Capss in Thailand & Laos

[Capss]

Day 28

Woke up with a cracking hangover, but had a good 9 hours sleep and sorted out my kit ready to pack the bike, this was at about 0630hrs, it was still dark outside, so glad I brought a torch with me


The plan was to ride to Phonsali today and then go further up north to the Chinese border. However when I went out side my initial thoughts came true as I could hear the noise on the roof of the hut, it was raining. In fact it wasn’t just raining it was lashing it down. Not good..
I had about 14km to do before I got on to some tarmac, what a hard 14 km it was. The track had turned to a slippery top surface of mud which yet again was like riding over ice. So very slowly and precariously I made my way along the track, had to do two river crossing, one of which was a straight ride through after a very slippery slope down to the water, how I didn’t end up in the river i’ll never know. The second was a wooden log bridge, the logs had been laid bank to bank and not side on, and there was big gaps in the logs, big enough for a tyre to fit between. So it was off the bike and keeping it in first gear I walked the bike across using the engine to move the bike along. Once cleared it was back on the very slippery track and heading for the 13N, that took me about and hour to do.


Finally I got to the main road and by this time I was well and truly drenched and extremely cold. Bearing in mind I am only wearing my motocross gear, glad I was, more to come…


I set the GPS to a road junction where I was then going to turn left and head for Phonsali, but… as I was going down the 13N towards the junction I was on a down hill stretch which was very twisty so I was only going very slowly as I could see diesel all over the place, any way I came slowly round this left hand bend and that that it the front went straight from underneath me, I went down quite hard but the bike used me as a cushion, thankfully, and we both slid down hill for about 10 feet before coming to a stop in a verge. Managed to get the bike off me and picked it up, Bike ok, just a scrapped clutch leaver, happy with that, I have got a bruised elbow, but the full body armour certainly did its job, the motocross shirt is a bit shredded so is off in the bin. So apart from a bruised elbow where it clattered against the elbow protectors, all it good. Don't worry Phil the bike is fine
So I was now wet, cold and hurting. Got to the junction of the 13N and a road near Namotay and looked at the road, not good and I decided against traveling it. I am here to enjoy it and not do any unnecessary risk. So I set of for Luang Namtha a few days early. It was still 50k’s before I got there, and it was a long, wet, cold 50k’s. Eventually got here for about 1045hrs and rode up the main street looking for a place to get a room.
I found the ManyChan Guesthouse and Restaurant N21.00251° E101.40943° on the main drag and went in to see if they had a room after having two coffees to try and warm up. Got a room, clean with luke warm water and wifi in the restaurant area. The poor lady in the Guesthouse was following me about with the mop as I was dripping water all over the place. Hot shower and food was in order. Then to plan what I am going to do next?


Hence not many photos today


IMG_1586 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1587 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1588 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1589 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Wayne

 

[Lone Rider]

Quick question
How is the bridge crossing from Laos to Thailand via Houyxai when you have crossed in to Laos at a different point. Do you still need to get an escort, pickup truck? I am just trying to work out my last leg of the journey before going back in to Thailand
Thanks

Wayne

No problem when you have crossed into Laos at another point. Yes, the Lao officials most probably will insist that they escort you over the bridge for a price of course (guess about 500 Baht). It is a rip-of but what can you do.

 

[bsacbob]

Look's like you found one of the love shacks to spend the night Wayne , seeing as the weather has turned you did yourself a big favour not to continue west to Nalae there are several river crossings that can be tricky even in the dry season. Thanks for the info on the Northerly trail one i have not done before and will put on my to do list.

There is a great Pizza place across from the Manychan if your into Pizza's.

 

[Capss]

Look's like you found one of the love shacks to spend the night Wayne , seeing as the weather has turned you did yourself a big favour not to continue west to Nalae there are several river crossings that can be tricky even in the dry season. Thanks for the info on the Northerly trail one i have not done before and will put on my to do list.

There is a great Pizza place across from the Manychan if your into Pizza's.

Thanks once again Bob, looks like tea is sorted haha

Wayne

 

[Capss]

No problem when you have crossed into Laos at another point. Yes, the Lao officials most probably will insist that they escort you over the bridge for a price of course (guess about 500 Baht). It is a rip-of but what can you do.

