[ Need your help! ]: Vietnam - Laos - Thailand - Cambodia - Vietnam round trip

[VietHorse]

Folks,

I and my team (ACE MTSG) is now planning for a round trip within this August - September.

The trip is roughly planned as below:

Ho Chi Minh City - Kon Tum (Vietnam) - [pass the Po Y border gate] - Laos - [pass the Pakse border gate] - Khao Yai - Chiang Mai - Bangkok - [pass the Poi Pet border gate] - Phnompenh -[pass the Tay Ninh border gate] - Ho Chi Minh City.

There will be option 2 with the reverse moving direction.

Detail of the trip as below:

1. Day 1: HCM City - Laos (800km): We will try to depart early from HCMC and pass the Po Y Viet-Laos border within the first day. Will stay somewhere in Laos [1st Hotel in Laos].
2. Day 2: Laos - Khao Yai (700km): Pass the Pakse border gate and stay in Khao Yai [2nd Hotel in Khao Yai]
3. Day 3: Spend full day in Khao Yai with the Bonaza track (#) [3rd Hotel in Khao Yai]
4. Day 4: Khao Yai - Chiang Mai (800km): move to Chiang Mai with your recommended route. Great if someone go with us. [4rd Hotel in Chiang Mai]
5. Day 5: Spend full day in Chiang Mai to explore some nice riding loops around Chiang Mai - your recommendation! [5th Hotel in Chiang Mai]
6. Day 6: Chiang Mai - Bang Kok (800km): we do not intend to get into the City, as we don't like the traffic jam. Just need somewhere nice to see with good road to ride there. [6th Hotel near BKK]
7. Day 7: BKK - Phnompenh (700km): Pass the PoiPet border gate to Phnompenh or somewhere else on the way back to HCMC. [7th Hotel in Phnompenh]
8. Day 8: Phnompenh - HCMC (400km): Pass the Tay Ninh border gate back into Vietnam.
9. End tour
   

There are some more input:
- Our team with mostly Sport and Sport touring big bikes. Optimistic, we could do 800km/day without concern.
- We 'd love to spend one full day in a track, whichever on the way from/to Chiang Mai. We will use our own bikes to ride in the track. We will need instructor for that day as well. So that if there is a track in Chiang Mai, we may not need to spend day 3 in Khao Yai.
- If there are some bikers in Laos or Thai could join us as a route guider would be great.
- We do not need luxury hotels. Just fit for purpose is enough (sleep, shower, bike wash/parking, somewhere to eat..).
- We would like someone (body or agency) who represent us to take care of all the custom related matters at every border gate. We just ride to the gate and they are ready with all the necessary documents/applications to get us thru.
....

Please feel free to give your comments, suggestions and advices... to any of above items.
I do appreciate with the route, accommodation, custom, escort, track/instructor booking.
All your comments here are highly appreciated.

Thank you,
VietHorse.

(this is our almost initial plan, so it could be modified base on your recommendations)

 

[2wheels]

Mr Trung,

Because you asked, and for what it is worth, I believe you are attempting too many kms per day.
I know we all have different riding styles and bikes, but it seems to me you will be zooming past so many attractive places just to get to your pre-determined destination.
700-800 kms in a day means you miss a lot of sites.

Having said that, I will definitely mark your Chiang Mai day (whenever it is) into my diary so I can share a meal with you at Riders Corner and show you some local sites.

Best wishes.

 

[KTMphil]

Viethorse - The first thing that jumps out is that there's a lot of straight road, boring highways involved in getting through eastern Thailand to Bonanza track in Khao Yai. Sounds like you'll all be on fast sports bikes, so not much of an issue as you'll eat through it quick.

After your fun at the Bonanza track, considering the bikes you're on, the ride up to Chinag Mai should put a grin on your face as there are some fast, curvy roads perfect for superbikes.

If you take R 21 to Petchabun / Lom Sak, you shouldn't miss the Khao Kho loop, NW of Petchabun, just south of R 12 - take a look at the 2 maps below which should enlighten you on this:



View attachment 5547


The Khao Kho loop NW of Petchabun has some fabulous windy roads around some mountains.


