Day 07: Phitsanulok - Landslides And Flooding...

“Sometimes the road slows us down for a reason - reminding us that arriving safely matters more than arriving quickly...”

(A kilometer long twin Naga serpents at Nong Bua Lamphu)

Date: 19 September 2026, Saturday
Route: Udon Thani - Chum Phae - Phitsanulok
Hotel: Rattana Park Hotel, Phitsanulok

After several days on the road, our breakfast routine has become almost predictable - bread, half-boiled eggs and our familiar hazelnut coffee. Simple, but enough to get us going for another long day behind the wheel.

 

(A simple breakfast to last till lunch)

This morning we set off towards Phitsanulok. We chose to travel via Chum Phae and Route 12, avoiding the Loei route. Route 12 offered a more direct and comfortable drive, whereas the Loei route would take us through more mountainous terrain, with winding roads, steeper sections and heavier truck traffic. There was also ongoing roadworks along some stretches.

As we passed through Nong Bua, we spotted a sign pointing towards Masjid An-Nur. We would have liked to stop, but the mosque was located some distance off the main road, so we decided to continue our journey.

(Travelling via the less mountainous Chum Phae route)

(Dark clouds hovering on the horizon)

At Chum Phae, we merged onto Route 12 and continued towards Phitsanulok. The scenery gradually changed as we entered the mountainous stretch around Nam Nao National Park, where the road became more winding and the surrounding landscape beautifully green after days of rain.

(Passing smaller towns along the way)

(Entering Phetchabun District)

(Driving cautiously, following the speed limit)

(Climbing steep and curvy uphill road)

But the heavy rain had also taken its toll. Continuous torrential rain over the past few days had triggered several landslides along parts of the highway. At one stretch, a major landslide had completely blocked the road. Traffic came to a standstill as heavy machinery worked to clear the debris. Once part of the road was cleared, vehicles were allowed through one lane at a time. It was a reminder that road trips are not always about the kilometres covered or the places we plan to visit. Sometimes, the journey itself decides the pace.

(Workers clearing several landslides)

(Waiting patiently for our turn to pass)

As we approached Phitsanulok, we noticed flooding in some of the low-lying outskirts. River levels had risen significantly after days of heavy rain. Thankfully, the road into town remained clear and traffic was able to move normally.

(The ASEAN Intersection)

(The Hi-Lux and driver taking a rest)

(Driving on the hilly, winding Route 12)

We arrived safely in Phitsanulok and headed straight to Masjid Pakistan to perform our prayers. Afterwards, we had a late lunch at Restoran Jamilah, conveniently located next to the mosque.

(Masjid Pakistan, Phitsanulok)

(Restoran Jamilah located next to the mosque)

We then checked into Rattana Park Hotel, where a refreshing nap was a welcome relief after the long drive. By evening, neither of us felt particularly hungry after our late lunch. So we kept dinner wonderfully simple and shared a bowl of instant mee.

(Rattana Park Hotel, Phitsanulok)

(A comfortable clean room)

Outside, the rain poured throughout the night. The persistent croaking of frogs became the unexpected soundtrack to our evening. Strangely enough, it was rather comforting.

Despite the rain and the chorus of frogs outside our window, we slept soundly like logs - tired, content, and grateful to have arrived safely at the end of another long day on the road.