So its been a few months in the planning but the famous five are off to visit Nan for the first time.
Day 1
We left Bangkok, Khao Yai and Buri Ram respectively and headed for a meet up at Chum Pae. Ron's red Vstrom was due its first service so the Buri Ram guys headed to Khon Kaen for that. Excellent service from Suzuki Khon Kaen.
Coffee break at a PTT on Route 12 at Chum Pae then along Route 12 through Nam Nao National park. Ominous black clouds were over the park and it dumped on us up high on one of the hills. Cooled us down nicely and only lasted 10 minutes ish.
The red Vstrom then decided it didn't like its top box and ejected it. Luckily it was spotted by tail end Charlie and re fitted with the aid of a cargo net.
From Lom Sak we took the 203 past Dan Sai into Loei and stayed the night at Baiboon place. We had stayed there before a couple of years ago. Good enough hotel but is starting to age a little. Dinner at Chris's Steakhouse. Excellent meal, nice service. A couple of drinks at the Saloon pub where we met up with the Loei Gentleman's riding club and then back to the hotel.
Appropriate sign at the PTT at Chum Pae.
Day 2.
After a mediocre breakfast at Baiboon Place, we hit the road. Back down the 203 to Phu Ruea. Then along the 2294, 2195, 1268, 1241,1083 to Na Noi. Then the last stretch on the 1026 and 101 to Nan.
We did do a wrong turn and went up the 1123 and 1243. The road got worse and worse til we hit a dirt track. Andy had a quick look on the Multi but said it was too bad so we did an about face.
Quite a long day, some very nice roads, some not so good.The last stretch into Nan was good. Some very nice views up in the hills.
Met up with a couple of Harley guys riding from Pattaya to Nan and then on for a tour of their own. Saw them at a couple more stops along the way including the very scenic waterfall.
Found our hotel, Huen Kuang Nan Guesthouse. Very good value, nice rooms, good aircons. Very hard beds though which didn't suit all. A minutes' walk from Tony's place. Made our introductions to Tony and were made very welcome. Got some route advice from a couple of the guys there. We booked up the roast pork dinner for the following evening. Had a good feed, couple of drinks and away to bed.
The scenic Phusoidao waterfall.
This is where the 1243 comes to an end. Gets much worse than the pics.
First Nan sign on the way up.
Stopped here for a drinks stop. No idea where. The group of old ladies was mad as a box of frogs. Great fun although we were glad to get the ear plugs back in.
Having a breather on the way to Nan.
Andy going for that special shot. We missed him ending up on his arse.
Day 3, the fun begins.
We wanted to be away early so Tony had told us of Hot Bread for an early breakfast. That was closed for 6 weeks so it was a delightful feed at 7 11. North out of Nan on the 1080 whilst admiring the mist draped mountains on our left. Off onto the 1148, 1092 to Chiang Muap. Then the 1091 back to Nan.
What a days riding. The best roads I have ridden along with some of the best views I have seen. A lot of photo stops along the route.So little traffic on these roads, makes for amazing riding. Having done the large Mae Hong Song loop last year, Nan knocks the socks off it.
After the evening clean up, it was back to Tony's place for drinks while the roast was cooking. Met up with a couple of guys we had passed on the road, forgot the names of course. Multistrada and a Honda CBR.
Got more route info from them which changed our plans for the next day. We were planning on riding the 1080/1081 loop round past Chalerm Prakiat. The guys told us the road was not in such good condition so we re-planned the next days route.
Lots of scenic shots from the day.
We came across this section of road and had a bit of a photo session.
All within the speed limit of course.
Some shots of the guesthouse and Tony's
Day 4.
Northeast out of Nan on the 1169 then 1081 to Bo Klua.Then the 1256 to Pua. We split then with Ron and Bruce heading back to Nan while the 3 of us went on the 1081 again to the 1257 junction. That section of 1081 has just been relaid and has no markings. Made for some interesting corners. Continued on to Santisuk then the 1225 to Kwaeng and then the 1168 to Nan. Not a huge ride but again, great roads, no traffic, no rain. Back to Tony's for dinner, the special burger is great, dripped most of the sauce on the table though. Booked an early breakfast with Tony's wife. Few drinks then an early night, long day tomorrow.
