12.11.24 – day 12 North of Thailand / Phu Lanka
We stayed 2 nights here in the mountains to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air.
13.11.24 – day 13 North of Thailand
From Phu Lanka to Phayao: A Scenic Drive and a Relaxed Evening
The morning began with a serene, foggy view of the valley as we set off on the journey from Phu Lanka to Phayao. There’s something magical about the early hours in this region — the mist hanging in the valley, the cool breeze, and the promise of a day of exploration ahead. To start things right, we took a coffee with a view first, savoring the quiet beauty of the landscape before hitting the road.
A Scenic Drive through the Mountains
We started at 9 am, taking route 1148 down from the mountains. The descent offered some breathtaking views, with the fog slowly lifting to reveal sweeping valleys and hills. The roads were winding, but the ride was smooth, and the crisp morning air made the drive even more enjoyable.
After leaving route 1148, we continued on route 1091 and then turned onto route 1251. While these roads were not in the best condition in some places, the views more than made up for the occasional rough patch. The landscapes were still stunning — lush green fields, quaint villages, and distant mountain peaks all coming together in a perfect snapshot of rural Thailand.
Exploring Back Roads and Farms
Once out of the mountains, we decided to take some back roads that meandered through farmland. The quiet paths and the sight of farmers working in the fields gave me a real sense of rural life in northern Thailand. It was a refreshing change from the usual highways, offering a more intimate look at the local culture and way of life.
Arriving in Phayao: The Search for a Hotel
We arrived in Phayao just after lunch, but finding accommodation turned out to be more of a challenge than expected. It was the weekend of Loi Krathong, one of Thailand’s biggest festivals, and the town was bustling with visitors. After a bit of searching, we finally found a hotel, but there was a small catch: the room wasn’t ready yet. So, we decided to make the best of it and take a detour to wash the motorbike.
This was my first time using a self-service motorbike wash in Thailand, something that’s common in Europe but not as widespread in Thailand. It turned out to be a surprisingly satisfying experience. The facilities were easy to use, and it felt good to get the bike cleaned up after a long journey. It’s a small thing, but it added a nice touch to the day and gave us something to do while waiting for our room.
Phayao: A Cute and Friendly City
Phayao turned out to be a charming little city. With its peaceful lakeside setting and friendly people, it’s a great place to unwind. The town is not as well-known as some of the bigger cities in northern Thailand, which makes it feel like a hidden gem. The locals are warm and welcoming, and it’s easy to strike up a conversation and feel at home.
That evening, we met up with Nok, a friend of Sang, for dinner. It turned into a delightful evening of great food, good conversation, and a few beers. We enjoyed delicious Northern Thai cuisine — spicy curries, aromatic grilled meats, and the region’s famous herbal dips. As we chatted and laughed, time seemed to slow down, and we ended up staying out much later than planned.
An Enjoyable Evening
It was one of those evenings that makes travel so rewarding—connecting with locals, trying new dishes, and getting a real sense of a place. Phayao may be small, but it has a lot of heart, and it was the perfect place to relax after a scenic ride.
By the time we headed to bed, it was late, but we were all content. The day had been full of new experiences, from the foggy valleys to the self-service motorbike wash in Thailand, and I was already looking forward to what the next day might bring.
Stay tuned end enjoy yourself!
#dustysocks
