A traveller's reflection: Route 12: Day 07

My Travel Journal

"There isn't much I haven't shared with you along the road and through it all there'd always be tomorrow's episode" - Elton John

I started traveling around the world since early 80s when I had the opportunity to combine business trips with vacations. Then later when my rezeki is in abundance, there were numerous other trips along the way for vacations, most of the time with hubby and the kids when the timing is right. I have also started to compile the journal and photo-pages covering almost more than 45 years of world wide travel. Some destinations I visited just once, others many times. Many of those places are the obvious famous places people would like to visit but some, the casual traveler doesn't even think to try. I have placed links to my travel at the side bar of my personal page, My Life Reflections, and will be updating them from time to time.

My wish is to continue my travel and complete circumnavigate the globe, insyaAllah…

Saturday, 26 April 2025

Route 12: Day 07 - Khon Kaen

“The secret of success is to do the common thing uncommonly well...” – John D. Rockefeller Jr.

(Moai Cafè - used to be a charming spot on Route 12)

Day 07: 24 April 2025 (Thursday)
Route: Phitsanulok - Khon Kaen
Distance: 325 km
Hotel: B2 Boutique Budget Hotel

By 8.00 am we were already driving on Route 12 towards Khon Kaen about 325 km from Phitsanulok. The everage journey duration would be between 6 to 7 hours as the road is hilly and winding. With a few stops along the way, it will take longer.

(Early checked out of Rattana Park Hotel)

(Route 12 mountainous winding road)

(Less traffic on the road)

We planned to stop for coffee break at Route 12 Cafè but to our dissappointment, the favorite pit stop for Malaysian bikers was closed for good. We used to have coffee and enjoyed the panoramic scenery from the cafè terrace. Took a few photo shots of whatever left of the Route 12 cafè.

(Abandoned shops and cafè)

(What is left of Route 12 Coffee shop)

(A lone friendly dog greeting us)

(Iron man is the only survivor)

(What used to be the attractions in Khao Ko)

A short driving distance away, we stopped at the entrance of Breezehill Khao Ko Hotel to take pictures of a structure resembling Mount Rushmore, featuring the sculpted faces of four U.S. presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

(The hotel is still in business)

( A mount Rishmore structure)

Next we stopped at whatever left of Khao Ko Moai Coffee Shop. There was a big notice in front of the entrance. From google translate we learned that the court has evicted the owners and workers from the viscinity because of encroachment on government land.

(Once a popular stop for big bikers)

(An otai biker taking a rest)

(Cool and breezy day on the mountain)

(A panoramic view of the valley)

Before we ascended the Petchabun mountain range, we stopped at a PTT for comfort and coffee break. Bought hot coffee and halal buns from 7-eleven as we were already feeling hungry.

(A cup of hot steaming coffee)

(Savoury buns for snacking)

Along the route to Khon Kaen we passed through Nam Nao National Park. It is a tranquil and wildlife-rich destination in Thailand, offering nature trails, pine forests, caves, and a campground. It's known for its diverse species list, making it one of the best birdwatching spots in the country.

(The Nam Nao National Park)

(The entrance to the national park)

(Beware of elephants)

We arrived Khon Kaen in late afternoon. Khon Kaen is the capital of Khon Kaen province and the fourth-largest city in Thailand. It is one of the four major cities of Isan.

(A green dinosaur welcoming us to Khon Kaen)

There were many statues of dinosaur along the road. There are three Dinosaur museums in Khon Kaen where Dinosaur fossils were displayed. Fossils were first found in Thailand in 1973. Since then, scientists have been discovering plentiful fossilized remains of 19 different species of dinosaurs in northeastern Thailand in an area known as the Korat Plateau. Some of the species had previously been unknown.

(Entering the town of Khon Kaen)

(Apsara dancers decorating the lamp posts)

We were very hungry so we drove direct to Karo Halal Food for a late lunch. The halal eatery is located opposite the Khon Kaen Hop Inn Hotel. The weather was pretty hot for comfort but we decided to eat in. The nasi goreng was delicious and cheap.

(Karo Halal Food, Khon Kaen)

(Tasty nasi goreng seafood)

After lunch, we visited the Nurulhidayah Mosque of Khon Kaen, located at Tambon Nai Mueang in the centre of Khon Kaen town. It is situated at the corner of a busy street with no roadside parking.

(Masjid Nurulhidayah, Khon Kaen)

(Majlis khatam al-Quran during Ramadhan)

(A big mosque along a busy street)

Next we visited the Ibadurrahman Mosque of Khon Kaen at Phra Lap. It is a beautiful secluded mosque by the lake. Met with Mr. Farouk, the caretaker of the mosque who has just been in Malaysia for a month.

(Masjid Ibadul Rahman)

(A beautiful mosque by the lake)

(Double storey house converted into a mosque)

(Mr Farouk, the caretaker)

Checked in at the B2 Boutique Budget Hotel at Rm85/night. This hotel is an old hotel and not the cleanest of hotels. The compound was full of dried leaves and dusty. Even the lobby area was messy. We had problems with the room key card. Had to pay a refundable deposit of Thb 500 during checked-in.