18.02.2025 – Singapore to Sisaket day 7
Hat Yai to Nakhon Si Thammarat: A Ride Through Southern Thailand’s Beauty
Some days on the road are full of unexpected adventures, while others follow a well-planned route that flows smoothly from one stop to the next. Today was a bit of both—a long ride through rural southern Thailand, where we soaked in the local life, enjoyed scenic roads, and ended the day with a bit of history and good food.
Early Start for a Long Ride
With the temperatures rising fast these days, an early start is the only way to ride comfortably. We woke up at 5 AM, back to our usual routine of getting on the road before the heat became unbearable. A quick coffee at the hotel, and by 6 AM, the engine was roaring as we rode out of Hat Yai under the cover of darkness.
Early morning rides have their own charm. The roads are quiet, the air is cool, and the first light of the day brings a sense of peace and adventure.
For the first 50 km, we followed Route 41, a major highway that runs north. It’s a straightforward, fast-moving road, but we weren’t planning to stay on it for too long. Highways might be efficient, but they lack character.
Soon enough, we turned left into the smaller roads of Phatthalung, leaving the traffic behind in search of more scenic and enjoyable riding.
A Glimpse Into Rural Thai Life
Riding through these quiet, rural roads was one of the best parts of the day.
These routes don’t just offer better scenery and less traffic—they provide a deep, immersive look into daily life in the countryside.
Parents getting their kids ready for school, women sweeping their front yards, watering plants, and preparing meals.
Elderly men gathered in small coffee shops, sipping strong local brews.
Farmers already at work, tending to their fields in the early morning light.
Street vendors setting up their mobile food stalls.
It was a peaceful ride, with great roads and beautiful mountain scenery in the background. This is why we love motorbike travel—it’s not just about getting from one place to another, but experiencing everything in between.
Breakfast at Cowboy Town Route 41
By 8:20 AM, we arrived at Cowboy Town Route 41, a well-known stop for bikers traveling through the south.
This is a must-visit for any rider in the region. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food is good, and the coffee is strong—everything a biker needs to recharge before hitting the road again.
As we sat there, enjoying our breakfast and watching other bikers arrive, we felt part of something bigger—a community of travelers all sharing the same love for the open road.
Talay Noi: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
After breakfast, we continued towards Talay Noi, a well-known wetland area famous for its birdwatching opportunities.
This place is a paradise for nature lovers, with endless water views, exotic birds flying overhead, and a unique elevated road that allows you to ride across the landscape while taking in the scenery.
By the time we arrived, the sun was already strong. Riding in the heat is one thing, but standing around in full gear under the sun is another.
We didn’t stay long—just enough time to appreciate the views, take some photos, and continue our journey before the temperature became unbearable.
Coastal Roads and the 55 km Straightaway
From Talay Noi, we headed towards the coast, first riding along Route 408, then switching to Route 4072.
Route 4072 was something special—a long, straight road running directly along the coast for almost 55 km.
The ocean stretched out to one side, the land to the other, and the road ahead seemed to go on forever. There’s something freeing about riding a road like this, where you can just relax, take in the view, and enjoy the ride.
Our goal was to reach the end of the road, a remote peninsula where we hoped to enjoy some quiet time by the water.
Unfortunately, the last section was under heavy construction, followed by deep sand patches. Riding through deep sand with a heavy touring bike is never a great idea, so we made the smart choice—took some photos and turned back.
No regrets—the ride itself was worth it.
Arrival in Nakhon Si Thammarat
By 1:30 PM, after a long but satisfying ride, we finally arrived in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Tired and hot, we checked into our resort for the night—an excellent deal at 850 Baht. A shower, some rest, and we were ready to explore the city.
Visiting Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan
One of the main reasons we stopped in Nakhon Si Thammarat was to visit Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, one of Thailand’s most significant and ancient temples.
With its unique architecture and deep historical roots, the temple is expected to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025.
As we explored, we had the chance to speak with some of the workers, who shared interesting insights about the temple’s yellow decorations.
These decorations are only put up twice a year and take over ten days to remove and store—a labor-intensive but deeply respected tradition.
Dinner and an Evening Stroll
After a full day of riding and sightseeing, it was time to eat.
We opted for a pizza restaurant, where we enjoyed a well-deserved meal, complete with cold German beer—a small taste of home after weeks on the road.
With full stomachs, we took a leisurely walk along the old city wall and through the center of Nakhon Si Thammarat, soaking in the evening atmosphere before heading back to our hotel.
Final Thoughts: A Long, Satisfying Day
Today was everything we love about motorbike travel:
✔ The peaceful beauty of rural Thailand
✔ The thrill of riding scenic coastal roads
✔ The history and culture of Nakhon Si Thammarat
✔ The simple joy of good food and cold beer after a long ride
But it was also exhausting.
By lunchtime, the heat was intense, and by the time we arrived at the hotel, we were completely drained.
With 392 km covered today, we were more than ready to rest.
Tomorrow, the plan is simple—ride to the beach, find a great place to stay, and enjoy a bit of relaxation before the long journey home.
Because at the end of the day, every ride has its challenges, but it’s the moments in between—the quiet roads, the morning routines of small villages, the sunsets over the ocean—that make it all worthwhile.
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!!
#dustysocks
It’s a great route that can recommend