chrissables

Day 25. Sungai Golok to Betong.

Today Al and I rode from Sungai Golok to Betong. Our first stop after a fabulous ride through the mountains was Landmarks of Thailand@Sukirin, a viewpoint on the Malaysian border, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ve7fABZpVFPetmAL8

Next stop was Bang Lang Dam, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y9BGWwAuYdjkA9k76

We then continued to Betong, a 273 km good ride.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vevY3ZmQAy6

Day 24. Pattani to Sungai Golok

Today Al and I were riding to the Malaysian border. Our first stop was Weyama Beach, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/KA2LNJyuohBquFCBA

Google sent us down a long sandy track to the beach, there was nothing there but dead trees on the beach.

From here we rode on to Khae Khae Beach, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/M2L3r1Mv6LNYHKcM6

This was a nice area with large rocks and a sandy beach.

We then rode inland to  300 year old mosque (Wadi al-Husein Mosque) | Masjid Wadi al-Husein (Telok Manok), here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/HbD19jowcvXko692A

It was smaller than I expected and we were refused to be allowed inside as we were not Muslim.

We then carried on to the Malaysian border at Tak Bai border checkpoint, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/m4gddrpKk74xvma99

From here we rode to Sungai Golok and checked into a cheap place. The owner is great but the room smells of cigarettes.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vevY3ZLomy6

Day 23. Songkhla to Pattani.

Yesterday Mike fulfilled his wish to ride his 60 year old body on a 60 year old Vespa to the Malaysian border. Despite many issues he succeeded, well done mate!

Al and I carrying on a longer route and arrived in Pattani today. Our first stop was at a dirty beach, as most seem to be, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/99UP7g9UapsD2miZ7

Next stop was Ratchadaphisek Beach, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/eNd1HpckxYWAdr7e6

From here we rode around the peninsular to Laem Tachi, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ywZg4zwGXpwSAg726

This again was very dirty and full of sheep and goat crap.

Backtracking we found a small resort in Pattani, The Good Night Resort, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cZZccgW72i1AXQ846

Good clean rooms, parking, the delivered a late breakfast to my room too! 600 baht a night.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vMq53rQ31QO

Day 22. Songkhla – Hat Yai Ride.

Last night was Mikes last night with us, he planned to ride to the Malaysian Border and then home, cutting his ride short due to the delays earlier in the ride.

To celebrate he picked up couple of ladies and is smuggling them back home!

This morning Al and I started our ride around with the first stop at Songkhla Old City Gate, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/A22XNrjFVy2WTejq8

Then up a small hill to Khao Kao Saen Temple, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BhWfs9biEAnJkgXG6

On the beach there, there was Kao Seng Rock, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tCucx7fH6BdTXGmR6

Leaving here the day became very frustrating as the GPS on my phone started failing and turning itself off every minute or so, and as my routes are usually not straight forward it really slowed us down.

Eventually we rode on to Ko Yo Viewpoint, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/4jmnihCfYVGcsFU89

I then decided to ride to Hat Yai Clock Tower, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/be9noQ2dgXfzfhQR9

I then tried to find a phone repair shop, the few were shut down or not open or gave bad advice such as “change your sim card”.

Eventually Samsung service centre sorted it out and we rode back to Songkhla where I carried on alone checking out local sights.

The first was Songkhla Old Town with some grat street art, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wbTThnGuJet7Fg7G6

Nearby was The Red Factory (Mill), here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ev6d4moP9CiPDnXY8

There was some more street art here too. After that I called it a day.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vXOdXV89xkO

Day 21. Nakhon Si Thammarat to Songkhla.

Today it was Al and I riding as Mike had already arrived in Songkhla.

Our first stop was Phak Phanang Wind farm, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ADKssFSnFrbC9Ywp7

Not far down the coast we stopped at Lan Tha Phaya Beach, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8WFf8c1pLWLiiBTZ9

Then Pier bridge in front of the courthouse, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FVsZ8UNhomYhUh8r6

Next stop was Cactus Beach, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/zvhUZPSwhcCCAoBN7

We then rode into Songkhla Old Town, where we will stay two nights.

https://www.relive.cc/view/v7O9GjdGLQq

Day 18. Lang Suan to Don Sak

Today we headed for Surat Thani. Leaving Lang Suan we stopped to photograph Replica of Chakri Naruebet ship, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ko7V8wfm71S4dBL49

