19.03.25 – Day 2 on the way to Udon Thani
Yang Talat to Udon Thani: A Cold Ride and a Needed Service
A Rough Start to the Day
After an uncomfortable night in Yang Talat, it was time to hit the road early. The bed was far from great, and the noise from the main road made getting proper rest difficult. By 06:30, I was back on the bike, ready for another day of riding.
What I hadn’t expected was the cold. It was really cold—unusual for this time of year in Thailand. The chill seeped into my bones after just a couple of hours on the road, making it hard to stay comfortable. Even a hot coffee stop didn’t do much to warm me up. However, one silver lining was that I didn’t have to deal with sweating in the tropical heat, which was a rare luxury on a motorbike trip in Southeast Asia.
280 km of Mixed Terrain
The ride from Yang Talat to Udon Thani covered 280 km and took almost eight hours. It was an even split between off-road trails and smaller B and C roads, making for a varied and engaging ride. The off-road sections were a mix of gravel, dirt, and some sandy patches, while the paved roads offered a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Navigating through these smaller roads was an adventure on its own. Some sections were peaceful, passing through rice fields and small villages, while others had unexpected construction or rough patches that kept me on my toes. The off-road portions were fun, but the lingering cold made them more challenging than usual.
Arriving in Udon Thani: Bike Service Time
By the time I rolled into Udon Thani, the bike’s odometer showed 720 km—time for the first oil change and a good chain cleaning. My wife found online a Honda dealer with good reviews in the city, so I headed straight there to get the bike checked.
When I arrived, the mechanics were curious about the bike. The 2025 CRF Rally is still a rare sight on the roads, and it seemed like they hadn’t worked on many yet. They inspected the bike, changed the oil, and cleaned the chain, ensuring everything was in top condition for the rest of the trip.
One hour later and 2,000 baht poorer, I was back on the road, heading to my accommodation for the night.
Staying at Bamboo Garden Resort
For the night, I checked into Bamboo Garden Resort for 650 baht. It had safe parking, which is always a priority when traveling by motorbike, and the owner was friendly. However, there was one unexpected challenge: an extremely annoying rooster.
Despite the noisy rooster, I had a relaxed evening, finally able to shake off the cold from the ride. Exhausted from the long day, I went to bed early, looking forward to more riding in the days ahead.
Exploring Udon Thani
Udon Thani is one of the largest cities in northeastern Thailand and serves as a major hub for travellers heading to Laos. While I didn’t have time for much sightseeing on this trip, it’s worth noting some of the key attractions in the area.
A Brief History of Udon Thani
Udon Thani played a significant role during the Vietnam War, as it hosted a U.S. Air Force base. Today, it’s a thriving city known for its mix of modern development and traditional Thai culture. It’s also famous for being close to Ban Chiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains one of Southeast Asia’s most important prehistoric settlements.
Places to Visit in Udon Thani
1. Nong Prajak Park – A large lake with walking paths, food stalls, and a relaxing atmosphere.
2. Ban Chiang Archaeological Site – One of the most significant prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia, showcasing ancient pottery and artifacts.
3. Red Lotus Sea (Talay Bua Daeng) – A stunning lake filled with blooming pink lotus flowers (best visited between November and February).
4. Central Plaza Udon Thani – A large shopping mall, great for grabbing supplies or enjoying air conditioning after a long ride.
5. Wat Phothisomphon – A beautiful temple with impressive architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
Even though my stay in Udon Thani was short, it’s a city that has plenty to offer, especially for those interested in history and nature.
Final Thoughts
This leg of the journey was a true test—fighting off the unexpected cold, handling a mix of off-road and paved routes, and making sure the bike was properly maintained. With the first oil change done and the CRF Rally in good condition, I was ready to push forward.
The road ahead promised more challenges and adventures, but for now, a good night’s sleep was the only thing on my mind—well, if that rooster would let me rest!
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!!
