ZeeVinCeZ Motorcycle Trip - North Thailand Ride (Mae Hong Son Loop and Golden Triangle) 25/12/06 - 07/01/07

1 man on his
2 wheels riding through
3 countries
4 his passion on his
5 th ride of the year!!

It has only been about 3 weeks since I came back from my Central Thailand Ride. But off I went riding up north again. Yes, again and alone again. Am i crazy or what? This time, to explore the North Thailand. Which is known as "The Other Thailand".

Highlights of the Ride
- Mae Hong Son loop
- The Long Neck village
- Thailand's Highest Peak
- Thailand's most Northern Point
- Beautiful Campsites
- Golden Triangle
- Nan's Ghost Pillar

Total number of Days : 14 Days
Total Distance covered: 7067km
Total number of litres of petrol burn: 416litres (appox)

Overview of the route travelled



















Note: Want to see the photos better? Click on any of it to enlarge it.

Day 1 (Singapore - Hatyai)
The ride through Malaysia was normal except for the flooding in Johor which some of it can be seen along the North-South Highway. I stayed at the Cathay Guesthouse. The guesthouse is quite old but it only cost me 200baht. I only need a place to sleep, so this is the best choice. Furthermore, it has a private bathroom.

The room














The bathroom



















After checking in , I met a fellow Singaporean who was also staying in this guesthouse. He has been staying in ChiangMai for years and was on his was back to Singapore. He had been very helpful. He gave me all the useful telephone numbers like the highway police etc. Not only that. He even called me on my handphone every few days, throughout my 2weeks in Thailand to see if I am doing fine.














Day 2 (Hatyai - Hua Hin)
The road towards Hua Hin was long and boring. The only thing that interest me alittle is this hill of trees that I see when i was nearer to Huahin. The shade of colours of the trees are exactly like the prints of my NO 4 uniform.

I reach Hua Hin around evening. This is such a tourist place. You can see alot more non-thai than thai people. The only thai you see around are the shops/stall owners. Even than, some of it are own by non-thai.

I stayed in All Nations Guesthouse, 200baht, far better condition than the one in Hatyai. However, it only has shared bathroom which is not an issue to me.














Day 3 (Hua Hin - Chiangmai)
When I went to get my bike, I realise something interesting. All the vehicles that were parked on the same side of the road as me last night, had been shifted to the other side of the road; Which left my bike alone along that side of the road. After asking the locals then I realise that parking goes according to the odd/even day. Even days, you park on this side and odd days you park on the other. Otherwise, the police will give you a ticket(a fine). I was lucky that the police hasn't come and so i make my way to Chiangmai.

As I got nearer to Chiangmai, I can feel the cool weather. This is what is want. Cool weather. I stayed in Top North guesthouse. 400baht. This guesthouse is very big and has a swimming pool. But somehow, i do not really like it that much. Maybe it is because it does not gives me a guesthouse feeling as it is too big.



















The room














The swimming pool



















After taking dinner, I took a walk around the town. A big bike caught my attention. It is an Africa Twin and it looks very familiar. When I took a closer look,I saw that it has a Singapore number plate on it. HAHA... and i know who the owner is. I took a quick scan at the surrounding area and I spotted the owner playing pool. I went up to him and we had a few drinks together with his friends before heading back to our respective guesthouse. They will be leaving for Laos the following day.

Day 4 (Chiangmai)
I really like the weather here in North Thailand. So cooling and nice. I planned to stay overnight at Mae Sariang today. And along the way, I will stop by a few places of interest. My first stop, Doi Suthep, to see Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and the Bhuping Palace.

The long walk up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep














Inside Wat Phra That Doi Suthep



















The mist is so thick that you cant see the view from this mountain.














As I was leaving the temple, I saw this big bell and something else caught my attention.














And it was from the contribution of a fellow SINGAPOREAN. I was quite surprise to see the word TAMPINES, SINGAPORE on it.














Bhuping Palace, a place where the Royal will come here to stay during the winter.(If i remember correctly).














Inside the Palace.
























































On my way down the mountain. The view of Chiangmai.














Finally, I started my ride to the famous Mae Hong Son Loop. I had heard so much about it. It is also the dream place of many Singaporean Bikers to ride to.. I was so excited and when I see this road sign, I know that my turn has arrived...














Along the way, I went to Doi Inthanon, which is the Highest Peak in Thailand(2595m). And I stopped by the Nam Tok Mae Klang(the largest waterfall here) for lunch.