While you in the Saraburi/ Khao Yai area, go say hello to Ron at the new BikerHaven resort. Ron's a bike nut and a great guy, you'll have fun with him.

http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/showthread.php/1821-New-biker-s-destination-in-Saraburi





View attachment 5548

 

[KTMphil]

Then once you reach the Chiang Mai region, there's all kinds of choices and loops to be played with, more on those in the link below:


http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/showthread.php/2019-Road-Riding-Loops-Out-Of-Chiang-Mai


Trung on big sports bikes, don't miss R 120 which is east of Chiang Mai & west of Phayao, one of the best superbike roads in Thailand, the curves are a perfect radius for fast bikes. If headed this way it would make sense to do the Nan loop while you are east of Chiang Mai.

View attachment 5549





This route also lets you experience R 1148 NNW of Nan, one of the best road riding roads in SE Asia!

 

[Lone Rider]

Hi Viethorse,

Personally I feel that your plans are far too ambitious - basically every day about 700-800 km and having 2 days for other things (1 racing day and 1 day in Chiangmai for some trips). Would recommend that you limit your itinerary to 1 thing and maybe cut out Laos as now your plan is Vietnam Laos Thailand Cambodia Vietnam and if you can make that Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Cambodia Vietnam your border crossing issues probably could be reduced in particular if you use the same border crossings when coming/leaving.

Border crossing with Vietnam rego bike into Thailand has been done before even by people who had no ownership papers so in principle this should not lead to very serious problems - see below a post from ADV - but then again much depends on who is stationed at the border and if he is in a good mood and willing to be helpfull (keep smiling/joking, bring some ciggies or maybe even a bottle of whisky, etc.).

For visums I would recommend that you do this in Vietnam at the Embassy/Consulate as this will save time and hassles at the border. Maybe you can ask for info at the Emb./Consulate or maybe even get a "letter of introduction" from them that you will be riding as a group all on big bikes as tourists.

Anyway, still trying to find additional info for you.

Cheers,

Lone Rider


http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495503


I just came back from riding through Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia on a Minsk. I bought it in Hanoi from Cuong (he's well known in Hanoi) and shipped it home from Cambodia. Although I have no experience selling a bike in Thailand, just thought I could share a few experiences with you.


Prior to our adventure, we applied for a multiple entry visa to Vietnam and single entry to Laos. When we crossed into Laos from Vietnam, Laos changed our visa from one month to one week simply because we were importing bikes. Additionally, when leaving Laos, all three people and three bikes had to be accounted for. When we crossed the friendship bridge from Laos into Thailand, we had to sign a paper stating we would leave the country with the bikes or pay a $2,000 US dollar fine.


Based on our experience, I'm not sure you would be able to leave Thailand without the bikes. Out of the four countries, Thailand had the most sophisticated boarder system. They imputed our passport information and bike information in computer systems, versus write it in a log book like Laos.

 

[VietHorse]

Thank you very much guys! (that's why I mentioned to the Site Admin that we need the "thank" button under each post.
Really appreciated as I just posted my plan today afternoon then get very great comments after I was going out for a swimming session.
Need time for me to study and answer you all.

 

[VietHorse]

Well well, let me get this on.

@ Ron: Thanks for your nice words. So we can enjoy Vietnamese coffee at Rider's corner in Chiang Mai, Thailand. And for the day trip with you around Chiang Mai I
would think the Samoeng Loop (CNX - 121 - 107 - 1096 - 1269 - 108 - CNX ~ 90km) should be fine.

@Phil: Interest on the Bikers Heaven you mentioned. I tried to key the GPS coord into GE but the format seems not right. Don't know how far is that from Bonanza Circuit. Besides, they said there was just one chalet completed. Don't know how is the latest update, if they could accommodate for abt 20 guys of us.
One more thing I think it's very valuable to me is the route from Bonanza to Chiang Mai. The suggestion from riders to riders is always awesome, unlike some tourist agency proposed. I may need you to help me to design another route from Chiang Mai down to BKK area. Yeah, should be different way. And also where should we spend our 6th night?

@Lone Rider: Great catch on the Laos segment. Yes, I also would like to put Laos to the other trip. By doing that, we could shorten our trip for about 400km. Thanks for the custom related recommendation. We are now trying to find some source in Vietnam (someone have done the similar job) to help us. If we go like two or three riders that's fine. But we have almost 20 bikes and riders so we do prefer a professional agency to take care our custom things.

