VietHorse;301661 wrote: There are some options for me now, for your info and also comments:
Opt.1:
1st day: HCMC-Sihanouk Ville
2nd day: Sihanouk Ville - Pattaya
3rd day: Pattaya - Chumphon or Surat Thani
etc...
Opt.2:
1st day: HCMC-Trat
2nd day: Trat - Petchaburi
3rd day: Petchaburi - Phuket
etc...
...
Question: From Chumphon down to the Thai - Malay border, which route should I take? The AH2 on the East or the #4 on the West?
I saw the #4 looks like fun road with twisties, but I don't know if it is recommended to ride and enjoy, or it's difficult and dangerous road....
Your advice is highly appreciate.
How many bikes are travelling along with you? The AH2 or route 41 to Hatyai or main M'sian border will will fast but boring as you can reach Hatyai from Chumphon on this route 41 by noon if you start early morning. Not recommneded unless you are in a hurry......not fun at all.
The route 4 skirting towards the west coast will be some winding roads on the hilly stretch from Chumphon to Ranong which is bordering with southern Myanmar. Most of the road upgrading works should be completed by now on the hilly stretches mentioned.
The route 4 from Ranong to Phangnga should also be pleasant to ride as it is along coastal side of the west. The road continue towards Krabi is wide and a fast one but there may be some ongoing road works for certain short stretches and should not be of concern.
You may opt to ride the secondary road towards Hatyai from Trang if you are not in a hurry (can't remember what is the road number) otherwise just ride on route 4 from Trang to Hatyai will do.
As the other option for travelling south from Chumphon will be on the east coastal road from Surat Than on road 401 and continue on road 408 before Songkhla to Hatyai, This stretch is mostly smaller villages or towns and at road 408 you may ride along some stretches of the south china sea and there will be some huge wind turbines facing the sea near Hua Sai to Ranot district before reaching Sathing Phra and you will cross the longest bridge in the Kingdom of Thailand en route to Songkhla / Hatyai. This is also a nice road to ride as it would be good to use either coming south now or going north on your return leg.
The hotel that I stayed in Chumphon a few times alone or with family is Suriwong Hotel and is only approx 450 baht with secured parking next to hotel and is convenient.
The name of hotel for Surat Thani that I stayed with my family during Feb this year.......forget the name of the boutique hotel with huge family suite & secured parking and is only approx 1200 baht.....will let you know after I check out the exact name.