My lunch














I rested for a good half an hour here enjoying my lunch, the view and the cool weather.




















































Along came a fellow tourist and we spoke for awhile.














Seems like he is a professional photographer.














Aftre lunch, I carried on my ride to the peak. Almost there.














Finally!!














Hey, there is a fellow biker here. He is on a Harley.














He told me that he is from Finland but he lives in Thailand for now and he travels around Thailand on his bike for appox 7000km every month....














It was really freezing up here. And I was told that the temperature will drop to around 4 degree at night. We thought that we could travel together since we were both riding alone but we soon realised that we were heading in the opp direction. So we bid goodbye and he made his way towards Chiangmai while I proceeded on towards Mae Sariang.

I took the Doi Inthanon loop towards Mae Sariang. However, I did not know that it will take so much time to cover such a short distance. For a moment, I thought I was lost.




















































































And so I keep riding and riding. And It was getting dark.














Until I saw this, then I knew that I was on the right track... 74km.... hmmm..... seems very much further to me.














Now I had to make a decision. Cause I am still quite far away from Mae Sariang and I do not want to ride in the dark on unfamiliar mountain roads. Should I turn left or right?



















I choose to turn left back to Chiangmai as it was nearer. Rode in the dark for awhile which I think it is much safer as compare to riding in the dark to Mae Sariang. Went to stay at another guest house. Daret's house, 150Baht. As compare to last night, the room was very much smaller, but I perfer it here as it gives me a very comfortable feeling.



















Day 5 ( Chiangmai - Pang Ung in Mae Hong Son)
I can't help but keep wondering why are there the crosses design on the old city wall of Chiangmai? Does anyone know the history of Chiangmai? Please enlighten me.














Child playing near the city wall.














This is the name and address of the guesthouse.














After having breakfast at the guesthouse,














I took a photo with the waiter and waitress














and off I went, making my way to Mae Hong Son.... again.....



















Along the way, I went to see Ob Luang first. It is known as the Grand Canyon of Thailand.



















Here, I met a group of Thai people(Mr Hem and friends) from Bangkok. They were very friendly. They asked me where was I going and we happened to be going to the same place for the night. So He suggested to me that why not join them? Instead of staying in the Mae Hong Son city, they are going to camp at the border of Thailand and Myanmar. About 50km north of Mae Hong Son. A place where no people except Thai knows. A place where the scenaries are great. A "New Zealand" alike place.

I was thinking, why not? Since I am travelling alone, anything goes. So we exchanged phone number and I agreed to call them when I reach Mae Hong Son. They are going on car so we had to go seperately first.

And so they lefted and I continued to sight see Ob Luang.




























Nice.































































































































Washing up my face with the cool river water before riding on....














Long way to go...



















Villages along the way














Have I reached?? Neh..... I just reached the province only... Still far...














Mae Sariang(Half way point from Chiangmai to Mae Hong Son) .

































Roads after Mae Sariang. I think this road will not be passable if it rains. Sure landslide.














Aong the way














The road starts to curve.














and more.... never ending...














The view in the north is really great. You have got to see it yourself. Most of the nice view cannot be capture as most of the roads are either sharp bends or steep slope.














I made a side loop to see this mountian full of flowers. It is like a carpet of flowers on the mountain. The road up.



















Along the way.














What is this???














At the top, The Flowers.





























































This sunflower look alike flower makes up the majority of the mountain's carpet.














But just too bad that I came on the wrong season. If not it will be more beautiful. Most of the flower has died. The best month to come and see the flowers is during Oct.










































Views from the top. Mae Hong Son is made up of 90% mountains and 10% flat land.




















































































Just as i was about to complete the loop and join back the main road, I was stop by a local as he told me that the road ahead is not passable by such a big bike. So I have no choice but to back track all the way.




























Soon, the sun was setting.
























































But I managed to make it to Mae Hong Son before night falls.














At this point of time, I was thinking that Mr Hem and his friends might have already reach Pang Ung. And so I thought I would just call them and say sorry that I cant make it. But to my surprise, they just reach Mae Hong Son too. Was this fated?

So we met up and make our way to Pang Ung. But soon Murphy's Law came into play, their car broke down. We took a rest at one of the villager's house.














Somehow, they manage to get help and they carried on their way on a pick up while leaving the car at the village. And at the campsite, we made our dinner.














Their gadgets














It is only 8 degree now.














