CT125 Winter tour

[chrissables]

I have not seen any which is surprising.

[chrissables]

My aim today was to re-visit two Khmer Temples I had visited before, but to ride all the way up to them.

Prasats Khao Plai Bad 1 & 2

No: 1. https://maps.app.goo.gl/FwtQhkZiQaaCwW9e7

No: 2. https://maps.app.goo.gl/DRXCoKBeoPFfaMsr9

Number two, follow Google maps to here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/53jd2pkXAUJSVssR9

Which is a part built temple. Head east up the track to the temple.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/z6VE2AgZ1u1u6F1m6

Number 1.  If wanting to walk up you ride to Wat Plai Bad and its about a 20 minute hike up.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/z6VE2AgZ1u1u6F1m6

To ride up the track you head for here first. The tracks are not on maps.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/GfmjxxV5aKva9vij6

Then north here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZnpafvAS1XcMYiH9

Follow the track to here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ggEVnYgZoUQKiZc56

And then continue to the top.

This took some finding and the locals I asked wanted to send me the walking way, but its impossible to ride up that way.

https://www.relive.cc/view/v36AxBBZ9ZO

 

 

[chrissables]

Day 14. 15.11.23 Ban Kruat green laning and Prasat hunting.

Today’s ride I enjoyed quite a lot of green laning while searching for Khmer ruins.

The first was Prasat Baibaek, which I have visited before, but there are a lot of farmers tracks to ride in this area to make it worthwhile another visit.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZqK8uFeN2MZWy2TF7

Continuing on my next stop at Prasat Lalomthom, which was new to me.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9YRHfUE997Ry8M3j7

Next was Khok Prasat. Both of these were in need of restoration.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QtKSNKdyY3gayGYQ9

https://www.relive.cc/view/vDqgKEDX7Gq

[chrissables]

Day 15. 17.11.23

Today I rode from Ban Kruat to Chaiyaphum City. 244km

Turning west after Prakhon Chai until Bua Yai was all small and quiet roads, beside the strong winds blasting me.

After Bua Yai, the road works were a pain and road rage encountered, which I could have done without.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vKv2YenxW4q

[chrissables]

Day 16. 18.11.23

Today I rode north of Chaiyaphum to the mountains. I got shouted at the entrance to Pha Hua Nak Viewpoint, for not stopping then the fee shouted at again, so I did a U-turn.

Just down the road there is Khlong Chang Stone Group where I took a few photos.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/y9ux6nrHkFvCEivX9

Further on another group of stones called Mon Hin Khao was my next stop.

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

I then continued to Sap Si Thong to explore some farmers tracks through the rubber tree plantations and pineapple fields.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ELonT539wQWLy6D16

Next was a ride to Lampathao Dam.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/w3XbtCFNBPbRpmu69

My last stop was Huai Hang Lampathao Dam, which was not really worth a visit.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/koxDUPWcbGUNdQjg8

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

[chrissables]

Day 17. 19.11.23

Today’s plan was to visit a viewpoint in Sai Thong National Park, but the 10 fold cost for a westerner just for a photo made me turn around. I found a track and followed that until it turned back to paved road.

I then rode to Ku Daeng, a Khmer Temple and returned back to Chaiyaphum.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rY8KWE4gRhqGNoEd6

Mostly boring straight main road riding unfortunately.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vYvrVGE5xxv

[chrissables]

Day 18. 20.11.23. Chaiyaphum to Nong Khai

Today I left Chaiyaphum to ride to Nong Khai, a 300 + km ride. Near Nong Khai I came across another ancient temple.

Phrathat Ya Pho Kae, which was a surprise at the side of the road.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/T6zpxGkWYvxa4TV59

https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qVQkg9d36

 

 

[chrissables]

Now at day 19 of my ride I stayed local to Nong Khai city,

The first stop was Wiang Khuk Ruins, which has two old temples in the grounds, it was very quiet there in a jungle situation.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9C1XGL3c6T695PsR9

Next I went to the temple from yesterday to take another photo of the information board.

Phrathat  Ya Pho Kae

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FoUEEUTwpFjUQRi5A

From here I rode a short way to the Mekong River sand banks to take a few shots.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/avqe4ociPrThiWjE8

Looping around I rode back past one of the temples to go look at Wang Bua Daeng.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QizzXk1saQX5Zqhv7

Then onto another temple Wat Phrathat Phonjik Wiang Giew

https://maps.app.goo.gl/nNEgviZMowMYaEV7A

Then through some small tracks and back to Nong Khai.