@All: For the track day, please help to provide me some info:
- yes, we will try at Bonanza as that 's only track on our way to Chiang Mai and the distance is just fine for the 2nd day riding.
- could we use our bike in the track? any additional technical requirement?
- could we book the track with the instructor / how much does that cost?
- one day on the track for whole team - is that workable? or we have to have more time?
- how should we contact with the track personnel to do the booking?
- any other things to consider?

Thank you.
Viethorse.

 

[Lone Rider]

For questions about the Bonanza circuit and what you can do there and how try the Bonanza Resort website at http://thebonanzakhaoyai.com/en/race.html

 

[KTMphil]

Trung - I've sent Ron an email at Bikers Haven (ron_mc "AT" ksc.th.com you can contact him as well if you want) . I would have thought he can help you with everything and arrange accommodation, I think he has more chalets built now since the original post.


When you have more questions let me know - I'll read again about "Day 6".

Well well, let me get this on.

@ Ron: Thanks for your nice words. So we can enjoy Vietnamese coffee at Rider's corner in Chiang Mai, Thailand. And for the day trip with you around Chiang Mai I
would think the Samoeng Loop (CNX - 121 - 107 - 1096 - 1269 - 108 - CNX ~ 90km) should be fine.

@Phil: Interest on the Bikers Heaven you mentioned. I tried to key the GPS coord into GE but the format seems not right. Don't know how far is that from Bonanza Circuit. Besides, they said there was just one chalet completed. Don't know how is the latest update, if they could accommodate for abt 20 guys of us.
One more thing I think it's very valuable to me is the route from Bonanza to Chiang Mai. The suggestion from riders to riders is always awesome, unlike some tourist agency proposed. I may need you to help me to design another route from Chiang Mai down to BKK area. Yeah, should be different way. And also where should we spend our 6th night?

@Lone Rider: Great catch on the Laos segment. Yes, I also would like to put Laos to the other trip. By doing that, we could shorten our trip for about 400km. Thanks for the custom related recommendation. We are now trying to find some source in Vietnam (someone have done the similar job) to help us. If we go like two or three riders that's fine. But we have almost 20 bikes and riders so we do prefer a professional agency to take care our custom things.

@All: For the track day, please help to provide me some info:
- yes, we will try at Bonanza as that 's only track on our way to Chiang Mai and the distance is just fine for the 2nd day riding.
- could we use our bike in the track? any additional technical requirement?
- could we book the track with the instructor / how much does that cost?
- one day on the track for whole team - is that workable? or we have to have more time?
- how should we contact with the track personnel to do the booking?
- any other things to consider?

Thank you.
Viethorse.

 

[KTMphil]

I'll double check with Ron, but I think this is the Biker Haven Resort location in relation to the Bonanza race track.

 

[VietHorse]

For questions about the Bonanza circuit and what you can do there and how try the Bonanza Resort website at http://thebonanzakhaoyai.com/en/race.html

Thank you. I have contacted them and asked for all the details. They do not have any specified email address for track booking. However, I 've sent to the Hotel booking and ask if they could forward to the right person.

Trung - I've sent Ron an email at Bikers Haven (ron_mc "AT" ksc.th.com you can contact him as well if you want) . I would have thought he can help you with everything and arrange accommodation, I think he has more chalets built now since the original post.

When you have more questions let me know - I'll read again about "Day 6".

Defenatelly wishing to see your Day 6 route recommendation.
Also I would like to wait to see how Ron's reply to you as you may have a good relationship with him and also your English is much better than mine.

Showed my friends the Ducati chalet, they love it very much, but we also currious if Ron have some update of newer built chalets. For example the Honda chalet for my beloved Honda Interceptor VFR800.

I'll double check with Ron, but I think this is the Biker Haven Resort location in relation to the Bonanza race track.

The GPS coord on the web seems in not right format. However, from your map, it looks quite far in compare with the Bonnanza resort.

 

[KTMphil]

Routes from Chiang Mai to Bangkok on sports bikes


Trung, from Chiang Mai to Bangkok there are obviously lots of choices. One idea would be to head SW from Chiang Mai and visit Doi Inthanon, the highest point in Thailand, then head towards Mae Sariang on the Thai / Myanmar border. Plenty of places to eat lunch in Mae Sariang, then head south towards Mae Sot (R 105) & then east towards Tak to pick up R 12 which is a lovely sports bike road.

