Kho Maphrao - relax therapy

I have just returned from the most amazing long weekend on Kho Maphrao. This was my special treat to myself for cycling the 3200km. My dearest friends from Australia Paul and Fi were also staying on Kho Maphrao - a brilliant plan that was the absolute perfect way to end my holiday. I love Thailand and look forward to returning soon. On Wednesday I will return to Laos with many interesting and fun stories to share.

Nai Yang - officiall on Phuket!!!

I'm a little tired so this will be brief. I HAVE ARRIVED.
Cycled 85km today to sail across the bridge and officially ONTO PHUKET.
I've selected to stay at Nai Yang Beach for tonight which is on the west coast and rather close to the airport - as a reference point and a long way from Patong Beach road and the crowds. A lovely bungalow, no sea view but within a extremely short walk. Looking forward to eating some delicious seafood tonight and chillin' out. It's not the end of the journey, I'll cycle tomorrow and then figure out a plan for the next couple of days.

Khao Lak - 3 days

Khao Lak was absolutely stunning and I just wanted to stay forever, hence I ended up staying for 3 nights and swimming in the glorious pool, enjoying a massage and having a much needed hair cut. Ah the simple pleasures of life. The wonderful resort gave me free breakfast - fit for a princess who has many km's to cycle. Thank you.

Just west of Surat Thani

An amazing 3 days on the bike coming down the quiet coastal / back roads. Barely a car on the road and just a few motorbikes. Luckily for me food also appeared whenever I needed it with a sea view. Yesterday was 150km - the town I planned to sleep in had no guest house and no hotel. Next town 30km away - one hotel - fully booked by a group of teenage school students with their teachers. On just 5 more km found a wonderful place - so clean and quiet for a perfect sleep.
Will cross over to reach the west coast of Thailand in a few days. Then it's the last stretch to Phuket.
Think I have done 2860km. The trip will actually go over 3000km. This is one journey I don't want to end.

Ban Krut - but don't tell anyone

OMG Ban Krut is one of the most beautiful beach locations I have ever been to. It's a quiet village with 10km of glorious beach - just for me to walk along. Simply stunning hence taking a rest day here. Thank goodness the hordes of tourists have not invaded this village like they have so many other great locations we have come across. The roads are great and all is going well. 2450km cycled and it feels like the end is very near.
Saw Dusky Monkeys yesterday on Wing 5 (Air force base) which were so, so cute. An endangered species so very lucky to have the opportunity to see them.
And a ceremony that may have been the ordination of 3 young men into the monkhood for the wet season.
Sorry there's no pics to share, they are on the camera. The weather is glorious - sunny, overcast, sea breeze - love the tropics.

Hua Hin

Yesterday 27 days after leaving Vientiane I arrived at Chao Samran - the SEA. It was such an exciting moment. All through the mountains, the heat and the long days on the road I was thinking of the sea. It was wonderful.
Today just 57km cycling to reach Hua Hin late morning. Again by the Sea and the cycling was lovely reaching here.
The rain started in the afternoon so a 2 hour massage for $12 was the only proper thing to do and now internet time.
All is good in Helen's world with 2230km cycled ........................getting so close to 3000km.
Thanks for all messages of support and encouragement.

2090km - arrived in Bangkok

A great day on the bike Saturday to reach Samut Songhkram. Located a great hotel and organised Sunday morning tourist adventures. Went to the Bang Noi Floating Market - so quaint and not touristy. Really peaceful and wonderful people. Then a mini van to Bangkok after trusting the hotel to look after our bikes and spare pannier for a couple of days. Arriving in Bangkok very exciting - this is like coming home for me. Wondered around Sukhumvit and started eating great food and feeling like I'm on holidays. It will be great to have another few days R & R along with a few massages to ensure the flat tyre tally is NOT greater than the massage tally. So thrilled to have completed 2090km just 1000km to go. Thanks for all the support and encouragement.

Kanchanaburi 170km day

Cycling from Ayutthaya to Kanchanaburi turned into an epic day in the saddle yesterday. 170km on roads that were a little too busy with a shoulder that was not so clean. This resulted in a flat tyre around 80km - a slow leak that I persevered with pumping it up every 20km, then it appears the same tyre got another flat!!!! Finally gave in and changed the tube around 150km. So close to the end. Found a lovely guest house - Blue Star and ate a wonderful green curry veg and tofu and the world is all back in balance again.
Just over 1000km to go.
Taking a couple of well earned rest days here to soak up the sites, refuel the body and sleep in. I wish the body clock could sleep in - this morning I was awake before 6am and went to the river for a peaceful 30 mins - birds chirping and little squirrels playing in the trees.
All is good as the challenge continues although my bike ride is nothing compared to the hardship the soldiers faced building the Bridge over the River Kwai. This afternoon will visit the war cemetery and museum.

1730km done, Historical Ayutthaya

The journey is going so well, any some problem is quickly and easily solved with the kindness of locals. Am staying in a beautiful guest house - individual bungalows in amongst the old trees in a quiet part of town. Every day is a joy with new experiences - there was one snake that reared it's head up at me and I sped past. Most of the ojhter snakes on the road have been dead or they quickly scuttle away. Views of beautiful rice paddies consume our day and make the time go quickly. It gets really not on the road by 11am and the shade has gone. Plenty of sun protection required and gallons of water to keep hydrated.

The historical ruins here are so beautiful -sorry there's no pics yet. I cycled around last night since some of the ruins are illuminated - very pretty.

It is really hard to find internet. I must be the only person in the world traveling without a wifi gadget.
Right now the lady at the guest house has loaned me her computer out of sympathy!!!
Time for lunch, an afternoon nap and then more exploring.