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

[chrissables]

Day 20. 22.11.23 Nong Khai exploring east.

My ride today was east of Nong Khai, following the Mekong before looping south and back.

There were some nice views of of the Mekong this morning. After heading south to the bridge over Huai Luang.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mZi6qsyyCtzP7Fnr6

I arrived on on small roads and farmer tracks most of the way back to Nong Khai which was fun!

My next stop was Nam Phan Rafting at Phan reservoir.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VwnPPo6qqiPNfHzRA

I then rode around the reservoir to the other side.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q5xfv3JHQPpV9iJj7

Onto Dong Phet Couple.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LagNHCV8f6Y3tB8s6

The access was blocked to the reservoir for some reason.

So I carried on to Jumjim Kingkaew

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CPpXL4tHtajvveVEA

From here it was a short ride into Nong Khai.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vAOZn3ByEyO

[chrissables]

Day 21. 23.11.23 Nong Khai to Loei.

Today was a nice ride from Nong Khai to Loei by an indirect route.

My first stop was when I saw a new temple being built on a hill and lots of Stainless steel fencing surrounding. Riding to the top all there was concrete pilings.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fnz5wcC7DYMvL6Cw7

Next stop was a temple on the side of a mountain. Wat Pa Phu Kon.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/hEo5MSbvAy6CF8Qk9

Its worth a ride up, the nice looking building and good views over the countryside.

On my ride through the mountains I saw a lady pushing her motorbike up a hill and turned back to ask why, luckily she was only out of fuel, so I gave her what I keep as spare before continuing to Loei. 229km ride today.

https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qVQDQyj76

[Randell]

Exceptional photos as usual. That last temple and surrounds was quite spectacular . Great coverage as we have become accustomed to from your thank you .

[chrissables]

Today I headed south and then west of Loei. My first stop was at Pha Bao Pha Sao Arts and Crafts Center.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/uWXXiqxd8PpE2dyJ7

Which had some nice views across the valley.

Next I stopped at Nam Ban Ban Khu Reservoir for some shots.

From here I was going to make a big loop back to Loei, but after reaching this point,

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TybpMHdUrdpNoVUo9

 which was steep first gear riding I did not want to carry on alone so I took Google’s faster option, but again I decided to turn back here at a school.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/vMWRLH8AEYwkFps26

 Not because it was difficult, but I was heading up into Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary and though I would be tied up for hours there.

Both of the dead ends show I was near the end of the tracks on Gaia maps for some reason.

https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qVQDAVG36

[chrissables]

Today I headed towards Phu Ruea then headed north from this point.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/b9UM9Dg83boxN8bn9

This is a small and sometimes steep road that eventually comes out onto R2195 here, near the Lao border. Where I rode back to Loei.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5NwYh6SLyFtMPXme8

A ride with some very good views.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/b9UM9Dg83boxN8bn9

https://www.relive.cc/view/vJOKZke55wv

[chrissables]

My plan today was to take a look at a reservoir near to Loei. Huai Nam Man Reservoir.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/7WwbvacGcWrYtJJ97

The barrier was down to stop you riding along the dam but I bypassed it and continued over a small steel bridge onto a narrow concrete path that followed the edge of the dam.. It was overgrown with bamboo in places. After the second bridge it got increasingly difficult ducking under the fallen bamboo and a few times I had to walk the bike through but unfortunately i came to fallen bamboo which put a stop to my exploring here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/NkNNDcDhhFLfEwCc9

After returning I rode to Harirak Forest Park around the reservoir.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2ghgLjjEQD895CFR6

There was what looked like a nice camping area there.

I then rode on to a viewpoint overlooking Huai Krathing Reservoir.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BaUQ1H2nHbFC9KFA6

I then rode north before looping back to Loei, another fun ride.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vKv2YBWYX4q

[chrissables]

Today I rode east to ride around Huai Phaniang Reservoir, my first stop was near the dam, here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xy1R5kuZt6BXSnJn6

Riding anti clockwise following the track I went as far here where the track ended.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/1czZo3e2KQDACvJL7

Backtracking  I carried on to my next goal here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Eoho6Ffgx6Wh6P6r8

But the dead end shown on my maps was not a dead end so I continued alongside the lake and then looped back to a dead end here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVNEbofxM6zJDuCKA

From there back to Loei.