We did not start any fire, but other campers did. So Mr Hem and I waited till they went to sleep and we went to take over their fire.. HAHA...




























Day 6 (Pang Ung in Mae Hong Son - Mae Hong Son Town)
I woke up early to see the sun rise. And to my surprise, there is this huge and very beautiful lake which I did not see last night. It was a very nice view.














I was not the only one who woke up early.














It was cold.














Look at the thick fog above the lake.














The Sun is rising...






































































Can you spot a swan swimming in the lake?? Click on the pic to see.














This is the campsite. By then, Mr Hem and friends had also woke up. And so we went to take a walk along the lake.
















































































































We took many photos....






































































I soon realised that they are a brunch of very happy go lucky people. They dont behave like their age. They just enjoy life. It was fun taling photos with them. I feel like I am back in my Poly days.
























































Especially Mr Hem. He is like a kid. So funny. I remembered that we were walking along the lake and he suddenly say " OH NO!! I lost something." And we were like " What did u drop?" and he replied "I lost my Heart. It is so beautiful here."














The ladies














Along came some horses to our campsite




























I really liked this place alot and I wanted to thank them so much for bring me to this place. I wanted to give them something as a gift. And so I decided to give them a t-shirt with the word Singapore on it. And ofcourse, I wrote something on it to make it more meaningful.






































































Soon, we packed up our stuff and prepare to move off. This was my tent, 250 bhat.














My Bike in a sub 10 degree condition.














Moving Out. Going to do some charity by giving food to the hill villagers.














Along the way, we passed by villages and Aor, one of Mr Hem's friends, started to give out food.














Look at her happy face.














Eventually we went to Ban Rak Thai village to give out some food to the children in the village school.




























This school is right along the border of Thailand and Myanmar.




























Ban Rak Thai village, is a chinese village, where the people here were from yunnan, china. The Kuo Ming Tang (KMT) people. So you can see chinese words and hear people speaking them.










































She is so cute and pretty!!!!!!!!!!!














I suddenly notice a big group of Thai tourist gathering and talking about me and my bike. And I became the talk of their group. They were all very curious about where I cam from on this big bike. And as soon as They knew I rode alone all the way from Singapore, I became a SUPERSTAR. Everyone wants to take photo with me.
























































More photos around the village





























































They own the tea house. That cute little girl in the chinese dress is their little sister.














After a short walk around the village, we made our way back to where the car was lefted last night.














The car




























Not many cars on the road.



















After awhile, they manage to get the car started and so we moved on. But not for long. The car broke down again. Didn't I tell you they were the happy go lucky type? Even when their car broke down, they were still happily taking photos.

































They soon realised that they will be taking quite some time and so they asked me to go ahead first. Since we are going to diferent places already, I bided them goodbye and off I went. I went to see the long neck village first.

In order to get to the long neck village, you have to cross many of this.


































































































It was really an eye opener. I had read about it in books during schooling days but seeing is believing!! After awhile, I made my way back to Mae hong Son town. Along the way back i bump into elephants.



















When I got back to Mae Hong Son town, I went to get my cert. They have this cert for all those who manage to drive Mae Hong Son because you have to go through 1864 sharp curves through the mountains in order to reach this town.














After getting my cert, i went to find a place to stay for the night. However, due to New year, many of the places were full house. I soon bump into this family who was also looking for rooms and we went looking for it together. After a long search, we manage to find 2 rooms and so this guy said that I can have 1 room and they all can share a room. But I look at it. They have 4 ladies and 1 guy. So I suggested that the guy can share the room with me if he dont mind. So that it will not be so crowded for them. And he agreed. This is the first time, I share a bed with a total stranger.

Then after getting a place to stay, I went to see Wat Doi Kong Mu.














Where I became a superstar again.














View of Mae Hong Son from the wat














Soon, nightfalls




























And the people started to light up lanterns and send them up the sky. Which means sending all the bad luck away from them into the sky.














I left the temple as soon as nightfalls and back to had dinner along the lake in town. And guess what? I bumped into Hem and friends again and so we chat and drank till late night before we went to sleep.

Day 7 (Mae Hong Son Town - Pai)
This is the room that I shared with another guy last night. It cost 400bhat. But since we shared the room, we pay 200 bhat each.














The guesthouse name.














My roommate last night. He work as a hairstylist in Bangkok. I must really thank him for offering to share the room with me. Thank you so much.














He and his company.














Morning at the lake of the town.




























