Probably the best motorcycle ride in Thailand is highway 1148 from Chiang Khan to Nan. It was so much fun that we decided to ride it north to south and then south to north, with a loop at the south end. From Chiang Mai north to Phrao, then on to Phayao and then Chiang Kham is a bit of work, but the reward is worth it. Travelling companions Randy on a 125cc Honda Click, Harold on a BMW R1200, and myself on a Kawasaki Er6n rode nearly 1000km at varying speeds. This route is highly recommended no matter what you you ride.
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| The route. |
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| The stats. |
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| I'm not sure what the sign says, but it's burning season in SE Asia, so it's pretty easy to get the gist. |
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| Let the fun begin... |
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| Randy and Harold |
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| We stopped for the day at Phayao, located along a large shallow lake with beautiful sunsets. |
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| Romance in Phayao. These teens were wearing sweatshirts while we were perspiring in tee shirts at a restaurant across the street. Thais are like cats; they like to be warm. |
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| Much of the fun is finding interesting places along the way that serve fresh coffee. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's great, and then you ride on to the next coffee shop. |
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| Lady at a coffee shop. In addition to fresh coffee she offered fresh milk. |
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| Hungry and thirsty, we stopped at a raan ahan (restaurant) and encountered these two gentlemen up to no good and having fun doing it. |
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| What Thai kids do on a hot day. |
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| Best khao phat moo I've ever had was at this restaurant. I'd like to tell you how to get there but that would spoil your fun. |
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| Ok, so maybe we over-hydrated. |
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| In Nan, this woman was leaving the morning market, no doubt to re-sell her wares at her own little store. |
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| Here's some scenery along Highway 1148. |
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| Would you trust this man? |