Some good Mae Sariang restaurants in the link below:

http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/showthread.php/1299-Mae-Sariang-Restaurants


From there you can head south on R 21 towards Bangkok, follow signs for Phitsanaluk to pick up R 21 south.



Ive split the maps into 2 south they are usable - first map below is from Chiang Mai SW to Mae Sariang









Second map is from Mae Sariang to Bangkok

 

[2wheels]

" we can enjoy Vietnamese coffee at Rider's corner in Chiang Mai, Thailand "

Good man; can't wait.


" And for the day trip with you around Chiang Mai I
would think the Samoeng Loop (CNX - 121 - 107 - 1096 - 1269 - 108 - CNX ~ 90km) should be fine."

I have just now spoken to Phil about this and we agree that I am too slow a rider to escort you guys with your sports bikes on that loop!
However, if any of you don't want a fast ride around that loop there are some great sites here that I'd be happy to show you.
Or if you want a 'smell the roses' ride around the loop, just follow me!

Best wishes.

 

[VietHorse]

@Phil: The suggested road to Mea Sariang prior to descending to BKK area seems to be longer than the others. And obviously that make my daily millage looks more ambitious. :RE

@ Ron: I recommended to my team that we need to relax a bit for the day 5 in Chiang Mai. There fore we can even ride as a tuk-tuk on the Samoeng loop or go to Doi Inthanon to experience the Thailand's highest spot there. So Ron, please don't worry.

For escorting, frankly to say, we really like to have someone ride with us from Bonanza to Chiang Mai and from Chiang Mai back to BKK area.
I don't know about the others, but riding like TonyBKK with me in last trip would be great. He's fast, stable and very informative.

Some years ago, my team have traveled to Phuket bike week. Team was escorted by a pick-up truck, but normally the bikes have to wait for the truck to come. That slow the overall speed very much.

Today I have tried sending emails to two email addresses of Bonanza resort (from their website) asking for track and instructor booking, but there is no reply up to now.
I don't know if those are inactive email address or they do not want to answer. Someone may please help.

 

[KTMphil]

If you have no luck with Bonanza track, Bira Circuit in Pattaya would be easier for you to arrange track time with coaching.

@Phil: The suggested road to Mea Sariang prior to descending to BKK area seems to be longer than the others. And obviously that make my daily millage looks more ambitious. :RE

@ Ron: I recommended to my team that we need to relax a bit for the day 5 in Chiang Mai. There fore we can even ride as a tuk-tuk on the Samoeng loop or go to Doi Inthanon to experience the Thailand's highest spot there. So Ron, please don't worry.

For escorting, frankly to say, we really like to have someone ride with us from Bonanza to Chiang Mai and from Chiang Mai back to BKK area.
I don't know about the others, but riding like TonyBKK with me in last trip would be great. He's fast, stable and very informative.

Some years ago, my team have traveled to Phuket bike week. Team was escorted by a pick-up truck, but normally the bikes have to wait for the truck to come. That slow the overall speed very much.

Today I have tried sending emails to two email addresses of Bonanza resort (from their website) asking for track and instructor booking, but there is no reply up to now.
I don't know if those are inactive email address or they do not want to answer. Someone may please help.

 

[Lone Rider]

Thai companies including hotels are often not the most active replying to email messages received. It may help to call them - might try later to do that.

Anyway, here is some info on the Bira Circuit. Negative point is that the circuit is located quite a bit south of your intended route from Cambodia to Chiangmai.

Bira International Circuit (east of Pattaya) - Location: N12.92117 E101.00573

Here is the schedule for August with most monday being an open day for Bike practice: http://www.bira.co.th/n5-calendar.php?tpl=circuit&ch_id=2

And here is their FAQ which should answer quite a few of your questions: http://www.bira.co.th/n5-static.php?q=faq

 

[Lone Rider]

Have tried to call them but did not get any information as there were only Thai speaking personnel (no one spoke English). Anyway, checked the Facebook Page for the Bonanza circuit and found this: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bonanza-Racing-Circuit/123844771022242 Very little if any information other than some negative comments.

 

[VietHorse]

Thank Lone Rider. I have tried some calls as well. Someone gave me this No. 84.0085 eight - six - seven and said it's Alex and he is the one. Called "Alex", in vain.
If going to the Bira track, we are seemed much more ambitious on the daily km.

