We had a blast biking Southeast Thailand. The roads are pretty good (everything is relative), and there are bike paths as well as a tourism route which surprised us both.
We visited a number of small beach towns and had lunch at small spot on the water with a cheeky monkey that was frustrating the restaurant owners.
We also had a chance to visit a beautiful mangrove forest that the government is currently restoring. It used to be home of manatees but unfortunately, those are long gone now.
The region of Rayong is a bit of an agricultural area. We spotted rubber trees, papaya, red peppers, durian trees (the king of fruit with quite a vile aroma), shrimp farms, salt farms and a catfish farm.
The number of wild and semi wild dogs in the area is quite significant. There seemed to be one to a few every kilometer or so, and we ran into a couple large packs of 10 or so. However, they are all quite timid and except for one cranky, pregnant one, we were not challenged or chased by any.
In general, we were both surprised at the relative prosperity of the region. While there was certainly no lack of modest homes and farming bungalows, there was also no lack of 7-Elevens and brand new Toyota pick-up trucks. It also appears that the government has invested significant money in the region to support tourism given the well done rest areas, bike lanes and the general infrastructure. Overall, it is a great spot to bike.
The menu looked great, mostly, fried. I found with the street vendor in that part of the world the bread was warm and fresh but could never figure out what the meat was, good luck with the BBQ.
Great Blog
Dick
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Ah durian! Tastes like caramel custard, smells like a dead squirrel. I’m afraid of monkeys too…they bite and scratch and steal things.
Happy pedaling! We’re enjoying the posts. –Karen
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I love reading your description of the area. I look forward everyday to where you have been. What a difference in the way our daily lives are. What kind of food are you eating? Stay healthy and safe. Love to both.
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Food is great. We’re doing a lot of the std things – no ice, bottled water, no fruit that isn’t peeled. Lots of dishes that you would find on a Thai restaurant back there. A few whole fish, chicken with their feet – nothing too exotic. Lots of rice which we really need for the biking. Our new friend from Cambodia says we may see some BBQ’d rat in the next day or so. May have to try that.
Not sure if this link will work but here is a photo of part of the menu at lunch today:> Didn’t try any of this though;>
https://app.box.com/s/yd7zkdhptuioqyvizt4r2xu52pf3r4i5
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I usually am afraid of monkeys… but cheeky monkeys, maybe I could handle that 🙂
Keep posting. This is awesome!
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He or she was stealing bananas from the kitchen.
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Really enjoyed this chapter…….. you are in your element of riding and descriptions:
Cranky pregnant dog … This is your second day riding ? how many more have joined the group?
all of your pictures taken from your phone.? … You and It are doing a Great JOB
happy and safe riding ……… Mom/Jane
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3rd day of riding. really hot today with 95%+ humidity – things got wet. Very scenic and local kids were fun. more pictures and posts coming
Photos are coming from an iphone and a 10yro Cannon Elf – small, fast on, good one-handed shots while riding, and if I drop it I am not out $1000.
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