A little further south we found another concrete boat at, Kho Khao Beach view point, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tZcVFJGobXeYYsr68

Further down the coast we stopped at Nong Bua Bridge, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dRdJYRiBD3hZy84A8

Next we stopped at Hua Laem Sui Lighthouse, but I did not see a lighthouse, but the view was great, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/fNDJXixHbpLS6d5r7

Back tracking and then riding south we had a quick stop at the Grand Canyon Tha Chang. Which actually seems to be a quarry, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/eZo18sPhmTBRamry9

From here we rode on to Don Sak for the night. Al and I are staying at The Rest Don Sak Resort, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/eS1oCZR3SNvEayUV9

https://www.relive.cc/view/vNOP739e8Yv

Day 17. Chumphon to Pak Nam, Lang Suan.

Today the three of us started riding together again. We left Chumphon riding inland and south through some great scenery before heading to the coast. Our first stop was Ban Searb Yourn Viewpoint, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gq3soWX6fasip4F7A

On the opposite side of the bay we went to Bo Kha Beach, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LvFQAZTyYDh9vR3P8

Here we found boat builders building a new boat from Takhian tree wood. They were very friendly and explained it takes one month to build a boat and to buy one would cost 700,000 Baht.

Further round the peninsular riding some very steep roads we went to Dan Dome Home Stay Viewpoint, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/U4C7m8asNUtgJREz6

We next stopped at Ban Thong Tom Yai Seahorse Statue, here.

Stopping for a quick photo at this viewpoint.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/934Co5EyauhZdmbt8

We rode on to Thung Khwan Thong Beach, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/pxj8txQqXxACXYoP8

Further we had another quick stop at Arunothai Beach, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aiqT6zuC3QrkLSWy6

Continuing south we started looking for a place to stay near the beach as Mike was going to be camping.
My CT125 decided to have a breakdown in sympathy of the Vespa. Luckily Mike did not take the piss too much, but he would have been happy to have towed me if needed! He found an electrical problem which was sorted fairly quickly. Mike will check it more in the morning.

We checked in to 99 Bay Resort, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rKto7UisevFL1PNfA

The rooms are 500-700 a night and on the beach.

https://www.relive.cc/view/v1vjdBmPPJ6

Day 16. Chumphon Exploring.

Today Al and I went exploring just the two of us as Mike was busy.
We started by finding viewpoints along the coast south of Chumphon.

First stop was Pak Nam Chumphon Beach, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/EyX5g2PewrEsftq78

Nearby we rode up the steep road to Khao Matee Viewpoint, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QYnoGL3aC2iMcVPd7

Further along the coast we stopped at Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/azAAdy6dXpsKq3Vd7

Just down the hill was HTMS Krom Luang Torpedo Boat Memorial, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/3pPLKxdPGgWyxqHP7

Again not far along the coast was Marine National Park Operations Center No. 1, Chumphon Province, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dUBmXdmRSy9vGLQf7

Which had a nice view out to Maphrao Island.

Next was Ao Thung Makham Noi Beach, here. Where the catamaran boat service runs out to the local islands.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/fHsCoeGQyDJP5iCKA

Then on to the next headland to Viewpoint: Father Ta Fa Lan Shrine, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gsVwB9Q53eEM3F4X6

We then rd inland to  Pu Chao Nam Phut Pool spring, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mducszNGJdXjRpGa6

We then looped back to Chumphon, a ride exploring.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vAOZwKz5My6

Day 15. Chumphon to khao Faa Chee Viewpoint.

This morning we met up at Laem Hua Mong-Kho Kwang Viewpoint, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/AGzV2bRgb1fFxKkb7

It was very hazy and hardly worth taking photos, but I did anyway hoping they would be ok.

Riding west we stopped at garage to check the tyres etc and due to a misunderstanding Al and I lost Mike. We carried on to the Old Steam Train, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/y51aoDxB4a5Uu4mS8

There is an empty museum here and the train is from World War 2.

Nearby was Khao  Faa Chee Viewpoint, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ka7ej9JpZRpPkPrf7

Again very bad visibility. From here we returned to Chumphon.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vNOP73AZW2v

Day 14. Ban Krut to Chumphon.

Yesterday afternoon both Mike and Al arrived at Ban Krut. Mike gave a great comedy act trying to erect his tent on the beach and eventually brought it onto the street where the lights helped him sort it out.

