Planning road trip: Chachoengsao-Korat-Pechabun...

OmegaRacer · September 24, 2014

Hi guys

I'm planning to go on a well deserved bike holiday with my wife on the second week in October.
Starting point is Chachoengsao. From there we'll ride to the Village Farm Resort in Wang Nam Khiaw. A nice quiet vineyard, with excellent wine and food. We'll stay there for 1 night and enjoy a little luxury.
From there we'll ride to Korat to meet some friends and to Phimai to visit the ancient city. This should take about 2 days.

From there.....I'm not sure. We have 5-6 days more and I'd like to ride to Petchabun and find some nice mountain roads (or at least hills), which I miss so much in Chachoengsao. Never been there, so I would like to make the most out of it.

So here is my question: do you have any tips on which road I should take, particularly beautiful places to visit, resorts you would recommend?

Here's the map so far...
https://goo.gl/maps/igybf

Any help is much appreciated!

thank you

revgreen · September 24, 2014

While in Phetchabun you should head to Phu Kradueng National Park, Nam Nao National Park, Phu Tab Berk, Khao Kho. All of those are nice rides

OmegaRacer · September 25, 2014

Ok, thanks!

What you think about this route? Any good?

https://goo.gl/maps/KUKEm

revgreen · September 25, 2014

The Phetchabun portion looks good to me. Can't speak for the rest though as I've never ridden those roads. Also be wary of the day of the week, Khao Kho and the surrounding area gets a TON of traffic on weekends. And make sure you bring jackets (if you don't already wear them) - the weather gets a bit nippy up there.

Oh and one of those roads going into Lom Sak (maybe 12 maybe 2372, but I'm not 100%) is currently under construction. The ride can be a bit harrowing at times.

ll2 · September 25, 2014

yes, national parks there and road up to Nan is nice day say with a ferry trip across a dam lake.

There has to be some threads about that route here at TV, check it out.

I never did it but it is one of the routes i will do soon.

have a nice and safe ride!

OmegaRacer · October 19, 2014

So, came back yesterday from my 6 day trip. Had a fantastic time, not a drop of rain, no police stops, very little traffic (apart the last 30km from home) throughout.

Roughly 1500km done.

The German brand 'Bags Connection' saddlebags I bought from Panda did a very good job, will get the tank bag too, soon.

Here's the MAP (last stretch through Khao Yai, to Pratchinburi, Phanom Sarakam and Chachoengsao not included).

I few places I'd like to recommend:

Village Farm in Wang Nam Khiew, it's a winery with great wine and food. The 'Schweinshaxe' (or Kaa Moo Yerman or German pork leg) was absolutely delicious and even better than back home in the Alps.

Phu Tab Berk in Petchabun province. High up in 1.700m, cool/cold weather, amazing views, lots of development going on. I guess having a guest house is more profitable and easier than planting cabbage (used to be poppy).

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. Loved the trek to see the famous stone formations and old Communist headquarters.

Wat Phra Sorn Geaw. Easily the most beautiful temple I've ever seen. A must see.

Khao Kho. Ohhh...I so loved that road! It reminded me of home in the Dolomites...and the traffic was almost 0.

Khao Yai Art Museum. Not very big, but some great artworks there....and it's free. :-)