23.11.24 – Day 23 North of Thailand
Motorbike Adventure: Galyani Vadhana to Chiang Mai
We woke up to a cool 15°C this morning after a great sleep. Feeling refreshed and well-rested, we enjoyed a healthy breakfast prepared by the resort owner—avocado, banana, Chinese tea, and coffee to fuel the ride ahead. With a full belly and the crisp morning air, we were ready to hit the road.
We started our day at 8:45 AM, hitting Route 1349. The road conditions varied—some stretches were in perfect shape, while others were a bit rough. Nothing too challenging, though; just a reminder to take it easy and stay relaxed while riding through the mountainous terrain.
The ride took us past rolling strawberry farms tucked into the hills. The views were stunning—classic mountain scenery with green fields stretching into the distance. However, we were in for a bit of a shock when we noticed that the strawberries are harvested green here. It explained a lot about why Thai strawberries are typically not as sweet as expected. Needless to say, this was a bit of a revelation, and for me, it’s safe to say I’ll be skipping Thai strawberries from now on.
After enjoying the mountain scenery and passing through winding hills, we took a loop through the mountains and accidentally stumbled upon Mon Cham, one of Chiang Mai’s more famous spots. Let’s be honest—it wasn’t exactly the most peaceful experience. The hills were packed with resorts, bubble camping spots, and a steady stream of tourists. It felt overly developed and very crowded, so we didn’t linger.
Soon we made our way onto Routes 1096 and 1269, and this part of the journey was a real highlight. The roads were well-maintained, the views were gorgeous, and there was very little traffic as we cruised down toward Chiang Mai. The ride was smooth, relaxed, and the perfect way to connect from the quiet mountain scenery back to the bustling city life.
Arriving in Chiang Mai brought us back into familiar chaos—traffic jams as always.
Our usual hotel was fully booked, so we opted for a two-night stay at Baan Suan Residence. Many will recognize this name as it was where I spent time recovering after my PCL surgery.
We checked in into Room 101—complete with a private swimming pool and all the little luxuries that make travel feel special.
At 4,000 Baht per night (including breakfast), it’s not the cheapest option, but the comfort and relaxation it offers are worth it. A bit of luxury from time to time is essential, especially on the road.
The ride today was an amazing mix—quiet mountain paths, rolling hills, and then diving into the lively streets of Chiang Mai. Now, we’ll unwind, meet up with friends, take some time to relax, and catch up on editing with surprisingly strong internet here at the resort.
It was a perfect way to transition from the peace of the mountains to the liveliness of city life. Sometimes, adventures are about contrasts—and this day had it all.
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!
#dustysocks