 

[Lone Rider]

Agree with you that the Bira circuit will take quite a few more kilometers to cover by bike. I tried this number which is reservation in the hope that someone would speak English: Reservation: 044-921113-5 or 086-327-3198.


They have also other numbers and these are all mobile phone numbers: Sale: 086-327-3200 or 086-327-3195, Fax 044-921-111 and Property as they are also into real estate sales: 080-441-4695 or 086-327-3197


The number you were give for Alex seems to be also a mobile number 084-0085 867 or international +66 84 0085867

 

[VietHorse]

Appreciate your help Lone Rider. Yeah, I have called with the +66 minus the zero - but that phone seems still off.
Let me try another way tomorrow by asking my Thai friend to contact them to get the right person. At least, we need to have their feedback, as it may or may not be one of our stop along the way.

Beside the Bonanza things, should you have some recommendation of accommodation at Chiang Mai and also somewhere for the Day 5.
Thank you.

 

[Lone Rider]

Beside the Bonanza things, should you have some recommendation of accommodation at Chiang Mai and also somewhere for the Day 5.
Thank you.

Will do but give me a day or two as I am moving house at the moment.

 

[VietHorse]

Thanks for your kind help. Beside I also viewed some info from the here.

 

[2wheels]

Beside the Bonanza things, should you have some recommendation of accommodation at Chiang Mai and also somewhere for the Day 5.
Thank you.

Done by pm. (3 options)

 

[VietHorse]

Done by pm. (3 options)

Sure, with your PM as well. All the good info.

 

[KTMphil]

Viethorse -- another good loop for you NE of Chiang Mai - 670km




Map note on the right should say "Phu Chi Fa" - typing too fast, apologies

 

[VietHorse]

Thanks Phil, that loop could take me two days, right? Reserved for my Plane+bike trip.
Our team still yet to finalize the custom clearance services with the agent.

 

[KTMphil]

Thanks Phil, that loop could take me two days, right? Reserved for my Plane+bike trip.
Our team still yet to finalize the custom clearance services with the agent.

Trung- that loop is prefect for a 2 day trip, the views around Phu Chi Fa are spectacular, some of the best in Thailand

Map note on the right should say "Phu Chi Fa" - typing too fast, apologies

More in the trip report below on the route above:


http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-...mai-phu-chi-fa-chiang-mai-5-singaporians.html




If you're going up to Chiang Khong, drop David Bailey an email (david AT chiangkhonglifestyle.com) - Mai & David love to meet the foreign bikes that are riding through, they are very knowledgeable about the Chiang Khong region.

 

[VietHorse]

Well, there seems a lot of places for me to drop by and enjoy with the scenery and friendship.
Is Chiang Khong a Laos' place? With the famous Jar field?

 

[Lone Rider]

Hi Viethorse,

Chiangkhong is in North Thailand and is located at the border with Laos (Houayxay - Boten Province). The Plain of Jars is in Xiengkhung Province of Laos (Phonsavan) which borders Vietnam (Highway 7) with the Xa Nam Can Border Crossing to Laos.

 

[VietHorse]

Just heard that the Aug-Sep would be heavy rainy season in northern part of Thailand. What a plan......................................

 

[Lone Rider]

Yes, it is the rainy season just like in Laos, Cambodia and I assume the south of Vietnam and you may experience heavy rain in August and September. I remember from the time I was working in Vietnam in 1992/93 (mainly in Hanoi) that you have also heavy rains over there during the rainy season.

However, normal (but what is normal nowadays with lots of rain resulting in floods) it will rain heavy for an hour or two and the remainder of the day is dry and often sunny. But being on big bikes it may not be fun when it rains heavily and, considering the many kilometers of riding on a day you guys are planning, it probably would be better to postpone your trip to late October/early November when the rainy season should be over.

 

[KTMphil]

One more Chiang Mai loop for you Trung while i remember it, about 420KM


Chiang Mai - R 118 - R 109 towards Fang - R 107 south - pick up R 1150 east towards Phrao - then R 118 SW back to Chiang Mai. A great full days riding on fast bikes.

 

[VietHorse]

Phil et all,
I have with me now the plan from a tour agent. I though that's for car tour, not for motorcycle tour.
Anyway, just wanna post here and seek your comments, suggestion to make it more reliable, reasonable and more fun.