Lots of Shots from the ride. Stunning views, stunning roads.
A few shots from Doiphukha park viewpoint. Thick cloud all the way up so no nice views. Bit of a hairy ride going up. If the lead had gone over the edge, I expect we all would have followed.
Found this on the petrol station forecourt. Always good for a giggle to leave it on your mates saddle.
Day 5.
Up and pack the bikes, lovely English breakfast from Nan.Settled up and headed South on the 101/1026 and 1339 to the ferry crossing. Got lost at the landing. Lots of turnings and of course took the wrong one. Whilst we were stopped on the loose stuff, Alans Vstrom decided it needed a little lie down. No damage, boxes stopped anything else hitting the ground. A quick lift up and back to normal. We then head back up the hill to find a turning on the left. This takes us down to the ferry point. We get told to wait and see a couple of pick ups also waiting. Cold drinks and ice creams from the floating shop. The toilet was 5 star.
Then we see the ferry coming. Much wailing and gnashing of teeth and at this point as we see the condition of it and where we have to load the bikes on but we decide to go for it. Unload the pick up and load the next 2 pickups. Then swap the ferry for an empty section for us. Alan gets on without much drama. I take my Multi on next, could have done with a spare pair of pants after that. Ron, Bruce and Andy all follow suit. Once on we tie the 2 sections together with a bit of string and a longtail boat starts to pull us out. We seem to have hooked the cables of the car section round the restaurant so try to take that with us too. Lots of shouting til we get free and then we get up to a stately 4.5 kph on my satnav. Its bloody hot with no shade and all the water is finished. Halfway across the longtail snags a rope with the prop and we get cut adrift while she clears the rope. At this point the second lady gets from the car part to us and gets the 100 baht per bike payment. All good value so far. We hook back up and head towards the landing. The bike section gets set adrift at this point and we float away while the ladies position and unload the pickups. They return for us and we all get off without incident. One of the trip highlights for all, and easy to laugh about when all 5 bike were back on dry land.
From there it was the 1379 to Nam Pat, 1047, 1143 to Nakhon Thai. We took the 2331 through Phu Hin Rong Park to Lom Sak. Alan and I had rode this a year ago and the road was terrible so we were a bit wary of doing it again. Lots of road work has been done and apart from a couple of kms where every corner was broken up and gravel, it was a good ride. Got to the viewpoint with the fantastic view of the spaghetti like road down the hill through the cabbage fields. Got some good pictures as the clouds were clear today. Had the mad dash down the hill, arms aching from holding on so tight. Headed into Lom Sak and to the Nattirat Grand hotel. Food at the hotel as itchucked down with rain 15 minutes after we arrived.
Floating restaurant 5 star restrooms.
This is the ferry landing and ramp.
That's the ferry!!!!
Offload the pickup, nice smooth approach ramp.
So Hi-tec.
Love that shot.
Adrift after snagging a rope on the prop.
The cars get unloaded first as we drift off up the lake.
Our turn next, no worries, honest.
Next was Phu Hin Rong park.
Hell of a ride down that hill.
Found I had the worse case of Helmet Hair in the history of biking.
Lom Sak mountains from the hotel window.
Day 6.
No-one too happy this morning as it's the last day of the trip. Typical Thai hotel breakfast, not very filling.
Out of Lom Sak, along Route 12 through Nam Nao back tothe PTT at Chum Pae. Said our goodbyes and split, Buri Ram guys heading to Khon Kaen, Bruce, Andy and Myself down to Khao Yai. Bruce split off to Korat town and Andy and I had a fairly quick run up Route 2 to Khao Yai. Andy carried onto Bangkok through a bit of rain and that was the end of that trip.
All in all, the best trip so far. We will be back to Nan for sure. It has to be the nicest motorcycling place in Thailand. Just hope it stays that way.
Special thanks to Tony for the hospitality, the guy pushing the oxy cylinder across the road who nearly got us, the ferry girls for giving us such a nice boat ride, all the police checkpoints that just waved us through, the mad collection of old women at the gas station, the very kind, but somewhat bizarrely under dressed lady that let me share her umbrella back to the hotel in Lom Sak and to my riding companions. It's the company that makes it.
