From my last trip to the MotoGP Sepang
The Trip Down.
The bike ride this year is a hybrid trip to see the MotoGP in Malaysia. The original plan was to ride all the way on that trusty bike the Honda Forza but holiday allocations combined with the fact that bike hire shops in Chiang Mai did not, at the time of hiring, allow a hire to Malaysia meant we had to turn the trip into a whole variety of travel experiences.
The down leg was pretty much to a schedule, the Malaysian KTM Berhad ETS the new ish electric express trains must be booked. I did that using BAOLAU, a web based booking service. Here is the Link
Being unable to take the hire bike across the border to Malaysia we needed a safe place to park them up. The Centara Hotel Hat Yai provided that so we booked that in advance as well, for both the down trip and, as we had to pick the bikes up upon our return, our first night back in Thailand.
My Trusty Forza
Saturday 27/10/2018 and my ride friend Ian arrives in Chiang Mai. Time to get accustomed to the tropics. We spend the Saturday and Sunday relaxing in and around Chiang Mai as well as collecting Ian's rental Forza from Pop's.
Day 1 Chiang Mai to Chai Nat
29/10/18 Monday morning and the time had come to start the trip. The down leg was to a schedule as we had pre booked out hotel in Hat Yai where we were to leave the bikes and the train ticket to Kuala Lumpur. Today we had over 500 km to cover, mostly highway.
Here is the route we took.
Here is the route we took.
We started with a good old fry up and of course lots of coffee and then we were on our way.
The ride was easy, very little traffic considering we were on highway 11 and then highway 1.
Just past Lampang and only 100 km into the trip we took out first break to drain the bladder, well lets face I am getting on now.
Of course as there was fuel and an Amazon coffee shop we took advantage of these as well.
Just past Lampang and only 100 km into the trip we took out first break to drain the bladder, well lets face I am getting on now.
Of course as there was fuel and an Amazon coffee shop we took advantage of these as well.
Before Nakhon Sawan there are these photogenic outcrops.
By mid afternoon we were at the hotel. We had booked the Chianat Thani via Booking.com where the facilities included a restaurant in the description and a bar in the pictures. It cost 800฿ per room including breakfast.
Upon check in we were told the bar and restaurant was closed but we could order room service. The nice helpful chap at reception said our room service order could be made and served in the restaurant area and they did have a big fridge stocked with beer! For info, at the time of writing this hotel is no longer listed on Booking.com
Upon check in we were told the bar and restaurant was closed but we could order room service. The nice helpful chap at reception said our room service order could be made and served in the restaurant area and they did have a big fridge stocked with beer! For info, at the time of writing this hotel is no longer listed on Booking.com
The portions were ample and as a result we ordered way too much food. The chap at reception doubled as our waiter but he didn't know the difference between the Chang we ordered and Heineken, I guess they both have green bottles!
Anyway we rather liked the Heineken so we kept on drinking that until it was time to retire to our rooms, day 1 over.
Anyway we rather liked the Heineken so we kept on drinking that until it was time to retire to our rooms, day 1 over.
Day 2, Chai Nat to Bang Boet Bay Chumphon.
30/10/18 Day 2 and we wanted to get a fare way along the road to Hat Yai. We also needed to skirt around the west of Bangkok in order to avoid traffic and road restriction problems. We had spotted what appeared to be an idyllic resort right on the beach called Bang Boet Bay Resort. We made that our target.
We had finished breakfast by 8 am and were ready to get on our way.
Ian ready to go
The route was much easier than I had expected, even joining highway 4.
Of course after an hour or so I made a stop for the first pee break of the day, well no good riding with stress on the bladder, you never know what will happen when you hit a compression or pothole. I tend to stick to PTT when I don't know the area, the toilets are usually passable with some being good plus most have and most have an Amazon cafe and a 7 eleven.
Note the GPS on the photos may be incorrect, my camera suffered a bit of a glitch.
Of course after an hour or so I made a stop for the first pee break of the day, well no good riding with stress on the bladder, you never know what will happen when you hit a compression or pothole. I tend to stick to PTT when I don't know the area, the toilets are usually passable with some being good plus most have and most have an Amazon cafe and a 7 eleven.
