Chiang Mai to Khao Yai

[Flip]

I will be flying up to Chiang Mai in November but that's the easy bit. I'm going there to pick up a motorbike I've bought and will ride it back to my home at Khao Yai. Although I've travelled extensively through Thailand - that is one route I've never done.

I plan on taking the shortest distance rather than sticking to the main highways all the way but I have no knowledge of the condition of roads on the route I've chosen. I also believe the route takes in some pretty awesome scenery.

Of course there will be the usual potholes, lunatics and suicide jockeys to watch out for but I am hoping to complete the trip in 8 or 9 hours - I want to be home before dark.

So, I guess this is a long shot but does anyone have any knowledge of the roads along my route? I'll be leaving Chiang Mai on highway 11, through Lampang, on to Uttaradit and Phitsanulok, continuing on the 11 until I'm almost at Takhli where I will have a short stint on Highway 1. I plan to leave highway 1 at Khok Samrong and take the 205 east.

Up to that point it looks like I'll have been on good roads and therefore don't anticipate any big problems but its the stretch from the 205 east I am unsure of. The 205 runs into the 2256 and I plan to continue on that road until just after a place called Ban Nong Kra Sang where I will head south towards home on the 2243. I will then be in familiar teritory.

I've had bikes since I was 11 years old without a break, I've done a little riding in Thailand and I'm fully aware of the dangers of driving/riding in Thailand in general. I won't have a lot of time to look around but I'm hoping my trip takes in some scenery.

What I'm looking for is people who have actual knowledge of the route and can point out and specific matters or possibly changes that would take in more scenery. As I say, I want to be home before dark as hitting a pothole on a bike is not a good thing at all.

So if any of those road numbers ring a bell with you and you know them, I'd love to have your advice.

[sisaket]

Pretty much plain sailing on just watch out for road number changes in Phrae Province in Den Chai District , the 11 turns into the 101 which it s self splits into a northern branch and a southern branch forming a loop you need the southern branch that turns off back onto 11 . Den Chai is on the BKK - Chiang Mai railway line and jumping off point for Phrae City , if you go near the station you have gone the wrong way the 101 continues to Phrae City ... Back on the 11 you go through the mountains where theres pit / rest stop with view points and are able to get drinks, food, toilet etc , the Rest stop is kind of on the border of Phrae and Uttaradit provinces , again pretty much plain sailing down to Phitsanulok if you want to carry on south at Phitsanulok on 11 you will need to go on the 12 for a short while there is a link road joining these, after that again straight down to Nakon Sawan Province where you will turn to 1 and I guess heading to Lopburi / Korat but I have no experience after you turn off No 1 , or should say cant remember ... The only thing that will cause any great difficulty would be the weather, which was mighty crappy the last few times I ve been in the Phitsanulok area... I remember another guy on here travelling in Phrae on his Motorbike (as he went somewhere i ve since been to) so he s probably been Riding round some of them roads , he ll be in a good position to give better advise .... Good luck , be nice to find out how you got on ...Uttaradit a.jpg
Uttaradit b.jpg
Couple of shots of the viewing point Phrae / Uttaradit you cant miss the Broken Sword Memorial .

[Flip]

Thanks for that, I'll have a look at that tricky bit. I'm looking forward to some brilliant scenery but yes, the weather is on my mind - especially with this late rainy season this year. I wish I'd 2 days to do it in but I have builders moving in at Khao Yai early on the Monday morning so....rain or no rain.....onward!!

I'lll certainly post as much about the trip as I can but the level of detail will depend on the pace, I hope I can enjoy it and not have to push too hard.

My biggest problem could be that I'm meeting up with an old buddy who lives in Chiang Mai. I've told him that I can't do the full monty as I have to be off early but I've said that before. We have a reputation for partying a bit too hard when we get together........just have to keep my resolve .

[Flip]

Sisaket,

Unfortunately my plans had to change. I am on the list for a hip replacement and up until very recently its just been a little painful - then in the last month its got dramatically worse - it partially dislocates when I bend at the hip much. After sitting, the pain getting it back in place again when I stand up is almost unbearable.

Anyway, I decided that I didn't have much choice but to continue with my plans - that was until last Friday when I tried getting on and off a motorbike taxi in Bangkok. It was absolute agony and the thought of going through that every time I stopped on my planned trip........well, it wasn't happening.

With very little time left until I flew to Chiang Mai I found a specialist motorbike transporter that came all the way from Saraburi to my hotel in Chiang Mai, picked the bike up and will deliver it to me in Khao Yai today (well its today for me - Monday) for 5500 baht. I'm amazed at that price - I just hope he hasn't driven off with my bike, never to be seen again .

I'm hugely disappointed but I had to be realistic - that trip was going to hurt and if my hip joint fully dislocated I'd be up sh*t creek without a paddle. Also, to take in the scenery and enoy the trip, I think it would have been better done over 2 days - I didn't have that luxury.

I actually had a little blast around Chiang Mai on the bike and my hip wasn't half as bad as I'd thought it would be but its a long way to Khao Yai and I still think I made the best decision.

Anyway, I'm back home now and hoping the guy arrives with my bike tomorrow. I'll post on that and if anyone wants his number, PM me.

[ian1208]

Prob for the best mate. You would have hit traffic every time you hit a town. Started to get annoyed, running out of time ending up driving in the dark, hitting a pothole on the verge as some overladen truck drives down the wrong side and putting your other hip out..................
Good luck in Abu Dhabi

[Flip]

Yes, I think you're right Ian, that trip is better taken at a leisurely pace.

Bike arrived safe and sound, nothing but praise for the guy. I would certainly recommend him.

[sisaket]

Flip
Sorry to read about your hip , you made a very wise decision cancelling your trip and that seams a excellent price for the Bike transport ....
Just need to have the Op , recover then travel on your Bike at your own leisure ..
Take care with your Hip....
PS where in Chaing Mai for Xmas this year ..... Nan >>>Phayao >>>Chiang Mai .... really looking forward to Phayao as it s the only upper Northern province i ve never been to ...