Thanks Lone Rider, might give it a bash then

Wayne

 

[Capss]

Day 29

Spent it in Luang Namtha, it rained till gone 1200hrs and it was really cold, to top it all there was no hot water and we had a power cut till 1330hrs.
Went out for a walk and had a pizza across the road and he even had hot coffee on (thx again Bob), bonus! Gave me something to do whilst I watched the guys fix the power cables


IMG_1591 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1592 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


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IMG_1595 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Seafood special, very tasty


IMG_1596 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


I met a couple from the UK, Russ and Emma, they were very nice and we ended up spending the evening together in the guesthouse, chatting, eating and drinking. They didn’t know where they were going to next so we discussed where I had been and their options. It was nice to have a good light hearted conversation.


IMG_1597 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Russ and Emma


Elbow is the size of a golf ball, glad to be resting up, gloves and body armour are still wet through, cant wait to put them on tomorrow.


Wayne

 

[Capss]

Day 30

Gloves still drenched, glad I have another pair with me, nowt worse than soggy gloves, boots still wet also, Seal Skinz it is then, although the body armour has dried out.


Luang Namtha to Muang Sing by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Set off for Muang Sing via the NamDi (Dee) Waterfall N21.01496 E101.44214 and the That Phum Phuk Stupas N20.97172 E101.38046
Visited the Stupa first which was on top of a hill, looked for the road that went up to the top but couldn't find it so I ended up climbing the stairs to the top, not the best idea in Motocross boots. There was the old stupa which I think was partially destroyed when it had a bomb dropped on ti, and the new stupa in the usual gold colouring.


IMG_1599 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1601 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
View from top of stairs


IMG_1602 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1608 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1604 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Next up was Nam Di, I was a bit disappointed in it after the Kuang Si Waterfall, the water looked clear coming down but then was a bit murky as it started to flow again and there was a long rusting pipe which you can see in the photos, aint got a clue what it was for, cost was 10,000 kip and 2,000 kip for the motorbike to be parked


IMG_1612 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1613 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1615 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1618 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1621 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Doing the washing in the river just after the waterfall


It was good to get back out on the bike after resting my arm and sitting about for nearly 36 hours due to bad weather. The road (17A) was quite good all the way to Muang Sing and the Scenery was up to its usual standard, loads to look at.
I stopped for my usual in the middle of nowhere breakfast in Ban Done Xay
food was good, noodles with pork and veggies.
Although the sun was not out for most of the journey it was a lot warmer than it had been over the previous two days.


IMG_1627 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Ban Done Xay


IMG_1629 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


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IMG_1622 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


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IMG_1642 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Just before I got to MS I took a bit of a detour to Ban Koum which is a distillery village, When I got there I had a ride round the village and as normal all the villagers were staring at me, I could not see any distilleries but thought I could smell it in the previous village I passed through, however I did meet a group of guys who where sat drinking some home brew at 1030 in the morning as I was riding passed the one with the home-brew beckoned me to stop, as I stopped he finished of his drink and poured me one, it was strong, thankfully I had only eaten an hour ago, so I got my smokes out and passed them round, much appreciated it was too, then we had more home-brew whilst taking about the bike, my GPS and the Go-pro, and they even passed for a photo


IMG_1639 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1641 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Got to MS at about 1130hrs and had a coffee after the mediatory ride round, whilst having a brew I look for some accommodation, After riding around again I opted for the Anousone Guesthous at coords N21.19140 E101.15479. Wifi which is quite good, hot water which is luke warm but bearable and the bike is parked out front.


IMG_1644 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1646 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1647 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1648 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


There was not a lot to choose from in the town IMHO, it is a bit of a one horse town and nothing like the other places I have stopped. It is predominantly Chinese in the town with it being close to the border and most of the businesses are Chinese, including the Guesthouse I am in.
Moving on again tomorrow to Houayxai.


Wayne

 

[Lone Rider]

Gloves still drenched, glad I have another pair with me, nowt worse than soggy gloves, boots still wet also, Seal Skinz it is then, although the body armour has dried out.

Luang Namtha to Muang Sing by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Set off for Muang Sing via the NamDi (Dee) Waterfall N21.01496 E101.44214 and the That Phum Phuk Stupas N20.97172 E101.38046
Visited the Stupa first which was on top of a hill, looked for the road that went up to the top but couldn't find it so I ended up climbing the stairs to the top, not the best idea in Motocross boots. There was the old stupa which I think was partially destroyed when it had a bomb dropped on ti, and the new stupa in the usual gold colouring.

