Motorcycle Adventure, Out of School and Hitting the Road
We’ve had fantasies of driving a motorcycle through a country since watching the Motorcycle Diaries in 2004. I know, how cliché. But it’s true. Who didn’t watch that movie and want to buy a bike and travel through South America? Or hey, even become a freedom fighter.
One problem though, we been afraid to ride one since an accident here in Thailand in 2000 and we are too cheap (or poor) to buy one and take a proper course at home. We may not be driving a full size motorbike here in Chiang Rai, but spending four days on a 125 cc scooter driving through winding mountain roads and traffic has definitely reignited that yearning to drive a motorcycle through a continent.
After our motor scooter lessons we were ready to hit the road
After our motorcycle school with Smiling Albino, we set off for the northern Thai town of Mae Salok. The first 30 km were quite a thrill as we drove on the main highway that runs through Thailand from Malaysia to the Myanmar border. Speeding along while following Scott our fearless leader we wove through traffic of fellow motorcycles, transport trucks and buses. We managed just fine, but were relieved when we turned onto the quieter and less traveled road to Mae Salok.
http://smilingalbino.smugmug.com/Thailand-Photos/Smiling-Albino-Adventures/Planet-D-Chiang-Rai-Adventure/15947903_trxsG#1196214180_kZR9T
The countryside was a beautiful blend of rolling hills and green jungle. There wasn’t another tourist in sight and we had the entire road to ourselves. I felt a big grin on my face for the entire ride. I could have driven all day and was happy to hear that we had at least another hour of riding when we stopped for a coke at a local shop.
It was mid day when we reached the Mae Kok River where we caught a longtail boat to the Huai Khum Village Resort. This is about as remote as it gets when staying in a lodge in Thailand. We drove three hours outside of Chiang Rai to Mae Selok village and then took a 2 km boat ride to this secluded resort on the river. Here you will see hill tribes and villagers going on with their lives without the influence of tourists. Children play in the water as they have for centuries, men fish with hand made nets and longtail boat captains navigate the river with great skill and ease.
The entrance of Huai Khum Village Resort
We had a quick meal before setting out for a relaxing kayak down river. The water was low, very low. Our captain said that he thinks this river will be un- runnable this year for the first time ever. That is a sad and scary thought. The river is the life blood of the people and a major waterway will cut of travels between Chiang Rai and Thaton which passes through Mae Selok.
A lazy paddle down the river
We followed our captain down the river. Without him we would have been stuck on rocks and grounded on shallow water. At one point a group of kids jumped into the water and grabbed onto our boat looking for a ride. It was at this time that I wished we had a waterproof camera. I was too worried about tipping over and wrecking our camera to really enjoy the moment with the kids.
However, everyone was very welcoming waving at us from the shores and saying hello as we passed. It was a pleasant and relaxing afternoon. And what was the best perk?
We caught the longtail boat back up river
It really was the ultimate couch potato paddling adventure. Making our way with the current, we barely had to work to propel ourselves forward. Once we were 10 km or so down river, we pulled over behind our longtail boat and loaded our kayaks on board. Heaven forbid we paddle up river, there is beer to be had and food to be eaten.
Scott brought along a couple of Singha Beers for us to enjoy while our captain drove us back up river to the resort.
Our bungalow at Huai Khum Village Resort
With a couple of hours to spare before dinner we settled into our rustic cabin complete with two bedrooms, two sitting areas, screened in front porch and a deck to watch the sunset. We didn’t use the oversized pool, but we couldn’t understand why this place didn’t have anyone staying in it. Huai Khum Village is the perfect setting for a person looking to unplug and escape the pressures of life. It is a place to find the true Thailand.
The rooms are luxury at Huai Khum Village Resort
People say they want to go off the beaten path, but here is a resort completely off the tourist trail and nobody is here. And we mean nobody. It is a giant and beautifully landscaped property that invites a person to completely relax. There is no cell phone or internet signal, no horns honking or people trying to sell you something.