Today we left to ride south following the coast if possible. Our first stop was at Mae Ramphueng Bridge, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/iTLdSrk7U3XiHePp6

From here we went to Noen Sai Chumphon Sand D Dune, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxwSG2SFQSKSm7mA8

Nest we stopped at a rickety pier, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/n3qKsANin3XfpPbd6

Further along we found a small fishing village that’s not on the map here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mgRJgNp7K1vQcZU89

Next we found Ban Hin Kop Bridge, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/unHksFFXYVFbhGPA9

They are building a ferry terminal here now.

Not far down the coast was Prince Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine, Laem Thaen, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/7foaprtV8CgWmTNP6

We then rode onto Sam Siem Bridge, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/K9GkeJfmRtzUV48BA

We split up here as Mike has fallen for a sea gypsy and is courting her on the beach and impressing here with his tent erection skills!

Al and I rode into Chumphon City where we will stay a while exploring.

We are staying at Chumphon Palace Hotel, here.

Nice clean rooms for 500B a night.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/L4zTUJWVXo24whU58

https://www.relive.cc/view/veqz19E5DB6

Day 13. Ban Krut Exploring South

Today Mike and his Vespa is arriving along with Al, so my last day here in Ban Krut before riding south.

I stayed local today with my first stop at King Garden, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mNjy36oSHV8U5y8m6

Just along the coast is Mae Ramphueng Bridge, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gfFrqUGLW5TkY5629

There was a small bridge just along the coast called Bang Saphan Bamboo Bridge, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xzvVyKgSYnSkuTN1A

From here I followed the railway line back towards Ban Krut for a while before using the coast road.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vAOZwNyypo6

Day 12. Ban Krut Temple and beach views.

Today I stayed local and had a good time looking at local sites. The first was Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/fmDBMxsmnp2qsdp76

There some  great views along the coast from here and inside the stained glass windows were well worth a look.

From here I stopped at Ban Krut Landmark on the beach, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q1dNf33JtpuGG6PR7

I then headed south alongside the beach before riding up a pier to photograph the fishing boats, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wSPPLVpoQY5xFEsq5

Along the coast I stopped to walk across a sandbank, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FZhLwwaxyWywVhfK7

The sandbank goes to Koh Hua Pin, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/k92JdfzbkkCyWe1N9

Nearby was Bo Thong Lang Temple, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sibf6uN5sxB7pNVG9

Prakanhttps://www.relive.cc/view/v7O9GeLXRLq

Day 11. Ban Krut – Burmese Border Ride Two.

Today’s goal was to find another border crossing on the Burmese border.

My first stop was Huai Takhian Reservoir with its Golden Buddha Statue besides it, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZaDh58sqxCP1u4eG6

Next was Kham Sam Reservoir, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CQJGvFr8SyA8yyke9

From here I rode as far as the border barrier was, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dFioadgP4SkHNzSv9

The dogs were a bit rowdy and had to be controlled, but the guy was nice and polite and let me take a few photos.

From here I tried to find another border area but ended up a Temple, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/YHcfPNArTa8JkvAF7

Google show a way to the border, if so it must be on foot, Gaia shows nothing.

I backtracked and rode south west for a while hoping to find a track heading for the border, but eventually I gave up and headed back to Ban Krut.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvx5N7EGBO

Day 8. Prachuap Kiri Khan to Ban Krut.

An update on the Vespa, Mike is having everything overhauled and hoping to be on the road early next week. Until then I will ride slowly south exploring as much as possible.

Today’s riding was a mix of beach roads and riding inland trying to avoid R4. This was made a bit tricky by a lot of the railway crossing marked on Google maps not actually being there.

My first stop today was at Huai Maprang Reservoir, which was nearly empty, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cTSwyH9j6Zp67x969

Next was Crystal Island, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FXbSLVNh3dY4t4kA6

There was not much to see and too much litter around.

Just a way up the beach was a small inlet that was my next stop, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DkGKYmprXAZAeg597

Next I stopped at the Shrine of Chao Por Sang Khao Kwang. The shrine was a boat, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/zcWdauxMi2iToZxA8

On my way into Ban Krut I stopped to take a photo at Phraphut Kiti Sirichai, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jkuvMh1QvWLAZehP8

From here I found a room and a cold beer.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vdvmJ7zDYNO