IMG_1599 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1601 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
View from top of stairs


Next up was Nam Di, I was a bit disappointed in it after the Kuang Si Waterfall, the water looked clear coming down but then was a bit murky as it started to flow again and there was a long rusting pipe which you can see in the photos, aint got a clue what it was for, cost was 10,000 kip and 2,000 kip for the motorbike to be parked


IMG_1612 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1613 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1615 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Wayne

The dirt road up to the That Phum Phuk stupa is about 100 meter north from where you went up the stairs. It is quite narrow, steep and a bit overgrown and it probably would have been quite slippery after the rains.

The rusty pipe at the Nam Dee waterfall is the water supply system for the Nam Di village. They just hang it in the river at the top of the falls and the water will be fed by gravity to the "visitor center" and the village further down.

 

[Capss]

The dirt road up to the That Phum Phuk stupa is about 100 meter north from where you went up the stairs. It is quite narrow, steep and a bit overgrown and it probably would have been quite slippery after the rains.



The rusty pipe at the Nam Dee waterfall is the water supply system for the Nam Di village. They just hang it in the river at the top of the falls and the water will be fed by gravity to the "visitor center" and the village further down.

Ah, thanks Lone Rider that explains alot

Cheers
Wayne

 

[Capss]

Day 31

Set off quite early from Muang Sing, it was about 0730hrs as I knew it was going to be a long day. But I didn't know how long or how hard!


Day 31 Muang Sing to Houayxai by Wayne 66, on Flickr


The road,17B, was Tarmac for about 18km then it went on to an unpaved road, it was good going with loads to see on route. Went through loads of Banana Plantations and then I finally turned left on to the 2483 and got my first sight of the Mekong River at 0920hrs,


IMG_1650 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1652 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


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IMG_1666 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
River crossing, early on


IMG_1670 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


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IMG_1678 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1680 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Then it all went very hard for me indeed, the road, which I say in the loosest of terms went to a single track between point 1 N20.88651 E100.65087 and point 2 N20.81732 E100.52865. It was nightmare, I was literally having to fight my way through young bamboo plants, jungle, fallen trees and logs on the track, so much for it being a road. The mud on the track/road was very slippery and you could not use any speed at all, I had a bit of a slow motion moment where the front wheel went from underneath me, great, picked the bike up only to find the gear selector had snapped off, not happy, but on the bright side I could still change gear, thankfully. The rest of the horrible track i did with the broken gear selector.
On the single track I had to negotiate two landslides, the first was a small gap which was on the edge of a 100/150 foot drop straight to the Mekong, the only thing breaking my fall would be the trees on the way down, and the only track which had been used was a Scooter track about a foot from the edge. Wet slippery mud, paddled may way across that, and got across ok, then came the next one about 2k's down the track, this was an uphill climb of about 4 feet, I stopped and had a look at it, thankfully there was a bit of a flat top on the landslide so at least I could compose myself before going down the other side, another bad time, I was beginning to think why the hell am I doing this on my own, one wrong slip/move and i am in to the Mekong after and long drop. But thankfully I made it ok. Would I do that stretch again on my own…No. But saying that it was better than sitting on a boring tarmac road. After about 10k's plus i came across and excavator which was clearing the track and making it wider, great, about time, haha. This made it a little easier going as the track was a little bit wider but it made it harder on the sloppier muddy sections due to him churning it up. Didn't take any photos or video as that was the last thing on my mind. Eventually the track became a lot better and more free flowing. I had passed a couple of villages on route and was asking about getting the gear selector fixed, one of them being Ban Xiengdao N20.81468 E100.52652 which had a really nice Stupa and Temple


IMG_1681 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1682 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


In all the villages I stopped at I kept hearing Meung Meung, and didn't have a clue except it was a village. I eventually got to the village and got it welded back together at a bike place, N20.73103 E100.46026, great, at least now I could change gear properly.


IMG_1688 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Getting it sorted


Once I left Meung ( as it is on the map) I followed the 2203 which was a nice unpaved road with a number of bad sloppy mud sections all the way to the 3, once on the 3 it was a good tarmac road to Houayxai.


