02.12.24 – Day 32 North of Thailand
Huai Sakae to Si Thep: A Day of Scenic Roads, Sunflowers, and Ancient Ruins
The ride from Huai Sakae to Si Thep covered 280 km of varied terrain and mixed experiences. With ups and downs, both literally and metaphorically, this journey started at 8:30 a.m. and took us through beautiful scenery, unexpected detours, and historical exploration. While it wasn’t a perfect day, it offered plenty of insights, unforgettable moments, and road trips that will always stay with you.
The Morning Ride: A Change of Plans and Scenic Reservoirs
The day began with a slight detour from the original plan. The previous evening, we discovered a location with sunflowers. Though we were a month early for their full bloom, the photos looked promising enough to spark our curiosity. So, with excitement, we decided to add this stop to our journey.
The ride toward the sunflower fields turned out to be stunning. The route took us along Klong Lam Kong Reservoir, a scenic body of water surrounded by dense forests and winding mountain roads. The ride was smooth, with plenty of twists and turns, and the views were a treat. The sun filtering through the trees, combined with the reservoir glistening beside the road, created a magical atmosphere.
Although the sunflowers weren’t in full bloom yet, the detour was well worth the ride. The scenery itself, with its peaceful vibe and winding paths, made it a memorable part of the day.
Onward to Chaiyaphum: Exploring the Sut Phaendin Cliff
After our visit to the sunflower fields, we continued toward Chaiyaphum to check out the
Sut Phaendin Cliff—a natural viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views. We joined Route 225, a well-maintained highway that turned out to be a real pleasure to ride. With its curves, twists, and occasional viewpoints, it was a scenic and enjoyable route that connected the dots between our destinations.
Unfortunately, by the time we arrived at the entrance to the cliff, it was already noon. The lighting wasn’t ideal for photography, and with the viewpoint part of a national park, there was an entrance fee of 200 Baht for foreigners. After considering the time, the expense, and the lighting conditions, we decided to skip the visit. While it was a bit of a letdown, sometimes detours don’t go as planned, and this one didn’t quite live up to expectations.
Heading South: Exploring the Countryside toward Si Thep
After passing on the cliff, we pressed on toward Si Thep. The ride took us through small country roads weaving through Lopburi Province—a stark contrast to the more industrial, built-up areas of Lopburi we had seen earlier in previous journeys. These smaller, winding paths offered a different kind of experience: rural landscapes, traditional farming communities, and wide-open stretches of heat and dust.
The temperature climbed steadily as the day progressed, reaching highs of 33°C. The air felt dry and the surrounding landscape had already begun to turn brown. It was a stark reminder of just how much the seasons had shifted, but the rural charm of these roads softened the heat and the long ride.
Arriving in Si Thep: A Place to Rest and Reflect
We finally rolled into Si Thep at about 2 p.m. and checked into Windy Resort, a small but comfortable accommodation. At 450 Baht per night, it was affordable, though we learned that the larger rooms were fully booked. After cooling off and grabbing some simple, easy food, we set off to explore Si Thep’s most notable feature: its World Heritage site.
The ancient ruins are located just a 700-meter walk from the resort, so it was an easy visit. The entrance fee was 100 Baht per person, but in all honesty, it didn’t leave much of an impression. Compared to other historical sites like Ayutthaya, Khamphaeng Phet, or Sukhothai, there just isn’t as much to see here. Even the temple in Phimai (which isn’t a World Heritage Site) felt more impressive and historically significant.
While the visit was not too long and relatively underwhelming, it was still an opportunity to learn more about Thailand’s rich history and take a few moments to stretch our legs and go for a walk after a long ride.
The Ride and the Reality: Reflections on the Day
Today’s journey was a mixed bag—beautiful in its own way but with some minor disappointments. The morning ride was fantastic: smooth roads, winding paths through forests, and glimpses of Klong Lam Kong Reservoir’s beauty. The exploration toward the sunflower fields and the ride along Route 225 reminded us of how much Thailand has to offer for motorbike riders looking for scenic experiences.
However, the midday detour to Sut Phaendin Cliff didn’t pan out, and the heat—rising to 33°C—meant that by the afternoon, the experience felt dry and dusty. The small roads through Lopburi’s rural areas were charming but a stark contrast to the heat and conditions of the central plains.
The World Heritage Site in Si Thep offered just a fraction of what we’d hoped to explore, making the experience feel like a missed opportunity rather than a must-visit destination.
A Day Well-Ridden, Despite the Hot and Dusty Ending
At the end of the day, though, the ride itself was still rewarding. Riding through forests, reservoir views, winding roads, and small countryside paths brought joy to our journey. While some expectations weren’t met, the day was still a beautiful example of the unpredictability of exploration. You don’t always get everything you hope for, but that’s part of the journey.
Tomorrow is our last day of the trip: 460 km back home to Rasi Salai, Sisaket. Mostly on highways – so we will burn a lot of fuel.
For now, we rest in Si Thep, knowing that sometimes it’s about the ride itself—the path, the roads, and the journey—rather than the destination.
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!
#dustysocks
