Thursday, January 29, 2026

Ride Journal: Ride to Northern Thai 2025

Saturday December 20th 2025: The Dash to Danok

The Pre-Ride Hustle

The morning was a whirlwind of "dad duties." I spent the first half of the day settling everything with the kids, ensuring they were sorted before I could finally shift my focus to the road. By the time I cleared my plate, it was noon.

Knowing the forecast predicted rain by 2:00 PM, I didn't have a second to waste. I geared up and pushed off from Rawang, hoping my pace would outrun the clouds

The Northbound Grind

The ride north was grueling, but not because of the weather. The traffic was exceptionally heavy. Filtering through endless rows of stationary cars, I couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for the drivers trapped in their steel boxes. While I could weave through the gaps, they were stuck staring at brake lights for kilometers on end.

Luck was on my side regarding the weather; despite the gloomy forecast, I only encountered a tiny patch of rain near Gopeng—less than five minutes of drizzle before the skies cleared up again.

Crossing the Border

I reached the border just as the light was fading. Arriving near dawn turned out to be a tactical win—the queues were nearly empty, and I breezed through immigration without the usual heat and hassle.

The "Wrong Date" Plot Twist

The adrenaline of the ride caught up with me at the first hotel. When I tried to check in, I realized I had booked the wrong date. My heart sank for a moment, but luck held out—they had a vacancy and managed to slot me in.

Good Company

To top off the journey, I linked up with the boys—Mohdi, Ikhwan, and Zaidi—in Dannok. There’s no better way to end a long, high-traffic solo ride than sharing stories and a meal with friends.


Sunday December 21st 2025: Dannok to Khun Sarai (Chumphon)

Total Distance: ~550km

​The Flavors of the Day

​The day was bookended by great food. Started with a savory Mee Celup in Dannok to fuel the morning. Lunch was a quick, authentic Nasi Campur stop in Thung Song, and I closed the night with another round of Nasi Campur at Khun Sarai. 

The culinary highlight, however, was the roadside stop in Chumphon—managed to snag some Monthong Durian for a steal at just 70 Baht/kg.

​The Ride: Twisties & Technicalities

​We skipped the heavy traffic of Hat Yai and Phatthalung, opting instead for the rhythmic flow of the interior routes carved through Route 4150, 4270, 4122, and 4287 with beautiful, leaning twisties that make you forget you're on a long-distance tour. I had my first drop here, where we we making a tight U-turn and i didn't have enough turning angle and dropped the bike on the right, no biggies - both of us jumped to our feet and we were on the wheel again.





The Grind: After lunch, I merged onto the AH2 for the final 300km stretch. This part was a test of patience; the highway was dominated by double-carriage lorries constantly zig-zagging across lanes, requiring high focus.

​Conditions & Gear

​The heat was the biggest adversary today. The thermometer hovered around 36°C, and with the high humidity, it felt like riding through a sauna. Keeping hydrated was a full-time job.

Monday December 22nd 2025: Route: Chumphon to Suphan Buri

Total distance ~580km

The Morning Chill

We rolled out of Chumphon early, and the air hit like a physical wall—but not the kind we expected. The temperature plummeted to 17°C. It was a genuine shock to the system; usually, you have to ride much further north to feel that kind of bite. 

By noon, the sun reclaimed the sky, pushing the mercury up to 30°C. It was a hot afternoon, but thankfully a notch more merciful than the blistering heat we faced yesterday.

Highway Heavyweights & The Bottlenecks

The ride was a constant dance with Thailand’s logistical backbone. The highway was thick with double-carriage trailers and those "souped-up" modified cargo pickups that fly past with incredible speed.

The road tested us with two major disruptions:

The Prachuap Bottleneck: Near Prachuap Khiri Khan, a massive bridge project squeezed four lanes of traffic into a single, crawling line.

The Post-Bangkok Roadblock: Just outside the capital, we encountered a major roadblock. While the four-wheelers were backed up in a massive queue, we managed to pass through effortlessly, filtering past the sea of stationary cars to get back into the clear air.

Into the Heartland

As we finally pushed into the outskirts of Suphan Buri, the industrial grit was replaced by the lush, flat expanses of the central plains. The scenery shifted beautifully into endless paddy fields and sugarcane plantations.

The road took on a specific character here: the traffic was dominated by trailers hauling massive, oversize loads of dried sugarcane. They looked like moving golden walls, all seemingly converging on Suphan Buri’s mills at once.