POI PET - NAKHORNSAWAN - CHIANGMAI - KHAU YAI - POIT PET

DAY 1 : POI PET - NAKHORNSAWAN

L, DINNER

• 08:00 AM Pick up at Poi Pet - Arunprathet check point.
• Proceed to Gas station.
• Transfer NakhornSawan . Lunch at local rest.
• Stop at Gas Station before check in hotel. Dinner at local rest. O/N in Phitsanulok Province
• Hotel: 3*
• Route 1 -> around 403 Km -> about 6.5 hrs driving

DAY 2 : NAKHORNSAWAN - CHIANG MAI

B,L ,D

• 06:00 Breakfast at hotel,
• 07:00 Am driving car to Chiangmai Stop at Gas station before lunch.
• 12:30 Lunch at local rest.
• 18:00 Hrs arrival at Chiagmai , stop at Gas station before check in hotel.
• 19 :00 Dinner at local Rest .
• Hotel*: Centara Duangtawan or Dusit Chiangmai - standard room.
• Route 1 -> around 460 Km -> about 7.40 hrs driving.

DAY 3 : CHIANGMAI - CITY TOUR

B,L ,D

• 07:00 Breakfast at the hotel.
• 08:00 starting visit Visit Doi Suthep. Stop at Gas station before lunch.
• 12:00 Lunch at local rest.
• 14:00 visit Mae Sae Elephant Camp to see Elephant Shows, take elephant trekking 15 minutes.
• Free for shopping at the Lanna Village.
• 19:00 Dinner at local restaurant. O/ N in Chiangmai.
• Hotel * :

DAY 4 : CHIANGMAI - LOM SAK - PETCHABOON

B,L ,D

• 07:00 Breakfast at the hotel.
• 08:00 Check out, continue driving to PETCHABOON Gas station before lunch
• 12:00 Lunch at local rest.
• Continue to PETCHABOON
• Stop at Gas station before dinner.
• 18:00 Dinner at locak rest.
• 19:30 check in hotel. O/N in PETCHABOON
• Hotel * :
• Route . -> around 450 km -> 8.5 hrs driving.

Day 5 : PETCHABOON - NAKHORN RATCHASIMA - KHAU YAI

B,L,D

• 07:00 Breakfast at the hotel.
• 08 depart to Nakhornratchasima. Pass by Lopuri - Saraburi. Stop over at Gas station before arrival at Chok Chai Farm.
• 13:00 Lunch at Chochai Farm. Continue to Khau Yai
• 18:00 check in Hotel at Khau Yai - Dinner at hotel .
• Hotel * :
• Route Mittraphap -> 352 Km - around 7 hrs driving.

DAY6 : KHAU YAI - TRAD - KLONG YAI - KOH KONG

B,

06:00 Breakfast at hotel.

• 07:00 check out, and proceed to Poi Pet, Stop at Gas station before lunch.
• 12:30 Lunch at local rest.
• 15:00 check in Cambodia .
• Route … -> 468 Km -> around 8.5 hrs driving.

 

[VietHorse]

My initial comments to the plan:

1. Make the millage each day longer. Let 's say 600-700km/day rather than 450km/day.
2. Don't take the tour while in Chiang Mai. We can go ourselves with you guys based on recommended Chiang Mai loops and landscapes.
3. Indicate the route number for each touring day.
4. Include one day with Bonanza track for practicing.
5. The Tour agent said that they will provide a car to lead us to make sure the right routes. However, I am thinking of if we can have some of you guys riding with us for each day is much better than a car. It will make it faster and save some cost.

How about yours, please help.
Thanks

 

[Lone Rider]

Hi Viethorse,

Will comment tomorrow evening as I am on my way out for a 2 day trip to the Pu Chi Fa area which Phil mentions in his post No. 27.

 

[KTMphil]

Viethorse -


Lots of fast road riding there, if you wanted to several of those days you could make into 600km days without a problem. The routes mentioned, you will miss most of the fun riding in the mountains, i hope you're aware of that?

 

[VietHorse]

@Phil et all: We can't afford to have longer trip. I would say maximum we can arrange for the trip is from Saturday morning, then back home by next Saturday evening. We are almost office personnel so that 's what most of us can do. Besides, we really love to experience Chiang Mai; landscape, twisty roads, food, people and culture there. So the key points of our trip is reaching and experiencing Chiang Mai and some more road from Chiang Mai to Khao Yai.
With that strategy, we can scarify many other nice things along the way. We accept that. Otherwise, we have to make the trip more thand 8 days which we don't want.
Further more, our team also enjoy riding rather than ride and stop, ride and stop for sightseeing, photoing and so on. However, you all realize that there are lots of pics on every trip reports of mine, right. So, that's it. Ride is our happiness.

