We're Back in Town

[Gregthemagnificent]

We are back for another ride, spending a couple of days in Chiang Mai acclimatizing. Excessive beer drinking and คุกกี้กัญชา is on the cards

There are 8 of us this time. 4 riders from Perth and 4 from the other side of the country. A throng of great men keen to ride Hondas on the best roads Northern Thailand.

We are staying at the Chirin Home, close to the Iron Bridge. I like this area as it is relatively quiet and convenient, with some nice restaurants on the river.

Our bikes are from C & P Big Bike Rentals. This time its 8 Honda NX500’s. Smarter looking and 3kg lighter than the CB500X.

 

[DavidFL]

Hope to see you in Chiang Khong if you're passing through.

 

[Wayne66]

Have a great trip, if you get near me pop for a brew

Wayne

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

Today Chiang Mai to Phayao

Headed east out of Chiang Mai to the 1230 stopping at Wat Mae Ta Khrai and Wat Mae Ta Khrai - "Hell Temple"

Took the 4063 and 1252 to the 1035, ending up in Phayao.

Stopped at an archaeological on the lake shore

Stayed at the Green Hill Hotel

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

Day 2 Phayao to Pua including the 1148

Headed north out of Phayao stopping at Wat Don Sila, then ancient ruins at Wat Saraphi

Nice view at Wat Phuket
Stayed at Nan Muanjai Hotel, with restaurant next door

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

First stop at old tobacco plant then “4001, a short loop in Pua” https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/posts/104332/bookmark

Adventurous 45km mountain detour with a 10km dirt section

Then the 1256 to Bo Kluea followed by the 1081, stopping at the Tortuous Road viewpoint

Stayed at the Dhevaraj Hotel, Dinner at the Huean Phukha Restaurant

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

200km of remote windy road. The first time on the 1243 over the mountains

Then over Doi Samer Dao on the 1083 to Na Noi

Accommodation at Huen Fai Mae Jampee

 

[Wayne66]

Thanks for sharing the ride out.
What did you think of the 1243? I didn't enjoy it TBH, but maybe that was because there was a lot of damp mud and leaves on the road and I felt closed in going over the mountains. I don't think I would ride it again.

Wayne

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

Thanks for sharing the ride out.
What did you think of the 1243? I didn't enjoy it TBH, but maybe that was because there was a lot of damp mud and leaves on the road and I felt closed in going over the mountains. I don't think I would ride it again.

Wayne

The 1243 was good, mostly in good condition and dry. The bikes handle rough road sections well. It did feel like it was never ending, I would do it again. Going to the Laos border broke up the endless corners making the ride more interesting

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

Headed south to Na Muen car ferry, cross Sirkit dam

Coffee Sirkit dam

75km remote section with good bends merging to cement jungle, on roads, 1163, 4001, 1022

4001 between Phrae and Queen Sirikit dam are fully sealed
Stayed at Huen Him Kong Hotel, dinner at Fragrant fish at Kad Kong Kao

 

[Wayne66]

Glad you made use of the ferry, hope you didn't have long to wait?

Wayne

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

Glad you made use of the ferry, hope you didn't have long to wait?

Wayne

No wait, it had 2 cars already so departed as soon as we got on. Lucky for us

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

No wait, it had 2 cars already so departed as soon as we got on. Lucky for us

 

[DavidFL]

The 1243 was good, mostly in good condition and dry. The bikes handle rough road sections well. It did feel like it was never ending, I would do it again. Going to the Laos border broke up the endless corners making the ride more interesting

Was this the border crossing you went out to?

Thai-Laos Border Trading Market · 84MR+6F3, Bobia, Ban Khok District, Uttaradit 53180, Thailand

âââââ · Market

maps.app.goo.gl

Did you luck out and see any activity there?