The Reward: Krasiao Lake

After a full day of fighting crosswinds, dodging sugarcane trailers, and navigating construction zones, the payoff arrived. As we set our eyes on the Krasiao Lake Reservoir, the dust of the highway seemed to vanish. Seeing that vast expanse of water against the horizon made every kilometer of that 17-to-30-degree climb worth it.







Tuesday December 23rd 2025: Suphan Buri to Chaiyaphum

​Total distance 354km

​The day kicked off on a high note in Suphan Buri. There’s something about that first cup of complimentary coffee—sipped straight from Camp Cup Cafe — that makes the early morning air feel even fresher. We rolled out in a crisp 22°C breeze, though we knew the heat would eventually catch up with us.

​The Mid-Day Push

​As we pushed further inland, the scenery remained a steady, beautiful wash of green and gold. Paddy and corn fields stretched out toward the horizon as far as the eye could see. The infrastructure here is top-tier; we were treated to superb roads, though they were mostly dead straight lanes that can get a bit hypnotic if you aren't careful.

​By mid-morning, the temperature had climbed to a humid 29°C. We took a planned detour to the Lopburi sunflower fields. Mark had been itching for this stop, and it didn't disappoint. We spent a good chunk of time in full "photographer mode," capturing the endless rows of yellow blooms.








​The Lunch Pivot

​Route planning always has its surprises. We arrived at our marked lunch spot only to find it shuttered. Luckily, the "road provides"—we found a small stall directly across the street that kept us fueled, although they only serve Mee Celup.

Because of the mounting heat and humidity, we made a call to skip the dam reservoir after lunch. The goal became getting to Chaiyaphum efficiently to beat the worst of the afternoon sun.

​Entering Chaiyaphum

​The best riding of the day was saved for last. Just outside Chaiyaphum, the landscape shifted dramatically. We were greeted by massive windmills perched on the hillsides. The scenery was stunning, and more importantly, the straight lanes finally gave way to some winding roads that made the final stretch a blast.

​Highlight: Windmills and twisties entering Chaiyaphum.





Tonight’s Stay: A quick transit motel—nothing fancy, but exactly what we need. The temperature has dropped comfortably now that we've arrived. It's time to get some much-needed rest; tomorrow we head north into the mountains of Loei.

Wednesday December 24th 2025: Chaiyaphum to Ban Hai Tak (Loei)

Total distance 226km

Morning Departure

The day began with a crisp 7:30 AM start in Chaiyaphum. After a quick breakfast at hotel, we geared up in the cool morning air, which was sitting at a refreshing 18°C. By the time we rolled out, the sun began to do its work, warming the asphalt to 22°C. For the rest of the journey, the weather was near-perfect for riding, hovering steadily around 24°C.

Today marked a first split in our group. One crew headed off toward the heights of Phu Thap Boek, while our group turned our sights north toward Loei.

The Road to Loei

The first leg of the journey was smooth sailing on wide, double-lane roads, allowing us to make great time. There are vast plains of sugar cane plantation with lorries carrying sugar canes still dominating the road. However, the scenery truly shifted as we approached Loei. The road narrowed into a beautiful single-lane track that was carved through a lush urban forest.




The highlight of this stretch was passing the stunning limestone formations that feature jagged, pale grey karst peaks that thrust out of the greenery like natural skyscrapers.

The weathered, craggy surfaces create a labyrinthine "stone garden" look that feels prehistoric and grand.

Elevation and Local Flavors

As we hit the area around Phu Sawan, the terrain got much more technical. The road began to wind aggressively, offering some fantastic elevation changes that kept me tucked and focused.

We took a breather at a roadside stall to support the local community. It was a great chance to stretch the legs and check out the local produce—vibrant tropical fruits and handmade goods that smelled incredible in the open air.




The Final Push to Ban Hai Tak

The ride ended with a bit of a challenge. The final turn toward Ban Hai Tak features a punishingly steep incline. I had to drop it down into 1st gear to keep the momentum steady as the bike climbed.

Arriving at the homestay was a bit of a puzzle at first; there’s no formal lobby, so we found ourselves asking the locals for directions. Thankfully, the owner spotted us and guided us to our quarters. I managed to swap my original booking for a room with an internal toilet at no extra cost. Having that extra bit of privacy after a long day in the saddle makes a huge difference.





The view at this homestay was better than advertised, we had marvelous view of the sunset added by the decorated garden and a swing.

