Detour via Sameong Loop
A short but sweet trip to Chiang Mai! I only had about a day or 2 to spare so one of the days, I spent doing admin like washing and a sorting out a big motorcycle to hire. I had been riding a 250cc up to now so was looking forward to more power. I settled on Mr. Mechanic Shop 2, which was beside my homestay accommodation and had good reviews despite being a little bit more expensive. This was an opportunity to try out their bikes on offer, which I could test ride through the old city. First I rode was the Honda Rebel 500cc. Stylish bike, but felt uncomfortable and unsuitable for the intended route. Next was the Honda CB650F, which was a bad ass looking bike given its naked styling and far more powerful than anything I’ve ridden in Asia. But I could easily notice that the 1st gear had been worn out, leading me to believe there may be more mechanical issues on a long ride. The last bike I rode and what I settled on was the Honda CB500X which fit the bill with enough power (for me), upright riding position and even a windscreen.
I hired for just the next day, with the intention of tackling the popular Samoeng Loop.
Google maps screenshot of the loop
Here are some pictures from the ride:
Rain pelting my hired NC500x while I hide under cover
Testing out my ND filter at Mae Sa Waterfall, Sameong Loop
A deserted Wongwan Strawberry Farm (most western point on the map above) except for local workers passing through
I wanted rice but all they had was a soup dish. Think this cost like £2, cheaper than normal as this wasn't a popular tourist spot.
Outside the lunch place
Temple in Doi Suthep
Temple in Doi Suthep, my last stop. Managed to find a bystander to take a photo of me :)
It was evening by the time I returned to Chiang Mai old town. I didn’t need to return the bike till the morning so I parked it in front of the local Irish pub, O’Malley’s, which was playing the Rugby World Cup games. All Blacks were playing that evening so was looking forward to watching that.
Enjoying an Irish drink at an Irish pub, watching All Black dominate the Canadians during a pool game of the Rugby World Cup
Tapping in yet another new beer while doing my best to avoid Thai culture
After the game and dinner, I went to experience the nightlife on offer, and made a 10 minute walk to Zoe In Yellow, a tourist hotspot for partying. Given I was by myself, hadn’t met anyone as I was staying at homestay where everyone kept to themselves, only a few beers deep, and tired after a long day… well you guessed it, I didn’t really enjoy it. Just had a local beer and sat and people watched before heading back to my homestay for the night.
The next day was my last day, and I had a flight out at 1pm. I needed to return the bike by 9am, so walked back to where I parked it which was only a 5 minute walk away. When I arrived, I was greeted with the following:
The anxiety inducing note placed by the local authorities on my bike.
There was also a huge steel wheel lock on the wheel. Ugh. The note didn’t even explain why it was clamped. I went to the rental company store and talked to their staff about what happened. They helped me understand why I was clamped - in the evenings, it is fine to park there, but not on the otherside due to rush hour traffic. In the mornings, well this reverses, which makes sense, but it is only my vehicle left parked, so I get punished. I was not aware of this, but there isn’t much they can do but call the traffic enforcer so that I can pay the fine, which was about 2000 bhat (£50).
I return to the bike and the traffic enforcer soon arrives. He unclamps the vehicle and I’m out £50 because I wasn’t aware of the rules there despite being no signs. Not a great way to end my time in Chiang Mai.