96561, the GPS only allow me to input no 5 the max on that particular digit.

Can u double confirm it pls.. Sorry for the trouble.

 

 

You can set the different formats in your GPS unit.

 

This site gives a good conversion to various formats available.

 

http://boulter.com/gps/