Note the GPS on the photos may be incorrect, my camera suffered a bit of a glitch.
Lunch was KFC
KFC
Later in the afternoon we arrived at Bang Boet Bay Resort, we needed to ask around as the map (not for the first time) was a little off.
Its a small place listed on Booking.com at 1,500฿ for the period we stayed per room-night. We got it for 800฿ including breakfast.
The rooms are clean and maybe a little basic but good for a night or 2.
Its a small place listed on Booking.com at 1,500฿ for the period we stayed per room-night. We got it for 800฿ including breakfast.
The rooms are clean and maybe a little basic but good for a night or 2.
It was nice to be right by the sea, despite the plastic waste. Right next door there is a restaurant. I looks like a bit of a shack but it serves some of the best seafood I have had. Fantastic food and the resort owner lady is on hand to ensure you get what you want cooked as you want. A most useful service as the restaurant staff don't speak English.
I cannot speak highly enough of the lady that run this place and her husband. Fantastic hosts.
I cannot speak highly enough of the lady that run this place and her husband. Fantastic hosts.
Day 3 Bang Boet Bay to Hat Yai.
31/10/18 The ride on the final down ride was, to a large extent, uneventful.
There were a couple of light showers that enhanced the pleasure of the ride by cooling us. One looked like it would get us very wet as in a few minuets it soaked out T shirts but no sooner had we stopped under a tree to discuss putting on our wet weather bin bags and deciding no, as we were already wet it stopped, the sun came out and we were dry in no time.
There were a couple of light showers that enhanced the pleasure of the ride by cooling us. One looked like it would get us very wet as in a few minuets it soaked out T shirts but no sooner had we stopped under a tree to discuss putting on our wet weather bin bags and deciding no, as we were already wet it stopped, the sun came out and we were dry in no time.
Of course we stopped for coffee...
Soon we were at the Hay Yai Centara Hotel. the bikes parked underground right next to the parking security.
The hotel tried to ask us to pay for the days we were not guests in the hotel, the days in Malaysia, but they had agreed to include it when I booked and I had a copy of that.
The Centara is just as you would expect, a quality hotel, drinks a little pricey but some good deals on food.
More pics.
The hotel tried to ask us to pay for the days we were not guests in the hotel, the days in Malaysia, but they had agreed to include it when I booked and I had a copy of that.
The Centara is just as you would expect, a quality hotel, drinks a little pricey but some good deals on food.
More pics.
And that concluded the ride down, a good night sleep and onto the trains tomorrow.
Malaysia for the MotoGP
Being unable to take the rental bike across the border we Incorporated train and plane for the next sector of the journey.
It certainly made admin simple and was most enjoyable.
It certainly made admin simple and was most enjoyable.
Day 4 The Train to Malaysia
1/11/18 An early start.
We needed to get to Hat Yai railway station to get our tickets for the local train from there to the border station at Padang Besar and having been advised we needed to be there early we set off about 6.30 am from the hotel.
We needn't have worried, there were few people about.
We got out tickets, 40฿ each and wandered over to the train.
We needn't have worried, there were few people about.
We got out tickets, 40฿ each and wandered over to the train.
The train pulled out around on time ish and an hour and a bit later we were at Padang Besar where we were directed into lines for the Thai exit immigration.
We got the "morning after" one who seemed not to know what to do with both Ian's nor my passport. To add to the mess a young Irish couple were in front of me trying to do an in-out visa run, except they had no TM 6 cards or any paperwork it would seem. The immigration chap was having non of it and told then they had to stay in Malaysia 1 night before the return.
The Malay side was much more streamlined and had very pleasant staff. They x-ray-ed bags and asked me why I had a load of meds in a bag, what for? When I told them of my conditions they smiled and waived me through.
Time for a brew and a snack then onto the modern electric train that Malaysia rail operates these days. The trains are all 1 class but there are different classes of trains. We were on a platinum train, the top class. Nothing to do with being posh or the like, only to do with the train time.
Platinum or not these new trains have compact seating, you had more space on the others. Good points include a cafe, good toilets, and should you be of the Islamic faith, a shower and prayer room.
