A nice border run (final)
Chumphon
As mentioned in part 1, we want to turn this border run into something more than a 'run'. The main goal was already reached in the very early afternoon, so we will now do some sightseeing in Ranong and the surrounding area.
We each reserved a room at the Petch hotel. Lung addie knew this hotel from previous trips to Ronong. It is located within walking distance of the center, very neat and at a reasonable price of 800THB/n. So there we first sign up before exploring Ranong itself, after first meeting an acquaintance of my mate who lives in Ranong. Since this man knows Ranong through and through, he can guide us and take us to the best place to have good Thai food.
Lung addie first wants to give some advice to any visitors to Ranong: in any case, take rain gear with you, especially if you go there by motorbike. Ranong is known for its heavy rainfall. I even laugh about it: if you go to Ranong for a few days and you haven't had any rain, you've been somewhere else. In Ranong you can easily expect rain 8/9 months/y!!!
Ranong is known for its hot springs and it is all well developed here to welcome its visitors. There is even a floor, in a covered hall, under which warm (hot) water pipes run and on which people can stretch out to relax. Furthermore, there are of course also plenty of food and beverage outlets in the immediate vicinity to fill the hungry stomachs. The water from the springs is so warm that you can even boil an egg in it.
The stay at the Petch Hotel was not too bad. After the trip in the center, with the necessary beers plus the drive from Chumphon to Ranong, we were both tired enough to enjoy a good night's sleep. But Lung addie first chose to undergo a massage, which can be ordered at the hotel. His bottom and legs in particular could use this. Thermo baths are available in many hotels. The water is very warm and it takes some getting used to when you first go in.
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we start the way back, but with a visit to some sights. We have a whole day and are not in a hurry at all. There are several beautiful waterfalls in Ranong and the surrounding area. We choose the Puyaban waterfall and the Namtok Ngao as target. The reason: these are both very close to the main road which we will continue on our way back to Chumphon. From here it goes to Khao Fa Chi. A very beautiful viewpoint where one can admire the mouths of the two main rivers in the Andaman Sea. They are the Kra Buri and the La Un. The road to the viewpoint is very passable and definitely worth doing if you are staying in the area.
Now it is time to start the real way back. But this time we will not go along Highway 40, but will first make the crossing from the Andaman coast to the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. We do this along the 4139 rd which leads to Sawi. A nice winding road, very hilly and really nice to enjoy as a biker.
From Sawi we are forced to take highway 41 for a short while to take the exit of the 4003 rd. This runs completely along the coast and changes to the 4098, which will eventually lead us home via Pak Nam. But in Pak Nam, Lung Addie cannot resist visiting the Khao Matsee viewpoint. This not only because of the beautiful view but largely because of the very tasty chocolate cake that is served there in the coffee shop. From here to Thung Wualean Beach it is barely 40 km.
Before dark we are back in our old familiar Saphli and can look back on a beautiful border run.
All my buddy has to do is hand in a new TM30 at Immigration in Chumphon.
Already before the next run, in three months, we agree to visit Pato this time to make a rafting there.
Fun or at least special is a border run that my wife and I made last year from Cha Am to Ban Phu Nam Ron. This transition is less well known, but the trip with a scooter (about 400 km h/t) is fun, not to mention the arranged border run from one border post to the other. On the way back we stayed 2 days in Kanchanaburi in a hotel 100 m from the Bridge!
Well told, Lung Addie. I don't know that area at all - I've never been south of Bangkok - but I wonder if you can cycle there reasonably well, in your opinion?
@Cornelis.
Yes, dear Cornelis, you can cycle very well and above all safely here. There is even a fully signposted cycle route along the coast. This route is called the 'Scenic' route and starts already south of Hua Hin. Its further expansion, in the context of the 'Riviera Project', is currently in full swing and involves the construction of a 1.5m wide cycle path on both sides of the road. Almost to Chumphon these works are almost complete. It is a very traffic-calmed road that is only used by local traffic. Traffic from BKK to the South runs on behalf of Highway 40 and it is best not to take it by bicycle, too dangerous! You can easily reach Sawi and Lamae via this road and then you are already almost 700 km south of BKK.
Thank you for your response. That sounds very appealing, Lung Addie. I'm going to see how I can plan this!
Lung Addie , in March we are going to Ban Krut to see with our own eyes what you praise…
@Angela,
Ban Krut is definitely recommended to stay for a few days. I really don't have to praise it because I have no interest in that. Each region in Thailand has its own charms. Here in the South it is of course the endless beaches with their beautiful bays that you have to discover for yourself as they are usually not commercially intended for tourism. Ban Krut is about 100 km north of where I live, so I go there regularly. Beautiful beach and not crowded, except on Sundays when many Thai people come to the beach. Has a nice walking avenue along the beach and plenty of good dining options. I always stay at the Na Nicha Hotel, located along the 3459rd and situated at 50m from the beach.
You can find an article, written by Lung addie, on the blog: 'on the road 8' in which a visit to Ban Krut, together with the Bikerboys of Hua Hin, is described.
@Angela
I myself stay 4 months a year in Bang Saphan Yai. I totally agree with Lung Addie's answer. Beautiful, empty and long beaches, a quiet place with little tourism and a very relaxed atmosphere.