2018 Thailand Year-end Couple Ride: 07 Chumphon - Krabi

“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home…” - James Michener

(A KTM and three Versys at Isthmus of Kra)

Day 07: 13 Dec 2018 (Thursday)
Route: Chumphon - Ranong - Phang Nga - Krabi
Distance: 527 km
Hotel: Krabi PK Mansion Guesthouse

(A welcome sign at Nana Buri Hotel)

(Packing our things before the ride)

The weather is pretty good and bright this morning.

After a heavy breakfast in the hotel, we started our journey on highway 4 towards Ranong and stopped at the Isthmus of Kra. The Isthmus of Kra or Khokhok Kra is the narrow neck of southern Myanmar and Thailand, connecting the Malay Peninsula to the Asian mainland. The isthmus lies between the Gulf of Thailand to the east and the Andaman Sea to the west. It is about 45 km wide at its narrowest point, between Chumphon and Kra Buri both in Thailand. Kra Buri is situated at the head of the Pakchan River, an inlet of the Andaman Sea.

(A newly completed highway to Ranong)

(Entering the district of Ranong)

(A write up of Isthmus of Kra)

(The narrowest part of the Malay Peninsular)

(Myanmar is not very far away)

(Myanmar is on the other side of the river)

From the narrowest point we rode on highway 4 towards Takua Pa bypassing the town of Ranong. Stopped for prayers at Masjid Soi and then had lunch at a nearby road-side Muslim stall. At Khok Kian Intersection we took Highway 401 to Phang Nga and visited the Samet Nangshe Boutique Viewpoint. There is another viewpoint somewhere nearby.

(A coffee  break at Amazon Cafe in Ranong)

(A short rest at a road-side stall at Takua Pa)

(Prayer break at Masjid Soi of Takua Pa)

We parked our bikes at the foot of the hill then rented a tuk-tuk for B30 per person to go to the viewpoint. It is a little far from the main road but it is definitely worth the visit. Samet Nangshe is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in southern Thailand overlooking the Phang Nga Bay National Park. This breathtaking spot boasts 180-degree views of islands in the distance and lush mangrove forest below. At the top is home to the elegant Samet Nangshe Boutique Resort and Restaurant. There is a small campsite with tents costing from Baht400, if you prefer to sleep in a tent.

(A short tuk-tuk ride to the summit)

(The lobby of  Samet Nangshe Boutique Resort)

(A panoramic view of Phang Nga Bay)

(Beautiful scenery from the summit)

(Drinking coffee at the summit restaurant)

Fortunately we had our photo opportunities before the rain started pouring. We had a round of drinks at the viewpoint restaurant while waiting for the rain to stop. We refuelled before we left Phang Nga around dusk and rode direct to Krabi. We arrived at Ao Nang Beach around 9.00 pm and checked-in PK Mansion at B800/night.

(Thank you for the sumptuous dinner)

We had our last dinner together as a group at the restaurant next to the hotel. Later we shared a cup of coconut ice-cream and strolled along the shops and bought some souvenirs.

 2018 Couple Ride: 08 Krabi - Pak Bara👉

👈2018 Couple Ride: 06 Samut Songkhram - Chumphon