Next chapter…..the famous five or maybe six go to Laos
Day 1
We left Bangkok, Khao Yai and Buri Ram respectively and headed for a meet up at Chum Pae. Ron's red Vstrom was due its first service so the Buri Ram guys headed to Khon Kaen for that. Excellent service from Suzuki Khon Kaen.
Coffee break at a PTT on Route 12 at Chum Pae then along Route 12 through Nam Nao National park. Ominous black clouds were over the park and it dumped on us up high on one of the hills. Cooled us down nicely and only lasted 10 minutes ish.
The red Vstrom then decided it didn't like its top box and ejected it. Luckily it was spotted by tail end Charlie and re fitted with the aid of a cargo net.
From Lom Sak we took the 203 past Dan Sai into Loei and stayed the night at Baiboon place. We had stayed there before a couple of years ago. Good enough hotel but is starting to age a little. Dinner at Chris's Steakhouse. Excellent meal, nice service. A couple of drinks at the Saloon pub where we met up with the Loei Gentleman's riding club and then back to the hotel.
Appropriate sign at the PTT at Chum Pae.
Day 2.
After a mediocre breakfast at Baiboon Place, we hit the road. Back down the 203 to Phu Ruea. Then along the 2294, 2195, 1268, 1241,1083 to Na Noi. Then the last stretch on the 1026 and 101 to Nan.
We did do a wrong turn and went up the 1123 and 1243. The road got worse and worse til we hit a dirt track. Andy had a quick look on the Multi but said it was too bad so we did an about face.
Quite a long day, some very nice roads, some not so good.The last stretch into Nan was good. Some very nice views up in the hills.
Met up with a couple of Harley guys riding from Pattaya to Nan and then on for a tour of their own. Saw them at a couple more stops along the way including the very scenic waterfall.
Found our hotel, Huen Kuang Nan Guesthouse. Very good value, nice rooms, good aircons. Very hard beds though which didn't suit all. A minutes' walk from Tony's place. Made our introductions to Tony and were made very welcome. Got some route advice from a couple of the guys there. We booked up the roast pork dinner for the following evening. Had a good feed, couple of drinks and away to bed.
The scenic Phusoidao waterfall.
This is where the 1243 comes to an end. Gets much worse than the pics.
First Nan sign on the way up.
Stopped here for a drinks stop. No idea where. The group of old ladies was mad as a box of frogs. Great fun although we were glad to get the ear plugs back in.
Having a breather on the way to Nan.
Andy going for that special shot. We missed him ending up on his arse.
Day 3, the fun begins.
We wanted to be away early so Tony had told us of Hot Bread for an early breakfast. That was closed for 6 weeks so it was a delightful feed at 7 11. North out of Nan on the 1080 whilst admiring the mist draped mountains on our left. Off onto the 1148, 1092 to Chiang Muap. Then the 1091 back to Nan.
What a days riding. The best roads I have ridden along with some of the best views I have seen. A lot of photo stops along the route.So little traffic on these roads, makes for amazing riding. Having done the large Mae Hong Song loop last year, Nan knocks the socks off it.
After the evening clean up, it was back to Tony's place for drinks while the roast was cooking. Met up with a couple of guys we had passed on the road, forgot the names of course. Multistrada and a Honda CBR.
Got more route info from them which changed our plans for the next day. We were planning on riding the 1080/1081 loop round past Chalerm Prakiat. The guys told us the road was not in such good condition so we re-planned the next days route.
Lots of scenic shots from the day.
We came across this section of road and had a bit of a photo session.
All within the speed limit of course.
Some shots of the guesthouse and Tony's
Day 4.
Northeast out of Nan on the 1169 then 1081 to Bo Klua.Then the 1256 to Pua. We split then with Ron and Bruce heading back to Nan while the 3 of us went on the 1081 again to the 1257 junction. That section of 1081 has just been relaid and has no markings. Made for some interesting corners. Continued on to Santisuk then the 1225 to Kwaeng and then the 1168 to Nan. Not a huge ride but again, great roads, no traffic, no rain. Back to Tony's for dinner, the special burger is great, dripped most of the sauce on the table though. Booked an early breakfast with Tony's wife. Few drinks then an early night, long day tomorrow.