Thursday December 25th 2025: Ban Hai Tak (Loei) to the Peaks of Ban Piengsor (Nan)

​Total distance 444km

​The Morning Kickoff

​The day began on a high note at Ban Hai Tak. After fueling up with a solid complimentary breakfast, I rolled out around 8:00 AM. The morning air was crisp and refreshing, sitting at a cool 17°C—perfect conditions for the initial stretch.


The Descent to the Dam

​As the day warmed up, the route took me toward the water. Before reaching the ferry, I made a quick stop at Phu Suan. The vista was perfect, so I took advantage of a dedicated photo session to capture the mountain backdrop before the terrain changed. Riding along route 1268 was towards Nampad was endless corners, changes in elevation and breathtaking view of mountain ranges.


We pulled into the Nampad PTT station to rejoin the PTB team. Coincidentally I met Nick here, whom I met 2 years ago at the peak of Phu Chi Dao during sunrise. He rode all the way from Singapore to Laos on R15. We also met Gio from France but currently working in Thailand. He is riding on a Kawasaki W800, also heading to cross Sirikit Dam towards Nan. ​



By the time I reached Sirikit Dam, the temperature had climbed to a warm 24°C.



 The Magic of Route 1081

Today's route distance may seems normal and not that far but it is made of 90% winding and steep roads, similar like road from Grik to Jeli, making the traveling time long and demanding.

​If there was a "peak" experience today, it was Route 1081. I timed it perfectly with the approaching sunset. The road is truly magnificent, with the sun perched right at the tips of the mountain ridges.

As the light faded, the temperature plummeted, dropping to a chilly 16°C as I passed Bo Kluea.

​The Final Push

​The light eventually failed, leaving the final leg to be conquered in total darkness. Arriving at Khun Nan was a test of grit; the last 7km was a relentless climb through the dark and the first 2km it was off-road. While the team has arrived earlier, I met Mark on the way checking his phone, because the trail seems too bad to be true.. Exhausting, but arriving at the destination after such a varied day of riding felt incredibly rewarding.







Friday December 26th 2025: The Ridge and the Lake, Ban Piengsor to Phayao

Total distance 267km

Today was a journey of massive temperature swings, high-altitude views, and a classic "adventure" ending. Even with a delayed start, the riding on Route 1148 reminded me why we keep coming back to these mountains. Mark and wife parted way here as they wanted to go to Golden Triangle and Mae Sai.

Morning: High Peaks and Slow Starts

The day began with a crisp 12°C chill at Ban Piengsor. Because we checked into the homestay so late last night, we collectively decided on a slow morning, finally getting the wheels turning around 11:00 AM.

Before leaving the clouds behind, we gathered at the very top of Ban Piengsor for a group photo—the perfect send-off before descending toward Ban Sapan.

Midday: Corn and Coffee

By the time we hit the 1715 Viewpoint around 1:00 PM, the sun was high and the mountain air was warming up. We took a quick breather to fuel up on some local hot roasted corn, which hit the spot perfectly.

From there, we pushed on to the legendary Magic Mountain Cafe. We stopped for a much-needed caffeine fix and a very late lunch, soaking in the panoramic views that give the cafe its name.




Afternoon: The 1148 Run

As we transitioned onto the iconic Route 1148, the temperature climbed steadily, hovering around a pleasant 24°C. We passed by a couple of fellow riders heading towards the opposite direction. The curves were as sweeping and technical as ever, leading us down from the highlands toward the lowlands of Phayao. The lowlands are dominated by "Khao" (rice) fields. Phayao is famous for its aromatic sticky rice (like the Hom MorPor 1 variety), and the sight of these irrigated terraces against the backdrop of the mountains is iconic.

Evening: The Phayao Plot Twist

We rolled into Phayao just as the sun was setting near dawn, with the thermometer still holding at 24°C.

The Reality of the Road: 

We had high hopes for a specific restaurant to celebrate the day's ride, but found it was locked and the lights out. Instead of a fancy sit-down meal, we leaned into the true biker experience: a 7-Eleven dinner. We visited a new year celebration festival by Phayao Lake but didn't find any Halal food other than fruits and vegetables.

Saturday December 27th 2025: Phayao to Pai

We started from Phayao with another breakfast at 7-11 as no halal shops are opened. 

We rode through Route 118 through beautiful Doi Saket where they were camping spots by the roadside and the temperature was around 17°C.

