Thailand Overland..well sort of

[Expedition Key]

I'm in Thailand for a month, just arrived in Chiangmai. I'd like to do a couple of weeks overland in the mountains, I usually have a strong aversion to tour led type trips but I have no idea about the area, and no vehicle capable here so I'm looking into a couple of offroad tour outfits. Anyone have any feedback on either http://www.greenearthadventure.in.th/ , or http://www.thanaadventure.com/root/

I'll probably explore around town tomorrow and then head out the following day. I'm with my Thai girlfriend, she says she is into it, but I think she may have a difficult time roughing it.

Anyway any feedback on offroading in southeast Asia would be appreciated. FYI, I'm also going to Laos and Cambodia.

Thanks,

Cheers

 

[billwilson]

buddy
i have 50+ trips to LOS and a Thai wife here in California

keep in mind there is no back up vehicle
no radios that will consistantly work
no Life flight
DESPITE what the brochure may say

however, wth, have a good time
hang with the TG and enjoy

bw

 

[BajaTaco]

Ooooh, you are a lucky guy. See if you can get a hold of Scott Annand ( http://highonthais-pitstop.blogspot.com/ - there is a phone # and map ) and I bet he can point you in the right direction or maybe even take you somewhere. Have a blast, and please share some pics.

 

[lostworldexpedition]

I spent four and a half months in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia about 6 years ago. Two weeks of that trip I spent driving a rented scooter around north western Thailand. Half the time no one spoke a word of english and I certainly did not know anything other than "sawatdi kha" (and I know I say it wrong)... I feel that ride was the best thing I could have done. I rented the scooter in Chiang Mai and headed west, then did a big circle that brought me back to Chiang Mai.

Awesome trip. I wound up having to carry the scooter through a couple of pretty nasty mud a few times, but it was a priceless experience. They did rent dirt bikes, but they were quite a bit pricier. Maybe give that a shot?

Sounds like an awesome trip, have fun.

 

[TangoBlue]

I spent four and a half months in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia about 6 years ago. Two weeks of that trip I spent driving a rented scooter around north western Thailand. Half the time no one spoke a word of english and I certainly did not know anything other than "sawatdi kha" (and I know I say it wrong)...

Assuming this is Luis composing this post, I bet you got a lot of attention greeting folks in the polite particle, feminine voice. They must have thought you were a Kathoey.

Hello / Greeting: Sawadee kap (if you are male) Sawadee ka (if you are female).

Farang Chok dee Kap!

 

[lostworldexpedition]

Well, shiver me timbers.... that explains a lot :victory:.

Just kidding, it has been a while... I am surprised I even remember that much.

 

[thairish]

info on maps, routes, rentals, etc.: http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/
be cautious - it is still rainy season. lots of mud, flooding likely.

cheers,

 

[Ronct110]

My wife and I spent a month in Chaig Mai.

Some ideas for you. Check out Elephant Nature Park: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephant_Nature_Park

My wife and I rented a Toyota Helix and a guide who took us to the mountains and to this park. We called the park ahead of time to book our stay. Spent a week there w/the Mahoots (elephant handler) and the elephants.

Tips:
- hang on to your dear life crossing the river riding the elephant bare back
- Beware of the leeches when trekking thru the jungle
- Join the mahoots for breakfast and try their elephant dung bettle deep fried with garlic and rice. Not as bad as you think - suppose anything can be made tasty when deep fried with garlic. Yumm.

After a week in the jungle, when we got back to the City, couples massage is a nice treat!