Lots of Shots from the ride. Stunning views, stunning roads.
A few shots from Doiphukha park viewpoint. Thick cloud all the way up so no nice views. Bit of a hairy ride going up. If the lead had gone over the edge, I expect we all would have followed.
Found this on the petrol station forecourt. Always good for a giggle to leave it on your mates saddle.
Day 5.
Up and pack the bikes, lovely English breakfast from Nan.Settled up and headed South on the 101/1026 and 1339 to the ferry crossing. Got lost at the landing. Lots of turnings and of course took the wrong one. Whilst we were stopped on the loose stuff, Alans Vstrom decided it needed a little lie down. No damage, boxes stopped anything else hitting the ground. A quick lift up and back to normal. We then head back up the hill to find a turning on the left. This takes us down to the ferry point. We get told to wait and see a couple of pick ups also waiting. Cold drinks and ice creams from the floating shop. The toilet was 5 star.
Then we see the ferry coming. Much wailing and gnashing of teeth and at this point as we see the condition of it and where we have to load the bikes on but we decide to go for it. Unload the pick up and load the next 2 pickups. Then swap the ferry for an empty section for us. Alan gets on without much drama. I take my Multi on next, could have done with a spare pair of pants after that. Ron, Bruce and Andy all follow suit. Once on we tie the 2 sections together with a bit of string and a longtail boat starts to pull us out. We seem to have hooked the cables of the car section round the restaurant so try to take that with us too. Lots of shouting til we get free and then we get up to a stately 4.5 kph on my satnav. Its bloody hot with no shade and all the water is finished. Halfway across the longtail snags a rope with the prop and we get cut adrift while she clears the rope. At this point the second lady gets from the car part to us and gets the 100 baht per bike payment. All good value so far. We hook back up and head towards the landing. The bike section gets set adrift at this point and we float away while the ladies position and unload the pickups. They return for us and we all get off without incident. One of the trip highlights for all, and easy to laugh about when all 5 bike were back on dry land.
From there it was the 1379 to Nam Pat, 1047, 1143 to Nakhon Thai. We took the 2331 through Phu Hin Rong Park to Lom Sak. Alan and I had rode this a year ago and the road was terrible so we were a bit wary of doing it again. Lots of road work has been done and apart from a couple of kms where every corner was broken up and gravel, it was a good ride. Got to the viewpoint with the fantastic view of the spaghetti like road down the hill through the cabbage fields. Got some good pictures as the clouds were clear today. Had the mad dash down the hill, arms aching from holding on so tight. Headed into Lom Sak and to the Nattirat Grand hotel. Food at the hotel as itchucked down with rain 15 minutes after we arrived.
Floating restaurant 5 star restrooms.
This is the ferry landing and ramp.
That's the ferry!!!!
Offload the pickup, nice smooth approach ramp.
So Hi-tec.
Love that shot.
Adrift after snagging a rope on the prop.
The cars get unloaded first as we drift off up the lake.
Our turn next, no worries, honest.
Next was Phu Hin Rong park.
Hell of a ride down that hill.
Found I had the worse case of Helmet Hair in the history of biking.
Lom Sak mountains from the hotel window.
Day 6.
No-one too happy this morning as it's the last day of the trip. Typical Thai hotel breakfast, not very filling.
Out of Lom Sak, along Route 12 through Nam Nao back tothe PTT at Chum Pae. Said our goodbyes and split, Buri Ram guys heading to Khon Kaen, Bruce, Andy and Myself down to Khao Yai. Bruce split off to Korat town and Andy and I had a fairly quick run up Route 2 to Khao Yai. Andy carried onto Bangkok through a bit of rain and that was the end of that trip.
All in all, the best trip so far. We will be back to Nan for sure. It has to be the nicest motorcycling place in Thailand. Just hope it stays that way.
Special thanks to Tony for the hospitality, the guy pushing the oxy cylinder across the road who nearly got us, the ferry girls for giving us such a nice boat ride, all the police checkpoints that just waved us through, the mad collection of old women at the gas station, the very kind, but somewhat bizarrely under dressed lady that let me share her umbrella back to the hotel in Lom Sak and to my riding companions. It's the company that makes it.
Next chapter…..the famous five or maybe six go to Laos