Just before Chiang Mai, we took a detour to Mae Kuang Udom Thara Dam and have lunch break at a cafe by the suspension bridge. Reservoir water level was high and almost reaching the cafe's floor and the view was stunning. 




Later we rode on the bridge and through inner road of 4031 towards Pai. The road was really beautiful and nicely surfaced complete with rollers at tight corners. The surrounding forest reserve was very beautiful and refreshing.



As we were climbing Route 1095 which has tight corners and steep climbs, the traffic increases, imagine Tapah to Ringlet climb. One guy on a rental scooter cut through our group and eventually skidded when he tried to overtake me dangerously on the right. His scooter drifted left and clipped my front wheel. I fell and skidded to the right and the rest of the vehicle stopped. 



We didn't suffer any injuries as we were fully dressed with riding jackets, boots and gloves. The team helped us to get back on the wheel and continued on towards Pai. The bike only had minor scratches and bended foot peg. Traffic was heavy when we approach Pai but checking-in process was quick as the room was pre-booked earlier.







Sunday December 28th 2025: Pai to Tak

Total Distance: ~300km (including 50km of "nightmare" terrain)

What a day of extreme contrasts. We went from riding through a misty alpine dream to wrestling heavy bikes through a dusty off-road gauntlet. Here is how the day unfolded.

The Majestic Morning

We fueled up on warm rice porridge this morning—the perfect comfort food for a chilly start. The thermometer read 12°C, and a thick, heavy mist clung to the mountains as we set off.

We opted for the "middle route" toward Doi Inthanon, weaving through Routes 1095, 1265, and 1349. This stretch was nothing short of majestic. The road slices directly through dense pine forests, and with the fog swirling between the trees, it felt like we were riding through a high-altitude wilderness. The temperature in this area remains around 12°C.


The Turning Point

The serenity ended when the GPS directed us onto Route 1088. Almost immediately, the concrete surface vanished. What began as a minor detour turned into a legitimate off-road nightmare. Navigating deep ruts and loose dirt is one thing, but doing it two-up with loaded side panniers is a different beast entirely. The weight made the bikes sluggish and unpredictable on the uneven terrain.


Local Heroes to the Rescue

After 20km of grueling progress, we hit our limit. We stopped a local farmer and asked for help to bridge the final 30km of the dirt track.

 * The Evacuation: He kindly took the two girls and all our heavy luggage in his vehicle, heading toward PanDa Cafe where the tarmac finally resumed.

  

 * The Struggle: Even without the extra weight, the path was brutal. We took three falls in the deep dust before finally emerging back onto the pavement.

Recovery and the Final Push

By the time we reached PanDa Cafe, we were exhausted and coated in a thick layer of trail dust. Another local saw our state and offered to help us rinse the bikes off, which was a massive relief for both the machinery and our spirits.

After a quick refresh, we got back into the rhythm and pushed through another 200km of riding. 

The route in Mae Chaem is nothing short of breathtaking. As we pass Doi Inthanon, traffic increases and we have to carefully navigate through the corners among the traffic. We finally called it a day near Pak Thang Khuean, about 45km outside of Tak

Monday December 29th 2025: Tak to Lan Sak (Uthai Thani)

Total distance ~200km

Today was a relaxed, shorter leg of the journey, giving us plenty of time to soak in the local flavors and catch up with an old friend.

Morning: Coffee and Catch-ups

We rolled out around 8:30 AM, heading toward Tak (since we didn't reach Tak yesterday).. The morning air was a perfect 24°C—the sweet spot for riding where you feel the cool breeze without the bite.

Our main goal for the morning was brunch at Kopi Malay, which turned into the highlight of the day. I finally reconnected with Safarwan Suhaimi & wife, the owner. It was great to see how much his business has evolved; the last time we met back in 2022, he was still operating out of a stall at the Tak Night Market. Seeing him now with his own established cafe was a fantastic reminder of how much can change in a few years.


Midday: Leaving the North Behind

By the time we hit the road again around noon, the temperature climbed to 27°C. It wasn’t "hot" by usual standards, but the shift in humidity was a clear reminder: we are officially no longer in Northern Thailand. 

On the way to Lan Sak, we stopped by a roadside fruit stall and picked up some fresh longan for just 35b/kg. They were incredibly sweet and juicy—the perfect fuel for a midday ride.

Afternoon: Lan Sak & Sunset at the Dam

We arrived at our destination around 3:00 PM and checked into the Green House Resort Praduyuen. After resting for a bit in the room, we took off again at 4:30 PM for the Wang Thong Pier Campsite, located right on the edge of the Thap Salao Dam.