IMG_1690 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1691 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


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IMG_1708 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1710 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Once I got to Houayxai it was time to stop and have some food as I was in need of some sustenance. Whilst eating I got talking to some Lao men and one of them spoke a bit of English, so I asked him where there was a good place to stay with good wifi, he pointed me in the direction the the place where I am now, Friendship Guesthouse 2, good wifi, 43 photos uploaded to Flicker in about 45mins, and the hot water is ok, bike parked at front under the CCTV, coords N20.27176 E100.41343. 125,000 Kip per night.


IMG_1713 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1714 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1716 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1715 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


It was a really good day with lots of challenging parts if not scary at times.


Wayne

 

[Lone Rider]

In all the villages I stopped at I kept hearing Meung Meung, and didn’t have a clue except it was a village. I eventually got to the village and got it welded back together at a bike place, N20.73103 E100.46026, great, at least now I could change gear properly.

IMG_1688 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Getting it sorted

Once I left Meung ( as it is on the map) I followed the 2203 which was a nice unpaved road with a number of bad sloppy mud sections all the way to the 3, once on the 3 it was a good tarmac road to Houayxai.

IMG_1710 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Wayne

The spelling of city names (or names in general) in Laos is a bit of a nightmare as there seems to be no "official" way of how to translate Lao language to English but Meuang Meung means something like the Meung Municipality or Meung District.

 

[Capss]

Day 32

Stayed around Houayxai today and went for a walk in the morning.
In the afternoon I met up with Snakeboy from the site and we sat, drank coffee and had a good chat. We have arranged to go out riding tomorrow, going to the Laos side of the Golden Triangle.
After he had left I went and visited Fort Carnot, it was good to go and visit although it was getting bit overgrown as you can see by the photos. There was quite a commanding view over the Mekong River and the town. It was a Legion Fort and was built in 1900 following the acquisition of Laos into French Indochina in 1893.
On the way up to the Fort there is a bit of a Laos Military Barracks thing going on including the Bokeo Army Hospital and as you walked down the road the doors to the patients rooms were open and you could see people on drips and laid in their beds.


IMG_1746 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1721 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Outside the Fort


IMG_1722 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Main Entrance Tower


IMG_1725 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1726 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


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IMG_1745 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Inside the Fort


IMG_1730 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1731 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1744 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
The Tower you can go to the top of


IMG_1736 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
View from the first floor in the tower


IMG_1737 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1738 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1740 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Views from the top


Wayne

 

[Capss]

Day 33

Up quite early as normal, was feeling really hungry so went and had some breakfast whilst waiting for Kurt (Snakeboy) to arrive, which was going to be at about 0900. I had just finished my Hot Mocha when he got to where I was staying, we were in no rush so he had a brew too before setting off.
The plan was to have a steady ride out and try and find some interesting things I had researched in the local area and discussed with him.


Day 33 Local Riding near Houayxai by Wayne 66, on Flickr


So off we headed, first stop the Laos side of the Golden Triangle, I thought it would be good to have a look over the Mekong River at somewhere I was stood not many weeks ago looking at where I am stood today . It was The Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, coords N20.35484 E100.09054. We stopped outside the hotel/casino in the area and one of the guys outside was not very happy and was telling us both to move on ….we did…once we had taken some photos. Next up in the Zone was the Golden Triangle International Border Zone, where we had a look in the arrival and departure areas, duty free got some money from us also, cheap booze, great…. Then it was time for some food. Once we had eaten we decide to leave the Zone and start heading back towards Houayxai and look for some of the other places. However we ended up seeing some Tigers so naturally we had to stop and take a look, they were massive, also had some young Tigers there, then we saw lots of other animals in a bit of a Zoo, there was Bears, Peacocks, Monkeys and some Deer looking type of animal. It was a nice surprise. On the way out we also checked out the Ampi-theatre on Done Xao, coords N20.32689 E100.09773.