We got the "morning after" one who seemed not to know what to do with both Ian's nor my passport. To add to the mess a young Irish couple were in front of me trying to do an in-out visa run, except they had no TM 6 cards or any paperwork it would seem. The immigration chap was having non of it and told then they had to stay in Malaysia 1 night before the return.
The Malay side was much more streamlined and had very pleasant staff. They x-ray-ed bags and asked me why I had a load of meds in a bag, what for? When I told them of my conditions they smiled and waived me through.
Time for a brew and a snack then onto the modern electric train that Malaysia rail operates these days. The trains are all 1 class but there are different classes of trains. We were on a platinum train, the top class. Nothing to do with being posh or the like, only to do with the train time.
Platinum or not these new trains have compact seating, you had more space on the others. Good points include a cafe, good toilets, and should you be of the Islamic faith, a shower and prayer room.
Once at KL Sentral we took the (crowded) commuter train to Serdang where we were met by Chris, Loida and Ruth our wonderful host for the next 5 days.
Then we went to the impressive IOI mall to look and eat, the food on a Bali theme was very good. The mall had a Magnum shop as in the ice-cream, have you ever seen that before? I haven't.
Day 5 Circuit day 1
2/11/18 After a restful evening and a nice spot of breakfast it was time for Chris to drive us to the Sepang circuit. We had pre booked tickets and parking although the parking sticker was not required that day. They went to park the car whilst I went and collected the parking sticker, I had printed the tickets out at home.
There was lot of activity, rider meeting, practise and a ton of product displays enhanced by some very petty girls.
There was lot of activity, rider meeting, practise and a ton of product displays enhanced by some very petty girls.
We drove back and made ready for the evening meal. Our host Ruth had picked Yong Thau Foo Leong Ya tonight. What a treat!
A basic open fronted establishment with plastic chairs and plastic table covers. Fantastic food, great taste, good service great host.
A must when in the area. I have included a few pictures below and should you want to know more this Link will get you to Google maps.
A basic open fronted establishment with plastic chairs and plastic table covers. Fantastic food, great taste, good service great host.
A must when in the area. I have included a few pictures below and should you want to know more this Link will get you to Google maps.
Day 6 Circuit for qualifying.
3/11/18 There was a good attendance for qualifying and it took a couple of minutes to get into the circuit with ticket bar codes being scanned and security.
Given the size of the crowds this event attracts, there are few places for refreshments and until you actually get to the grandstand which is a fair trek, very very few toilets with no signage easily visible.
The day was overcast, a bit muggy as we trudged past the trade displays and grabbed some seats opposite the pits. Its free seating for both qualifying and race day at Sepang.
We drank a couple of waters and a couple of beers as the pre qualifying and qualifying got underway when the heavens opened and the track had a few cm of water on it.
Although some of the other classes had completed qualifying, MotoGP had not and we decided there was a good chance it would not finish that day. As it happens we were wrong with that.
We decided to try to beat the traffic and set off back to the car.
Sheltered by an umbrella, Chris and Ian manages to avoid a good deal of the rain belting down from the skies but I had not planned so well and was drenched.
Upon reaching the exit we were required to scan out ticket bar-codes to exit, monsoon rain pelting down and we have to produce paper tickets with bar-codes on them!
The guys went on ahead and got the car and when they picked me up they had felt it necessary to protect the car seat from my sodden clothes with a dog blanket.
Given the size of the crowds this event attracts, there are few places for refreshments and until you actually get to the grandstand which is a fair trek, very very few toilets with no signage easily visible.
The day was overcast, a bit muggy as we trudged past the trade displays and grabbed some seats opposite the pits. Its free seating for both qualifying and race day at Sepang.
We drank a couple of waters and a couple of beers as the pre qualifying and qualifying got underway when the heavens opened and the track had a few cm of water on it.
Although some of the other classes had completed qualifying, MotoGP had not and we decided there was a good chance it would not finish that day. As it happens we were wrong with that.
We decided to try to beat the traffic and set off back to the car.
Sheltered by an umbrella, Chris and Ian manages to avoid a good deal of the rain belting down from the skies but I had not planned so well and was drenched.
Upon reaching the exit we were required to scan out ticket bar-codes to exit, monsoon rain pelting down and we have to produce paper tickets with bar-codes on them!