The pier offers a fantastic perspective of the reservoir, sitting right on the water with a wide, unobstructed view of the horizon and the undulated mountain range in the background. It’s a peaceful, rustic spot where the water stays calm, reflecting the changing colors of the sky. We settled in for dinner just in time to watch the sun sink over the water, casting a deep orange glow across the campsite. It was the perfect, quiet end to a transition day. There's a concert tonight but we skipped that to get the much needed rest for tomorrow.

Tuesday December 30th 2025: Lan Sak (Uthai Thani) to Erawan (Kanchanaburi)

Total distance 233km

The transition from the ancient landscapes of Uthai Thani to the deep reservoir country of Kanchanaburi today was nothing short of spectacular.

The Morning Start

The day kicked off early at 7:30 AM in Lan Sak. The air was crisp and refreshing, with temperatures hovering around a perfect 20°C—ideal gear-weather for starting a long stint in the saddle. Mohd Shahriman parted ways here heading towards Kanchanaburi town.

Hup Pa Tat: A Jurassic Valley

Just a short ride from the start, we pulled into Hup Pa Tat. This place is like stepping back in time—literally. It is an "ancient forest" hidden inside a collapsed limestone cavern, filled with rare Arenga pinnata palms that make you feel like a dinosaur might pop out at any moment.

Outside the cave, the area was a hive of activity:

 The Atmosphere: The surrounding fields are currently filled with vibrant campsites and travelers enjoying the cool season.

 The Garden: I spent some time wandering the strawberry and flower gardens near Moya Cafe.





 A Quiet Year: Last year at this exact time, the skies here were filled with color for the Hot Air Balloon Festival. However, the fields were much quieter this year; the festival was cancelled as the nation observes a period of mourning following the passing of the Queen Mother (Her Majesty Queen Sirikit).

The Push to the Reservoir

The next 100km was the highlight for any rider. The route consisted of tight, winding roads that carved through the hills toward the Srinagarind Dam Lake. While passing through the villages, I had encountered three types of sudden animal crossing: a chicken, a buffalo and a herd of dogs. The curves were consistent and led right down to the water's edge where I caught the car ferry. I took the chance while waiting for the ferry to have lunch.


Crossing the reservoir to Si Sawat by boat provided a great breather and some panoramic water views.

Engineering & History: Srinagarind Dam

After disembarking, I took a detour to visit the Srinagarind Dam itself. It is a staggering piece of infrastructure with a deep history. Originally known as the Chao Nen Dam when construction began in 1973, it was the first multipurpose dam in the Mae Klong River Basin. In 1981, it was officially renamed by King Rama IX in honor of the Princess Mother, Princess Srinagarindra. As Thailand's largest rockfill-with-clay-core dam, it looks like a literal mountain of stone holding back the tide. Standing on the crest, the scale is dizzying—to one side, the massive blue expanse of the reservoir, and to the other, the drop-off into the lush valley of the Khwae Yai River. The stats are currently peak-season level; the water depth is sitting at 176m, held back by an embankment that stretches over 600m across the gorge.






Camp Life & Sunset

I rolled into the campsite around 2:30 PM. Since I had pre-booked, the check-in was quick and swift. After unloading, I attempted a late afternoon run to Erawan Falls, but luck wasn't on my side—it was already closed for the day (they usually stop entry by 4:00 PM).

 Instead of chasing more miles, I headed back to base. I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the glamping site, watching the sun dip below the horizon over the reservoir.

It was the perfect way to end a day of riding—from prehistoric valleys to high-altitude dams.






Wednesday December 31st 2025: Kanchanaburi to Prachuap Khiri Khan

Total distance 450km

The morning view at the campsite was slightly disappointing as sunrise were not directly on top of the lake but still we had a moments of pink colored skies over our breakfast. The team has other plans in the morning to visit the town and motorcycle museum so we went solo towards Ratchaburi. Riding down from Erawan towards Kanchanaburi in the early morning was majestic with surrounding mountain views and Kwae River along the road.

As we arrived at LHM Motorcyle museum, we found that it was closed due to the New Year's holiday so we pushed on towards Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Before the town, we took a detour on Route 1021 towards Sam Roi Yot National Park. The view of limestone mountains with swamp and paddy fields along the beach is very beautiful and I made a personal pledge to return to this area to explore later. 