IMG_1748 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1750 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


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IMG_1752 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Looking at where I was a few weeks ago in Thailand


IMG_1761 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


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IMG_1765 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Not bad for a gallon of Malt


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IMG_1784 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Bear Cub


IMG_1796 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1808 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


On the way back we were looking at trying to find the Souvannakhomkham Stone Budda area, so with a bit of gesticulating from me and quite good Thai/Lao from Kurt we eventually found one of the Budda’s. Only the one mind as they are situated in a massive Banana Plantation which was a mass of tracks and even the one we found we would have ridden past if I had not had one of the locals sat on the back of my bike showing us the way :. Souvannakhomkham, one of the Stone Budda’s coords N20.24970 E100.16522. The junction we took to the Budda is at coords N20.30186 E100.16099


IMG_1809 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1812 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Next up was to try and find the sculpture of a Lao princess, daughter of the Lane Xang King Chao Anouvong, who is believed to have died at a certain point in the river and the Kings then did the shrine for her. Bonus, we found it, you have to go down some step to get to it and it is nearly right on the edge of the Mekong. There is also a great view of the river and some seats to sit on. coords N20.38180 E100.35274.


IMG_1824 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1825 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Back to my accommodation and have a drink then it was 30km in the opposite direction to have evening meal with a Laos family and Kurt’s Thai friend. What a great meal we had and I was made most welcome, then it was a ride back to Houayxai in the dark, that was fun, scooters, lorries and motorised carts with no lights on at all, all driving down the road. Thankfully no dogs, cows or kids etc running about in the road.


IMG_1829 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


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IMG_1831 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Had a great day and it was nice to have a bit of company and a good ride out with someone, thx Kurt (Snakeboy), and you enjoy the rest of your tour


Wayne

 

[Capss]

Day 34

Set off back for Thailand after a good hearty fried noodles with pork for breakfast at a little food place across from where I was staying.
Then it was off for the short journey across the Fourth Friendship Bridge and in to Chiang Khong.


Houayxai to Chiang Khong by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1832 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Last Photo in Laos


It was not far to the Bridge from where I was staying, maybe 12 km's or so. When I got there I went to the Main Part of the Building and found the window for Check Out. The guy behind the window spoke really good English and he told me to get back on my bike and go to the lane for cars.
Once in that lane there was a queue of of about 6 people wanting to cross the border in their cars. As I got to the window the guy on the otherside of the glass didn't seem to want to deal with me and he called another bloke over. This guy took my passport and paperwork (the Customs paperwork and Thailand acceptance sheet). He kept looking at it and then he put it down and just walked out of the hut. I thought this is going to be along process. I was quite wrong, after making a phone call he came back in and processed my paperwork and then asked me for 500 Bht for the escort to cross the bridge. I asked him if he had a receipt in case I was asked for it again, the answer was no. So I paid up. He then gave me everything back and said to me that I must go to the Customs window which was about 25 meters further on, on the left. He walked and I rode down to the window, at this point I had to hand in my Customs paperwork, no extra charge, just a stamp and he kept it then said I could go but had to follow this civilian car across the Bridge…..sorted
I manage to sneak bit of video of most of the area and the crossing of the bridge to the Thai side.
Once we got to the Thai side the guy in the escort vehicle point for me to go into the private car land and he drove back towards Laos.
I parked up and went to the window in the hut to my front and handed in my paperwork and passport. I was asked for the vehicle paperwork and told him I don't have it as it is a rental bike and thats all I had.
Whilst I was filling in the arrivals paperwork one of the other guys went out and checked the paperwork with the bike registration number. He came back satisfied, I was then stamped into the country until the 13 Feb 15, not bad that, thought you only got 15 days, not that I need it all!
From that window I rode down to the Customs window which is about 25 meters behind the Arrivals booth. He took my Customs paperwork which I was given as I left Thailand, I signed it, and that was that, back into Thailand and on my way to Chiang Khong and all in less than an hour. Well chuffed.
I had to pay another 200 Bht at some point but I cant remember where, think it was the Thai side at the arrivals window


https://flic.kr/p/pSgfN6
Video of the Bridge Crossing


Found a place to stay in Chiang Khong, the Baan Fai Guest House, which is next door to the Nam Khong Riverside where I stayed last time I was here, Hot water, good wifi, nice clean room, bike parked on there grounds at the back, out of the way, 800 Bht, coords N20.26704 E100.40595


IMG_1833 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


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IMG_1855 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Wayne

 

[Captain_Slash]

Does anyone ever get to cross over at Chiang Khong without being ripped off for 500 Baht here and another 200 Baht there?

 

[Capss]

Day 35 The penultimate day

The penultimate day was spent riding from Chang Khong to Phayao.
Had a good night before I set off, I went back to the Hub Pub to have a drinkk and see some friends which I had met there the last time I was in CK. Had a really good time and even ended up heading back to the main road to go and play pool. It was quite a late night but not too alcohol driven.