The guys went on ahead and got the car and when they picked me up they had felt it necessary to protect the car seat from my sodden clothes with a dog blanket.
Day 7 Race Day
4/11/18 Even with setting off in good time, the traffic was heavy and often static going to the circuit. There was not too much trouble nipping out of the car to the trees for a pee when required with the car hardly having gone any distance.
By the time the car was parked the circuit was packed with more spectators arriving by the minute. The security, metal and bag xray systems were in use but alarms were ignored, they were simply too busy to implement airport type security.
It was hot, overcast but hot. We went as quickly as having me in the party would allow to look for seats.
There were non to be had on the start/finish straight so we went over to the seating on the back straight which, in my opinion, has the better view but suffers from a having only the one big screen and no sound commentary or leader-board. Good position though, here are some pictures.
By the time the car was parked the circuit was packed with more spectators arriving by the minute. The security, metal and bag xray systems were in use but alarms were ignored, they were simply too busy to implement airport type security.
It was hot, overcast but hot. We went as quickly as having me in the party would allow to look for seats.
There were non to be had on the start/finish straight so we went over to the seating on the back straight which, in my opinion, has the better view but suffers from a having only the one big screen and no sound commentary or leader-board. Good position though, here are some pictures.
The race order had been arranged so the MotoGP was the first race. Rossi led from the start with Marquez in pursuit and catching him. The promising battle between the pair was cut short when Rossi came off.
Post MotoGP the clouds were starting to gather although the heat was oppressive and we once again decided for an early exit to beat the traffic. As it happens tens of thousands of other spectators had decided to do the same thing.
I was getting quite dehydrated by now and tried to buy some water or other soft drink without sugar but there was non to be had. Pretty poor that a venue only allows you to bring in 600 ml of water yet does not ensure enough vendors are there so you can buy more.
The crowds were bumping and jostling on the way out and I felt a quite firm jolt once. I carried on and to the exit where I reached into my pocket for my phone.
It had gone! The jolt! I have little doubt some thief took it although I do apportion some of the blame to myself. I was daft enough to have it in an open shirt pocket.
Not having a phone is a problem but as far as this trip goes, it accounts for a lack of pictures and maps. I transfer my camera photos to the phone and use it for GPS tagging and I record my actual route travelled using Google maps. So now you know why there are so few race photos...
Post MotoGP the clouds were starting to gather although the heat was oppressive and we once again decided for an early exit to beat the traffic. As it happens tens of thousands of other spectators had decided to do the same thing.
I was getting quite dehydrated by now and tried to buy some water or other soft drink without sugar but there was non to be had. Pretty poor that a venue only allows you to bring in 600 ml of water yet does not ensure enough vendors are there so you can buy more.
The crowds were bumping and jostling on the way out and I felt a quite firm jolt once. I carried on and to the exit where I reached into my pocket for my phone.
It had gone! The jolt! I have little doubt some thief took it although I do apportion some of the blame to myself. I was daft enough to have it in an open shirt pocket.
Not having a phone is a problem but as far as this trip goes, it accounts for a lack of pictures and maps. I transfer my camera photos to the phone and use it for GPS tagging and I record my actual route travelled using Google maps. So now you know why there are so few race photos...
Day 8 Sightseeing
5/11/18 When we planned this trip we planned a day where we could see some sights but more importantly have the group together as we don't get chance to do so very often with Chris and Loida living in the Philippines, Ian in the UK whilst I am in Thailand and Ruth, out host being in unsurprisingly in Malaysia.
To start we went for a sightseeing drive around Putrajaya. Putrajaya is an interesting place, it has been purposely built to house the government and its offices making it the administrative capital. It is a green (garden) city.
It's major interests include information technology and it is next to Cyberjaya.
After touring Putrajaya we went to another little gem, an open sided cafe this time serving Indian food.
To start we went for a sightseeing drive around Putrajaya. Putrajaya is an interesting place, it has been purposely built to house the government and its offices making it the administrative capital. It is a green (garden) city.
It's major interests include information technology and it is next to Cyberjaya.
After touring Putrajaya we went to another little gem, an open sided cafe this time serving Indian food.
