Hot and Dry

Leaving Malaysia and entering Thailand was very quick and efficient, a quick stop at the Malaysian Immigration booth to have my Passport stamped had me cleared to leave, another quick stop at Customs to complete the exportation section of my Carnet de Passage had my motorcycle cleared to leave. I then moved on to the Thailand side of the border, where I filled out a form at the Immigration booth, received a 15 day entry stamp in my Passport and then proceeded to the Customs booth, presented my motorcycle registration certificate and received back a printout to sign guaranteeing I will export the bike or pay a big fine. So within about twenty minute I was now heading to Hat Yai, Thailand for an overnight stop.

The following day I ride kilometres of newly completed four lane roads in temperatures nudging 38 degrees Celsius. I expected hot, dry weather and during this seasonal build up to the wet season, that is what I got. Reaching Krabi mid afternoon, I walked along the river front, before a quick long tail boat ride had me walking in nearby caves set within angular limestone karsts amongst the river mangroves.

 

 

 

 

After a pleasant breakfast overlooking the river in Krabi, I was back on the road for another hot yet shorter ride day, within a couple of hours I arrived at the touristy beach town of Koh Lak.

 

 

As I made my way through Thailand I had overnight stops at both Chumphon and Hua Hin, before riding North West of Bangkok to the town of Kanchanaburi. After one night in Kanchanaburi I leave my bike in the care of Guesthouse staff and catch a mini bus to Bangkok for four (4) days of sight seeing as well as applying for two visa's I will need in the coming months. Bangkok is a big bustling city, I choose a river ferry for a more relaxed mode of transportation to enjoy some of Thailand most historic and holy sites, including the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Chetuphon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within walking distance of my Bangkok hotel I visit Patpong night markets where knock off designer goods are the speciality amid Bangkok's night club and red light district.

 

After successful completion of business in Bangkok I was back on the mini bus for a three hour drive back to Kanchanaburi for a more sombre sight seeing tour, I visit the Bridge on the River Kwai (aka Death Railway Bridge) and the Chung Kai Allied War Cemetery. I also visit numerous temples including Wat Tham Khao Noi and Tham Seua. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Leaving the relaxed river side setting of the Sugar Cane Guest House 2 Kanchanaburi I was back on my motorcycle and headed to Thailand's heartland, the central regions fabled and fallen city of Ayutthaya. Today the ruins of the old city survive amid a modern provincial town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  With only a couple of days left on my visa I ride to the very dusty and busy border town of Aranaprateth for an overnight stay before I cross into may next adventure destination Cambodia.