There are many tracks there to explore, from turning off road until back on road was over 30km of fun and worth a look.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vrqoP19dyyv

[chrissables]

The ride from Loei following the Lao border is a great, if slow ride on the CT125. The views wonderful with remote villages with friendly locals

9 hours of actual riding to ride 400km

https://www.relive.cc/view/v36AGyy4GGv

[chrissables]

I am staying at this hotel in Nan, the Thai owner is extremely helpful, rides motorbikes too. The rooms are big with a fridge, parking outside of the room and 600 baht.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JNyJsrZ9CYXMEd757

First call of the day was a bike service, 5,000km this ride.

For a change I went for a walk around Nan City, besides the normal temples there were some great finds new to me.

The first being the tourist center which looked more like a temple.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/J1sdzJBfXsrUmuNu8

Next was Wat Ming Mueang.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wtFfKwkudpCGFBxH9

Then onto Khum Chao Thep Male. A very old house.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XnwgFXjmLDqsD8NP8

From here I walked to Nan Old City Wall.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/29XP4DoEE1u1UQqE7

Next was Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QQiLL5u41ZRTcoAGA

The last and most interesting place was called Khum Chao Ratchabut.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/q8AwBFBvREmw21Dr6

More information here.

https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/khuom-chao-ratchabud

This is an old teak building built in the time of Rama 4. 1866.

The family have a Royal connection and the lady who showed me around is the current owner. The guy mowing the lawn is her husband.

A very nice and polite lady, worth a visit.

[chrissables]

Today I decided to ride to a small village in Mae Charim National Park. The village is at the end of a dead end road, Ban Rim Klaow.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CV4iuezCHnm3e6hY7

The road is tarmac and in good condition over the mountain to get there.

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

[chrissables]

Today I rode to a Ban Sawang Viewpoint, strangely the views were better from the roadside. But ir was a good ride with great views.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vevW31jn9Gv

[Randell]

Look fantastic like the tree shots for some reason that and the winding roads and greenery a constant reminder how far from Saskatoon Saskatchewan I am thanks pal.

[chrissables]

2 hours ago, Randell said:

Look fantastic like the tree shots for some reason that and the winding roads and greenery a constant reminder how far from Saskatoon Saskatchewan I am thanks pal.

Thanks, i'm having a great trip.

[chrissables]

Today I was joined on my ride by Al who had ridden up from Pattaya.

A boring ride north up R101 before turning east to ride to Ban Mani Phruek.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/pyNsnvb3zoHntEPc8

Stunning views along the mountain roads to the small village before riding back

https://www.relive.cc/view/veqz1ZLwXB6

[chrissables]

Today Al and I rode a 253km loop from Nan to Bo (Baw) Gleuua the salt pit before riding over Doi Phu Kha mountain and back to Nan, Another great days riding

https://www.relive.cc/view/vYvE2BWpnGO

[chrissables]

Today I rode a loop north of Nan City taking small roads and also some green laning, no real planning, just setting an area and then taking side tracks when I found them.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vPv4VjKpr36

[chrissables]

I left Nan this morning to ride to Chiang Rai, a 220km ride with some nice views on route.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/bvt7ppMYuTnZuHhs6

[dayo202]

Great report, I been thinking about getting a CT until I went to the motor show in Bangkok yesterday and seen the new Yamaha PG1 for 64900฿.

New on the market so no reviews as yet.

[chrissables]

On 12/5/2023 at 3:16 PM, dayo202 said:

Great report, I been thinking about getting a CT until I went to the motor show in Bangkok yesterday and seen the new Yamaha PG1 for 64900฿.

New on the market so no reviews as yet.

Small engine

[chrissables]

Today I rode from Chiang Rai to Phu Chee Fa,

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VJSDmC4f9eUQEReo9

This is a mountain on the Thai and Lao border. The walk up is only 400m, the ride up and down the mountains to to get there was first gear riding on the CT125, But worth it for the views.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vdvmJjQW7NO

[chrissables]

Today my planned ride around the countryside east of Chiang Rai was cut short by rain that appeared from behind the mountains and eventually caught up with me.

My first stop was at Doi Pha Chang, which is a mountain in the middle of rice fields with a small road around it.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8gJfM4wsrMaKf4BR8

Next I rode on to Mae Tak Reservoir

https://maps.app.goo.gl/EqqK7Ep2ncw56YFx5

It was here I could see the incoming rain but I carried on hoping to miss it. It caught up with me near Nong Luang Reservoir and I returned to Chiang Rai.

https://www.relive.cc/view/v36AG7xJBZv

[papa al]

papa came across 2 elephants in the road today.