Around the town, at the market.










































Nice














Monks near the market.














Every morning, the nearby hill tribe will come down to the town to sell their stuff. And their baby is so cute.










































I had breakfast at the market. And I bumped into my roommate agian. As there are not enought seats, we shared a table with some other thai. And to my surprise, someone recognised me. He said me saw me last night at Pang Ung. He and his girlfriend (first two from the left in the photo below) were camping there too.














Remember that I mention about parking of vehicle along either side of the road depends on which day it is? I finally saw the sign.



















Last look at the town.














Lefted a note at Mr Hem's car



















And off I went leaving Mae Hong Son, riding towards Pai. Along the way, I saw shophouses selling petrol in gallons like this.














The road condition towards Pai was not as good. There are many possible landslides area.














Look at all the fallen trees.














Along the way.














At one of the rest point, there are hill tribes "performing".

































View at the rest point.














As I was walking towards my bike after a short rest, someone came up to me and asked if I am Singaporean. He says he is from Singapore too and he is also on a bike. However, he did not ride all the way up from Singapore. He flew to Chiangmai and he rented a bike.














He and his thai friend were on their way towards Mae Hong Son. Oh, I forget to mention that he is a lawyer back in Singapore.














After the photo taking, I carried on my way to see the caves before staying put at Pai town. I wanted to see Tham Lot, which is a large lime cave(one of the largest in South East Asia) and also the coffin cave. Coffin cave is quite difficult to find and so I stopby and asked a policeman for direction.














To my disappointment, the policeman told me that Coffin cave is not open to public. So I went straight to Tham Lot cave. But when I arrived at the Tham Lot, I realised Tham Lot is actually 3 caves linked to one another and coffin cave is one of them. HAHA!!



















You MUST get a guide and a lamp to go into the cave. This is my guide and she is preparing my lamp. Too bad she does not speaks English, so I had to use my limited Thai to understand her when she explained the caves to me.




























The cave enterance














Me and my guide



















Tham Lot means water cave. The reason why it got its name is because a river flows through all the 3 caves. So I will have to sit on raft like this to see the caves.

































They have got names for some of the lime stones. This is call Pancake.














Diamond














Monkey's Head














More pictures in the caves






































































Click on this pic to enlarge it. See if you see a ancient drawing of an animal on its four.














This is beautiful.














Light shining through the cave. Beautiful






































































Climbing up to coffin cave.














The reason why the cave is call coffin cave is because when the cave was discovered, there are coffins in it. There are many of it hanging around in the cave and the people are still looking into why the coffins are here.














A big and a small coffin side by side














One of the cave enterance.






































Many other tourists in the cave




















































Leaving the cave.



















While walking back to my bike from the cave, I realised that even when I am not around, there are people taking photos with my bike.














On the way to Pai














View from another rest point.














Thai bikers














Carried on to Pai.














Finally I arrived at Pai at about 4plus. Took a ride around the town and ended up at a inn/campsite along the famous Pai river for a break. I did not plan to stay here for the night. I only wanted to take a break and then go looking for a guest house somewhere in town. But the great hospitality of owner of this place made me stayed here instead. So I decided to camp along the Pai river for my New Year's eve. 500bhat for this tent.

Pai is a very special town. Very different from all the other towns that I had been to in Thailand. You got to be here to feel that speciality. I really cant describle the feeling. Just nice. Great!!














Me and the very friendly owner. She can speak very good english as she did her degree in England.














This is the first time I spend my New Year's eve in a small town at a countryside in the mountain. And it is indeed very different. Thai people really loves to send lanterns up into the sky, as I had mention before. And there are thousands of them up in the sky. Yes i said thousands. So many of it that the whole sky lights up and they look like stars in the sky. Someone preparing the lantern.



















More people preparing the lanterns.














Up goes another lantern.



















These are not stars but lanterns. Alot right? Enlarge it to see.














I was sitting along the river looking at how the local celebrates the New Year. Just then, the friendly owner came over, offer me some wine and we had a chat for a while. Shortly after she lefted, another group of thai people invited me over to join them for a drink. Thais are just so friendly.














Just as we were drinking and chatting away, midnight came and the New Year had arrived. The local started shooting fireworks into the sky, singing happily and loudly away. I managed to capture a beautiful shot of the firework.














Although I did not spend my New Year 's eve in a club or in the crowded streets in orchard road like many other Singaporeans does, I still enjoyed myself very much as I made new friends, see different culture and lifestyle. This was indeed a very different way of celebration for me.