IMG_1856 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


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IMG_1862 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


The road from CK to Phayao was initially long and a bit boring (1020) and very damp as it had just finished raining,but then I turned off and went on a few of the back roads which turned out to be about 20km shorter than if I had stayed on the main drags. Once I had left the 1020 I ended up going on the 1292, 4005, 1126 and the 1202 straight in to Phayao. On the 1202 I stopped off at one of the reservoirs for a bit of a chill


Day 35 Chang Khong to Phayao by Wayne 66, on Flickr


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IMG_1877 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
The view across the lake


Once I got in to Phayao I had a bit of a drive through and found a coffee shop to plan my next move of finding some accommodation. There was a few places scattered about and decided to ride along the edge of the lake and see whats about.
I found The Cosy Nest, quite a nice place but a bit on the expensive side, they only had the large twin and kings rooms left, he was asking 1500 Bht but got him to knock 10% off the price, breakfast included. Awesome shower and great wifi, nice clean room. The bike is park on the front but there is CCTV and a security guard on as the hotel is open 24hrs. coords N19.16459 E99.89785


IMG_1879 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1881 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1886 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1887 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Wayne

 

[Capss]

Day 36 The last day

Had a good breakfast at the Cosy Nest before I left on my last leg of a good 36 day journey.
It was Phayao to Chiang Mai using the 120 and the 118.


Day 36, last day, Phayao to Chiang Mai by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1890 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1892 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1894 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1896 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1898 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1908 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


On the route I stopped off at the Tad Tong Waterfall, coords N19.07005 E99.72940, which was just off the main road. Only a little one but it was nice, there was a family living there who did food and coffee etc, so I had a brew and relaxed for a bit. I was in no rush.


IMG_1899 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1902 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1904 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1907 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


I also passed through a town and on the hill in the distance I could see a big temple stupa, which was Wat Prachaoluang, coords N19.20725 E99.49144, so I went there for a visit, very nice and the view from the top was awesome, you could see for miles even thought there was a fine layer of fog or what ever it was.


IMG_1912 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1921 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1914 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1918 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1923 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1925 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1932 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1935 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1937 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


In another town there was a really old looking temple made of stone and wood, coords N19.11596 E99.46385, so that was another stop done with more photos.


IMG_1940 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1941 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1943 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1944 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1947 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1949 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1952 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


So all in all a good last ride with things to see, good scenery and great roads.
Arrived back at CM and straight to Riders Corner so sort things out ready to hand the bike in tomorrow.


Wayne

 

[bsacbob]

What a great trip you've taken us on, enjoyed the the whole journey, any plans for next year ??

 

[Capss]

What a great trip you've taken us on, enjoyed the the whole journey, any plans for next year ??

Thanks a lot Bob, glad you have enjoyed it. I have already planned a trip through Europe, Russia, Kazhacstan, Mongolia, up to Vladivostok then the ferry to Japan, bounce on to South Korea then back to Thailand. Trying to sell my house to give me a little bit more funding for the trip, hope to set off later in the year on the XT600E. Route is all sorted, just need to tie down the nitty gritty. I have also looked, but not worked out, going to Sth America with my bike for a couple of years.

Wayne

 

[KTMphil]

I get back to Riders Corner and you're there with your bags packed. Glad I was able to say good bye. A masterfully prepared trip, executed with experience & documented with precision. This will take some reading, such great detail. Fabulous to see something like this work so perfectly, rewarding the detailed planning.

 

[Capss]

I get back to Riders Corner and you're there with your bags packed. Glad I was able to say good bye. A masterfully prepared trip, executed with experience & documented with precision. This will take some reading, such great detail. Fabulous to see something like this work so perfectly, rewarding the detailed planning.

Thanks alot Phil, I am pleased people have enjoyed following and reading it as much as enjoyed writing and riding it

Wayne

 

[TB-Racing]

catching up reading a few ride reports, good one ~ keep on riding!

 

[Capss]

catching up reading a few ride reports, good one ~ keep on riding!

Thanks very much TB Racing

Wayne

 

[Pounce]

Wayne, I have thoroughly enjoyed your trip too.
It makes me jealous as this is the 1st time in 4 years I haven't been over there riding.
Cheers & if you make it to Perth, you'll have somewhere to crash for a few days as a thanks

 

[brake034]

Thanks for taking us with you Capss, think you didn't use the hammock (ham mock) after all??

