Nov 7-10 2022 |
Next up Chiang Rai, a place I have previously been to, but have no memory of. While there was a rural road option, I went for the quick and dirty fastest trip, the freeway, basically. And as a result, I experienced the most hair-raising road behaviour I had yet seen in Thailand. It was a flashback to Malaysia, with vehicles roaring by me at high speed, in my own lane from behind and oncoming. I had not seen the same on the freeway in the south, where I was pleasantly surprised that Thai drivers seem to be more considerate than their Malaysian or even Singaporean counterparts. Anyways, it was a fast and furious drive, and nice to have a short leg for a change.
I booked the Chiang Rai Hotel on Agoda, ratings were good, and price was fantastic. And man did it over-exceed. The place is a real gem, a no-frills throwback to the a past era. It's a design masterpiece, super comfortable, and is at a great location downtown 100 meters from the equally impressive clock tower. I am sure the Chiang Rai Hotel has many stories to tell, given the city's history as a gateway to the Golden Triangle, and its proximity to war zones of note. It just has that mystique. The staff was amazing, and it was a lark to ride my moto through the lobby every evening to park inside.
Chiang Rai is a major motorbike haven for locals and expats, with access to amazing riding.
Ride: 187km | 3 hrs
Stay: Chiang Rai Hotel | $10 | 4/5
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