Day 8 (Pai - Doi Ang Khang)
New Year's sunrise along Pai river










































The group of Thais who invited me for a drink last night, told me that Thais believe that it is a form of good luck and that they will have good blessing if they give donations of food and drinks to monks on the first day of New Year. And so I asked they if they could bring me along so that I could join in the donations and feel the culture of the local. And they said yes, as they were going to do so too.

He drove me to the town in his BMW














Many people are already waiting for the monks to arrived














Here comes the monks and the donations starts.





























































After the donations, we went back to the campsite along Pai river. And I took more photos.




























They are the ones who brought me to the monks.



















Me along Pai river. Very cold.














Inside my tent, Very comfortable.














Name of this campsite














Restuarant along Pai River














This group of thai bikers camp here last night too.














Just as I was preparing to leave this place, I saw this group of youngsters taking photo with my bike. And So I joined in.














Ready to go soon.














Took a photo with the owner and her worker before I left.














Not long after I left Pai, I bump into this group of Thai riders. I must really salute them as they rode all the way from Kanchanaburi to Mae Hong Son Loop on a VESPA!!














They are all from this motorcycle club.




























Look at the amount of things they load on a Vespa. WAH!!

































I cant resist from taking photos with their wonderful ride.














After a short chat with them, I carried on my way to Doi Ang khang. Photos along the way.




























When I was about to reach the submit of Doi Ang khang, I saw a European plate Africa Twin. And the first thing that came to my mind was that, "Man, I would want to speak to them." May I present to you, MAARTEN and ILSE, who were on a round the world tour.














Me and Maarten on top of the world




























Me and Ilse














We decided to camp together at Doi Ang Khang for the night. I took this chance to learn about doing a world tour from them. 320bhat for my tent.














Guess what? They have a kitchen on the back of their bike. Maarten preparing dinner.




























He is a good cook. Really nice to have such a wonderful dinner in the wild.














After a delicious dinner, we sat by the fire which we set up earlier to keep ourselves warm, and we started chatting. They told me about their experiences on riding from Europe to Thailand. How to get the visas, what to expect etc. What happen when riding in the Middle east, in India etc. We talk till quite late before we went to sleep.

Day 9 (Doi Ang Khang - Chiang Rai)
I woke up early to catch the sunrise. Had to travel abit before I reach the submit. However, I did not ride up. There are many other people going up to the submit to catch the sunrise and so I hitch a ride up.














There were so many people up here.




























Even the nearby hill tribes come and sell their stuff.










































After the sun rise, I went back down to my campsite. I "hitch" a ride down too but ended up to pay a fee. It was until then than I realised that the vehicle that I "hitch" for a ride down was a common transport to ferry people up and down the hill. :(

This was the vehicle I hitched a ride up. Free














This was the vehicle which I thought I "hitched" a ride. Saw the difference?? My mistake.














Morning view from my campsite














This guy below is great. He hitch a ride all the way from Chiang Mai to here. He told me that he is a university student and has not much money. However he loves to travel and so he always hitch a ride around to travel and see Thailand. Clever har? Saves alot of money on transport fee.
And you know what? He did not even rent a tent to sleep last night. He ties a hammock which he carrys with him ti trees and he slept in the open. I really respect him. The temperature was sub 10 degree and he could take it. Speechless.














By this time, Maarten had woke up and he prepared a very delicious breakfast. I never like pumpkin but the way he cook it is so nice. See this. Could not believe that he cook this in the wild right?














After breakfast, we packed up our stuff and we moved on. We planned to go to Mae Salong together before we go on seperate ways. Maarten and Isle treated me well and so I wanted to give them something in return. Something which they will remember. I had nothing much to offer and so I gave them my 3 nation charity ride top. Since he is a biker, I think he will like it. And this is the best I could gave to him at the point of time.














After packing up my stuff, I took a photo with my neighbour camper before we move out. She is from Bangkok.














Maarten and Isle on the way. Look at the amount of load they carry. Africa twin can really carry loads of stuff.






































Me on the way, photo taken by Isle

































Taking a break along the way














Kids at a village along the way














At Mae Salong. There are many different hill trbies here. But we did not expect it to be such a tourist spot. We prefer it to have it original taste.

