In the afternoon to the evening we went to Kuala Lumpur and the Petronas twin towers area. Although we could not go up the towers it was still a great place to visit. There are shops and restaurants a plenty. We had a couple of beers at Mama San and later up to Ben's for dinner. What a good day.
We were fortunate with late afternoon rain leading to some misty conditions around the towers.
We were fortunate with late afternoon rain leading to some misty conditions around the towers.
Day 9, Back to Thailand
6/11/19 It was time to say goodbye to our friends and our new friend Ruth our host as we climbed into the taxi and headed to KLIA terminal 2, the terminal that has replaced to awful "low cost terminal" which I am sure was modelled on a bus station.
Terminal 2 is modern, clean and has a host of facilities. Check in and immigration was smooth and efficient.
En route to the gate there was a food area with a choice of eateries. We chose Burger King.
Our flight left just before scheduled departure time, Air Asia. It was a good flight lasting just over an hour before we were deplaned onto the tarmac and walked into the terminal for immigration.
Land side and we took one of the many car taxi services on offer at 200฿ and we were back at the hotel.
Terminal 2 is modern, clean and has a host of facilities. Check in and immigration was smooth and efficient.
En route to the gate there was a food area with a choice of eateries. We chose Burger King.
Our flight left just before scheduled departure time, Air Asia. It was a good flight lasting just over an hour before we were deplaned onto the tarmac and walked into the terminal for immigration.
Land side and we took one of the many car taxi services on offer at 200฿ and we were back at the hotel.
Having checked back into the Centara Hotel my overriding objective was to replace my stolen phone.
My wife had already reported it stolen to our service provider blocking that sim and been told I could go to any DTAC shop in Thailand and get a new sim with the same number and account.
What I needed now was a new phone and being reactivated with the service.
I was thinking of a new phone before my phone went missing but I had hoped to wait until the end of the month as there were rumours of new improved models being released. I would have to miss that, which I later found to be no great loss.
I really fancied the Huawai P20 Pro and so it was.
Although I found a shop with the handset at a decent price, I opted to get the unit from DTAC itself. It took a little time and a consultation with a more senior member of staff before getting the sim and account sorted, I walked out of the store with a fully functional phone. All I needed now was to put some apps I use on and to find out how on earth to operate the thing.
My wife had already reported it stolen to our service provider blocking that sim and been told I could go to any DTAC shop in Thailand and get a new sim with the same number and account.
What I needed now was a new phone and being reactivated with the service.
I was thinking of a new phone before my phone went missing but I had hoped to wait until the end of the month as there were rumours of new improved models being released. I would have to miss that, which I later found to be no great loss.
I really fancied the Huawai P20 Pro and so it was.
Although I found a shop with the handset at a decent price, I opted to get the unit from DTAC itself. It took a little time and a consultation with a more senior member of staff before getting the sim and account sorted, I walked out of the store with a fully functional phone. All I needed now was to put some apps I use on and to find out how on earth to operate the thing.
Day 10 Hat Yai to Ao Nang
7/11/19 The ride back had always been planned to be the leisurely portion of the trip so we took advantage of the Centara buffet breakfast in the morning before packing the bikes which were just as we left them.
My route planning was done with Google maps which has the advantage of a specific (motor) bike setting and real time traffic (which in truth is not so real time). Ian was using OsmAnd with downloaded maps. Between the 2 systems we figured we should get where we are going.
My route planning was done with Google maps which has the advantage of a specific (motor) bike setting and real time traffic (which in truth is not so real time). Ian was using OsmAnd with downloaded maps. Between the 2 systems we figured we should get where we are going.
It was a really enjoyable ride to Ao Nang although the above map may not be 100% as I had not yet got my new phone recording where we had gone. It looks about right though and the roads were good with some good scenery and sweeping curves in the hills.
We stayed a couple of nights in Ao Nang.
I had booked rooms at the Anyavee Ban Ao Nang Resort perhaps not my best choice. I have linked the name so you can book if you like and also see the description.
The rooms were fine although my room needed a new safe (which they brought and affixed to the wall). The bar / restaurant however, which was poolside, only opened until 7 pm. Some pictures;
We stayed a couple of nights in Ao Nang.