 

[DavidFL]

Headed south to Na Muen car ferry, cross Sirkit dam

Coffee Sirkit dam

75km remote section with good bends merging to cement jungle, on roads, 1163, 4001, 1022

4001 between Phrae and Queen Sirikit dam are fully sealed
Stayed at Huen Him Kong Hotel, dinner at Fragrant fish at Kad Kong KaoView attachment 157690View attachment 157691View attachment 157692View attachment 157693View attachment 157694View attachment 157695View attachment 157696View attachment 157697

"4001 between Phrae and Queen Sirikit dam are fully sealed"

Excellent info. Many thanks.

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

Was this the border crossing you went out to?

Thai-Laos Border Trading Market · 84MR+6F3, Bobia, Ban Khok District, Uttaradit 53180, Thailand

âââââ · Market

maps.app.goo.gl

Did you luck out and see any activity there?

Yes, that's the one, turned off the 1243 onto the 1123
Finishing as we arrived. Bought some fruit an donuts

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

Todays ride is all new to me. Inspired by Ianyonok’s and DavidFL’ s 3 nights 4 days Chiang Khong - Phrae - Nan - Phrae - Return

Checked out the Golden Teak Museum

Next stop at Reclining Buddha and Golden chicken thing on the 101

Tried to find the Black Bridge, Huai Mae Ta Railway Bridge, but failed

Took some back roads towards Ngao, including a 5km dirt section, but couldn't get through at Wat Tham Pha Hing. The road turned into a single track and was too difficult for our bulbous bikes

Stayed at the LD Hotel & Residences, Dinner @ Apirom pub & Restaurant

 

[DavidFL]

Todays ride is all new to me. Inspired by Ianyonok’s and DavidFL’ s 3 nights 4 days Chiang Khong - Phrae - Nan - Phrae - Return

Checked out the Golden Teak Museum

Next stop at Reclining Buddha and Golden chicken thing on the 101

Tried to find the Black Bridge, Huai Mae Ta Railway Bridge, but failed

Took some back roads towards Ngao, including a 5km dirt section, but couldn't get through at Wat Tham Pha Hing. The road turned into a single track and was too difficult for our bulbous bikes

Stayed at the LD Hotel & Residences, Dinner @ Apirom pub & Restaurant

View attachment 157720View attachment 157721View attachment 157722View attachment 157723View attachment 157724View attachment 157725View attachment 157726View attachment 157727

Well done. Ngao city is a lot of fun with that pub by the bridge and the LD hotel. Great staff at the LD and Apirom.

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

Took the 1154 from Ngao for 50km to Lilit Phra Lo Park, statue identifying as pierced with arrows

Windy roads for 70km, stopping for coffee at view point on the 1216, then Reclining Buddha and golden potato at Putthasathan Tham Chetawan

Accommodation at the Sawadee Lana hotel

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

From Nan, back roads 55km to Wat Nong Bua and have a look at the Lanna murals

Tried to check out Kham Nam Lod cave, but road and cave entrance washed away

Stayed at Chiangkham Grand Villa, dinner at Moonlight Umbrella, 500m out the back of hotel

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

Climb up the mountain on the 1093 and follow ridgeline along the Lao border, for 75km

Singapore Road 12km of adventurous downhill cement

Stop at historical sites in Chiang Saen

Stayed at Viang Yonok Hotel and checked out Ian's Triumphs and museum

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

Stayed at the Huen San Fang hotel, dinner at Gafre Café

 

[DavidFL]

Thanks again.

This is very very sad.

I just discussed this with an ex-TAT Chiang Rai official this morning, and the issue has already been raised with officials.
However, the challenge for them is that it is "private property" and not government; how do we deal with the ex-drug dealer's friends and relatives?

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

Fang to Chiang Dao,

The beginning of the 1178 was flooded and the rest is

in bad condition, dirt sections and many pot holes

stayed at the Huan Chiang Dao

 

[Gregthemagnificent]

Chiang Dao to Ban Rak Thai

We were going to the 1324 and the dirt road to Doi Kiew Lom but chickened out after seeing the road damage every where. Long way to back track if we couldn't get through

Stayed at Mong Homestay Resort