I also made a detour through Pin Anuson Road with the view of Gulf of Thailand and Saranwithi Pier. Although it was hot and humid, the sea breeze blowing through our helmet and jackets were refreshing. Despite being a coastal road, I couldn't find any stall selling coconut, like those normally found along Malaysian East Coast roadside.


When I arrived at Snow Sand Resort, Ikhwan was already there and finally we were served with fresh coconut. This resort sits near the Myanmar border and offers 360° view of sunset and sunrise.




One thing we need to get used to this area was the temperature, which has steadily climbed from soothing 21° to 25° to about 30° while riding through the southern region.

Thursday January 1st 2026Prachuap Khiri Khan to Surat Thani

Total distance 387km

The Morning Start

The day began perfectly. I caught the sunrise over the lobby viewpoint, watching the light break over the sea before fueling up for the ride. The hospitality continued with a complimentary breakfast of bread & butter, half-boiled eggs, fresh watermelon, and coconut. It was the perfect light meal to kick off a long day in the saddle.




The Ride & Scenery

We hit the road in ideal conditions: 25°C with clear skies. The highway was surprisingly quiet with very minimal traffic.

This leg of the journey was incredibly lush. The roadside was a constant blur of coconut groves, pineapple fields, rubber trees, and palm oil plantations.

To break up the highway miles, we took a detour through coastal road starting from Route 1029. Riding alongside Ban Krut and Thung Sang beaches offered some of the most scenic coastal views of the trip so far.


Fueling Up & Local Flavor

Lunch was at Khun Sarai, which seems to be a popular hub for the community. We ran into at least two other groups of Malaysian riders there—it's always great to swap stories with fellow travelers on the same route.

After passing Chumphon, I couldn't resist stopping for some local Durian. I picked up a massive fruit weighing 5kg, though the yield was a bit of a surprise—once the thick skin was removed, only about 1kg was actually edible! Still, the quality was worth the stop.


Arrival in Surat Thani

We rolled into Surat Thani around 3:00 PM. While the recorded temperature was a modest 28°C, the lack of breeze and the intense sun made it feel significantly hotter. It felt like riding through a literal heatwave. Checking-in again was swift due to prebooked room through Agoda.

End of the Road

We’ve checked into the final hotel of this endeavor. The location is perfect—right at the town’s walking street. It feels a bit surreal to be at the final stay, but I’m looking forward to exploring the night market right outside our doorstep. Later that night Mohd Shahriman joined us for dinner at the riveria along the Ta Pi river. We rekindled our ride experiences as we will part ways again later tonight.


Friday January 2nd 2026: The Final Stretch (Surat Thani to Home)

Today's distance 885km,Total distance 5,986km

Today marked the grueling but rewarding conclusion of our journey. We kicked things off with a solid buffet breakfast at our hotel in Surat Thani, followed by a quick petrol refill before hitting the open highway.


The Ride South

As we cruised down Phetkasem Road toward Thung Song, the air turned surprisingly crisp—the temperature dropped 2 degrees to a cool 22°C. 

The first 200km through AH4 was boring and dull, so for the final 100km toward Dannok, we opted for the scenic inner roads.

 It was during this stretch we noticed Azam was missing from the pack and he finally called me to inform that his bike had suffered a breakdown. With heavy hearts but a schedule to keep, the rest of us pushed on to Dannok.

We arrived around 1:30 PM for a quick lunch, though Azam was sorely missed. He later messaged to say his bike would need a professional lift to the border. After finishing our meal, I said my goodbyes to Zaidi and Ikhwan, marking the end of our group formation.

Crossing the Border

By the time I finished some quick shopping and crossed into Malaysia, the heat had spiked to 33°C. I had checked the forecast earlier and was mentally braced for heavy rain from Ipoh onwards starting at 2:00 PM. Remarkably, the only rain I encountered was a brief moment of passing clouds in Phattalung. Malaysia remained bone-dry for the rest of my trip.

The Final Hurdle

The journey home wasn't without drama. I hit a massive jam near the Menora Tunnel caused by a lorry on fire in the left lane. By the time I finally pulled into my driveway at 9:20 PM, honestly I was exhausted but another milestone was achieved with my dearest wife and this time -  ride & camp friends

Almost 900km in 14 hours ride is not for the faint-hearted. It demands intense focus and unwavering determination, supported by a comfortable and reliable machine. Later on everyone confirmed that they were safely home.

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Ride Journal: Ride to Northern Thai 2025

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