 

[Capss]

Wayne, I have thoroughly enjoyed your trip too.
It makes me jealous as this is the 1st time in 4 years I haven't been over there riding.
Cheers & if you make it to Perth, you'll have somewhere to crash for a few days as a thanks

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed the trip. Perth sounds great, been to all the other States and State Capitals but not Western and Perth. (back in 93). I may just take you up on that one day, haha
All the best
Wayne

 

[Capss]

Thanks for taking us with you Capss, think you didn't use the hammock (ham mock) after all??

Your welcome, glad you enjoyed it, trip conclusion to follow, no I didn't need it, thankfully haha, but it will keep for the next trip

Cheers
Wayne

 

[Capss]

Conclusion

Well what can I say….Its been an amazing trip and I have been in touch with and met some really wonderful people. Fellow travellers and locals alike. I have been made warmly welcomed in both the countries I have visited.


Firstly I would like to thank Phil at Riders Corner and C&P bike rental, both in Chiang Mai for the bike hire to allow me to do it in the first place, secondly thanks to family and friends for checking up on me and all who have followed, commented and met up with me, its been fantastic.


The Full Route, all 5054Km:3158mile by Wayne 66, on Flickr
The full route


Back to the conclusion…….I travelled a total of 5054 Km as the speedo had 500km on it when I got the bike so in real terms 3158 miles in 36 days and by no means was that rushed.


IMG_1953 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


The roads were sometimes good, sometimes bad and sometimes I wondered why they called it a road when its a single track and your fighting your way through trees and undergrowth. But whatever state the road/track was in the scenery was superb all the time, around every corner there was a different view, including a closeup of the tarmac.
The people who I met everyday on my travels, locals and other people from all corners of the globe were outstanding. Warm, welcoming people everywhere. Only really had one run in at the Chinese market in Oudomxai, where there were 3 Chinese taking the p*ss because I was trying to explain that I only wanted a small bag of Nescafe 3in1, I kept picking up 'falang' (foreigner) but it wasn't what they were saying it was the tone, so they they put in the picture rather sharply, my tone said it all, falang from Chinese in Laos, Ummmmmm haha. Otherwise I cant fault the helpfulness, hospitality and friendliness of any others.


The Bike.
A CRF250L, never let me down once even after been slid down the road on top of me and dropped in the mud on the hardest day I had between Muang Sing and Houayxai, although it did break. A great little thing and all I did was oil the chain every other day and do basis checks. The oil level stayed spot on as did the rest of the machine. It pulled me over some very rough enduro type terrain and breezed me down some very good roads. If I had to pick a fault it would be that it could do with a little more torque as it did struggle sometimes when going up steep or long uphill tracks and roads. But maybe thats because I used to own the CRF250X which was a outright enduro beast. Oh and I would fit a bigger tank if I owned my own haha. When I handed the bike in I was billed 400 Bht for a lever and the gear selector, it was to be expected as I had damaged bits but it was great not to get ripped off in the process I would really recommend using C&P either direct or through Phil, I have details if anyone wants them. C&P provided all the paperwork to cross border, which went smoothly.


The Gear.
As I said at the beginning of the RR I was going to use my own gear. The reason….I knew it all fit, was serviceable and was comfy, enough said…..Fox offroad helmet and goggles. Had the GoPro mount on the helmet. Light weight offroad shirts, glad I had two as one was shredded when I slid down the road. On that note I had full offroad body armour, arms, chest, shoulder and back. It came in handy twice and has the scars to prove it. One pair of offroad trousers which got binned as they too bore scars of tarmac rash. Knee protectors, they came in handy more than once, O'neil motocross boots and a pair of short leather enduro type gloves. Yes it was a bit nippy on a morning the further north I went, but it was great when the sun came out.