You can hike, bike and paddle or go and explore the nearby villages. It is directly on the Mae Kok River on the Chiang Rai, Thaton Route. People should stop and spend a night or two in complete seclusion and give it a try.
Even the pool was gorgeous.
We enjoyed it and would love to come back to spend a few days losing ourselves in a good book by the pool or lounging on a day bed in our luxury cabin. But that will have to wait.
We have more riding to do and in the morning we are moving on to the Myanmar Border. We’re in opium country and Thailand’s old wild west of the drug trade day.
19 Responses to Motorcycle Adventure, Out of School and Hitting the Road
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Your bikes don’t really look like cross country adventure… but it seems you still had a great time! And I can see that you did everything correct… driving on the left side of the road! lol
That place also looks amazing. You got yourself a really cozy hut!
Tell the owner of Traveldudes!
Melvin recently posted..Kelimutu – The Mysterious Tricolored Lakes of Indonesia
Sounds like you guys had a great time! The resort looks incredible!! Sounds like a great place to escape everything and really enjoy Thailand. Thanks for sharing!
Global Basecamps recently posted..Global Basecamps Photo of the Month- Kayotei Ryokan
I just died when I saw that last photo. Jealous.
My husband owned two motorcycles up until a few weeks ago, and I’ve still never been on one!
Camels & Chocolate recently posted..The Garden Route- Paddling to the Indian Ocean
So cool. I have had the desire to take motorcycle lessons for quite some time now, just haven’t done it yet, and yes The Motorcycle Diaries did have something to do with it
. We hope to make it over to this part of the world in the next while, that resort sounds and looks awesome. The kayaking sounded fun too, but It’s really a shame the water level is so low in the river, and scary to think the impact that this is going to have.
Peter recently posted..Foto Friday – Pucon- Chile
Oh the room looks beautiful!
This looks beyond brilliant. I would rather have a motorbike though. I would feel a bit more secure. But these pictures look amazing, especially of the pool.
Amazing places! Yes, the motorcyle would be a great way to travel to get in and out of places in these countries with narrow and not so good roads (unlike North America) however a little sore after a long day perhaps. Thanks again for transporting us to this beautiful place with those breathtaking photos.
karen ho fatt recently posted..Coleman Pack-Away Portable Fireplace Grill Review – Compact and Convenient For Camping
What a nice resort, and you had it all to yourself – perfection!
Motorcycle school is a bloody great idea. I’ve had to kind of teach myself.
Sad to hear about the river. Many of Asia’s rivers are in decline and a lot of folk blame Chinese dams. There will be more of this to come, unfortunately.
Theodora recently posted..Learning to Love Our Motorbike
Those scooters look too fun! And the resort and your room: just right. Unfortunately, getting off the beaten path for some often doesn’t include going places where roads don’t lead.
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Thanks a lot for adding yet another thing to my list of things to do before I die. Sheesh. My list is already crowded enough! (That accom. looks stunning!)
Fearful Girl recently posted..Welcome to- Holy Sht I’m Going To Die!
Haha, That is exactly how I feel when I read something new. i can’t keep up with all the things there are to do in the world:) The accommodation was stunning. I could have stayed at least another week there. Ah, to dream
WOW! Sounds like an amazing stay! How many days do you think you’d need (if you were near enough to Thailand and could get a cheap flight) to head straight here and enjoy? Couple days?
I feel so relaxed after just reading this! Thanks so much for sharing…
Hi Aimee, Yes a couple of days could do it but it will leave you wanting more
Aaah thanks! Am desperately looking for short-trip things to do out of Singapore. You’ve got me thinking. Thanks again!
Looks like a truly beautiful place. I would love to visit myself!
Kirsten recently posted..The White Elephant in the Room
That looks like a really cool way to do a motorcycle trip in Thailand. I really love the photos but I am sure it doesn’t do justice to really being there.
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