I had booked rooms at the Anyavee Ban Ao Nang Resort perhaps not my best choice. I have linked the name so you can book if you like and also see the description.
The rooms were fine although my room needed a new safe (which they brought and affixed to the wall). The bar / restaurant however, which was poolside, only opened until 7 pm. Some pictures;
We had a casual night, around the beach road, a few drinks, a meal and watching the sunset. We returned to the hotel, that is when we found out the bar closed at 7 pm. The staff at the front desk suggested 7 Eleven for beer, so we did, not only that but we treated ourselves to a Magnum and sat in the foyer to enjoy our ice cream and beer.
Day 11 Ao Nang
8/11/19 A relaxing day around Ao Nang. We had decided last night that we would breakfast away from the hotel. There is no shortage of places to pick from but we elected to try the Aning restaurant which I think is a part of Ao Nang Beach Resort. It was a good choice, so much so that this venue became a regular place to call into. I had avoided booking here as there was "very limited parking" but in truth that would not have applied to bikes. Next time I think this may be the place to stay.
Post breakfast we continued our wandering, we must have got lost because later in the afternoon we ended up back at Aning, this time sat at the bar side.
The discounted Gin & Tonic were going down a treat and as the evening went on the lady-boys came out to promote the show and an occasional photo opportunity.
The discounted Gin & Tonic were going down a treat and as the evening went on the lady-boys came out to promote the show and an occasional photo opportunity.
Evening and it was time to eat, we had decided on Indian for that evening and so it was with Ian ordering an outrageously big tandoori mixed grill!
After the meal (or most of it, Ian had to doggy bag some to finish in his room) we returned to Aning and some live music.
After the meal (or most of it, Ian had to doggy bag some to finish in his room) we returned to Aning and some live music.
Day 12 Ao Nang to Bang Boet Bay (and a detour).
9/11/18 We had wondered if we should route out trip via Ranong but we decided against it and thought another night of wonderful seafood at Bang Boet bay would be just the ticket.
Having checked out we called in Aning for breakfast then set off in bright sunlight to cross to the other coast. A really great ride over the.... and north on highway 41 until we neared Chumphon where we had to carefully skirt round flooded areas of the road. With menacing clouds is was clear there had been some heavy downpours in this area. Continuing north we arrived at a at a point at Wisai Nuea where the police had closed the road. They pointed to a detour inland in rural roads. Before we joined highway 4 the heavens opened, some of the most intense rain I have seen, extremely low visibility.
We plodded on slowly and reached our destination. Have you rooms we asked? They had and they helped by loaning us a cloth horse so we could drain our cloths of the litres of water soaked in them.
Having checked out we called in Aning for breakfast then set off in bright sunlight to cross to the other coast. A really great ride over the.... and north on highway 41 until we neared Chumphon where we had to carefully skirt round flooded areas of the road. With menacing clouds is was clear there had been some heavy downpours in this area. Continuing north we arrived at a at a point at Wisai Nuea where the police had closed the road. They pointed to a detour inland in rural roads. Before we joined highway 4 the heavens opened, some of the most intense rain I have seen, extremely low visibility.
We plodded on slowly and reached our destination. Have you rooms we asked? They had and they helped by loaning us a cloth horse so we could drain our cloths of the litres of water soaked in them.
It was still raining although no where like as hard as before.
Showered and changed into dry cloths I went over to the driftwood and corrugated iron restaurant, the owners of the restaurant were in discussion with a handyman. I got a beer. The boss lady of the resort came to talk and explain the restaurant had no power everything had shorted out in the storm. They could cook whilst it was still light so they could see what they were doing. Some hast was needed and fortunately Ian was out and about.
The resort lady said we could eat in the office, that was dry and lit. Gratefully we accepted the offer. We ordered our food and beer so it could be prepared before dark.
Whilst all this was going on there were arrivals with no booking asking for rooms, all roads to Bangkok and the north were closed and rooms were at a premium. It's a good job we arrived when we did. What about tomorrow? Would the roads be open? Would the rain have stopped?
No point in dwelling on what may be, we elected to get some rest and meet for breakfast.