Mapping, Gps, Getting about.
I did go with a loose plan and a route, I also did a fair bit of research on the areas I would have like to have visited and what to see and do once I got there. I say would liked to have visited because as I said early on in the RR, no plan survives first contact. Two days bad weather, coming off on diesel totally blew my plan of going to Phonsaly and on to the Northern most point in Laos. But hey, adapt and overcome.
For the maps I used the German made Reizen maps of both Laos and Thailand. I found them to be good but lacking in some tracks due to the scale, but they were a good source of confirming with the GPS
The GPS is a Garmin Montana 600 which worked really well and has an awesome battery life. I was getting between 14 and 16 hours per charge. The battery is rechargeable but if you really get stuck you could use AA batteries in it. I did not use any Garmin mapping at all, instead I went with OSM from Free worldwide Garmin maps from OpenStreetMap, I found it to be good but again not all of the tracks were on it and I sometimes found myself riding on a blank screen on the Montana. I would use the OSM again for other areas of the world. All my plotting was done on the Garmin basecamp programme on my Mac which was then automatically transferred to the Montanna as I plug it directly into my Mac rather than remove the micro SD card all the time.


Bits and Pieces.
I had the GoPro Hero4 mounted on my helmet, what a great bit of kit, only problem is battery life is only about two hours. Will take a spare battery on the next journey.
All the photos were taken with my iPhone 4S which was donated to me by a mate as he had got a new one
I also carried a windows phone which I used for putting Thai and Laos sim cards in, with internet. I just liked the fact I had most kinds of comms in most places, you never know!?
I also got myself a rechargeable recharging device which worked on both my phones and the GoPro, although it was ultra slow at charging the GoPro on the road, worked well with the phones.
CamelBak, really glad I took it along, needed it no end in some of the places I rode. I kept it in a daysack along with my tools for the bike and puncture repair kit
Mac Air 13inch, I took this with me as it is relatively small, robust, light and has a superb battery life. The reason I went with the 13 inch rather than the 11 was, I prefer a bigger screen and the 13 has a SD card slot.
Wolfman tank saddlebags bought from Advspec.com, glad I brought these with me, good for carrying spare gloves, goggles, small food items etc.
Oxford Hump visor carrying bumbag, Not that I had a visor but it was good for the phones, passport, wallet, earplugs etc and whenever I left the bike it was all with me
Oxford Gold disc lock, good for piece of mind.
A small powerful torch which came in very handy more than once (spare batteries)
Carried a hammock that can also be used as a hooped tent complete with a mozzie net which I acquired from Brake who is on the rideasia site. Better to have than need. Just incase I was stuck in the middle of nowhere for whatever reason


Monies.
On food, accommodation and fuel I reckon I spent about 1300 GPB, thats excluding the first and last week in BKK. The bike was 36000 Bht (1000 a day) so about 728 GPB on todays exchange rate. That equates to just over 20 GPB a day, not bad really. I left 20000 Bht or about 500 GPB as a deposit which is now the spending money in BKK.


Regrets.
None at all, it was all just awesome, even when I was struggling with the terrain sometimes. Just wish I had got to Phonsaly and right up north


Arrived BKK at 0700hrs and went to the hotel I was in when I first got here. Got a great room. As I was here really early I couldn't get in to my room till 1000hrs, so went out to wander the streets, went for a full english then found a nice salon and went in for a pamper, haircut and shave, they even did ear, nose and eyebrow hair, sorted, feel like a new man, metaphorically speaking of course :


IMG_1971 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1970 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1974 by Wayne 66, on Flickr






Just a few extras, sorry to use that word, maybe its because I am in BKK now :LOL

IMG_1895 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1815 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1756 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1819 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1649 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1609 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_1557 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_0946 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_0930 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_0890 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_0524 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_0474 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_0397 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_0366 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Any questions, queries etc I will get back to you as best I can, but its now time to chill in BKK for a few days before heading back to the normal turmoil we call life, roll on my next trip.




Wayne

 

[CraigBKK]

36,000THB on bike hire... If you plan to ride regularly in the area you may want to think about biting the bullet and buying a CRF250L. Bought mine for 132,000THB in BKK last year. Like you say, low and cheap maintenance

Just a thought.

 

[Capss]

36,000THB on bike hire... If you plan to ride regularly in the area you may want to think about biting the bullet and buying a CRF250L. Bought mine for 132,000THB in BKK last year. Like you say, low and cheap maintenance

Just a thought.

Yeah I will if I decide to become a permanent resident but got other continents to visit first on my XT600E

Wayne

 

[Capss]

GPX File from my trip

The GPX file from my great trip

Hope this works

View attachment Thailand-Laos (1).GPX


Wayne