166 THAILAND - A RIDE ALONG THE SOUTH COAST

166 THAILAND - A RIDE ALONG THE SOUTH COAST

20 February – 26 February 2023

358 Kilometres - 6 Days

PHOTOS 

20 February - Pattaya – Rayong – 78 km

It was “take two”! Early in the morning, my panniers were packed and ready, but I wasn’t heading to India as intended last November. Instead, I planned to do a short meander around Thailand as my friend Dawn arrived on the 27th. The main aim was to ensure the bike and equipment were in good condition and working order.

Although keen to get going, it was almost midday when I cycled out of Sodom and Gomorrah. In no time at all, I found myself on rural roads past cassava plantations with elephants grazing in the far distance, colourful temples, and Buddha statues. Then, up and over Big Buddha Mountain, still grinning from ear to ear.

By the time I pedalled into Rayong, I could feel I’d spent the best part of the day on the bike and called it a day at Richy Grand. Situated in the Chinese quarters, the guesthouse is well-located close to the night market. One should never go to the night market hungry!

 

21 February - Rayong – Pak Nam Krasae – 70 km

It was almost ten before I biked out of Rayong, and it was an immense pleasure to find myself upon a minor road past grazing cattle and through tiny settlements with brightly coloured homes—places where almost everything is peddled from motorbikes with sidecars. I’m sure Thailand is the only place in the world where a BBQ is allowed next to a petrol tank.

Soon my chosen route spat me out flush next to the coast on a road sporting a bike lane. The slight breeze was refreshing in the midday heat. At one of these communities, I met a Hungarian chap who has been living in Thailand for the past 40 years, and he invited me for a cold drink. How kind of him. Refreshed, I ambled over large rivers and past mangrove swamps until crossing the Prasae Sin Bridge. Here I spotted an authentic-looking village along the banks of the river. Turning in, only a few foreigners appeared to visit Pah Nam Krassae, as no English was spoken. I love places like that! However, it isn’t rocket science to explain that you’re looking for a place to sleep, and soon I was comfortably ensconced in a lovely room with air-con and hot water. At first, I thought finding food would be more problematic, but everyone understood “mangsawirat” (vegetarian) and “khaw phad” (fried rice). I had so much time I even rinsed my clothes!

 

22 February – Pak Nam Krasae – Chanthaburi – 75 km

Twenty kilometres after leaving, I stopped at a 7-Eleven for food, after which I continued along the coastal route. I love that a cycle lane ran almost the entire way to Chanthaburi. It was easy riding and a pleasure to be out on the bike. Once in Chanthaburi, I opted for the old quarters along the river, allowing plenty of time to stroll along the river, find food and relax.

 

23 February - Chanthaburi – Roadside guesthouse - 65 km

After umming and ahhing whether to stay in Chantaburi an additional day, I eventually saddled up and slowly started the return trip to Jomtien. The ride was pleasant, and the going easy. On spotting a three hundred THB room, I called it quits as finding inexpensive accommodation isn’t easy along the coast. My 40 THB meal of fried noodles was so much I couldn’t finish it.

 

24 February – Roadside Guesthouse – Rayong – 75 km

I took a different route, which was easy as there were hundreds of more minor roads. In fact, I don’t think I could find my original way even if I tried. The South Coast is relatively flat and, in places, resembles an estuary or delta. Thus, I crossed many rivers where fishing appeared as the main occupation. Back in Rayong, I cycled straight to Richy Grant as rooms were only 300THB and a place where one could wheel the bike right in, add a nearby night market, and it was a winner.

 

25 February - Rayong – Jomtien – 70 km

I zig-zagged through the countryside along farm roads, which always makes for an enjoyable day out. Little happened, as I was in the area only a few days prior. I thus didn’t stop and cycled back non-stop. It was somewhat of a stupid thing to do as I arrived starving and couldn’t wait to unlock the door and devour whatever was available.

Time to chuck the dirty laundry in the washing machine, shower and relax.

I was pleased with my little Tour d’South; although my arms are not 100%, they held up well (if I kept the distances short). Hopefully, my arms will be much stronger when I leave on the next trip around the end of April.

 

26 February Jomtien

Sorting out photos kept me busy the entire morning, and soon it was midday and time to collect the key to Dawn’s apartment. In the process, I had a beer with Karen and friends and was thus useless for the rest of the afternoon.

 

27 February – Jomtien

Seeing I had a day of rest the previous day, I donned the running shoes for an eight km jog along the beachfront. Returning dripping with perspiration, I first swept the floor and put the bedding in the washing machine before jumping in the pool for my daily kilometre swim. Funny how swimming always feels energising. Then back in front of the computer to sort out the last photos. Staving, I fried an egg, not something I often do as I think it’s too much trouble washing a pan. LOL. I must’ve been ravenous.