Oct 24-25 2022 |
Leaving Kanchanaburi I was excited to start the journey into N. Thailand and its famous roads. The next major destination was Mae Sot, but I knew I would not be able to ride for that long (like 8-9 hours). And Google Maps was giving me what looked like a highway ride, which I did not want after having done the same from the Thai-Malaysia border. I asked around in Kanchanaburi about other routes, such as via Erawan national park. But I was told it was not possible, or other were not aware.
I found a Youtube video of a road, the 4041, that looked amazing. So the next morning I off. The drive to Erawan was full of fresh elephant "droppings", but no elephants sighted. Next onto the 4041, which involved a ferry crossing, after which the road became really remote, unmaintained, and zero traffic. I crossed many free falls, rock slides, washouts that would have been unpassable if not recently fixed. Per Google Maps, the 4041 connected with rural roads north. I kept driving and driving, thinking I would find accommodation and stop for the night. But there was nothing, or the places were not open post Covid. After 8 hours of riding I pulled into an abandoned looking resort and woke up the manager, got a room, probably the first person staying there in the past 2 years.
Interestingly, I drove down to a shop, and as I got back my bike, I saw a medium sized crab, fully alive, on the side of the road. Now, in northern Thailand, as you may appreciate, this was a bit of a shock. But it turns out that freshwater crabs live in the rice patties, though they are now endangered. Lucky me to see one (and probably eat a few in Som Tham salads in the next couple of weeks).
Ride: 43km | 7.5 hrs
Stay: Not sure| $11.00 | 3/5
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