Northern Thailand and Laos on a CRF 250L

[Wayne & Ohm]

Day 5 Mae Hong Son to Ban Rak Thai, staying local Part 2
From there I came back into Mae Hong Son and visited Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu (Temple on the hill in Mae Hong Son). There was a great view from up there over looking Mae Hong Son and the Airport
IMG_0506 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

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Back to the room and out to the bar I was in last night for a well earned Beer

Some other pics from the day

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Its not complete without a selfie

[Wayne & Ohm]

Day 6 Mae Hong Son to Pai Part 1
Had a steady ride today from Mae Hong Son to Pai.


Day 6 Mae Hong Son to Pai 1 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Set off about 0815hrs and took it nice and easy stopping to take some photos and my daily on the road ritual at stopping somewhere on route and grabbing breakfast….bonus, no rice had noodles instead, it was really tasty. It was done with beef and spices
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Breakfast spot and food


The roads were up to there usual standard of lots of bends and curves to keep you concentrating. Also lots of scenery and great views
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[Wayne & Ohm]

Day 6 Mae Hong Son to Pai Part 2

IMG_0533 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

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Got myself a room, like a little Chalet type thing, quite nice and managed to get it for 400 Bht with a fan a night, staying for two nights. Pichai House, coords from the Montanna N19.21421 E098. 26402.
IMG_0538 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

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Going to ride local tomorrow as there are lots of things to visit in and around the area, Hot Springs, Waterfalls and Pai Canyon.
So I should have a good day

[Wayne & Ohm]

Day 7 Pai area Part 1
Set off for a bit of a look round at about 0900hrs.

Day 7 Pai area by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Day 7 Pai area 1 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

On route I passed a Elephant Village on some back road, the village was a Karen Tribe village. I was good to see the Elephants out and about.
I took a few tracks on my route but some were dead ends and others were blocked by Elephant tours but it was good to get off road for a bit to have a play.

IMG_0550 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

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First stop was the World War 2 Memorial Bridge just to the south of Pai, it was a good sight to see and a little bit like the Bridge over the River Kwai.
Coords from the Montana, N19.17869 E098.27890

IMG_0555 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


IMG_0556 by Wayne 66, on Flickr


Then it was a short ride to Pai Canyon, very nice and scenic. There were some narrow paths to walk along with some very steep drops at either side of you. Good place to visit. Coords from the Montana N19.18283 E098.27185
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[Wayne & Ohm]

Day 7 Pai area Part 2
After walking into the Canyon I was getting a bit hot with wearing my bike gear so it was off to Pai Hot Springs, as I pulled up I suddenly became very popular, 3 women accosted me in the car park, not that I minded, they wanted their photo taken with me, its not the first time but it was the first time I got them to return the favour
IMG_0569 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

It was really good and once I had spent a bit of time walking around I went in the water for half an hour or so. The water was about 36 degrees C, very relaxing. I looked like a prune when I got out Cost was 200 Bht, Coords from the Montana N19.18432 E098.2856.

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Allegedly you're not allowed to boil eggs in the water


I have spent a fair bit of time in the Pai Pub, which is about 2 doors down from where I am staying, music, food and internet are great
The bar is owned by a Aussie guy called Rowan, he has made me feel very welcome and would recommend to anyone. He also does rooms although I only found out after getting mine. He is a biker and easy to get on with.

IMG_0594 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
The Pai Pub

IMG_0595 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Nice little 125 Cafe Racer, think he said it cost him about $60

[Wayne & Ohm]

Day 8 Pai to Fang, but then a change of plan Part 1
Set off today with the intentions of going to Fang for the night before moving on to Chiang Rai
Things did not go according to plan.