Showered and changed into dry cloths I went over to the driftwood and corrugated iron restaurant, the owners of the restaurant were in discussion with a handyman. I got a beer. The boss lady of the resort came to talk and explain the restaurant had no power everything had shorted out in the storm. They could cook whilst it was still light so they could see what they were doing. Some hast was needed and fortunately Ian was out and about.
The resort lady said we could eat in the office, that was dry and lit. Gratefully we accepted the offer. We ordered our food and beer so it could be prepared before dark.
Whilst all this was going on there were arrivals with no booking asking for rooms, all roads to Bangkok and the north were closed and rooms were at a premium. It's a good job we arrived when we did. What about tomorrow? Would the roads be open? Would the rain have stopped?
No point in dwelling on what may be, we elected to get some rest and meet for breakfast.
Day 13, Bang Boet Bay to Cha Am.
10/11/18 There was light rain in the morning but certainly not enough to stop us riding. I put on a clean dry t-shirt for the trip but the pants were still pretty damp. As Ian pointed out there is very good chance they will get wet through again.
Breakfast, load the bikes and pay the bills and away we went.
Google maps is supposed to show traffic information, colour coded but we found the information or more correctly the lack of it to be the case especially when it came to floods.
Breakfast, load the bikes and pay the bills and away we went.
Google maps is supposed to show traffic information, colour coded but we found the information or more correctly the lack of it to be the case especially when it came to floods.
This is one of those days that I really regret not bringing the Go Pro, it was pleasant riding as we set off with just a little light rain which pretty quickly ceased. The lack of rain may have been a blessing but within the first 10 km we came upon our first flooded road.
There were a couple of older Thai chaps by the roadside who indicated it was OK to ride through so, taking the centre most line we rode ahead.
No real problem but more was to come as we neared Bang Saphan where the river was now flowing over the road some of which had been washed away. The bridge was having debris removed by a digger and the town was flooded with flowing water. Not only that but you couldn't see below the water so riding into a hole or worse was possible.
Cars in front of us were creeping through the flood and we followed. Thankfully without anything worse than wet feet.
I have heard many a criticism of the Forza and references to it being a "bath tub". Well the "bath tub" design is a help in floods.
Although once on highway 4 there were no more detours or water to ride through the floods had effected Cha Am which combined with roadworks meant an exploratory route to the sea front.
We had decided to stay on Soi Bus Station with its numerous bars and guest houses.
We plumped for Perfect House to lay out heads. A little pricey at 700฿ but clean and convenient.
There were a couple of older Thai chaps by the roadside who indicated it was OK to ride through so, taking the centre most line we rode ahead.
No real problem but more was to come as we neared Bang Saphan where the river was now flowing over the road some of which had been washed away. The bridge was having debris removed by a digger and the town was flooded with flowing water. Not only that but you couldn't see below the water so riding into a hole or worse was possible.
Cars in front of us were creeping through the flood and we followed. Thankfully without anything worse than wet feet.
I have heard many a criticism of the Forza and references to it being a "bath tub". Well the "bath tub" design is a help in floods.
Although once on highway 4 there were no more detours or water to ride through the floods had effected Cha Am which combined with roadworks meant an exploratory route to the sea front.
We had decided to stay on Soi Bus Station with its numerous bars and guest houses.
We plumped for Perfect House to lay out heads. A little pricey at 700฿ but clean and convenient.
Checked in I went to find an ATM.
I found a small Bangkok bank office on the sea front, the ATM was out of service. I asked the teller if I could get cash from him using the card as the ATM was not functional. He told me no and suggested 7 Eleven.
The ATM at 7 Eleven seemed to be working but when I asked for cash it asked if I wanted another service and then spat my card out! Was there a problem with the Bangkok Bank computers or my account I was thinking (as my phone had been stolen with a mobile banking app on it)? One thing for sure, I couldn't get any dosh out and we were still a long way from home.
My riding pal Ian on the trip became my temporary bank!
We grabbed a snack and a beer or 2 at an old friends bar, the Red Lion then decided a nap would best serve our needs.
I found a small Bangkok bank office on the sea front, the ATM was out of service. I asked the teller if I could get cash from him using the card as the ATM was not functional. He told me no and suggested 7 Eleven.
