Farewell Thailand

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By the time I left Chiang Mai I was keen to get to Laos, to see a new country and enjoy different food and experiences.  I determined that I’d ride as quickly as possible, spend little time in Chiang Rai and cross into Laos as soon as I could. I expected to complete the 190 km ride in two days of roughly 95 kms each.  Ha! What came as a surprise to me was a 55 km steady uphill that took all day and I still had 40 kms to go to my intended stop in Wiang Pa Pao.  I stopped for the night and rigged the hammock at a National Park at the top of the climb.  I was very pleased to be there even if I was the only person in the park.

The next day I had an easy downhill ride into Wiang Pa Pao.  I stopped for breakfast at the hot springs on the way.  The traders sell you a basket of eggs and you can boil them in the spring.  I could not persuade them to let me have just 2 eggs for my breakfast.

Hot Spring

The next day’s ride into Chiang Rai was fairly easy, quite a bit of downhill and some rolling hills which I enjoy.  I checked into the hostel for just one night and my first thought was “what can I go and see?”   Then suddenly I felt mentally and physically drained and I realised that for 4 months I have been on the go every day.  Even if I was not riding I was up early to explore and often late into bed.  I had not had a single day of doing absolutely nothing.  So I added another night to my stay, went to a second-hand bookshop just 100 metres from the hostel, bought a nice thick book and, apart from venturing out for food, I spent two days just reading and relaxing.  No sightseeing at all.  Heaven!

I felt great after my two day holiday and so the 105 kms to Chiang Khong and the Laos border was a doddle.  No problems getting a visa, I was lucky to be the only foreigner there at the time as I have heard about long queues to get through if you arrive after a tourist bus.  No pedestrians or cyclists are allowed on the bridge crossing the river so Bobbie and me had to catch a bus – R8.00 for me and R40.00 for Bobbie!

That was the end of a very special time spent in a lovely country.  Altogether I spent 52 days in Thailand.  I loved it and the food is good!

 

18 Replies to “Farewell Thailand”

  2. Hi Boetie, have you changed your route? This is “farewell Thailand” but your route map shows you going back into Thailand after Laos. You could (of course) cycle down in Laos to get to Cambodia, and not re-enter Thailand?? Just curious. Sussie xxx

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    • Hi Sussie. Yes I have. When I drew the route map, I had not been able to find a road all the way South. I’ve discovered that the road I cycled to Vang Vieng (Highway 13) actually goes so the way to the 4 Thousand Islands and the I can cross into Cambodia so that’s what I’m doing I’ll send you an updated itinerary

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  6. Well done Elred! You’re doing so well! We’re loving your posts!! Enjoy the Laab in Laos… It’s become one of our favourite dishes and Gerry has pretty much perfected it!

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    • Thanks Judy and Jerry – glad you’re enjoying my journey. More to come today and during the week. You’ll like my post scheduled for 24th – a Laos cooking class where we made Laab with buffalo meat and lemongrass stuffed with chicken – so delicious

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  7. Namaste dear friend; such a joy to share in your wonderful ride. Be well and lots of Hugs, Wm & Ann

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