Besides, could you please take a look and comment on the proposed route provided by the agency?

 

[VietHorse]

Btw, If we stop one day in Khao Yai or Trat, what are the things we should experience/visit there?
Thank you.

 

[Lone Rider]

Hi VietHorse,

Had a quick look and have the following remarks/comments:

Day 1 - from the Thai/Cambo border to Nakhon Sawan is about 400 km. If you continue onto Tak the trip would be about 600 km. Much depends on what time you can and how much time it takes to cross the Tha/Cambo border .

Day 2/3 - The next day from Tak to Chiangmai would be about 260 km. which will all be high-speed highway so you could do already one or more of the tourist things in the afternoon. This would give you a whole day the next day for some side trips around Chiangmai and/or the mountains.

Day 4 instead of Day 4 and 5 - Chiangmai to Nakhornratchasima/Khao Yai should be easily possible in 1 day in particular as you mention that you won't make many stops along the way.

Agree that a car will slow you down as the bikes you are riding will go much faster than their car. I don't have a bike so that wo't help you much. What we can do is to make good routes to be uploaded in your GPS so that it should not pose big problems. Anyway, most of the road signs are in Thai and English so it should not be too difficult.

Considering that you have very little time I probably would not travel via Petchbun/Pitsanulok eventhough it is more or less the same distance but, as most of the roads will be 2 lane it will be slower than highway 1 (all the way 4 lane highway) as here you can speed up (watch out for the police though with their radar and speed guns - they can only fine you once a day so if you are stopped for a second time for speeding they can't fine you). Chiangmai to Bangkok would normally take me in a car about 7 hours when leaving early in order to beat the office/school traffic in town (7-8 o'clock in the morning). Sorry, still need to check the routes in Cambodia but it looks like that there is a shorter way unless you want to make a stop in Sihanoukville (at the beach)


What to do at Khao Yai - There are several waterfalls in the area but you will have to hike to get to them so with your tight travel schedule that may not be an option. Good food at the Chokchai Farm and sveral attraction parks like ATV riding, etc.


What to do at Trat - Koh Chang is nearby with its beaches and seafood restaurants as well as the Klong Plu waterfall and two elephant camps

Over all, it will be a tight and busy schedule and it would be better to have a few extra days but I understand from you that it would be difficult to go beyond 8 days. In case you have more questions, just ask.

 

[VietHorse]

Hi all again. Just send the confirmation on the trip planning. Looks like we don't have to think too much more.
Let's see the day 4 and day 6, should you guys can arrange to join us?

----------------------

Viet Nam – Cambodia - Thailand

• Total 3520km
• Est time 8 days 7 nights
• ETD : 15/9 or 22/9

Day 1 : Saigon – Mộc Bài /Bavet – Phnom Penh – Poipet 690km
- 690km , Route #22 VN , Route #1 – 5 Cambodia
- Hotel in Casino Poipet

Day 2: Poipet- Phitsanulok 650km
- 650km , Route AH1 – AH2 and Route #11 Thailand
- Hotel Phitsanulok

Day 3: Phitsanulok - Chiang Mai 400km
- 400km , Route AH1 – AH2 and Route #101 Thailand
- Hotel in Chiang Mai.

Day 4: Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon National Park 130km ( Top of Thailand)
- Meet up Chiang Mai bikers
- Visit Top of Thailand
- Stay free.

Day 5: Chiang Mai - Khaoyai 750km
- 750km , Route #1 - AH1 – AH2 and Route #35 Thailand
- Hotel in Khao Yai

Day 6: Khao Yai
-Visit Khao Yai National Park

Day 7: Khao Yai - Kohkong 500km
- 500km , Route #7 - 344 and Route #3 Thailand
- Hotel at Kohkong Cambodia.

Day 8: Koh Kong - HCMC 530km
- 530km , Route #47 - 4 and Route #1 Cambodia Route #22 Vietnam

End tour.

Note:
- Hotel 3* in Cambodia and Thailand.
- Pickup car for logistics.
- 01 Police bike escorting all the time in Thailand.