The market




























Another type of tribe



















The playground














There are many tea houses like this around














After Mae Salong, we went our own way. I headed towards Chiang Rai. Check in into my guesthouse(300bhat) and I went for my dinner at "Cabbages & Condoms" before I went to bed. The aim of this restaurant is to promote safe sex.














T-shirts for sales.



















Posters in the restaurant




















































Day 10 (Chiang Rai - Chiang Kong)
Fellow friendly travellers met while checking out of guest house.














Saw this poster in the guesthouse. Quite true. Click on the picture to enlarge it to read.



















After checking out, I rode to the Northern Most Point of Thailand. Which is also a border crossing into Myanmar, This is a very busy border. Just like our woodlands checkpoint.










































Myanmar on the other end.




























Soldiers guarding the border














Things they sell at the border.














Since I am a biker, how can I not take some photos of Myanmar plate motorcycle














Moving on to the Golden Triangle. Along the way.














The Golden triangle. Finally I am here!!!




























Just as I was taking photos, guess who I saw. Its MARTEEN and ISLE!!! What a pleasent surprise!! The 3 of us formed a triangle for photo taking.














They left as soon as they finished taking some photos. After they lefted, I tried to form a triangle myself. Haha














Map of the location of Golden Triangle. See the red triangle on the map. Golden triangle covers part of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.



















Full view of the Golden Triangle. Click on it to see the enlarged.






Some directions.














Temple at the Golden triangle along the Mekong river





























































Since the Golden Triangle is famous for opium, how can I give the Opium museum a miss?
Opium accessories.




























Enlarge it to read.



















Origin of Mekong river, World 3 longest river. Enlarge it to read.














Different types of hill tribes in Thailand.




























MUST READ!! ENLARGE IT!! I am very amused by the legend of opium by the hill tribes. They all believe that opium grew from woman's breast.














Read this too.














Poppy Planation














Typical Opium House














Chinese myth of opium. The direct translation og "huang di" is the "great YELLOW emperor". wahaha.. Really direct translation leh. I know I am rude, sorry. But I just find it funny. Sorry i dont mean it.














Important people of the opium war, opium era.




























Photos of the long neck Karen Hill Tribe.














Take a closer look, they are actually quite beautiful.



















Now you know how heavy the rings are. These are not the heaviest yet.



















An X-ray taken on one of the karens. Notice the collar bone after prolong wearing of the rings.



















Why do they wear the rings? This is very interesting. ENLARGE it to read.



















After the muesum, I made my may to Chiang Kong. Along the way.




























I took a rest at this rest point. The scenery here is awesome!!! So I bought an apple, look at the scenery and enjoy my rest.










































After a good rest, I carried on my way to Chiang Kong. It was not too far. I reach there in awhile. And I met those travellers whom I took photos with this morning.

Chiang Kong, a border crossing point to Laos, across the Mekong river. Look across the river, that is Laos. This is a ferry crossing point.

































Laos on the other side.



















After taking a look at the border, I went to find a guest house and check in. The moment I enter the guest house, I saw the Africa Twin and a smile bestow my face. Marteen and Isle are stayng here too. This is the most worth the money guest house I had stayed in so far. Only 250bhat, and I get a private bathroom and a TV, for the first time in a guest house, a private TV in my room.

We went for dinner together. They told me that they will be crossing the river over to Laos tomorrow. How I wish I could follow them. But I cant. I will have to start heading down south tomorrow as my holiday is ending soon. :...(

It was full moon that night. What could be better than have a moon light dinner along the Mekong river. with Laos across the river and its shadow casted on the river. Beautiful sight.

Day 11 (Chiang Kong - Nan)
Morning view of Mekong river and Laos





























































Had breakfast with Marteen and Isle, bidded goodbye for the last time and best of luck for their world tour. I went to top up petrol at the gas station before I leave and I saw this group of Ang Mohs. They just came back from their dirt ride in Laos.




























As I ride further and further away from Chiang Kong, a sense of saddness bestow upon me. Suddenly I feel very lonely. It was because I knew that I was already on the way back home. But I did not wish to. And also because of all the nice people that I met during this trip, I am starting to miss them. How I wish I could just keep on riding and explore new places, go to places that I have never been to. The feel was getting stronger and so I decided to take a break along the mountain ridge.




























Someone seems to have stayed here last night.














The huge amount of eaten corns on the floor makes me wonder why they are there? (Enlarge to see.) Not a single car passby here for the whole time I stayed there. So, Why are these here?














