Typhoon Nesat has been down graded to a tropical storm but is still heading towards northern Thailand. The flood waters in Chiang Mai have receded and clean-up crews are out, but heavy rain to the north might cause problems tomorrow.
Today is mostly sunny, so I rent an ER 6 with an unfortunate number plate and go for a blast. Two-wheeled freedom feels good, only slightly marred by the lack of protective clothing and total lack of confidence in Thai maintenance skills. Fun bike though, very fast steering and good low-down punch. Views from Doi Suthep spoiled by rain, but what a road. If you come to Thailand on a bike, do that road. Two lanes going up, no traffic, and 5 miles of sinuous, well-cambered tarmac snaking up into the clouds. Great fun, and quite challenging in the wet.
The night bazaar area is no longer flooded so I check out what’s on offer. Apart from food and drink, Thailand is so much more expensive than Vietnam and Cambodia. I can’t find a decent knock-off watch, and even the knock-off lonely planet guides are twice the price they are in Cambodia. It’s mostly just over priced tourist junk, and the town is mostly just a tourist town. It’s a little busier now the flood has gone, and the den of iniquity that is the Loi Khor road is an entertaining way to pass an evening. When the night bazaar comes to life it’s quite enjoyable, and there’s some nice food on offer, if you like to take chances…
It’s a much more enjoyable town when it’s not flooded.