After a bit disappointing breakfast buffet in my hotel I did hit the boring route 201 to Wang Saphung to take from there route 2016 south of the mountains of Phu Luang. A minor mistake as the first half of this route has changed from 2 lanes to 4 lanes and filled with muppets driving their pickup truck and scooters. But after that it was again a lovely upcountry mountainous road with small villages, dogs and cows.
From there I crossed route 21 to get to the famous route 2331. Why famous? Well this route goes over a distance of 20km with countless sharp curves from a height of 218m to a height of 1653m. A Thailand famous road for bicycle diehards and for motorbike riders like me. While riding up to the top, a car was coming down with burning & smoking breaks. Now sure how that ended.
On top is the also famous Phu Thap Beurk. Famous for its stunning views of “Talay Mok”, a sea of clouds. The last time I was there was about 9 years ago and the first 5 bungalows were being build and there was 1 restaurant. Now? I would say there are at least 500 bungalows, but it could be much more also. Once you had a stunning view over the mountains, now a view over bungalows with jacuzzi.
The mountains of nearby Phu Hin Rong Khla were originally home of Hmong hill-tribes. But in the late 1960s a HQ of the Communist Party of Thailand was established, hence this all area was a battleground between the Thai government and people who did not agree with the Thai government.
Luckily my little food shop at the edge of the parking place was still there and I enjoyed a fresh made crepe while overlooking the disaster of tourism. After my snack I continued route 2331 thru Phu Hin Rong Khal National Park (and yes I paid 220 baht) to Nakhon Thai. As Nakhon Thai is a bit boring town I continued a bit more north to the town of Ghosts, Dan Sai. A small town in a valley and surrounded by mountains. Not much to do there, except in July when there is the Phi Tha Kon Festival.
Motorbike Riding in Loei province |
Route 2331 from Lomsak to Phu Thap Beurk |
Route from Loei to Dan Sai |
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