Day 8 Pai to Fang, then on to Chiang Rai by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Day 8 Pai to Fang, then on to Chiang Rai1 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

I set off at about 0815hrs towards Fang. The road was up to the usual standard of twists and turns with great scenery. Some of the switchbacks were that sharp my Montana was having a fit and thought I was turning round therefore it was shouting in my ear ‘Recalculating, Recalculating’. There was a lot of mist this morning and it was cold, that cold my hands were going numb. As I climbed higher I came out off the mist and it to the sun, although it was warmer it was still a bit nippy

As you can see from some of the photos the mist looked like a thick blanket of cotton wool in some place as I was looking down on it

IMG_0615 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

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As I started to drop down a bit further I came a across a nice looking coffee stop. Had a Latte to warm me up and Strawberry fruit slice, very nice indeed. Then the woman behind the counter gave me a free cup of tea, she must have thought I needed it……I did

IMG_0622 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

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[Wayne & Ohm]

Day 8 Pai to Fang, but then a change of plan Part 2
Once I got to Fang I had a ride round, because as I was riding in the first impressions were not good…my assumptions were good and it wasn't very good, I only saw one decent hotel and there was not a great deal in the town. I had a decision to make, stay in Fang or carry on to CR
CR it was, So I travelled about 5 clicks back in the direction I had just come from then turned onto the 108, straight on to a long straight road, I was hoping that this wasn’t it for the next 100 k’s give or take. I wasn’t disappointed, after about 5 K’s the bends started, it was one of the better roads I have been on

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[Gary & Nok]

In post #21 IMG_0624 it looks like a Witch sat on top of the mile marker. What's that all about?

I'm loving this report by the way, something I wish I had the guts to do but know I never would.

Hopefully a lot more to come, as long as the posting problems don't put you off.

[Wayne & Ohm]

In post #21 IMG_0624 it looks like a Witch sat on top of the mile marker. What's that all about?

I'm loving this report by the way, something I wish I had the guts to do but know I never would.

Hopefully a lot more to come, as long as the posting problems don't put you off.

Yes its a Witch, I can't remember what it was all about, its been awhile
Glad you're enjoying it, will keep posting, still got about 30 days to post yet

[Gary & Nok]

... will keep posting, still got about 30 days to post yet

Excellent.

[Wayne & Ohm]

Day 8 Pai to Fang, but then a change of plan Part 3
Eventually got to CR at around 1500hrs and stopped for a drink and looked for a room. Settled on the Red Rose, they have themed rooms. Awesome, and all for the sum of 500 Bht or 10 GBP. Coords N 19.53601 E 099.49779
Staying here for at least 2 nights, maybe 3 as there are a couple things I want to do.

IMG_0649 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
The rooms

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[Wayne & Ohm]

Day 9 Chiang Rai local Part 1
Stayed local round CR today and visited 2 temples

The Black House (Temple) or Thawan Duchanee is about 10 K’s north of CR, coords N19.59516 E099.51617
It is a bizarre temple but well worth a visit. It reminds me of more of an Occult Temple rather than one to worship a Budda. It was very interesting walking around, and you must look at the toilet! A bit strange I know but it was filled with Phalic symbols, brought tears to my eyes just looking!
I would recommend it anyone visiting the area, and considering its a Sunday it wasn’t very busy.

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The Toilet

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Phalic Symbols

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[Wayne & Ohm]

Day 9 Chiang Rai local Part 2

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The White Temple or Wat Rong Khun is about 10 K’s south of CR, coords N19.49447 E099.45766
Again I would recommend this if you are coming to CR. It is quite a new build compared to some of the other Temples in the area but the work that has gone in to it is very good.
The main hall has a budda in it but you cant take photos inside, and its shoes off before you go in.
There are also a lot of tourist type shops to look in as well as a very small museum, where at the end you can watch the craftsmen working.

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[Wayne & Ohm]

Day 9 Chiang Rai local Part 3

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[marshall]

One of the things that leaves an indelible impression when visiting Thailand are the many ornate buildings with intricate carving, they're unique. Thailand is such an interesting place, so different from other countries I've been to.

Riding around the countryside stopping wherever you like, how cool is that?