Chiang Rai or bust.... seeking input

[tripleLLL]

Any fellow travelers I am seeking your advice, input and wisdom.

I have purchased a second hand Yamaha Mio115 and had it tricked u for a long haul north, fitted with a rack for me backpack.

Heading off Christmas day and riding to Chiang Rai, then across into Issan before Pattaya and then south to Phuket, for me it’s a trip of a life time I am however on limited budget but a guy of simple needs just want to be able to have a couple of Leo’s each night and a cheap place over me head, also have me sleeping bag if anyone can suggest safe places to sleep outside. Seeking any stories and tips from travellors who have beaten a similar path

The Scottish express

[craigt3365]

Make sure you've got proper insurance. Many don't cover scooter accidents. There are many stories about there about foreigners with huge medical bills, some now unable to leave the country as they can't pay up.

The roads are super dangerous and many are in very bad shape. Be very careful, never drive after dark.

As for places to sleep outside, check out this brochure that lists national parks. Great place to crash I would guess????

http://www.campermotorhomerental.com/index.php/en/places-to-go

http://www.campinginthailand.com/

[villagefarang]

I am a bit of a dinosaur but I like travel without too much planning. Leave a little room for adventure and the unknown. It will either end up being the best experience of your life or the worst, but if you survive you will have some wonderful stories to tell, either way.

[ripstanley]

Make sure you have some warm clothes. It is freezing up north. I live near Phayao 100 km south of Chaing Rai. Been very cold. Warm clothes all day. Its 10 degrees in Phayao as I write. Have a good trip

[moe666]

Get some good maps and plan your trip on back roads as much as possible but you will have to ride on the superhighways at some point in time. I have ridden from CM to Plok, Khoen Khean, Surin, Pattay, Bangkok, and back to CM 8 days about 3,000k. Have fun plenty of places to stay and eating no problem. The best place to stop for gas is the PTT stations as many have a Amazon coffee shop. If you have a specific question PM me.

[dddave]

If you are ever truly in a pinch, you will always be welcomed at a Thai Temple for the night.

[DonaldBattles]

Chiang Rai has lots of good places to stay for 300-400 Baht per night in town. If you go to the hot springs stop by don's across from the Doi Hang Wat and I will give you some Christmas or New Years Cheer.

[Rinrada]

Believe that the Boombundang is still up and running.

Been over 20 years since I stayed there but was always OK..and just round from the gin joints in Jetyod.

My old mate had a bar there but believe that he has since gone to the lounge ....upstairs...

[mogandave]

Take money and a GPS

[tripleLLL]

HI Guys thanks for great advice.

Headed off early this morning. Made good time but wehn I got lopburi I was stopped at Police checkpoint and cost me 1000baht, they said for overloading.. . Is this price right?? Seemed excessive and has cut into my budget, decided to hole up for the day and go explore

[phuketrichard]

DO NOT;

I repeat DO NOT be on the road from Dec 29-Jan 3rd,

This is the Worst time to be on Thailnad's roads, also the time when most hotels are full .

Otherwise, Having driven all over it can be done ( but at a slow pace and u have to go around Bangkok on small traffic infested roads)

[roamer]

HI Guys thanks for great advice.

Headed off early this morning. Made good time but wehn I got lopburi I was stopped at Police checkpoint and cost me 1000baht, they said for overloading.. . Is this price right?? Seemed excessive and has cut into my budget, decided to hole up for the day and go explore

200B would have been excessive. Ask them to write you out a ticket for the "offence" which you will pay at a police station. They won't.