The ATM at 7 Eleven seemed to be working but when I asked for cash it asked if I wanted another service and then spat my card out! Was there a problem with the Bangkok Bank computers or my account I was thinking (as my phone had been stolen with a mobile banking app on it)? One thing for sure, I couldn't get any dosh out and we were still a long way from home.
My riding pal Ian on the trip became my temporary bank!
We grabbed a snack and a beer or 2 at an old friends bar, the Red Lion then decided a nap would best serve our needs.
My plan was watching football on TV later that night. Plus we needed food and a venue that could provide both was The Lounge.
Day 14, Cha Am to Kanchanburi.
11/11/18 We had added Kanchanburi to the trip rather than stay another day at Bang Boet Bay with the possibility of rain. Within Thailand I now use Google for my navigation as my data plan allows for the required data connection. Google is great, you can see and select routes and there is a bike mode. The bike more can get you along some pretty rural routes and in and out of village cut throughs.
The lounge claimed to serve the "Best breakfast in Thailand" so before the ride we gave it a go...
And on the way we of course stopped for coffee...
And on the way we of course stopped for coffee...
Our accommodation in Kanchanburi was The Thai Garden Inn, a fantastic little resort just over the bridge (a bridge no the famous one) from the town where Judy, the owner met us.
Having checked into our chalets we wanted to go to the War cemetery. It was Remembrance Sunday but we were too late for the service. That was no reason not to go we figured.
I also needed some cash not having been able to get any in Cha Am. Judy told me she had just got some from the ATM at the 7 Eleven on the way to the cemetery so it was working OK.
Having checked into our chalets we wanted to go to the War cemetery. It was Remembrance Sunday but we were too late for the service. That was no reason not to go we figured.
I also needed some cash not having been able to get any in Cha Am. Judy told me she had just got some from the ATM at the 7 Eleven on the way to the cemetery so it was working OK.
As I walked to the ATM the screen changed to "Sorry out of service"! What is going on? Do I emit a close-down command?
Day 15, Kanchanburi to Tak
12/11/18 Breakfast over we set off originally with Kamphaeng Phet as our destination. Again we looked to avoid the main highways as much as possible.
But first we stopped at the "Bridge on the River Kwai" for a photo or two.
The route was fantastic although few coffee cafes were seen until getting close to highway 1. After some way at Mea Wong, we spotted a 7 Eleven, that would have to do but were there toilets nearby?
No, no sign of any so I am afraid the grass behind the store got a watering.
What there was at the store was an ATM. I inserted my card and requested my cash. After a bit of a wait and a sputter (it seemed) out came the dosh!
At last. What a relief.
Taking refreshments it was only lunch time, Kamphaeng Phet was only an hour or two away depending on traffic so did we stop there or press on to Tak?
We decided to press on to Tak where I chose an impressive looking hotel I had fancied trying for a while.
The White House Hotel.
No, no sign of any so I am afraid the grass behind the store got a watering.
What there was at the store was an ATM. I inserted my card and requested my cash. After a bit of a wait and a sputter (it seemed) out came the dosh!
At last. What a relief.
Taking refreshments it was only lunch time, Kamphaeng Phet was only an hour or two away depending on traffic so did we stop there or press on to Tak?
We decided to press on to Tak where I chose an impressive looking hotel I had fancied trying for a while.
The White House Hotel.
As you can see it is a pretty grand place with very nice rooms BUT the only food that was available was breakfast in the morning.
It being some distance out of town we resorted to having KFC delivered which we ate poolside.
It being some distance out of town we resorted to having KFC delivered which we ate poolside.
Day 16, Tak back to Chiang Mai.
13/11/18 Our final day with a short ride from Tak to Chiang Mai. We had decided highway 106 the "Pilgrimge Route would be a nice way to finish the trip.
First breakfast at The White House Hotel, buffet style but not really to my liking, still it met the need.
By lunchtime we were back at Tepin Baan Lek, the pool looked inviting but first Pin had made a bite to eat and Moo wanted to say hello.
And that concludes the trip to Sepang. Contributions and comments welcome, please use the CONTACT AN OLD BLOKE form.