16.02.2025 – Singapore to Sisaket day 5
Tak Bai to Hat Yai: A Hot Ride Through Southern Thailand
Some days on the road feel effortless, while others push you to the limit. Today was the latter. 350 km through the heat of southern Thailand, winding mountain roads, dust from construction zones, and the final sprint into Hat Yai. A day filled with mixed emotions—enjoyment, exhaustion, and reflections on the differences between Thailand and Malaysia.
An Early Start for a Long Ride
At this time of the year, the heat in Thailand becomes unbearable by mid-morning. Riding in 34-degree heat with full gear is not just uncomfortable—it’s draining. So, we made the wise decision to start early.
By 7 AM, after our obligatory coffee, we hit the road. There’s something special about those early morning rides. The roads are quiet, the air is crisp (at least for the first hour), and the rising sun casts a golden glow over the landscape. The world feels different before the heat sets in.
Instead of taking the main highway directly to Hat Yai, we chose the smaller, more scenic roads through the mountains. The logic was simple—fewer trucks, less traffic, and more enjoyable curves. The reality? It was just as hot, if not hotter, than the lowlands.
The Heat, the Dust, and the Fun of Riding Curves
For the first couple of hours, the winding mountain roads gave us some fun. Leaning into the curves, feeling the rhythm of the ride—it’s why we do this. Despite the heat, there’s nothing quite like the flow of a good road, especially when traffic is light.
But then came the road construction zones.
Thailand is known for its never-ending roadworks, and today was no exception. Loose gravel, detours, and thick clouds of dust turned what should have been a smooth ride into an off-road adventure. Within minutes, our gear was coated in a fine layer of dirt, our faces covered in sweat and grime. There’s no escaping it—just push through and keep riding.
At some point, I started questioning our decision. Why didn’t we just take the highway? The idea of a straightforward, boring but efficient ride suddenly didn’t seem so bad. But by the time we exited the mountains, we had already committed to the journey.
The Final 70 km: Highway Madness and the “Green Wave”
Once we hit the final 70 km, we decided to switch to the main highway to save time. The morning had been long, the heat was relentless, and the dust from the construction zones was enough for one day.
Riding the highway in Thailand is always an experience. The biggest difference compared to Europe? Traffic lights.
In Europe, some highways / roads have a “green wave” system—if you maintain a certain speed, the lights turn green right before you arrive. The same system works here in Thailand, but the required speed is… well, let’s say “faster than legal limits.”
So, we did what every impatient rider does—kept up the pace.
And it worked. We didn’t have to stop at a single red light on the final stretch, making our arrival into Hat Yai at 2:30 PM smooth and frustration-free.
Checking into Bestier Hotel Hat Yai
After six and a half hours of riding, the moment you step off the bike and check into a hotel feels like entering an oasis.
We booked a room at the Bestier Hotel Hat Yai, and it was exactly what we needed. Good location, clean, friendly staff, and cheaper when booked in person rather than online. That’s how it should be. A shower, a soft bed, and air conditioning—the simple pleasures of life after a long ride.
A Well-Deserved Evening in Hat Yai
With energy levels restored, we ordered a Grab and headed out. First stop: the hairdresser.
After four weeks on the road, a fresh haircut was not just necessary—it was essential. Riding with a helmet in this heat turns hair into a mess of sweat and chaos. But after a quick trim, we felt like new people.
Next stop: Shabu dinner.
Meat, vegetables, dipping sauces—simple, delicious, and exactly what we needed. There’s something about a good meal after a long day of riding that makes everything feel right again.
Full stomachs, fresh hairstyles, and the satisfaction of another successful day on the road.
Reflections: Thailand vs. Malaysia for Motorbike Travel
As we sat in the restaurant, the conversation naturally drifted to a topic we had been discussing since crossing back into Thailand: the differences between riding in Thailand and Malaysia.
After spending two weeks in Malaysia, we finally understood why every Malaysian rider we met in Thailand prefers Thailand as a travel destination.
Here’s why:
• Food & Accommodation: Finding good, affordable food and places to stay in Thailand is much easier. Even though fuel is cheaper in Malaysia, the overall cost per day in Thailand is lower because of inexpensive meals and accommodation.
• Beaches & Scenery: Simply put, Thailand has better beaches, better views, and a greater variety of stunning roads. The coastline, the islands, the mountains—there’s just more to choose from.
• Overall Experience: The atmosphere in Thailand feels more welcoming for travelers, especially those on motorbikes. The roads, while sometimes chaotic, are full of adventure.
Malaysia has some amazing roads, but for an all-around riding experience, Thailand wins.
Back to Routine & Preparing for the Long Ride Home
Tomorrow is all about maintenance. Our bike, „Heng Heng“, has been a faithful companion, and it’s time for some well-deserved care.
• Oil change
• Filter replacement
• General check-up
Once that’s done, we’ll be ready for the 1,700 km ride back home.
But we’ve learned our lesson about the heat. From now on, we stick to the best schedule:
• Wake up at 5 AM
• Start riding at 6 AM
• Stop riding by noon
It’s the only way to survive the brutal Thai heat while still enjoying the journey.
Final Thoughts: A Good but Exhausting Day
Today was a hot, dusty, and challenging ride, but it was still a good day.
We took the long way, got covered in dust, battled the heat, and questioned our choices more than once. But at the end of the day, we arrived safely, ate well, and are ready for the next leg of the journey.
That’s what it’s all about. No matter how tough the ride gets, every mile is part of the adventure.
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!!
#dustysocks