After collecting my feelings, I carried on my way. This road seems to be never ending straight. I call it "heavens road". haha














After travelling about 5km, it is still going straight.














Suddenly I feel hungry, and I passby my roadside stalls like this. Are these food? I decided to check it out.














The stall owner told me yes, It can be eaten and so I tried one.



















Sweeten sticky rice in bamboo.














She even offer me a glass of water. I sat at her stall and chat with her for quite a while.














After a chat, I rode to Nan. It was only 3pm but I dont feel like riding any further today. So I stayed there for the night. This guesthouse was good. I really feel like home when I stay there. The owner offer me free food and drinks. The room rate was very cheap too. Beautiful house. Feels like home, right?




























And guess what? I saw the guy which I met from my previous Central Thailand Ride trip. What a surprise. He was staying in this guesthouse too. We went for dinner together and then some beer. Everything happens for a reason. So, always look on the bright side of life.

Day 12 (Nan - HuaHin)
The name of the guesthouse














The friendly guest house owner making breakfast.










































After having my breakfast in the guesthouse, I went to see Nan's ghost pillar, which was not very easy to find. This place is quite interesting.






























































































































Along the way from Nan to HuaHin. Cabbage plantation.














Nice view from top.














On the way back to HuaHin I passby this interesting intersection. The IndoChina interesction.














At this intersection, I am 1840km away from Kuala Lumpur(Malaysia), 1010 away from Danang(Vietnam), 670km away from Yangon(Myanmar).














and 1460km away from Kunming(China),














I reached HuaHin at night. Had a quick dinner and I went to sleep.

Day 13 (HuaHin - Hatyai)
Morning at HuaHin Beach.
























































After a stroll along the beach, I went back to the guesthouse and prepared to leave. I bump into another ride the world biker. He is the same age as me. We chat for awhile.




























His ride.






































On the way back to Hatyai, I bump into another type of traveller. The bicycle traveller. I really respect them. Imagine cycling from countries to countries. They are in the back of this photo, checking out their maps.














I reached Hatyai at night, went for a movie and back to sleep.

Day 14 (Hatyai - HOME, Singapore)
There is nothing special about Day 14. It was just a long and boring ride along NorthSouth highway in Malaysia. When I got home, I check out my tyres. I realsie that even after riding through the 1864 bends, curves and corners in Mae Hong Son, I did not even manage to use till the edge of my tyres. Guess I am just not cut out for that.



















This was indeed a very fulfilling trip. I made tons of friends and had lots of fun. I hereby thank all of you whom I met during this trip. Without you, this trip will not be as fun. Although I went on this trip alone, I never felt lonely. You guys keep me company. I will never forget about you guys. Cheers.

Hurbet - Thank you for your kind hospitality.

Chan and friends - Nice meeting you all in Chiangmai. Hope we will have the chance to ride in Laos and Cambodia next time.

Mr Hem, Aor and friends - You guys are great!! Thank you for inviting me to join in for the camping. It was a very wonderful experience. Keep the young spirit high!! You guys never fail to make me feel young. HAHA... and take good care of the car ok? :)

The hairsytlist from bangkok - Thank you for offering to share the room with me in Mae Hong Son.

Lawyer from SINGAPORE - Hope you had a nice trip!!

Toom - Hey thank you for everything. Good luck for your business and studies. You have a great smile. Keep on Smiling ya, :P

The guys who drank with me on New Year's eve in Pai - Sorry but I did not ctach your names. Thank you for inviting me to drink with you all on New Year's eve. We had a good chat. Thanks for showing me the culture of Thais on the first day of New Year too. Thank you.

Parman Scooter Club - You guys were great on those scooters!! Keep up the biking spirits!! Hope to see you all soon.


Marteen and Isle - What can I say?? You guys rock!! Take good care of yourself while riding on the rest of your trip. Had fun during those times together. Enjoy!!

Eng - Hey nice knowing you!!

Joe - I must try your style of travelling someday. You take care.

Amazing Guesthouse - Your place makes me feel like home. Thank you for all the foods and drinks. You are really amazing!!

Nils - I envy you man. Although we are of the same age, You had already travel half the world on your bike. When will it be my turn?? Take care of yourself in Australia.

All the Bikers I met along the way - LIFE IS SHORT, KEEP RIDING!!!

No wonder Thailand is also known as the Land of Thousand Smiles. I totally agree!!!

For all my other rides, please go to the main page : zeevincez.blogspot.com
and look for the links under "My Past Rides".